Know somebody who is going places? Instead of buying them stuff to carry, consider giving them an experience at their destination. For example, if they’re headed to New York, tickets to a Broadway show might fit the bill. Even better, offer cash toward the show of their choice; that way, they retain the flexibility to use your gift in a way that works for their interests and itinerary.

The key here is a bit of research, thought, and creativity instead of just a wad of bills. (That said, most travellers would appreciate cold, hard cash.) Is your mother heading to Arizona? Put money for a hot-air balloon ride in a small box, wrap it, and attach a balloon on top. Your brother is jetting off to Hawaii? Buy a tin of macadamia nuts and tuck in a gift certificate for surfing lessons that you purchased online. If your sister is taking her kids to Europe, present them with an inexpensive wallet filled with euros. The kids will get a feel for the foreign currency and practise figuring out conversions; once they arrive at their destination, they can spend the money on souvenirs.

Experiential gifts aren’t just for leisure travellers. If you know somebody who jets about frequently for business but does so on a budget, give them a break from the din. Plaza Premium Lounge, which has locations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Hong Kong, offers pay-per-use access to food, nonalcoholic beverages, and hot showers. The lounge sells gift cards online; one visit of up to three hours costs US$49; five visits go for US$219, or 10 for US$349.

Of course, you could go the more traditional route with a present from a bricks-and-mortar store. Now is a very good time to make sure that the traveller in your life has a regulation-sized carryon suitcase. That’s because both WestJet and Air Canada recently started charging for even your first checked bag on domestic routes, increasing the incentive to travel light.

When shopping for a carryon, keep in mind that different airlines have different criteria for carryon measurements, so err on the smaller side. I’ve recommended my purple Rimowa Salsa Air Ultralight Cabin Multiwheel IATA in this space before, and I still adore this two-kilogram bag—but it’s pricey at $475. Give it a spin at Artino (1033 Alberni Street).

Here are six more gift ideas for travellers.

Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Headlamps aren’t just for hikers and campers: a hands-free flashlight is indispensable for couples sharing a hotel room or singles in a hostel when one person wants to turn out the overhead lights and another wants to stay up and read. This version weighs just 85 grams and has two brightness settings for the single LED beam. ($29.75, Mountain Equipment Co-op [130 West Broadway; 212 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver] )

Voltage Valet PS2 Travel Power Strip
Why is it that a hotel will give you five luxurious pillows on your bed but force you to fish behind the bedside table for an elusive power outlet? This power bar has a grounded North American plug and surface area to juice three AC-powered devices and one USB device at the same time. ($35.95, Wanderlust [1929 West 4th Avenue] )

Scratch-off travel map
 This is a fun way to keep track of which countries you’ve been to and where you’re itching to travel. Luckies of London makes two sizes of this map; the continents are covered in gold foil, and when you’ve conquered a country you get to scratch off the foil to reveal the colour beneath. ($22.95 for the 17-by-12 inch travel size or $34.95 for the 32-by-23 inch regular size, Wanderlust)

Samsonite Worldwide Power Adapter with USB port
 I used to have a fiddly set of plugs for countries around the world but recently bought this universal adapter for a trip overseas. Although it’s heavier than a single plug, it’s infinitely superior because you can slide out the correct plug for outlets in 150 countries, from Europe and the U.K. to Australia, South America, and more. That means you don’t need to worry about which plug to bring, and if the outlet turns out to have round holes instead of square, you’re golden. A handy USB port lets you charge your phone on it, too. ($24.42, amazon.ca/)

Lewis n. Clark TSA Quart-Size CarryOn Toiletry Pouch
Like almost everyone else, I use quart-sized zip-top bags to segregate my liquids and gels to satisfy airport security. But even the heavy-duty baggies could be stronger, and they’re frustrating to zip when you’re cramming in as much as you can. This thermoplastic polyurethane bag can withstand more abuse and has a real zipper; the size and see-through nature comply with TSA regulations. ($6.95, Travel Bug [3065 West Broadway] )

Lifesystems mosquito net
It ain’t sexy, but if somebody you know is embarking on a low-budget trip through tropical countries, a mosquito net will protect them from all kinds of nasties as they sleep. The Vancouver Coastal Health travel clinic carries a variety of sizes that are impregnated with deltamethrin as an antimosquito agent, designed to last for six to 12 months of standard use. The clinic sells its products at cost to the public, not just clinic patients; check out the selection at travelclinic.vch.ca/ and call to pick up items at the Richmond satellite clinic. ($40 to $75 each, VCH travel clinic [L5–601 West Broadway and 8100 Granville Avenue, Richmond] )