If you were lucky enough to get a tax return this year why not treat yourself to something nice? We suggest spending a little of that money on a travel-related goodie or two to make your next trip even more enjoyable.
Scratch map
Keep track of everywhere you’ve been and show off all of your world wandering with a scratch map ($26). Every time you get back from a trip you can have fun scratching off a destination. The world map makes a great addition to any room in the house and is ideal for globetrotters of all ages.
Travel stub diary
While taking travel photos is one way to capture memories, we also love the idea of having a travel diary on hand. But not just any diary. Travel stub diary ($16) comes with clear sleeves to store your memorabilia, be it a ticket to a play, a postcard, a bus ticket or whatever else you want to hang onto. There’s also space to make notes.
Travelrest pillow
Traditional travel pillows are fine, but they can’t really be described as comfortable because your head still isn’t stable. The Travelrest pillow ($28) provides full lateral support so even if you’re in the middle or aisle seat you’ll still have somewhere to rest your head. The inflatable pillow supports your whole body and can be used anywhere, from trains to planes to airports.
Vinnibag Inflatable Travel Bag
Depending on where you’re going, if it’s a destination known for its wine, you’re likely going to want to bring some home. But glass bottles and suitcases usually don’t mix very well. Solve that problem and bring home some wine as a souvenir with the help of the VinniBag Inflatable Travel Bag ($38), which suspends items in an inflatable air cushion and is engineered to withstand fluctuations in altitude and temperature.
Fun luggage tags
Luggage tags don’t need to be boring and in fact, should add a pop of colour to your bags. These durable matte plastic tags by Smitten Kitten ($9 each) feature colourful renditions of city airport codes from around the world including Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta, Boston, Dublin, Sydney, Hong Kong and many more, so you represent where you’re from, where you’re going or where you want to go.
Get-noticed passport holder
Keep your passport protected in style by trading something drab for something that gets noticed. We’re partial to this vibrant Jonathan Adler passport case in multicoloured leather ($48). You can also use it to hold your baggage claim ticket or customs card and it’s the perfect size for a purse or carry-on.
Handpresso Wild Hybrid Espresso Machine
Coffee aficionados rejoice. Now you can get that perfect cup of espresso anywhere – and we mean anywhere – with the Handpresso ($129). Whether in a hotel room or on a campsite, you can get a shot of espresso with only hot water, ground coffee and a little bit of pumping action. No batteries required. It’s a little on the pricey side, but if you need access to good coffee anywhere, it’s worth the splurge.
Power card
Keep your phone charged anywhere and anytime without adding bulk to your luggage with this ultra-sleek rechargeable power card ($46). The pocket-sized device keeps all of your gadgets going while you travel including mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras and more.
Malin + Goetz 1 oz Essentials Kit
Travel can take its toll on your skin, which is why you want to use products that treat it well no matter where you are. Malin + Goetz products are effective, but free of harsh detergents, colourants, dyes and synthetic perfumes, making them ideal for even sensitive skin. This travel pack ($40) contains everything you need to stay clean and hydrated from head to toe. The vitamin E face moisturizer is particularly great for dry, jet-lagged complexions.
Crumpled city maps
Sure, you’re likely to rely on your phone for travel information, but it’s always good to have a backup and these maps ($20) are never going to let you down. The maps crumple, as the name suggests, are totally waterproof, durable, lightweight and easy to store. They contain must-see sites, city information and a sightseeing index for many major cities including Barcelona, Toronto, Rome, New York, San Francisco, Milan, Amsterdam and many more. Each map comes with its own carrying case, too.
Kindle
Whether you’re on a plane, waiting around at the airport or lounging in your hotel room, an eReader is a travel must-have. The Kindle ($79) is affordable, lighter than a paperback, boasts weeks-long battery life and it’s easy on the eyes since it reads like the printed page.
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Featured image: GotCredit
