Here are 15 gifts for people who hope to travel, especially someone planning a Camino trip or other journey they want to go on
Do you want to travel on a trip, adventure or holiday? Are you (or people you know) stuck at home and missing travelling?
See our SHOP for a selection of travel gifts to keep the dream alive and inspire someone’s next journey, or to find a gift for someone planning a Camino trip, or for people who miss travelling in general.
Travelling has become difficult, if not impossible for many people. So we have selected some gifts for someone who wants to travel – but can’t. Because they are unable to take a trip, travel lovers might appreciate a small present to help ease their travel withdrawal symptoms and give them faith that their adventure or journey could still occur . . a small gift to help them achieve their travel goals. This could be spiritual or religious jewellery, for example, or simply a little present to express what you feel and to wish them safe travels in the future.
Travel gifts are particularly poignant at the moment – especially for people who yearn to do the Camino de Santiago in Spain but have been restrained by all the international lockdown restrictions that have made their dream journey fade away.
Without doubt, traveling will be a bit different (or non-existent) for the foreseeable future because of the pandemic but that doesn’t mean that you or your friends / loved-ones should lose sight of dreams and the travel wanderlust.
Gifts for travelers stuck at home: Wish them luck!
We have selected 15 of the best gifts for people who miss travelling and yet still hope to travel in the future (soon!) even though they are unable to travel at the moment. Wish them luck! so they can maintain their hopes of travelling – along with a little travel memento to help ease their travel withdrawal symptoms:
If you haven’t travelled anywhere at all this year, you will obviously be missing the joy and adventure of travel. But it seems that all we can do is reminisce about memorable trips of the past and continue to make plans for future travel if (and when) we are allowed 😉
Camino inspired gifts for fans of Camino
A little travel gift, if carefully chosen, can pass on your message of condolences for lack of travel – as well as hope to a friend or loved-one for future journeys and adventures. Here are a few Camino gifts for fans of El Camino . . The Way of Saint James:
Whilst gifting someone something that they can use on their next getaway might be a bit brash at the moment, we recommend sending them something that reminds them of a trip from the past, and which will give them the confidence to believe it will happen again. For example:
So you can see that, for a friend or family member who is missing their travel injection to cure their travel bug, we have assembled a range of gifts that are aimed at perpetuating the travel dream for those people who miss travelling:
The English Camino is called St Michael’s Way and it is in Cornwall, UK. It is not the same as El Camino Inglés which is a short Camino across the northern tip of Spain.
The English Camino was used by early Christian pilgrims (as well as other travellers) coming from Wales and Ireland who wanted to travel to Santiago de Compostela, but to avoid the treacherous and unsafe waters off the English coast at Land’s End, and thus arrive safely in La Coruña in northern Spain. They would leave their boats on the north Cornish coast near St Ives, walk the relatively short route across the peninsular to St Michael’s Mount and re-embark on other ships or boats to continue their journey by sea to northern Spain (and southern France).
Throughout Europe there are several pilgrim routes which lead to the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela, North West Spain – the third most important and religious place of Christian pilgrimage in the world. These are all collectively known as El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. But unknown to many is the St Michael’s Way Trail, in the county of Cornwall, on the southwestern tip of England, which is also one of these routes.
Courtesy Google Maps
Safe travels – avoiding shipwreck!
This ancient path was used by travellers (and later by pilgrims and missionaries) to avoid crossing the dangerous waters around Land’s End, a notorious area off the Cornish coast said to contain more shipwrecks than anywhere else in the world. This overland route of early Christian travellers was one of the reasons behind the early conversion of Cornish people to the Christian faith.
Little steps – a small adventure on the Cornish Celtic Way as an introduction to a full Camino
The St Michael’s Way (also known as the Cornish Camino or Celtic Way) is the only pilgrimage route in Britain that is officially part of a European Cultural Route, and it is a genuine British leg of the Camino to Santiago. It is only about 12 miles long but it connects five churches, four holy wells, two hill-forts, two standing stones, and two disappeared chapels, and is set in incredible scenery and unique countryside deep in the heart of Cornwall.
