13 Easy Hobbies to Travel With

As some of you know, I re-picked up sewing. It used to be one of my favorite hobbies. Plus, with the economy and inflation right now, it makes sense to rework some of my old clothing and fabric and give them new life. However, while I was packing to go to Sonoma last week, I realized it’s an impossible hobby to travel with! Which has me looking at different, more portable hobbies to adventure with.

In short, here are 13 Easy Hobbies to Travel With, for your enjoyment. 😁

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Table of Contents

13 Easy Hobbies to Travel With

You guys know some of these hobbies I do every day. I will often add challenges to them (because I’m competitive AF with myself) and love the feeling of accomplishing something on my own. If you have any more to add, please leave a comment! I would love to read about some of your favorite hobbies to travel with.

On to the list!

Crossword & Other Book Puzzles

I do wordle just about every day. It’s something I love doing in the morning with my morning cup of tea. So, I can understand why crossword puzzles are popular. Plane rides and lying at the pool are the perfect time for this hobby. If you’re traveling alone, this is ideal for solo morning meals. I like this Remember That?! Crossword Puzzle Book!

Personally, I love any kind of mystery or murder puzzle game. These Sherlock Holmes Puzzles and Cold Case Puzzles by Brain Game are not only a great gift but an excellent travel companion.

Needlepoint or Embroidery Kits

This craft is super easy to pack up and port around. I used to do needlepoint a lot when I was in high school. For the record, you can take a needle with you on an airplane, and you can also carry on short scissors. Perfect for in-flight movies, camping by the fire, or downtime with family.

Here are some clever ones:

Blogging

I blog everywhere I go. Even if I don’t have my computer, I make notes on my phone, start intros and outlines in my notes app, and I’m always taking photos. Blogging is a fantastic hobby to take up while you’re traveling, especially solo.

Exercising

Walking
Yoga
Hiking
Resistance Bands workout
Dancing

All of these activities are really easy to do while traveling. I know many travelers who bring bands with them or schedule classes on the road. I’ve taken yoga classes in London, New York, and Oregon. It’s so much fun to experience a new place and practice.

Photography

All you need is a camera, which most have on their phones. Whether you’re a professional or just dabbling, taking a photo walk or going to a special location can make photography an amazing hobby. Not to mention a profitable side hustle!

I carry around a vlogging camera. I use it for both video and photos, when I don’t want my phone, and I want a higher quality or more stabilization. Point & Shoot cameras are making a comeback, and I love to see people picking these up at the thrift store.

Reading/Audiobooks

The royalty of hobbies! Books. Oh gosh, I love reading while I’m on a trip. Whether I’m on a flight, by a pool, it doesn’t matter. I always make time for it. Plus, it’s the perfect travel companion to keep in your bag.

I love traveling with my Kindle, but if I’m being honest, with their recent T&Cs updates, I’m about to sell mine and trade it in for a Kobo. It’s a great eReader and is compatible with Libby as well.

If you’re looking for ways to get free books, check out my post: How to get Free Books while Traveling

Thrifting

This is something I loved to do in my twenties. I loved checking out what different kinds of labels and clothes are in different counties and states. I recommend going to the thrift store if you forgot a piece of clothing. Like a jacket, etc. My favorite thing to do was say “Oh, thank you! I thrifted it in Paris! Can you believe it?!”

Meditating

I have a few friends who took up meditating during the pandemic to help with their stress. Well, traveling is stressful, so if this isn’t a hobby you normally do, it’s a good time to pick it up. There are tons of apps and YouTube channels dedicated to this pastime. It’s hard when you start, but it does get easier.

Painting/Drawing

In college, I knew an art student who took a tiny sketch pad and pencils with them everywhere. At one point, they challenged themselves to a sketch every day. It was so wonderful to see their skills from beginning to end. This is really easy if you can get a portable set.

This Portable Watercolor Kit is great and in an A6 leather case. Here is a Drawing and Sketching Travel set in a packable binder.

Journaling or Writing

Another favorite pastime. I used to journal every night in bed. It put me straight to sleep and also helped me organize my thoughts if I was upset, sad, or even angry. A book and a pen are all you need. My all-time favorite journals are by Papier.

If you are a digital person, you can start a private online blog or Notion.

Songwriting

This is not something I have ever done, but the people who do view this as a passion and not a hobby. Again, a Music Composition Book and a pencil are all you need for this one!

Scrapbooking

I love the idea of doing this because I hate throwing away receipts, brochures, ticket stubs, menus, etc. Collect them! Take anything and everything you can back with you and scrapbook your adventures. This is my travel scrapbook journal, and I absolutely love it.

Postcard Mailing

I always bring postage stamps and a pen with me, and I look for postcards to send to friends and family. It’s such a fun hobby and a lost form of communication! I love nothing more than sending and receiving postcards.

What are some easy hobbies you love to travel with?! Leave a comment below. I’d love to know.