Choose a basic reference atlas for a general overview of the area covered. You may want an atlas that focuses on, for example, North America, the world, or a specific state or country.
Select a road atlas if the recipient does a lot of driving, or plans to when visiting a foreign destination.
Look for a specialty atlas for a person with specific interests. For example, you can buy a gourmet atlas, a historical atlas of the Holocaust, a historical atlas of Israel, etc.
Determine the size of the atlas you want. A folio-sized atlas might be appropriate for a collector, while a pocket-sized atlas would be appreciated by the traveler.
Consider giving a phrase book or restaurant guide along with the atlas, if the recipient is planning to visit a specific country.
