TOP TEN GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS
Looking
for a gift idea for your favorite traveler? Here’s my top 10 List, by
price, of indispensable travel accessories and where to find them. Most
products are available at a variety of retailers and links to popular
sites are given for illustrative and convenience purposes only.
Estimated prices do not include shipping and handling fees.
Small compass--from under $10
Not just for the wilderness, a small compass is a great aid in orienting yourself in a new setting and especially helpful when emerging from a subway station.
Zippered money pouch--$10 and up
Magellan’s
has a great selection with elasticized waist, adjustable neck cord, or
black and brown belt loops. Keep most of your cash concealed and stash
important documents that you need to carry with you. Don’t let a picked
pocket ruin your trip.
Space Bags--$5 and up
Have
a full suitcase and need room for souvenirs? Clothes compressed with
Space Bags can take up as little as half as much room. Available in
many stores, including Walmart, Target, Sears, Kohl’s and Home
Depot.
Flashlight--about $20
Smaller is better, and the kind that goes on a key ring, like the Brookstone’s Microbeam
will fit most needs. These are useful while exploring for adding light
to dark spaces or by your bedside for finding your way in the dark
without awakening companions.
Inflatable cushion $30 and up
Sleep on planes and avoid neck and back pain from long flights. First Class Sleeper
was designed by a pilot to support the head, neck and lumbar region,
keeping you comfortable and aligned in your seat. It uses just 10-11
breaths, depending on your size, and provides a cushion of air from
just below the waist to above the head.
Microfleece blanket $30 and up
Planecomfort
offers a machine washable blanket in a fleece-lined waterproof nylon
carrying case that becomes a cover for the inflatable pillow inside.
Lightweight folding bag $30 and up
Ideal for daytrips or as a carry-on for overnight clothes or prized souvenirs. Look for a lightweight tote that packs easily and zips shut.
Electrical converter and adapter plugs $20 and up
Some
shavers and travel-sized hairdryers have a built-in voltage converter
but still require an adapter plug. Devices like a camera battery
charger need a converter, as well.
Vest with lots of pockets $50-$150
Companies like Travelsmith and Magellan's have
a good selection of vests with great style designed for men and women
on the go. Look for at least one zippered pocket on the inside (secure
place for cash) and several outside. You can stash a rollup sunhat or
small folding umbrella in a pocket. A special place for each of a day’s
necessities means quick and easy access.
Pocket camera $100 and up
An
ultracompact digital camera that slips into your pocket will be at your
fingertips when you want to capture that special memory and it won’t
weigh you down. For helpful, non-technical buying tips and camera
ratings check Steve's Digicams or the Digital Camera Resource Page . Both sites are packed with valuable information about choosing the camera that’s right for you.
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