With a month to go until Christmas, it feels like the right moment to share the things Ben and I genuinely use while adventuring in Montenegro and the wider Balkans. If you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas travel gift, especially for someone who loves hiking, kayaking or just being outdoors, these are the bits of kit (and a few edible treats) we genuinely use, love and happily recommend.
NB. We’ve mostly left out product links because we don’t want to be beholden to any one retailer and, in any case, it’s always worth checking for something ‘preloved’ first.
1. KEEN ‘Rose’ sandals (Emma’s pretty-but-practical staples)
I get asked about where I got my sandals so often. KEEN’s ‘Rose’ ones tick so many boxes: they protect your toes out hiking, they look good, and they’re fine to get completely soaked. No more awkward footwear changes at the side of the river or stream. These shoes are perfect for summertime hikes that involve a bit of water, and with the Balkans being Europe’s so-called ‘Blue Heart’ full of rivers and waterfalls, that’s often. They’re great for sightseeing or casual evenings too, which saves precious packing space.
2. KEEN ‘Newport’ sandals (Ben’s “wear-them-til-they-fall-apart” shoes)
Ben wouldn’t be seen dead in my KEEN Roses, but he swears by his Newport sandals as the comfiest shoes he’s ever worn (and that’s coming from someone who hikes with two arthritic toes). They’re also ideal for kayaking because they stay on when you’re getting in and out of the boat on uneven ground, avoiding cuts and gashes on rocks, or accidentally losing one in the water. Essential kit for outdoorsy types.
3. A quick-dry skort (my secret weapon on warm days)
Hike, scramble on rocks, or wade down a river and emerge presentable enough to head to a winery or for dinner – with a skort, all you need to do is bring along a top to change into and you’re good to go. Mine came from Kathmandu years ago, but any quick-drying version with a decent pocket for a phone will do. I always go for black or grey to keep it versatile.
4. Ben’s bush hat
As soon as Montenegro hots up, Ben and his Australian-style bush hat become virtually inseparable. Whether its out hiking with guests or kayaking on Lake Skadar, the wide brim keeps the sun off, its thick leather lasts forever, and he gets to vibe Indiana Jones. Ben’s first bush hat came from Stanfords in Covent Garden, but there are loads of good options around these days.
Related:
- 9 books to inspire your next trip to the Balkans
- In conversation with Irina Janakievska, author of The Balkan Kitchen
- An introduction to wine in Croatia and Montenegro
5. Inflatable kayak or SUP
If you want to spoil a loved one who’s into their water sports, get them an inflatable kayak or stand-up paddle board from the British company Sandbanks Style. Yes, they’re on the pricier side, but their kayaks, especially, are a game-changer–so much so we upgraded our entire fleet at Villa Miela this year. You get the look and feel of a rigid kayak in a boat that tracks beautifully too. Best of all, they pack away into a wheeled bag, so you can store them in a small space, stuff them in the back of the car, or even take them on an airplane (as oversize baggage of course).
6. Fine Balkan wines
From Croatia’s Plavac Mali and Graševina, to Montenegro’s Vranac (or ‘Vranec’ as it’s called in Macedonia), Balkan wines have arrived in the UK. A bottle or case of the grape stuff will go down a treat with any wine lover who has visited the region or plans to. You can find wines from the Balkans in most larger UK supermarkets, but if you can’t track a specific one down locally (wines from non-EU countries are harder to source), online wine retailers like Tanners have some great options.
7. Ajvar pepper spread
This thick gooey roasted pepper spread is a staple across the region and always ends up being something guests want to bring home. The Pelagonia range from Waitrose, Tesco or the Co-op is a wonderful way to give someone a taste of the Balkans, whether they’re planning an adventure here or to bring back those flavoursome holiday memories. It goes splendidly with grilled meats, as well as strong cheeses.
8. Water-to-Go refillable water bottle
Brilliant for trips where tap water isn’t always drinkable (parts of Albania in particular) or where refills need to come from that stream you’re not so sure about. Water-to-Go have developed an excellent filter system making water clean and safe to drink anywhere – we take ours on every hike and kayaking trip, and it means we get to carry less too. Get a 15% discount on these excellent bottles by using the code UB15 when ordering.
9. Books for day-dreaming about the Balkans
A well-chosen book makes a lovely travel gift. The Balkan Kitchen is a real treat for foodies (we interviewed author Irina Janakievska last year). For something more travel-focused, I’m currently reading Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe by Kapka Kassabova, with Lea Ypi’s Indignity next up in my reading pile – it follows her brilliant semi-autobiographical debut Free about growing up in communist Albania. We’ve rounded up lots more satisfying reads in our blog post on books from the Balkans.
10. A waterproof “go anywhere” adventure bag
Ben swears by a tough, squishy, waterproof hold-all, both for travelling (who needs checked luggage?) and for active days out hiking or kayaking. His current one’s bright yellow from ‘Earth Pak’, but if you’re splashing out, Patagonia’s 40L Black Hole Duffel is the dream version: it’s made entirely from recycled materials and has a classy matte finish. Ideal for weekends away or multi-stop Balkan adventures.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re hunting down gifts for outdoorsy friends, seasoned travellers or someone planning a 2026 escape, this little collection should spark a few ideas, all tested, loved and occasionally battered through years of guiding, living and travelling in the Balkans. Of course, the ultimate gift is one of our activity holidays or retreats.
Feeling inspired? Browse our range of tours on our website and subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for more insider tips about the Balkans, 5% off all our trips, and first dibs on new trips and offers.
Comments