2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Travellers
The holidays are upon us, and if you’re drawing a blank on what to get your family and friends this year, I have the perfect mix of ideas for the traveller.
From stocking stuffers to travel gear, you’re sure to wow by wrapping up one of these favourites.
Travel scarf
A scarf is a perfect travel accessory because of its versatility. A scarf can be worn to keep you warm on those chilly flights, protect you from the sun, or cover you for modesty when you’re visiting religious sites. It can also make a fashion statement and help dress up any outfit! Scarves also travel well. Most scarves are lightweight enough to easily fit into your luggage, purse, or backpack without taking up too much room.
I’m partial to a thinner scarf that works well in warmer climates. Reitmans always carries a great selection.Luggage
I recommend investing in a great set of luggage that will stand the test of time (and luggage handlers at the airport). My preference is soft-sided luggage - it tends to absorb any impacts from being tossed around whereas the hard-sided pieces may crack. They usually have an expandable compartment as well so for those of us that love to shop while we travel we can squeeze in those last few items for the trip back home! The last tip is to opt for a colour other than black - it will stand out and be easier to find on the luggage belt. Samsonite, Delsey and Heys are my favourite brands, and they often go on sale!Portable battery pack
We all rely on our phones for just about everything today! Even more so when we travel - it’s your camera, your map, your translator, your guidebook. All that extra use means your battery will not last nearly as long. I always carry a portable battery pack. There are a lot of these on the market that range in price - this is a situation where you get what you pay for. There are a few items you need to watch out for. First, know the battery specs of your phone (or other devices you want to charge), and ensure the battery pack matches it. Second, ensure the connections match or ensure you buy the correct cables to make it work. Third, make note of the size and weight of the battery pack and ensure its practical for you. Lastly, keep an eye out for extra features like fast-charging capability. Anker carries one of the best selections of portable battery packs.Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a godsend! And make a great stocking stuffer! We pack our suitcases at home and everything is neat and tidy, and then we arrive in destination and within 5 minutes of opening your bag, it looks like everything exploded! Keep your clothes and travel items organized by using packing cubes. It’s such a simple concept, but once you can keep all your pants together and shirts together and so on, it makes finding items so much quicker and you don’t have to disturb everything else while searching! Amazon Basics offers a 4 piece set with a variety of sizes!Finders Seekers - adventure-mystery game subscription
This is one of my favourite pandemic finds! When you can’t travel, and you love escape rooms/board games, you can get Finders Seekers to give you a fix! This is a monthly subscription box. Each month you’ll receive a box in the mail which contains a mystery focused on a particular destination. It incorporates local knowledge and culture and even includes different items that are specific to the region and can be used once you’re done solving the mystery. This one is great for the whole family to play or a group of friends. All you need is your box and the internet to visit their website! So far I’ve done Machu Picchu, Washington DC, Petra andMont St Michel! Gift subscriptions are available!Compression Socks
Anyone who’s done a long-haul flight knows it’s not kind to our legs. Prevent potential programs, and unsightly cankles, by wearing compression socks while in flight. These socks will help to keep the blood circulating in your legs and feet while sitting for long periods of time. Sigvaris makes quality compression socks. Note that they come in different levels of compression. 15-20mmHg is a happy medium for most people. You may need a higher or lower compression depending on your needs, so talk with a medical professional if you’re not sure!Face Spray
Another lifesaver on a long-haul flight is a face spray! MAC’s prep and prime spray is my personal favourite and even comes in a travel-size bottle. A quick spritz and wakes you up and makes you feel fresher! It will brighten up your face and make you feel so much better.Mirrorless Camera
This one is a splurge item! Our phones take good pics, but when you want GREAT pics you need to step it up. Everyone always talks about DSLR cameras but they’re big and bulky. Sony makes incredible mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. Think DSLR quality but without the bulk. The Sony Alpha α7 III is loved by travellers and bloggers worldwide, myself included.
A more budget-friendly alternative to the Sony Alpha α7 III is the Olympus line of mirrorless cameras. I own the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, and while it’s smaller than the Sony Alpha, in my opinion, the picture quality is just slightly lacking in comparison to Sony. So the Sony will always be my favourite, yet, the Olympus will still blow your phone out of the water and can’t be beaten for the price!