Do you have a traveler on your gift list this year? Here are some gift suggestions that will make travel more comfortable, more fun, and more organized for your adventurer.
Travel Comfort Items
For the long-haul traveler, there are several items that can make their trip more pleasant. These include noise-canceling headphone, head or neck support devices, and eye masks. Noise-canceling headphones block out ambient noise to create a quiet and peaceful environment. They can also double as an audio output device to listen to an iPod or the in-plane entertainment system. Head and neck rests are small, but worthwhile, travel companions. Popular styles include inflatable neck pillows or flexible plastic head stabilizers. The goal of these products is to keep reduce head flopping during sleep, thus minimizing the potential for a strained neck or upper shoulder. Eye masks are a great way to block out the light and help your favorite traveler catch a nap. Choose one with an adjustable strap to allow for a custom fit.
Packing Cubes
Keeping the inside of luggage organized can be a challenge, particularly when so many suitcases and travel bags are a large cavernous space. Packing cubes are a great way to keep your favorite traveler organized. The cubes are typically constructed of nylon and come in a variety of sizes. Smaller cubes are ideal for organizing socks and undergarments, mid-size cubes are great for tee shirts and shorts. The largest cubes are great for pants and tops.
Pashmina Wrap
A luxurious pashmina wrap is a great gift for the female traveler, since it folds up small and can serve a variety of uses. Pashmina is fine cashmere wool that is soft to the touch. A pashmina wrap is great for taking the chill off of a long flight or staying warm on a train. It is also a chic way to dress up an outfit. Choosing a basic solid color like black, navy or deep purple will provide the most versatility for the recipient.
Passport Cover
A passport cover provides a classy and secure way for your traveler to carry their passport. A popular choice is a passport that not only looks great but includes radio-frequency identification (RFID) blocking properties. RFID chips embedded in passports contain your personal information in an electronic format. While this can be helpful for immigration and customs purposes, it can also leave a traveler exposed. If someone has the right equipment, they can glean this information from the passport. A simple RFID-blocking cover will keep the data unreadable, essentially providing a buffer.
Puzzle Book
A great stocking stuffer for your traveler is a small puzzle book that they can take on their next trip to pass the time. Number puzzles like sudoku are popular, as are word-based challenges like crossword puzzles and word searches.
Journal
Writing down travel memories is a great way to capture travel moments and also preserve them for later review. A popular choice is the Moleskine journal which is available in a variety of colors, sizes, and a lined or unlined format. It comes with an elastic strap to keep it closed and a little pocket in the back to collect receipts or small paper mementos. Writing in a journal is a great way for your traveler to slow down on their trip and observe all the small details about the place that they are visiting.
