Gift ideas for travelers

Need a gift idea for a someone who likes to travel? Here are some of our favorites.

 

Zip it up

 

Take it with you–hands-free: Companies like Scottevest  have a good selection of travel vests with great style and are 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 even 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. Zippered pockets keep your possessions secure and organized when you go through airport security.

 

 

 

A lightweight tote that rolls up into its own pouch is ideal for daytrips or as a carry-on for overnight clothes or souvenirs. Choose one that zips shut to keep your possessions secure.

 

Power

 

 

Portable power: Like to travel light but need a way to power your electronic devices while on the road? MyCharge HubPlus, a 6700mAh portable charger, is is lightweight, powerful and fits in the palm of the hand. It has integrated Apple Lightning and Micro-USB cables and a USB to charge up to three devices at once. There’s a built in wall prong for a quick recharge.

 

 

Power conversion: Some shavers and travel-sized hairdryers have a built-in voltage converter but still require an adapter plug in foreign countries. Other devices may need a converter, as well. This Power Plug Adapter does both.

Packing solutions

Pack and search with ease: Ebags has a great assortment of packing cubes that organize your belongings and let you find what you want in a glance.

Fit it all: Have a full suitcase and need room for souvenirs? Zip Loc bags are great for organizing items in your suitcase but clothes compressed with Zip Loc Space Bags can take up as little as half as much room. Eagle Creek and other companies also make some high quality compression cubes that expand to compress according to your needs.

Protecting your assets

Protect your valuables: Whether you prefer the elasticized waist, adjustable neck cord, or black and brown belt loop version of a money pouch, you should keep most of your cash concealed along with important documents that you need to carry with you. Don’t let a picked pocket ruin your trip.

Health and wellness

Compression socks are not just for medical conditions but can improve a travel experience both on long flights and on active days. Graduated compression, tighter at the ankle & looser above, promotes healthy circulation and relieves and energizes legs. It helps blood & other fluids move upwards towards the heart and helps keep legs healthy by preventing cramps and clots. Compression also alleviates swelling while sitting for prolonged periods and helps provide extra energy to tired legs on active days. Here are two companies that make stylish options.

 

Lily Trotters designer athletic  compression stockings and sleeves are comfortable and stylish, offer 15-20 mm compression, and are made in the USA. They are named for a bird the founder spotted on a trip to Aftica. Females hop over lily pads and walk on floating vegetation with  their strong legs while mates stay home to tend the young.

 

 

 

If you want light, mild, moderate or firm compression leggings or stockings you will find what you want at RejuvaHealth. 21 year-old Kelsey Minarik  launched the company after she developed a blood clot in her leg during a flight and could not find attractive compression stockings. RejuvaHealth offers fashionable compression legwear suitable for a variety of medical conditions as well as for travel. Products are offered in sheer, opaque, patterned or athletic options. The leggings, which slim and shape and include a 4-inch wide tummy band to smooth bulges, are especially versatile item to add to a wardrobe.

Help for jet lag: Combat jet lag with Illumy – the smart sleep mask. You can program your own alarm, sunset and sunrise settings to the destination time zone and be in the zone before you depart. Just use the USB programming cable with the app to transfer the settings to the mask. Press the sleep button to activate the sleep and wake program. Reddish  light simulates sunset for sleep. Bluish light creates a sense of sunrise and is for awakening. The padded mask blocks out outside light, is washable, and comes with a travel case that keeps the accessories at hand. Retails for $99.

 

Inflatable cushion Sleep on planes and avoid neck and back pain from long flights. First Class Sleeper  supports the head, neck and lumbar region, keeping you comfortable and aligned in your seat. It uses just 10-12 breaths, depending on your size, and provides a cushion of air from just below the waist to above the head.

Practical gadgets

Not just for the wilderness, a small compass is a great aid in orienting yourself in a new setting. It can be  especially helpful when emerging from a subway station.

When traveling, size matters. Smaller and lighter is better. Consider a flashlight that goes on a key ring, like one of these on Amazon.  They are useful while exploring, add light when in dark spaces and can be helpful by your bedside for finding your way in the dark without awakening companions.

Capturing memories

A ultracompact digital camera that slips into a pocket is right there to capture that special memory. Also, travelers are favoring mirrorless cameras  over the heavier SLRs. For helpful, non-technical buying tips and camera ratings check a review site like Steve’s Digicams. It is packed with valuable information about choosing the right model.

 

Prices, where noted, are as of December 2018 and subject to change.