2023 Holiday Gift Guide for the European Traveler

November 21, 2023

2023 Holiday Gift Guide for the European Traveler 

Believe it or not the holidays are already upon us, which means it’s time to seriously start crossing things off your shopping list. But fear not – the Nova Vista team is here to help! We’ve put together a list (and we’ve checked it twice!) of some of our favorite travel must-haves for the European explorer in your life. Have a look-see!

Monos - Metro Duffel in Vegan Leather


Say hello to the last carry-on bag you’ll ever need. It’s chic, practical, and fits under most airplane seats. Plus, it receives bonus points from us for the built-in trolley sleeve that pairs with any suitcase in the Monos line (including their newly expanded Metro series and hard-shell luggage!).

Tripped Travel Gear Packing Cubes


Did you ever think you’d be able to fit 14 days’ worth of luggage into one suitcase? That dream is now a reality with these genius compression cubes. Pack your jeans, sweaters, toiletries, electronics, and shoes all in your checked luggage with plenty of room to spare. Plus, we’re loving their travel themed designs!

Universal Travel Adapter


Have you ever traveled abroad and suddenly realized you packed the wrong travel adapter? No more! You can say goodbye to your low-battery anxiety with this universal travel adapter. We love that this one works for over 200 countries and includes both USB-A and USB-C inputs.

Dual Voltage Hair Straightener & Curling Iron + 

Heat Resistant Storage Bag


There’s no need to sacrifice your usual haircare routine while traveling. Straight or curly, your hair can be just as primped (and with only one tool to pack!) on vacation as it is at home. Plus, add on the heat resistance storage bag as a secure and durable holder while enroute to your destination.

Sorel Footwear


Cozy, fashionable, weatherproof – these crazy comfy boots have it all. Toss your favorite pair in your luggage when you’re traveling to snowy or rainy destinations or wandering the Christmas markets this holiday season.

Apple AirTags + AirTag Holders


What did we do before AirTags? Nowadays we seriously won’t travel without them. Pop one in your checked luggage, carry-on bags, or any other suitcase and never lose track of your valuables while traveling again. (Bonus: we love these silicon holders for easy cleaning and plenty of color options.)

Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for Wireless Headphones


When you’re on a long-haul flight and you’re trying to watch a movie the last thing you’ll want to deal with is the wires from your headphones getting in your way. With this wireless audio transmitter, you can sit back, enjoy your in-flight entertainment, and remain unbothered by all those tangly cords.

Luggage Scale


Avoid those hefty overweight baggage fees with this portable luggage scale. Stress less about how much your suitcase weighs and double check it yourself before it faces the dreaded scale at the airport.

Hat Clip


This is a product you probably never even thought of, but now you’ll want one, too! Hats can be both practical and fashionable on vacation, but when you’re inside or just want to change up your look the hat clip will provide you with a hands-free solution.

Dreamsoft Travel Scarf


Is it a scarf, a shawl, a blanket? The answer is YES. This multi-purpose garment is made from 100% organic GOTS-certified cotton. It’s super soft, super stylish, and super versatile. And it comes in a variety of color options, so you will certainly find a favorite, or two.



Which items will you be picking up for the travel lovers in your life, or for yourself (we won't tell!), this holiday season?



Note: The above products are not sponsored in any way. We did not receive any monetary compensation or other incentive to promote these items. All selections are the personal opinions of the writers.

Multi Levels of Adventure and Relaxation for Multi-Generational Families

By Jenraye Adams • July 31, 2025
Planning a vacation that pleases everyone—especially when involving multiple generations of families—can feel nearly impossible. One wants adventure, another wants to relax, and someone else just wants good food and no logistics to manage. This is where river cruises win the day. A lesser-known gem in the world of travel, river cruising offers an all-in-one experience that checks the boxes for every generation and personality type. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday or simply looking to reconnect as a family, here’s why river cruising makes the ideal multi-generational getaway. 1. No-Stress Travel, No Packing and Repacking One of the biggest challenges of family travel is managing transportation and accommodation in multiple cities. River cruising eliminates that. You unpack once and let the ship do the moving. Each day brings a new destination, but your “hotel” stays the same. This makes it especially ideal for older travelers who prefer to avoid constant transitions and younger ones who need the comfort of a familiar place to sleep each night. 2. Built-in Variety for Every Interest and Energy Level On a river cruise, every day can look different—for everyone. Active excursions like biking or hiking appeal to adventurous teens and parents, while slower-paced walking tours or local tastings suit older generations. Many cruises even offer kid-friendly or family-themed excursions in port. Meanwhile, those who’d rather enjoy a slow morning with coffee and a view can stay onboard and soak in the scenery. 3. Smaller Ships = Intimate, Personal Experience River cruise ships are smaller than ocean liners, which means more personal service and less crowd-induced stress. This creates a calmer, more connected atmosphere that’s great for families looking to spend quality time together. With fewer passengers onboard, you can gather for meals, games, or drinks without needing to “claim space” early or shout over a loud dining room. 4. Something for Every Taste Bud River cruise lines often take food seriously—offering regionally inspired cuisine and local wines, with plenty of kid-friendly and special-diet options. Sharing meals as a family becomes one of the highlights of the trip, especially when you're enjoying authentic pasta in Italy or fresh strudel along the Danube. 5. Immersive Cultural Experiences (Without the Overwhelm) River cruises dock right in the heart of historic towns and cities, making it easy to explore without long bus rides or confusing maps. From castle visits and cooking classes to market tours and museum stops, excursions are curated to be both educational and enjoyable. It’s a fun way for kids and adults alike to experience history and culture up close—without the hassle. 6. It’s Easy to Be Together—and Apart Sometimes the best vacations allow everyone to do their own thing for a few hours. River cruising makes this simple. While grandparents enjoy wine on the sun deck, the teens might join a guided bike tour, and younger kids hang out with parents in a nearby park or on a kid-friendly tour. Then everyone reconvenes in the evening to swap stories and share a meal. 7. Special Moments Worth Remembering Whether it's celebrating a birthday onboard, taking a family photo in front of a centuries-old castle, or just watching the sunset together from the top deck, river cruising provides natural moments of togetherness. The pace is slower, the surroundings are beautiful, and the distractions are minimal—allowing families to truly connect across generations. Step into River Cruising River cruising takes the stress out of multi-generational travel and replaces it with convenience, connection, and cultural discovery. With built-in comfort, ever-changing scenery, and the perfect mix of activities and downtime, it’s no wonder more families are choosing the river as their next vacation route. So if you’re dreaming of a trip that brings everyone closer together—without the usual vacation chaos—a river cruise might just be your family’s perfect match.

