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Travelers can be especially difficult to shop for during the holiday season. What do you get for friends or loved ones who would rather be off exploring a new city with nothing but a backpack and a few personal belongings in tow than anything else? Plenty! Think outside the box — or suitcase — to pick the perfect present for your favorite explorers.
Gift Cards
Airline vouchers. Help your friend or loved one save up for their dream vacation — or, better yet, a long awaited trip back to the States to visit extended family for the holidays. Many companies, including American Airlines (giftcards.aa.com), Delta (www.delta.com/egift/eGiftPurchase.action) and even Ryanair (www.ryanair.com/gb/en/plan-trip/travel-extras/gift-vouchers), offer gift vouchers you can purchase online.
Scrapbook savings. My favorite souvenirs are the priceless images we capture on our family adventures around the world. Give your favorite traveler the opportunity to turn their travel photographs into lasting memories with a gift card to a digital scrapbooking website like Shutterfly.com (www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/gift-certificates).
Excursions. Know where your roaming friend or family member is heading next? Hop on Viator.com (www.viator.com/gift-certificates) to pick out a truly unique present — an unforgettable experience. Whether it is a Segway tour of Barcelona, a helicopter ride over Mount Etna or a day cruise down the Rhine River, you will be gifting the recipient something especially meaningful: memories that will last a lifetime.
Gear
Infinity scarf with hidden pockets. Encourage good fashion sense and travel security by helping your traveling friend or family member say goodbye to their well-worn fanny pack. Pick out a chic infinity scarf with hidden pouches for keeping their passports and personal belongings safely tucked away from pickpockets.
Personalized travel coffee mug. Caffeine is a traveler’s best friend. Help your friend or loved one stay energized on the go with a personalized travel tumbler. Etsy (www.etsy.com/market/custom_travel_mugs) offers a fantastic selection of creative entrepreneurs who can help you design the perfect mug for the recipient’s unique personality.
Space saver bags. Packing is one of the most stressful parts of preparing for a trip. Figuring out how to fit everything you need within the free baggage allotment can be tricky. Rescue your traveling chum from spending extra time and money on checked baggage by giving them a pack (or two) of space saver bags. You can order them in packs of six or more on Amazon.com.
Electronics
Mobile internet hotspot. Stay connected with your favorite travelers wherever they go by giving them a mobile internet hotspot. There are a variety of makes, models and plans (including pay-as-you-go) to choose from. Chat with your friend or family member’s cell phone provider or visit your favorite electronic store to learn more about available options.
eBooks. Give your friend or family member something to look forward to that helps pass the time during those long international flights, car trips or train rides. Pick out a selection of good stories for them to enjoy on their e-book reader without adding extra weight to their carry-ons.
Global power adapter. Every international traveler needs (at least) a handful of global power adapters to keep their electronics functioning around the world. One of these bad boys would be the perfect stocking stuffer for explorers who’ve earned a spot on Santa’s nice list this year.
Is there a traveling kid on your shopping list? Think about purchasing tickets to a theme park, zoo or a museum they would enjoy visiting. Other great ideas for globe-trotting little ones include travel games, sketchbooks, journals or — my personal favorite — Ride-On suitcases from Trunki.com.
No matter what you choose for your traveling friends or family members, they will surely appreciate the time and effort you spent on picking out a gift with their passions and personalities in mind.
