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 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 offer plastic cards, shipped within a few days, or virtual gift cards, perfect if you’ve missed someone on your list. Gift cards are a guaranteed hit. An extra tip: Remember to pick an airline that flies out of your recipient’s local airport.
For the junior flier – 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 Fire
A frugal alternative to the iPad and a worthy consideration for the bookworm in your life, the Amazon Kindle Fire is the perfect gift. With thousands of apps and quick web browsing capabilities, we’ve deemed it a no-brainer, great travel companion. Eighteen million movie, TV, music, magazine and book options guarantee your tablet time – whether on a long-haul flight or a white sand beach – is well enjoyed.
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 manufactures user-friendly point-and-shoots that capture exquisite photos at a fraction of the price.
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 traveler – iPhone 4s
Apple’s mobile devices, the iPhone, 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 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.
(Image: Alan Cleaver)
