As we near the end of the year, there’s a familiar chill in the air. The leaves have all fallen and the trees stand bare, and soon the first snowfall will paint the ground and the evergreens a pristine coat of white.
’Tis the season, and that means it’s time to fill out your holiday wishlist! We scoured the Internet and found the year’s best and most practical travel-related items. Whether you’re searching for something for your favorite world traveler or looking to treat yourself to a special gift, here are 10 packs, books, and gadgets that make for the perfect present. Here’s to another year of life-changing travels!
ENO double-nest hammock — $69.95
If you’ve never tried an ENO hammock, you haven’t lived … Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s hard to overstate how wonderful these simple sacks are. All you need is the portable capsule, suspension straps, and two sturdy trees, and you’re ready for hours of camping and relaxation. We recommend splurging on the double-nest — it’s only $10 extra and has enough room for you and your partner (or perhaps a furry friend!). Lay back, relax, and enjoy swinging gently in the great outdoors!
NYT 36 Hours Europe — $19.99
No continent is as easily traversable as Europe. From Belfast to Belarus, there is no shortage of magical experiences to be had, and with affordable flights and EuroRail passes, you can get from one end to the other without much difficulty. With the New York Times’ 36 Hours book, you’ll find 130 weekend itineraries to help you discover the history and culture of the continent’s 50 astounding nations. If you’re not planning on making your way to Europe anytime soon, check out the other books in the series, including “36 Hours: USA & Canada” and “36 Hours: Asia & Oceania.”
Handpresso — $75.58
To travel the world, you need a lot of energy (read: caffeine). But unfortunately, when you have a plane or train to catch, you don’t always have time to stop at a local coffee shop. Fear not! With the Handpresso Wild Hybrid, you’ll never suffer another caffeine headache again. Simply load it up with hot water and espresso grounds (or a pre-loaded pod) and pump it with your own two hands to produce a hot shot of espresso on the go!
CamelBak All Clear UV Purifier bottle — $99
World travelers always need to be cognizant of a country’s water situation. Not every nation has drinkable tap water, so often you’ll have to rely on bottled water instead. But with CamelBak’s All Clear UV Purifier water bottle, you can have reliable drinking water anywhere in just 60 seconds! The bottle neutralizes microbiological contaminants using UV technology, making any tap or natural water safe to drink.
Darn Tough socks — $21.00
We know what you’re thinking: Socks? What kind of sadist would get someone socks as a holiday gift? But these aren’t just socks. Darn Toughs are the most comfortable, durable socks you’ll ever own — perfect for hiking, trekking, traveling, or simply relaxing. The best part? All Darn Toughs come with a lifetime guarantee, no questions asked. If they ever become too worn, you can send them in and receive a new pair for free within just a few weeks!
“I Was Here” travel journal — $15.26
Every creative knows that journaling is one of the most important parts of travel — memories are always fresh in your mind at the end of the day, and years later, you’ll want to flip through those pages to relive your most fantastic experiences abroad. But sometimes, after a long, fun-filled day, you’re a little too worn out to come up with what to put on the page. With Kate Procrass’ “Travel Journal for the Curious-Minded,” you don’t have to. Procrass packs each page of this colorful, illustrated journal with whimsical prompts and features encouraging you to record the overlooked and oft-forgotten details that make each destination unique.
Herschel Packable Daypack — $29.99
When it comes to quick and efficient travel, portability is key. With Herschel’s Packable Daypack, you’ll never have to worry about dragging big, clunky luggage through the airport again. This lightweight pack fits into any airplane’s overhead compartment, but when it’s not in use, it collapses into a tiny, portable pouch for easy storage. And with a wide variety of colors to choose from, you’ll still be able to travel in style.
Trtl Pillow — $29.99
In order to make the most out of your experiences abroad, it’s important to be well-rested. Sometimes that’s not so easy, especially if you have a long red-eye flight to your destination. No matter how many times you pick up a fluffy, crescent-shaped travel pillow at the terminal, quality shut-eye has a way of eluding even the most seasoned travelers. With the Trtl (pronounced “turtle”) Travel Pillow, there’s finally a solution. Designed by mechanical engineers, the pillow wraps softly around your neck, providing support for any head position, even those flyers who find themselves stuck in a middle seat!
National Park Scratch-Off travel map — $36.99
With the scratch-off travel map, it’s never been so easy — or so fun — to track your progress visiting America’s 59 beautiful national parks. This intricately detailed map features gold foil arrowheads you can scratch off whenever you cross another scenic park off your list. From Acadia to Zion, the two-foot by three-foot map includes plenty of details and fun facts about the parks, so you can learn about what makes each one unique before you visit!
Airbnb Gift CardWhen all else fails, opt for a gift card. Even if your favorite world traveler has no idea where to head to next, an Airbnb gift card is sure to kickstart their next journey. With this in their hand, the world will quite literally be at their fingertips, providing them with a place to stay no matter where they point their compass.
