Travel Gifts

Pack your bags—you’re in the travel section!

If you’re shopping for someone who is already planning a trip, you can help them along this Christmas. Give them a map of their destination, or a travel journal to record experiences. Guidebooks and videos can help fuel the passion. Depending on where they’re going, they might need specialized gear or gadgets. Anyone who travels can surely use a new camera.

If you’re looking for a travel experience for yourself or a loved one, you’re in luck. And if you’re giving this as a Christmas gift, then bravo! In this section, we’ve brought together our top choices for hotels, airlines and rental cars. There are also travel agencies that can help you arrange several aspects of your trip at once. Companies often work together, offering these services in “bundles” or “packages”. This can save you time, and help you get deep savings.

If you’ve never bought a vacation package before, the task might be daunting, especially as a gift idea. Do you pick and choose every aspect yourself, or do you leave it up to an agency to decide? Even if you buy a travel package, you aren’t always stuck with the standard experience. You can upgrade your hotel room or raid the mini bar. If you prefer to fly first class, you can work this into the plan. Most vacation packages offer extracurricular activities like local activities and attractions, so be sure to take advantage of these too.

We found some amazing travel experiences this section! There are companies devoted to providing one of a kind, even thrilling, experiences for clients. Want to take a Jeep tour of New York City? How about a weekend of bull riding school or sky diving? Christmas gifts like these make priceless memories—and are a lot of fun.

If you don’t have time for a long vacation, consider a quick getaway to an unfamiliar town or city. Many airlines offer short, inexpensive flights to popular destinations all over the United States. Throw in a few nights in a luxurious hotel, and you’ll feel like a new person. Even a weekend away can rejuvenate and re energize. We all deserve some time out here and there.

Travel Accessories

Traveling can be uncomfortable. Travelers often have to go long distances, which can take hours or even days. Sitting for long periods of time can be awkward and painful. Long travel delays are frustrating and exhausting. This is why travel accessories were created, and why they are a top gift idea this holiday season.

These travel accessories make great Christmas gifts:

• Inflatable neck or body pillows—Because they are inflatable, these travel tools will fold down when not in use. Options range from typical U-shaped neck supports to inflatable foot cushions.
• E-reader—No one wants to carry bulky books while traveling. They take up a lot of space and they can be quite heavy. E-readers are the perfect gift idea for the avid reader/constant traveler.
• Super-plush travel blanket—Get a wrinkle free, non-allergenic throw blanket for a friend. It will scrunch back into a tiny bag when they’re not using it.
• Packing organizers—Make packing and unpacking a breeze with handy pockets and special zipped areas.
• Toiletry kit—Everyone needs a good toiletry kit. Kids may use it for sleep-overs or take it to summer camp. Teens may hang it in their bathroom to help stay organized.
• Money belt—When traveling internationally, give yourself the extra security of a money belt. Store your passport and traveler’s checks close to your body, under your clothes. This way, if you’re separated from your luggage, you’ll still be able to get home.
• Dual time-zone watch—Help an avid traveler keep time straight by giving them a watch with two time zones. Some watches even display three time zones.
• Noise cancelling headphones—Trains, planes and buses are noisy places. Travelers can relax, sleep or listen to music with quality headphones that limit outside sound.
• Mini Appliances—You can’t take the kitchen sink with you, but you can take a mini hairdryer, steamer, iron or language translator.
• Travel Games—Travel times can be long, and it helps to stay busy. Magnetic travel games and cards are easy to pack and carry. Or you can upgrade to an electronic game system, that either features one or many different games.
• Colorful combination locks—These can be used for luggage, storage areas, gym lockers, etc. You can set your own combination, so you’ll never forget it.
• Personal coolant system—Going somewhere hot? Give a personal air conditioner. It’s run by batteries and hangs around a person’s neck. Or give a small, battery-operated fan with spritzer.
• Luggage—Luggage is necessary for any type of travel. Give luggage pieces individually or as sets. Travelers of all ages will appreciate a new rolling bag or carry on item.

 
Check out this year’s most popular Christmas gifts.