Sip, Stroll, and Be Merry: Exploring Europe’s Christmas Markets by River Cruise

By Jenraye Adams • July 25, 2025
Did you know the celebration known as “ Christmas in July ” was started on July 24, 1933, at Keystone Camp, a girls’ summer camp in North Carolina, by co-founder Fannie Holt. The festivities included gift exchanges, a visit from Santa Claus, and cotton imitation snow. The camp still celebrates their tradition today. While most of us have heard of this mid-year milestone, we don’t actually participate in it, however, July is a great time to start thinking about your holiday plans.

Why Summer is the Perfect for River Cruising

By Jenraye Adams • June 30, 2025
This summer we are celebrating one of the best kept secrets in the travel industry—river cruising. You may or may not be familiar with river cruising. It’s been around for awhile, but has been gaining momentum due to all its advantages. Check out our river cruising perks article to read more. June, nestled between the spring blooms and the peak summer heat, is a golden opportunity to explore the world’s most breathtaking waterways. It’s also a great time to start planning for next June. Whether you prefer gliding through the historic rivers of Europe, the mystical waterways of Asia, or the lush landscapes of the Amazon, river cruising offers a blend of idyllic weather, cultural festivities, and unmatched natural beauty.

River Cruising is Making Big Waves for Good Reason

By Jenraye Adams • June 5, 2025
What do you think of when people say they are going on a cruise? For many, it conjures up gigantic ocean liners filled to the brim with umbrella drinks, smells of suntan lotion, and shuffleboard. It might also bring up the idea of endless ocean waves, crowds and long lines, and buffets. Don’t get us wrong, some people love a good ocean cruise and they offer a lot of options in one central location, but ocean cruises are not for everyone. Luckily, that same concept of just unpack, sitback, and relax isn’t just for ocean cruises. If you are thinking to yourself, “But, it’s still cruising, right?” Technically, yes, but it’s an entirely different world and experience.

Scotland: A Spellbinding Journey

By Jenraye Adams • April 9, 2025
Scotland is more than a destination—it's an experience. For travelers seeking drama, natural wonder, and a touch of time-traveling romance, a Scottish adventure offers it all—especially for fans of the beloved book and TV series Outlander. This is why it was chosen for our next Book Club Journey.

April is for…Greece

By Jenraye Adams • April 1, 2025
As the chill of winter fades and the vibrancy of spring begins to bloom, there’s no better place to welcome the new season than Greece. With its mild weather, stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Greece offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure for travelers seeking a rejuvenating spring break. Here are just a few reasons why Greece should be added to your travel wish-list. 1. Perfect Weather Spring in Greece is a breath of fresh air. If you are wanting a hot and sunny, tropical spring break, Greece might not be right for you. However, if you are looking for stunning views—Greece touts a seemingly endless coastline, stretching for nearly 8,500 miles across thousands of dreamy islands and magazine-shoot-ready beaches, fantastic food, and roaming through living history, Greece should be first on your list. If you are looking for that warm beach vacation—try Greece in the summer! Starting in March, the days are usually sunny and the highs get to around 60℉ (15℃). It slowly warms April-June, finding pleasant temps from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22°C), making it ideal for exploring without the intense heat of summer. The gentle Mediterranean breeze and blooming wildflowers create an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to resist. 2. Fewer Crowds Unlike the bustling summer months, spring in Greece is delightfully peaceful. Popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are far less crowded, allowing you to explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis or the charming alleys of Oia without jostling for space. This off-peak season also means shorter lines, better photo opportunities, and a more intimate experience of Greece’s beauty.
An ethereal looking castle in Scotland reflects in a pool of water.

