Top 10 travel gift ideas for the holidays
Stuff the stockings with travel treats
As the holiday season kicks off and shoppers begin planning their Black Friday and Cyber Monday must-buy lists, the team here at Cheapflights has compiled a list of our favourite travel products – perfect gifts to give travellers of every type. From new gadgets for the unstuffed stocking to luggage that’ll keep the kids occupied at the departure gate, we’ve narrowed down the best travel accessories in the world to just 10. For the traveller in your life (and yes, you can treat yourself!), consider our Top 10 travel gift ideas for the holidays.
For everyone – Airline gift card
Gift cards and certificates are typically considered a hands-off kind of gift, ideal for acquaintances and folks in your life who are more difficult to shop for. But when that card gives the gift of flight, it’s a totally different tale. Buy an airline gift card for your friends, your family – even your boss. Most airlines like American Airlines offer plastic cards, shipped within a few days, or virtual gift cards, perfect if you’ve missed someone on your list. Gift cards, especially from discount airlines like Porter where a round-trip ticket can cost as low as $80, are a guaranteed hit. An extra tip: Remember to pick an airline that flies out of your recipient’s local airport.
For the junior flyer – Trunki
Flying during the holiday season pretty much guarantees long lines and overwhelmed families at the airport. A relief for parents has rolled into town, courtesy of Trunki, a baggage-scooter hybrid that has changed the way kids commute. The four-wheeled suitcase offers tots a chance to pack their own baggage, and then ride round both en route and at their destination. New this year from Trunki: SnooziHedz, a three-in-one blanket, pillow and travel buddy – simply perfect for the infamously low in-cabin temperatures.
For the reader – Amazon Kindle
The smaller, lighter and faster Amazon Kindle for a mere $109 is a wonderful alternative to pricey tablets, and the perfect travel companion for frequent flyers and vacationers alike. A one-month battery life means travellers can charge their device before departure and read to their heart’s content (it holds up to 1,400 books) whether on a long-haul flight or a white sand beach.
For the aspiring bilingual –My French/Spanish Coach
UBI, makers of the oh-so-popular Just Dance games for Wii devices, has created a game for Nintendo DS that creatively combines fun and language learning for players of all ages. My French Coach – also available in Spanish, Chinese and Japanese versions – claims that dedicated linguists who practice just 15 to 20 minutes daily can become fluent in whatever language they’re learning, simply by playing mini-games and tracking their progress. Daunted by the idea of travelling to a non-English speaking country? Fear not!
For the photographer – Canon point-and-shoot
Though DSLR cameras are gaining popularity among travellers – including novice photographers – they also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily Canon is manufacturing user-friendly point-and-shoots that capture exquisite photos at a fraction of the price. Consider the new PowerShot ELPH and watch as your loved one enjoys a 28mm wide-angle lens, 8x optical zoom and an optical image stabilizer – all within a super slim frame. The hardest part: choosing among the ultra-hip colour options like hot pink and neon green.
For the environmentalist – Sustainable Cork Sleeve
As personal electronics become more and more sophisticated, so should their protective covers. Taking a laptop or tablet on vacation is risky business, particularly those whose price tags are high. Enter Ryan Frank, an eco-friendly furniture designer from South Africa, to the rescue. The sustainably minded craftsman has created Sustainable Cork Sleeves to protect e-readers, cameras, iPods – you name it – in naturally harvested, biodegradable cork leather. The result: wonderful carriers for your favourite nomad’s most expensive travel gadgets.
For the nature lover – Trek Light Hammock
Relaxation is the supreme goal for many vacationers, whether it’s after a morning of no-frills hiking or an afternoon of Daiquiri-laced sunbathing. Trek Light has pulled the right strings in developing its line of hammocks, 1b-portable loungers that expand to hold up to 400lbs. Made out of parachute nylon, the hammocks are mildew resistant and easy to set up – no knot tying required. The Double Hammock fits two adults comfortably, guaranteeing it a thoughtful present for a lover of the outdoors.
For the jet setter – Tumi Scale
Frequent fliers are all too familiar with rising baggage fees as airlines continue to struggle to offset rising fuel costs. And even worse than paying to check luggage: paying additional fees for overweight bags. Tumi’s new Scale is a handy solution, and a sophisticated gadget for your nearest and dearest jet setter this holiday season. The handheld device tells travellers in one grab – before heading to the airport – exactly what a bag weighs. Disclaimer: It utterly spoils the fun of repacking at the check-in counter or investing in a second suitcase at Duty-Free.
For the social traveller – iPhone 4s
Apple’s latest mobile device, the iPhone 4s, offers travellers much more than Angry Birds to pass the time in transit. The pocket-sized work of genius is supporting new travel apps, too, that keep on-the-go folks in the know and in touch. Bring your special someone good tidings by introducing them to social travel apps – like jetzet (formerly bumped.in) and gtrot – and welcoming them into the travel planning conversation. Want more downloadable ideas? Check out our guide to social apps that make group travel a breeze.
For the philanthropist – Heifer International sponsorship
As voluntourism rises in popularity, so does the urge among travellers to give back to a community, even after the suitcases are unpacked. Give the gift that gives back through organizations like Heifer International, which provides animals to poor communities around the globe to help them become self-reliant. Donate a $60 Flock of Hope in someone’s name and provide a family with chicks, ducklings and goslings that will feed that family and produce offspring that, under Heifer’s guidance, will be donated to another family in need.