The Cornish Camino – a great introduction to a Spanish Camino
Walking the 20kms of St Michael’s Way now counts towards the 100km minimum required to receive one of the famed Compostelas (Pilgrim Certificates) in Santiago, when walkers arrive in the Pilgrim Office at the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (where, it is said, lie the remains of St James the Greater . . hence the other name of this famous route: The Saint James Way). Once ashore in northern Spain, travellers can walk (or cycle) the relatively short Camino Inglés (from La Coruña into Santiago).
The English Camino – the Cornish Celtic Way
The British-based part of this Camino stretches across the Cornish peninsular from Lelant (near St. Ives in the north) to Marazion (near Penzance in the south) and covers around 12 miles of beautiful landscapes and spectacular scenery (including Carbis Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site). As is the norm in Spain, Portugal and southern France, the correct route to follow in the UK is indicated by the traditional Pilgrim’s symbol of a Scallop Shell (the symbol of St. James, because his remains, when discovered, were said to have been covered in these shells that are so common on the northern coast of Spain). In fact, a sort of stylised shell based on the Council of Europe’s sign for pilgrim routes is used with directional arrows in yellow for footpaths, blue for bridleways and red for byways.
Why not wish safe travels to a friend or loved-one going on a special journey, with a gift of Scallop Shell jewellery from our online shop, as well as other GIFTS FOR LUCK and GOOD FORTUNE TRAVELLING on a trip. It has deep sigificance that is based on the real history of the Camino.
As for St Michael himself, after whom this English Camino is named (as opposed to St James in Spain), more can be read here on our website: GUARDIAN ANGELS and St. MICHAEL ARCHANGEL . St Michael is one of the Guardian Angels (an Archangel) that is said to be a protector. He is also the patron Saint of Cornwall (as well as of the military and police too) and also, evidently . . of high places, which tends to explain why, if you ever discover a Church called Saint Michael, it is invariably located on the top of a hill.
St Michael protect us on our travels
You can also source jewellery and charms for protection with the symbol of ST MICHAEL Guardian Angel, in our shop.
Planning a full Camino de Santiago adventure? Good Luck!
Eventually, as you wind your way down to the coast and off the St Michaels Way, you arrive at your journey’s end in Marazion (before embarking for Spain, if that is what you plan to do). Here you will find yourself overlooking St Michael’s Mount (the Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France), an 8th Century monastery subsequently given to the Benedictine religious order of Mont Saint-Michel by Edward the Confessor in the 11th Century. Your English or Cornish Camino has come to an end – but it could be the beginning of something much grander – a full Camino de Santiago de Compostela . . in Spain!
¡Buen Camino!
PS: There is, in fact, another Camino in England: A 110km-long route from the ruins of Reading Abbey (founded by Henry I in 1121, and the centre of the cult of St James in England in the Middle Ages), to the port of Southampton, from where pilgrims also used to sail to France or Spain on their way to the tomb of St James at Santiago de Compostela. But this is even less well known than the St. Michael’s Way!
Meaningful Christmas gift ideas for friends going travelling
What do you get a traveller for Christmas?
Gifts for people who love to travel are not difficult to buy because presents related to travel and travel lovers are many. But not all travel gifts are equal: Find out why and see some unique travelling GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS in our Good Luck Gift shop – especially gifts with a spiritual / religious or Christian significance:
Someone who is going abroad (on holiday, for example) needs a few practical things to help them on their way, and, if they are lacking something useful, you can always give them a little going away present: Another travel bag, a camera strap, luggage accessories, passport holders, travel adapter, etc. There are as many travel gift ideas as there are places to buy them (online shops and websites and stores are a good start).
But what about the less practical, more romantic or silly fun things, the little extras that will add to their experience? There’s the ubiquitous travel diary, the funny mug, the “been there, done that” T-shirt, and so on. Some items are for keeping at home to remind someone of their trip (a wanderlust map, a jigsaw, something personalised perhaps). Others can be taken on the journey itself – travel jewellery, for example.
There’s lots of travel jewellery in the shops (with little silver aeroplanes, compass pendant necklaces, bracelets with place names on, and dangly anchor earrings, for instance; as well as all those gifts to wish good luck travelling). No doubt this all means something to the recipient and there’s nothing wrong with that BUT what about something with perhaps a deeper significance, something more spiritual?
