By Nicola Bridges
Wondering what gifts to get the wanderers in your life that go beyond boring backpacks, expensive luggage and travel toothbrushes? We spoke with domestic business-travel divas, travel junkies and international jetsetters, and here a some unique, chic and practical gifts they would love to find under the tree.
Traveler’s Atlas: This leatherbound atlas of the United States makes a luxurious statement for seasoned travelers who prefer to go old-school, ditch GPS and turn to a traditional atlas to find their way — or just peruse. Beyond the maps, this coffee-table display-worthy book includes a section on must-see sights and destinations as well as journal pages for capturing favorite trip moments. ($65, Graphic Image, www.graphicimage.com)
Cozy Sherpa Wearable Throw: Perfect for wearing on planes, trains and in automobiles, at the beach or camping, this plush, super-snuggly hooded throw will keep even hardcore travelers warm. ($69, L.L. Bean, www.llbean.com)
Professor Maxwell’s Virtual Reality World Activity Kit: Including virtual-reality goggles, this 144-page activity atlas augments reality to bring the globe alive for kids and adults alike, to explore the world’s continents, landmark destinations and historic sites. Ski down mountains and trek through the rain forests in 3D — without ever leaving home. Educational and entertaining hands-on cultural crafts and projects included are sure to inspire future travel dreams. ($69.99, Abacus Brands, available at www.abacusbrands.com)
Silk Insect Shield TravelSheet: Ideal for sleeping shrouded in personal luxury instead of lying in a hotel-made bed, this light-to-pack silk sheet will help mind that the bed bugs and other insects don’t bite. Bonus: The breathable fabric will keep the traveler toasty in the mountains and cool in the tropics. ($99.95, Cocoon; www.cocoonusa.com)
Copper Compression Powerknit Knee High Socks: Socks are sure to be on your stocking-stuffer giving list, and these are perfect for travelers. Compression socks reduce the risk of swelling and deep-vein thrombosis on long-haul flights and drives by putting pressure on the muscles and increasing blood circulation. The copper keeps calf muscles warm and speeds up recovery time once you get moving again. ($26, three-pair pack, Copper Compression, www.coppercompression.com)
Quikcord Paracord Kit: This military-inspired ingenious pack-lite kit featuring 20 feet of ready-to-go paracord with a built-in cutting blade and 12-hour emergency snap light will help keep outdoor enthusiasts prepared — to rappel out of danger or tie anything together. ($34.99, Quikcord, www.quikcord.com)
Travel Watercolor Paint Kit: For traveling artists inspired to creatively capture memorable sightseeing moments, this ultra-portable painting set is mess-free when it comes to watercoloring creations on the go. ($45, Uncommon Goods, www.uncommongoods.com)
Deluxe Travel Organizer Gift Box: Travelers will love this adventure-ready stylish leather set to keep accessories and essentials organized on the road. Attractive and practical, it includes a watch and jewelry travel roll, a watch travel case and a water-resistant canvas roll-out wash bag. ($165, Trendhim Accessories, www.trendhim.com)
World Destinations Bucket List Bottle: Wanderlusting is thirsty work, whether adventuring or destination daydreaming at home. This double-vacuum insulated water bottle showcases 48 breathtaking landscapes, unique geology and culturally significant landmarks in 37 countries and bundles with a colorful bottle sticker pack. ($58, Wondery Outdoors, www.wonderyoutdoors.com)
PARKS Board Game: Trek across trails through four seasons playing this unique board game featuring gorgeous artwork by 35 illustrators, naturally stained wood components and Canteen Cards to help gear you up for hikes. From the PARKS Project alliance that supports habitat and wildlife restoration to help keep America’s parks and public open spaces thriving, when you give this game, you also support PARKS Project’s funding mission to give back and “leave it better than you found it.” ($49, PARKS Project, www.parksproject.us)
Bose Frames Tempo: Stylish audio sunglasses are the new headphones, letting travelers listen to music and phone calls on-the-go while staying aware of surroundings, shielding eyes from the sun’s glare and having one less wearable to wear — no more ear buds or headphones to pack. ($149, Bose, www.bose.com)
Luxury Natural 30-Piece Travel Accessories Kit for Women: All must-not-forget essentials in this grab-and-go kit are TSA-compliant, eco-friendly and hypoallergenic — everything you need for convenience on the road, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and an Egyptian loofah sponge, wipes, floss picks, deodorant and a bamboo toothbrush, a sewing kit, 3-in-1 multicharging cable, ear plugs, deep-sleep spray and more, all in a one-stop-shop carrycase perfect for packing in hand luggage. ($49.99, LivHappi, www.amazon.com)
Nicola Bridges is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Photo credit: at Unsplash