12 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Travel Enthusiast

Are you kidding me? The 2012 Holiday Season is already here?

Last year, we wrote a well-received post titled 11 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Travel Enthusiast. Many of the recommended gift ideas from last year are still just as valid this year, so make sure you also take a peak to see if there’s something in there for you.

This year, we’ve come up with new gift ideas for that special traveler in your life. You can also head over to our other site to find holiday gift ideas for travelers with babies.

*For further product details, click on the image

Here are a few Holiday Gift Ideas for the Travel Enthusiast

 

1. Noise Cancelling Headphones

We love to watch movies and listen to music when we’re on the road, especially during long flights or in the evenings in our hotel room. A good pair of headphones is essential. Ear buds just don’t cut it and often hurt our ears after an hour or so. A quality product is the Bose® Noise Cancelling Headphones (pictured above).

2. GoPro Hero Camera

Okay, so the GoPro Hero 2: Outdoor Edition is actually on our holiday wish list. This compact, lightweight sports camera is said to be used by more professional athletes, sports filmmakers and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. With the North American winter season upon us, this nifty little camera is the perfect companion for snowboarders and skiers looking to capture their big hits and steep turns.

Oh, and if you were thinking of getting us something for the holidays – this is the gift! 🙂

3. QuikPod Handheld Convertible Tripod

How many times have you had to ask a stranger to take your photo? How many times have you attempted to take a self-portrait, only to find out your face is missing from the frame? Well, you’ll never have those challenges again with the QuikPod Handheld Convertible Tripod.

It’s also great for capturing unusual shots with interesting angles. Our friend Earl is a solo traveler and he raves about his handheld tripod.

4. Travel Language Translator

We used to travel with hardcopy guidebooks but now prefer to use our smartphones and tablets instead. These devices provide better maps and up-to-date information on restaurants, hotels and attractions – not to mention an unlimited supply of photos.

However, one thing we do like about guidebooks are the quick language translations typically found on the first few pages. You know, the translations for simple every day phrases like “how much for a taxi” and “where is the washroom”.

The Six Language Travel Translator is a great solution to this common problem and it’s not typically an item that travelers think of purchasing for themselves, making it the perfect holiday gift for that special traveler in your life.

5. SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier

Water purification products aren’t just for the hardcore wilderness hiker. They can also be useful for anyone visiting a region that has suspect water conditions. One of the leading products in this category is the SteriPEN Traveler Handheld UV Water Purifier. It’s super easy to use and destroys more than 99.9 percent of harmful microorganisms.

Consider adding this travel item for your next trip here.

6. Universal 10-in-1 USB Charging Data Cable

Are you looking for a useful gift that’s inexpensive and compact? Well, you can’t go wrong with a Universal 10-in-1 USB Charging Data Cable. The best part about purchasing this gift is that you don’t need to know the devices he/she uses because this bad boy has an adapter for virtually everything.

 7. Travel Alarm Clock

We have this Digital Travel Clock with EL Backlight and can’t tell you how much we love it. It’s saved our butts on numerous occasions. Sure, you can set your smartphone alarm clock or use your wrist watch, but when it comes to waking up early to catch a flight, we put our trust in old faithful.

The backlight is its best feature, particularly when sharing a room with sleeping baby. It’s inexpensive, lightweight and compact – a great gift idea.

8. Silk Travel Sheet / Sleep Sack

This one’s for the backpackers that are easily spooked by uncleanliness. We use a silk travel sleep sack when we travel to destinations like India and SE Asia and recommend it for anyone wanting a protective barrier between skin and smelly mattress.

The Hammock Bliss Sleep Sack is good quality and breathable – important when in tropical climates (which is typically where you’ll need such a product).

9. Portable Door / Multipurpose Alarm

Okay, so this travel item is a bit of a wild card. We’ve never used a portable alarm device, but we know people that have (and they never travel without it). The Portable Door / Multipurpose Alarm is really about peace-of-mind and is ideal for the slightly paranoid traveler that’s fearful of being robbed (hey, it happened to us!). It’s inexpensive and compact, so it’s an easy purchase and makes for a useful gift.

10. Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit

This one’s for the hardcore hiker/trekker that likes to get off the grid and explore the great outdoors. The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit has everything you’ll need if you ever find yourself in a survival situation. Hey, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and for less than $40 it makes for a great holiday gift idea.

11. Travel Book – 1,000 Places to See Before you Die

We own a copy of 1,000 Places to See Before you Die and find it to be a great resource for travel inspiration. It’s an easy read that highlights the best destinations from around the world.

Simply put – if you love to travel, you’ll love this book.

12. iPad Mini

How could we not include this season’s hottest tech gadget? From what we’ve seen so far, the Apple Ipad Mini is awesome. We always travel with our iPad and iPhone, but this kick ass device is the best of both worlds.

It’s not cheap, but if you’re looking for a gift that packs a punch – this is it!

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Do you have any gift ideas you recommend for the travel enthusiast?
Share your picks in the comments section below, links to specific gifts are welcome!

 

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