At Christmas time, buying a present with spiritual significance somehow seems more appropriate. And if the gift is kind of related to travel . . for a travel lover, so much the better.
See meaningful travel jewellery in our Good Luck Gift shop and especially Camino de Santiago JEWELLERY to WISH SAFETY ON A TRIP and items with a Christian relevance / emphasis.
Wish Merry Christmas with one of our gifts for Travellers
Christmas: What to gift someone who is going abroad?
Another major point of interest for the traveller (or at least for their friends and loved-ones (especially parents) who remain at home) is travel safety. So, small travel gifts for Christmas that help with safety in foreign climes are always popular – whether from a practical viewpoint (eg: a water filter, an anti-theft purse, a portable charger to keep a mobile cellphone working, etc.), or something more intangible and ethereal like spiritual or religious jewellery . . jewellery that has a Christian meaning . . Christian Travel jewellery.
Travellers Cross Safety Whistle – a practical Christmas gift with real meaning
Plus, in our Good Luck Gift shop you can buy an item of jewellery that is truly unique . . it is both meaningful AND practical (from a travel safety point of view) . . our Travellers Safety Whistle. This is a neatly-designed whistle that can be hung around the neck as a necklace. It has the Travellers Cross, the Cross of St James engraved on the surface within the symbolic Scallop Shell symbol of El Camino de Santiago – The Way of Saint James).
Inspirational Christmas gifts for Catholics / Christians
This Travellers Cross Whistle would make a great gift for anyone going travelling and especially someone with Christian or Catholic religious beliefs: In addition to any value that the Camino / St James charm symbol has in itself, or the religious faith that it might represent, the Travellers Whistle can also be used in an emergency situation to try and summon help by blowing on the whistle.
As a piece of symbolic jewellery with meaning it can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling, and this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home. It would make a perfect Christmas present (or Secret Santa?) for a friend, colleague or loved-one who is going travelling in the future or indeed as a farewell gift to wish safekeeping for anyone travelling on a journey / trip (especially someone with Catholic or Christian beliefs . . as Christian Travel jewellery). Our Travel Safety Whistle is a great piece of truly meaningful jewellery combining both spiritual significance along with a means to impart wishes of good luck and safety in a practical way.
We have two designs of Travellers Whistle:
1) A dainty but reasonably loud steel whistle that resembles an item of jewellery, with a 925 sterling-silver bail, hanging on a silver chain
Travel safety whistle as a small item of jewellery
2) A more robust and extremely loud whistle (120db) that hangs on an adjustable cord
Both are discreetly engraved with the Travellers Cross symbol of St James (within the Scallop Shell symbol of El Camino de Santiago).
Help ensure your friend or loved-one has a safe trip: We heartily recommend this Travel safety whistle as a Christmas gift for Travellers.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS for TRAVELLERS
This Holiday Season, we have a special offer on both our Travellers Safety Whistles.
A meaningful Christmas gift for a Catholic traveller? Well, these Christmas gift ideas would suit anyone travelling – but especially those with Christian beliefs (whatever their denominantion) who are looking to pass on their wishes of safe travel at Christmas time to a friend or loved one.
Walking El Camino de Santiago in winter – and giving Camino gifts at Christmas
The gift of Christmas on the Camino? To many, Christmas and Camino are two separate entities: No one in their right mind would consider walking El Camino at Christmas, right? “Bueno” . . as they say in Spain, “nada es imposible”. No doubt, the most popular time of year to walk the Camino de Santiago is between Spring to Autumn. But winter walkers are on the up and increasingly we see people asking about walking El Camino at Christmas . . and even planning to arrive in Santiago de Compostela on Christmas Day (or Christmas Eve).
But Christmas also means gifts – for friends, family / loved-ones. And what better gift to give a fan of the Camino than a little present from Galicia, Santiago, Asturias . . or somewhere else along this famous route: Perhaps a little memento or souvenir relating to this epic journey / pilgrimage – or simply a “good luck and best wishes” type of present.