Book Spotlight: Outlander Q&A

By Becky Olson • March 24, 2025
The Outlander series, blends historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, whisking us away to the Scottish Highlands and beyond, where love defies the boundaries of time, space, and circumstance. That is why it is the inspiration for the next Book Club Journeys. Travel through time and across the sea with us.
Rows and rows of wine being stored at the hotel les sources de cheverny

Table for One

By Becky Olson • March 1, 2025
Have you ever dined alone? No, not at home, but going out on the town and treating yourself to the best. There seems to be a strange stigma around dining alone—especially in a fine dining establishment. I am here to tell you to get out of your own way—and celebrate you. I traveled to the Loire Valley in France to explore the region and scout for an upcoming book club journey. There’s something incredibly magical about the Loire Valley—the gentle hills, the vineyards stretching to the horizon, and the castles that whisper stories of centuries past.
Five women in ballgowns stand on the stairs of the Biltmore Hotel LA for Romantasy Book Con

A Tale of Marble and Chiffon

By Becky Olson • February 26, 2025
Recently, I traveled to Los Angeles. Originally, I had planned on writing about the many fun adventures I had on my first LA trip. However, as it sometimes goes with work travel, I mostly saw the inside of the hotel. At least this hotel was the historic and iconic Biltmore . If you aren’t familiar with the Biltmore, opening on October 1, 1923 it has established a long history of elegance and opulence. Its very presence was a statement to the rest of the world that Los Angeles, which was a young city at the time, had arrived to metropolis status. Unsurprisingly, it quickly rose to fame as the hotspot for Hollywood elite, glamorous parties, and the backdrop for many popular movies. The Biltmore still radiates that grandiose, old-school charm, well-suited for the reason I was there, the Fabled Fantasy Events Romantasy Book Convention. Romantasy is the perfect melding of Romance and Fantasy and, as a genre, has been blowing up in popularity (for good reason). Authors, book industry professionals, entertainers, vendors, and fans gathered to celebrate their favorite books.
A couple embrace under Finland's aurora borealis.

February is for Romance

By Jenraye Adams • February 14, 2025
When people begin talking about a romantic getaway, minds typically drift to the country known for love—France. And I agree! I recently wrote a love letter to France , which highlights a recent stay there. However, here, I want to showcase a lesser-known, but utterly-romantic destination, Finland. In the heart of winter, Finland offers an enchanting backdrop for a romantic getaway. With its pristine snow-covered landscapes, cozy lodges, and unique Arctic experiences, it is a dream destination for couples seeking intimacy and adventure. Whether you long to chase the Northern Lights, relax in a private sauna, or explore winter’s serene beauty, Finland provides the perfect setting for love. Here’s why February is an ideal time to visit and the highlights you can look forward to. Why February is Perfect for Romance in Finland Northern Lights Season: February is one of the best months to witness the ethereal Aurora Borealis. Clear, dark nights offer optimal conditions for this magical display, which is sure to leave you and your partner in awe. Winter Wonderland: Finland’s landscapes transfo rm into a snowy paradise, perfect for romantic activities like sleigh rides, skiing, and snowshoeing. Cozy Retreats: From glass igloos under the stars to rustic log cabins with crackling fireplaces, Finland’s accommodations are designed for warmth and intimacy. Authentic Experiences: Finnish culture emphasizes relaxation and connection, making February an excellent time to enjoy traditions like sauna bathing and ice swimming. Romantic Highlights of Finland in February Lapland: Arctic Magic for Two Aurora Igloos: Spend a night in a glass-roofed igloo in Rovaniemi or Kakslauttanen, where you can gaze at the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Reindeer Sleigh Rides: Glide through snow-draped forests on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, an intimate and unforgettable experience. Husky Safaris: Share the thrill of mushing your own team of huskies through breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Helsinki: Urban Romance with Nordic Flair Seaside Walks: Take a hand-in-hand stroll along Helsinki’s picturesque waterfront, dotted with historic architecture and ice-covered harbors. Luxurious Spas: Pamper yourselves at one of Helsinki’s luxurious spas, such as the Allas Sea Pool or Löyly, which combine saunas with stunning sea views. Nordic Cuisine: Indulge in a romantic dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, such as salmon, reindeer, and lingonberries, paired with Finnish wines. The Finnish Lakeland: Serene Escape Frozen Lakes: Explore the tranquil beauty of frozen lakes, ideal for ice skating or simply enjoying the serene winter scenery. Private Saunas: Finland is the land of saunas, and there’s nothing more romantic than sharing a private sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the snow. Snowshoeing Adventures: Trek through snow-blanketed forests, where the only sound is the crunch of snow underfoot. Santa Claus Village: Whimsical Romance Meet Santa Together: Relive childhood magic by visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, a delightful experience for couples young at heart. Arctic Circle Ceremony: Mark your visit with a special ceremony to cross the Arctic Circle, symbolizing a unique milestone in your relationship.