gifts for travellers

Gifts for Travelers Christmas 2010

2010 + gifts for travellers

Finding the perfect gift is challenging for anyone, but finding the perfect gift for the travel enthusiast can be even more difficult because travelers usually have their gadgets and packing methods already in place. But there's always room for change, right? In this spirit, here are a few handpicked items your favorite jetsetter might want to add to her or his travel repertoire.

Gifts for Travelers {clockwise from top}

1/ Powermat :: Charge all of your devices simultaneously with the easily packable Powermat charger. Forget about bringing multiple plug-in chargers, now all you have to bring is one. Don't forget this little device in your hotel room!

2/ Aquapac Case :: Go to the beach, pool or even in the water with your electronics. Although other people probably won't want to hear your conversations pool-side, Aquapacs are the perfect, low-profile protectors for your small, yet important belongings.

3/ Tugo Suitcase Cup Holder :: When I saw this idea I thought "of course!" Our cars and even bikes have cup holders, why can't our suitcases? Grabbing a coffee apres security has never been so fun!

4/ Portable Balloon Speaker :: I first spotted these balloon speakers in Portland and I almost purchased them on the spot. These golf ball-sized speakers are the perfect size for travel — you can even use them in your own car.

5/ Travel Slankit {aka Plane Snuggie} :: By now I'm sure you've all heard of the unfortunate famous Snuggie {a wearable fleece blanket}. I guess it was only a matter of time before a travel version cozied up to the airlines-now-charging-for-blankets market. Covering passengers from neck to toe, don't be surprised if you see your neighbor in seat 10b sporting a Travel Slankit.

6/ On-The-Go Teeth Whitening Pen :: Keep your pearly whites gleaming — even when you're jetsetting. These whitening pens are perfect for impromptu touch-ups after you've sipped cappuccinos in Milan or red wine in Napa.

7/ Quick-Dry Hair Towel :: Great for all ages, these quick-dry hair towels will get you out the door faster with their ultra-absorbent material, which makes blow drying a thing of the past.

8/ Slippers for the Plane :: Not only will these stylish slippers keep your feet toasty at 35,000 feet, but they'll also keep them clean walking down the aisles and to the bathroom. Once your trip is done, throw them in the wash and use them again! *Budget Idea :: For long-haul flights, just bring a pair of hotel slippers you have in the back of the closet.

PS. When it doubt, an iTunes gift card is always a good idea for the purchase of travel apps. And don't forget last year's traveler gift guide with ideas like a hotel room door-stop alarm, trackable luggage tag, mini luggage scale and more.

Gifts for Travelers 2009

gifts for travellers

Christmas is right around the corner and if you're like me, you still have a few gifts to get!  Last-minute shoppers, never fear, a gift-giving list for globetrotters is here!

Gifts for World Travelers

  • Netbook :: Smaller than a regular laptop and slightly bigger than a smartphone, these mini computers can easily fit in your purse or carry-on without taking up much space or adding weight. If you're planning on doing more typing or web searching than your fingers can handle on a smartphone, this is an excellent alternative.  Battery life has also improved since their debut 2 years ago. Approx Cost: $300 & up
  • World Travel Adapter with USB Charger :: Oh, can this ever come in handy. If you are going to buy just one item, this is it. The World Travel Adapter allows you to plug in electrical items in over 150 different countries and even has a USB charger for iPods, mobile phones and travel speakers. Approx Cost: $15 & up
  • Luggage Scale :: To avoid the embarrassment of having to open your suitcase and rearrange your undergarments in front of the entire line-up of others checking into your flight, consider a mini luggage scale.  It beats having to lift your bag on a weight scale. With so many airlines placing more and more weight (and otherwise) restrictions on travelers' luggage, this little travel gadget is one that will be useful for years to come. Approx Cost: $17 & up
  • DYI: Health Pack :: Traveling on planes, through time zones and to foreign countries can take a major toll on your body. That is why it's always good to keep a package of health-related items on-hand to prevent and treat any hint of sickness:
    • Vitamin C tablets (or Emergen-c); gum, mints or mini mouth wash to freshen breath; salt to gargle pre and post flight; cold and flu medication...just in case; Tylenol for any unexpected aches and pains; mini Evian spray to re-hydrate your skin; mini deodorant for obvious reasons; wipes or hand sanitizer.
  • Sound-Reducing Earphones :: Even if you are lucky enough to get ear buds in-flight, don't bother. These uncomfortable, cheap and made-to-be-thrown-out-after-one-use ear phones are better off left in the flight attendant carts. Noise-reducing earphones are where it's at. Approx Cost: $300 & up
  • Kindle :: Since space is a hot commodity whilst jetsetting, having 4 books and 3 magazines in your carry-on just doesn't work. Download your fave books and magazines at home or on-the-go to ONE device with 3G capabilities. Approx Cost: $300 & up
  • Flashlight :: Avoid stubbing your toe or bashing your head when you stumble to the bathroom at 4am in an unfamiliar hotel room. Whether you download the flashlight app to your iPhone, use your mobile's screen or carry a mini flashlight, having access to some form of light can help your shins from getting bruised. Approx Cost: $3 & up
  • Door Stop Alarm :: There is something to be said for being a cautious while traveling. The door stop alarm is placed under the front door, and if someone tries to enter unannounced, the alarm will go off. Approx Cost: $8 & up
  • Trackable Luggage Tag :: I've had my bags lost multiple times and have been lucky enough to get them back, but many people's bags get lost for good. One way to combat this is to get a trackable luggage tag, which features a lifetime lost bag retrieval service to help reunite you with your bag if it's found by a third party. Approx Cost: $12 & up
  • Cashmere Travel Throw :: Men and women can benefit from the fashionable and functional uses of a cashmere scarf while traveling. Use as a scarf or make-shift blanket. Approx Cost: $50 & up
  • Nail Polish Remover Pads - Rather than 'risking it' with a nail polish remover bottle in your luggage, consider pre-soaked nail polish remover pads. Don't take chances, place the pads in a zip lock. Approx Cost: $3 & up
  • Travel Gift Cards :: See more info in this post.