A winter trip on Spain’s Camino over the Christmas period can be an exhilarating experience . . especially if you plan to arrive in Santiago de Compostela on Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day). But there are things to consider that are different from planning a normal Camino trip:
The weather in winter on El Camino:
This is the most important factor: Weather in Northern Spain, particularly in Galicia, is uncertain even in summer! The dreaded rain which can dampen the spirits of even the most ardent Camino traveller is quite common in Galicia and Asturias.
Having said that, travelling in winter can have its advantages in this respect too: Some of the landscapes can be spectacular in their winter shroud: The Meseta in particular can make for a stunning and enthralling backdrop at any time of year, but in winter it can be dramatic and breathtaking.
Cortesia Rodelar – La Meseta en invierno: Not for the faint-hearted walker!
The Meseta or Inner Plateau of Spain is the high plain of central Spain – it is large and expansive, flat and vast: It’s in the heart of the Iberian peninsular, and ranges from 610 to 760m in height and is surrounded by mountains. From the Camino point of view, the Meseta is always an “experience”. The Camino Frances traverses the northern part of the Meseta for over 200km, and in winter it can be windswept and cold, wet and miserable for walkers.
So this leads on to the next consideration:
The route – which Camino to choose (after all, there are several):
People considering travelling the famous Way of Saint James are aware of the different routes that make up the so-called “Camino”: They have to choose one to suit themselves, and through which parts of Spain, France and/or Portugal they want to walk, hike or bike into Santiago de Compostela. We have 7 or 8 main options: Camino Frances, Camino Portuguese, Camino del Norte, Camino Primitivo (the original or Primitive Way), Via de Plata (the Silver Way), Camino Finisterre-Muxía, Camino Inglés (the English Way), and Camino Invierno (the Winter Camino).
Camino Sanabres
Camino Primitivo
Camino Portugues
Camino Norte
Camino Mozarabe
Camino Invierno
Camino Ingles
Camino Frances
Camino Finisterra
Courtesy CORREOS (see below)
But which is going to be most suitable Camino to do in winter?
The Via de la Plata route travels through the western part of the Meseta for around 180km. In winter, it can be snowy. Yes . . snow! In winter you will encounter snow on many of the Camino routes and/or stages of those routes. Perhaps a small amount of snow is acceptable, but there can be danger too after heavy snow falls or when it drifts in the wind. At the very least, you will need to avoid any mountainous areas like the Pyrenees or O Cebreiro. In fact, for this reason alone, many of the ‘etápas’ (sections or stages) of the various Caminos are actually CLOSED in the winter. In fact, a great many things along the Camino route are closed in winter.
So this leads to another factor to consider:
Accommodation along the Camino de Santiago in winter
Spain’s Post Office ( CORREOS ) has a great website to help travellers along El Camino – offering advice on accommodation, safety and their own services to help transport extra luggage and backpacks which can be especially helpful in the somewhat rougher winter months.
They say that when the number of pilgrims fall in the winter months (and especially around Christmas), many hostels on the Camino decide to close their doors. And, as ‘Navidad’ in Spain is celebrated through until Los Reyes Magos (The Kings) on 6th January, the Christmas inactivity can be extensive. This might be a problem for those winter pilgrims who, not planning ahead or without prior knowledge, are not prepared, especially considering that they will be facing the cold, rain and, at many times, snow. Luckily, Correos keeps an updated list of hostels that remain open during this period. Of course, however prepared you are, it is always recommended to contact the hostels first, to avoid any problems. You can find the telephone numbers of each hostel at each stage of every Camino on the CORREOS WEBSITE . There is little problem finding accommodation in the bigger towns like Santiago de Compostela, Ferrol or Vigo, but in the small rural and isolated areas, where accommodation is limited, yes, it can be tricky.
So this brings us to:
The sheer feasibility of doing the Camino in winter as regards personal fitness, carrying your stuff and avoiding the mud!
It can be lonely and at times bleak in northern Spain in winter: In Bierzo, for example, it can be very harsh. But in general, winter walkers are not out to punish themselves . . and so during this time of year it is acceptable to get help along the way. For example, CORREOS offer a service to transfer your luggage / rucksack day by day at all times of year. This costs around 4 Euros per stage.
This has not always been the case: In years gone by, devout pilgrims would set out to travel the Camino as a form of penance or atonement. Some were even sent to do just that, as punishment for their sins. But these days, there are other ways to lessen the burden of a winter Camino – like occasionally catching a bus!!! (past the really bad bits), or getting Correos to transport some of your luggage from place to place at the start of each day. In general, their services continue as usual, except that in some cases they are limited in terms of geographical coverage or hours open to the public. Once again, the website has details.
They also offer a locker service in Santiago de Compostela (the ideal location to leave your backpack before visiting because of its proximity to the Cathedral). This remains open from Monday to Friday with the same hours as the rest of the year. The only change to this service is that Saturdays it will be open from 9:30 to 13:00, while closing on Sundays and holidays.
So, in conclusion . .
Which Camino de Santiago route is best in Winter?
The general consensus is that travelling from Sarria into Santiago de Compostela would be a good option. It is about 100km into the capital. You could walk a few of the sections before Sarria but you would have to avoid the most mountainous area around O Cebreiro. This is part of the Winter Way (or Camino de Invierno) from Ponferrada which used to be used in centuries past by those seeking to escape the ‘real’ world. It is also part of the French Way. You will probably experience a very quiet trip at this time of year – but with amazing landscapes, especially as you enter Galicia through the winter vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra. Alternatively, you could start a bit further south at Monforte de Lemos.
Christmas in Santiago Cathedral with the great botafumeiro, marked with the cross of St James
Either way, at Christmas time, this will be a special experience and you will be able to spot many wonderful Nativity scenes or Beléns in the villages, hostels and bars that you encounter.
Finally, we come to OUR part in this whole story:
Camino Christmas gifts
At this time of year we start to see enquiries and orders for Christmas Camino gifts. Although we cannot offer gifts of a trip on the Camino (or even gift tokens), we can certainly offer great suggestions for Camino Christmas presents.
Every year we see what is popular, and we see some of the special messages people send to each other relating to their Caminos – or wishing them well on a future trip. Many people like to give Camino-related Christmas gifts to friends and loved-ones for a journey that they are planning in the forthcoming year: And the journey is not always related to El Camino de Santiago itself. We find people giving Camino gifts (particularly Camino Jewellery – Joyas del Camino) for loved-ones going on a Gap Year for example, a holiday trekking in the Far East, or even to someone going on a business trip. The fame of Spain’s Camino is worldwide and the related souvenirs have significance to travellers the world over . . especially to wish safe travels. In particular, jewellery that features the Cross of St James, la vieira concha Scallop Shell symbol, the Waymarker sign and the Tau Cross (all available in our shop online), are the most popular.
Clearly, no self-respecting Camino travellers (especially walkers and bikers) want to be burdened on their actual Camino de Santiago with anything large or heavy or difficult to carry, but we can offer small items (especially Camino jewellery like earrings, necklaces and bracelets) that are suitable. Failing that, we can also supply items that are meant as souvenirs or mementos of someone’s actual Camino trip / journey – a reminder perhaps of the journey they undertook. We also stock a range of other items that are suitable as Christmas presents for someone who is PLANNING to walk the Camino de Santiago in the future – in particular, gifts that have a “Safe Travels” theme, religious and Christian items that say “Have a good trip”, Good luck on your journey”, “Buen Camino” and so on, even if only in a symbolic way.
One of our travellers safety whistles – a loud whistle engraved with the Travellers Cross
These are Camino Christmas gifts with real meaning and many are actually hand-crafted by goldsmiths and silver-working artisans in Galicia and Asturias.
Our gift shop was established in Spain over 10 years ago (and we now have an online store based in the UK too) . . .
Jewellery for travel lovers – is there such a thing? Travel-inspired jewellery? Wanderlust jewellery? Safe travel jewellery, like a safe travel necklace, for example, and jewellery to wish a safe journey is common these days. Why? What makes the best travel jewellery gift? Read on:
Travel talismans and amulets have existed for centuries – the most popular Western figurehead of travel probably being St Christopher, often depicted on safe travel necklaces and bracelets. But other talismans for safe travel feature Runes, lucky Gemstones and Crystals, Compasses and World charms – even depictions of Noah, mankind’s original travel icon, fleeing danger in his Ark.
But apart from St Christopher, how much travel inspired jewellery features or depicts something with provenance that people have put their faith in for centuries? For example, simple Latin crosses; other Christian Saints like St Michael, St Benedict or indeed, the Camino cross of Saint James (or its associated Scallop shell way-marker symbol often seen along the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James)). And we mustn’t forget the children’s favourite, the ever-present Guardian Angel.
Much folklore, legend and superstition surrounds travel jewellery: Safe travel charms are as old as Noah’s Ark itself. Some are even USEFUL when travelling: Noah is said to have hung a huge crystal of garnet on the bowsprit of his Ark to light the way ahead and deliver him and his crew to safety from the Great Flood.
Our Travellers Cross Whistle makes a great travel necklace gift for a friend or loved-one going on a journey (or a Gap Year, for example) because it combines the symbol of the cross of St James (or the scallop shell) engraved onto the silver) combined with an actual safety whistle that can be sounded in an emergency by blowing. We have a small selection in our shop which would make an ideal gift for someone travelling.
Apart from a travel necklace adorned with safe travel charms (or well-known and respected protection charms like St Christopher, St Michael, or a Guardian Angel for example), travel jewellery rings are also common as gifts when someone is going away on a journey . . to wish them well and a speedy and safe return home.
The best jewellery for travel and for travel-lovers has both meaning and gravitas, i.e. it has REAL significance: That is to say, in addition to any value that the travel charm symbol has in itself, or the religious faith that it might represent, it can also act as a reminder to be careful when travelling: And this can be a powerful aid to staying safe whilst away from home.
In Spain they have the lucky Indalo as a protector from harm; In Western Asia and parts of Europe, Africa and Latin America they have the Evil Eye; In the Middle East and North Africa they have the Hamsa – also known as the Hand of Fatima to Jews; and so on. The list is long, so the important thing is to find something that the recipient of a travel jewellery gift actually BELIEVES in . . something in which they can trust.
And remember, a travel talisman is said to bring good luck, whereas a travel amulet is intended to ward off evil or bad luck when on a trip.
In the 21st Century, we are still superstitious about good luck, bad luck and misfortune: We are as mindful of luck and good fortune today, as our ancestors were hundreds (even thousands) of year ago. Indeed, so many people avoid the number 13, for example, that it is often absent from the floor of a hotel or the seat number on an aeroplane. The tradition of touching wood (or ‘knocking on wood’) dates back thousands of years . . and yet we still do it.
Wanderlust jewellery with a “good luck’ and “safe travel” meaning is as popular today as it was 500 years ago – perhaps more so. The St Christopher charm as a piece of safe travel jewellery is a very common gift – on travel necklaces, travel bracelets and other travel inspired jewellery, as is the Camino bracelet with the Scallop Shell talisman.
We have lots of of safe travels bracelets, necklaces, charms and other jewellery – and, if your friend of loved-one is thinking of going on the Camino de Santiago in France/Portugal/Spain, we sell a lot of travel memory necklaces related to the Way of St James – and life’s camino in general.
So, in conclusion, what travel jewellery gifts are best? Nothing too expensive (because they’re travelling!); Nothing too cheap or tacky (it’s a gift, right!); And something with REAL meaning; Something that will last.
We think that we have found the perfect offering in our online Good Luck Gift shop enabling everyone to find something suitable for their friend, loved-one or work colleague who is going away on a journey – to wish them luck and safety along the way.
Travel whistle on a silver chain, engraved with the Travellers Cross
For example, our unique safe travel necklace featuring a Travellers Cross whistle marked up with the Cross of Saint James (which is a great symbol for travellers) or la Vieira Concha – the Scallop shell symbol of El Camino de Santiago (possibly the greatest journey in the world). Yes, we really do offer the best jewellery for travel – meaningful, practical, prestigious and affordable . . great necklaces for travel lovers, bracelets for someone’s special camino . . a travel talisman with real significance – travel jewellery WITH MEANING.
See our shop for Travellers Cross Whistle: Safe travel jewellery with a practical use: If you get into difficulty, you can blow the whistle.
You must be logged in to post a comment.