Holiday Gift Guide for Travelers – The Voluntourist Travel Guide
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
Exploring the world and seeing a new city for the first time never gets old, but getting to the destination isn’t quite as fun. For those shopping for travel-obsessed loved ones this holiday season The Voluntourist has compiled a list of items that will not only help enhance their journey and trip, but make you look good for buying such a creative, useful and thoughtful gift. Take a look at our suggestions.
1. AirSelfie
See ya selfie stick! There’s a much better way to get that perfect shot now without asking a random stranger. The AirSelfie is the first portable flying camera that allows travelers to capture their most special and memorable moments in a glorious way. The pocket-sized lightweight drone flies up to 66 feet and can be used indoors and outdoors.
It’s easy to use–even for someone like me who isn’t tech savvy–and has a 5MP camera that takes videos as well. You control it by your smartphone with an app that you download before using. It will fly for about three minutes before the battery runs out, but you can take plenty of pics in that amount of time. And you can recharge it pretty quickly.
The AirSelfie has impressive features like rather than using Bluetooth, the device creates its own local Wi-Fi network, you can a set delay timer (up to ten seconds), there’s a burst mode (up to ten shots), adjustable flight speeds, and you have the option of setting the angle low or high. This new gadget takes selfies to the next level.
Price: $299
Where to buy: Website: http://www.
B&H Photo: https://www.
2. Chaser Brand Silk Sleep Mask
Catching some z’s on a flight is a must and now you can look cute napping with with these graphic silk masks. They’re so soft, comfortable and help you relax so you can rest while traveling.
Price: $35
Where to buy: https://www.chaserbrand.com/collections/intimates/products/cil181-cha2578-blk
3. The National Trust for Scotland Foundation Membership for USA
Okay I know you’re probably wondering what this is since it’s not typically on holiday gift guides, and that’s why I love it. It’s an amazing unique gift for anyone traveling to Scotland or anywhere in the UK. The NTS USA are the American friends group of the National Trust for Scotland. Since 2000, NTS USA has provided more than $8.5 million in funding for the National Trust for Scotland’s most urgent conservation efforts. Buying a membership grants you free access (and free parking) to 129 properties in the National Trust’s portfolio. These properties include castles and glens. In addition, membership to NTS USA has reciprocity with other organizations including the National Trust for England, Ireland and Wales and thus access to their 300 properties! So that is almost 500 properties in the UK. And this season, they are offering a complimentary lambswool scarf with all levels of membership through December 31st while supplies last.
Price: Ranges from $35 to $3,000 depending on the type of membership.
Where to buy: https://www.ntsusa.org/get-involved/membership/
4. bolstr 2.0 Minimal EDC Man-Bag
Let’s get real, men carry a lot of stuff and want a fashionable bag just as much as women do. Between their wallets, keys, sunglasses, tablets, phones and other essentials, they need something stylish, functional and masculine. bolster 2.0 is the solution because you can actually fit all of the items mentioned above in the bag and still have room for more.
This high-quality nylon and canvas crossbody bag is great because it has multiple compartments, is well-made, looks expensive, is lightweight and the size is perfect. It’s not too big or bulky and is something you can use daily, for traveling or outdoor activities like hiking or biking. I actually have one and it’s quickly become my latest bag obsession because of the sleek minimal look and its endurance. It can hold up during my travel adventures and still look good.
While it’s marketed towards men, I think it can easily be for anyone who wants a great bag. bolstr 2.0 is a must and the only way to get it is through their crowdfunding campaign. The product is available now and is ready to ship so you’ll have it in time for the holidays.
Price: $65
Where to buy: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bolstr/bolstr-20-the-ultimate-minimal-edc-bag-perfectly-s
5. Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
I’m always looking for the perfect backpack–you know the one that holds everything from your laptop to like everything you own, but is lightweight and cute. The Travelon Anti-Theft backpack is that and more. Here’s why.
It’s roomy main compartment with zippered mesh pocket and hold down straps for garments/clothing, organizer including large RFID blocking pocket with card slots and tethered key clip with LED light.
There’s a rear compartment has 2 padded pockets: one for a laptop to 15.6 inches and one for an iPad or tablet.
In addition, there’s a front zippered pocket and side pocket, air mesh padded back panel and air mesh backpack straps for comfort, and an add a bag strap, top grab handle and sternum strap.
On top of that, it has full anti-theft features including locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, and slash-resistant, adjustable straps.
These are selling out fast so get one now!
Price: $160
Where to buy: http://www.travelonbags.com/anti-theft/type/backpacks-slings/43125-anti-theft-active-carry-on-backpack
6. Minnie Rose Scarf and Slippers
We all know it’s always freezing on planes and it’s hard to find accessories that are warm and fashionable, but we found this amazing studded scarf by Minnie Rose that is everything. It’s cozy and glam and will go with anything.
Price: $337
Where to buy: https://minnierose.com/collections/the-gift-shop/products/h4828c17?variant=44425027337
And of course you need the fab slippers to match so check out these soft cashmere and stud embellished ones. Sure, you can wear the pair the hotel gives you, but why when you can rock these?
Price: $158
Where to buy: https://minnierose.com/collections/accessories/products/mr-706?variant=4866693333029
7. Herschel Supply Campaign Luggage
Every traveler needs good luggage and Herschel Supply not only produces high quality products with timeless designs, but offers practicality while continuing its regard for fine details.
Price: $149.99
Where to buy https://herschel.com/shop/travel/campaign-luggage?v=10041-00001-OS
8. TravelSox
Compression socks are something every person flying should wear. TravelSox is designed by scientists to stimulate blood flow, reduce swelling and minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis during long periods of travel and I literally wear them every time I’m on a plane. They’re comfortable and while they almost go up to your knees, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing socks. They fit that well. TravelSox is also the brand pilots swear by and they come in solid colors or cute patterns.
Price: Ranges from $13 to $30
Where to buy: Amazon
When you’re on the move, you need to always stay connected and keep your devices fully charged. That can be hard to do when you’re traveling, but the fast charging and high-performing Go Travel Power Bank has you covered. It can fully charge a standard smartphone in 1.5 hours and it’s great for tablets too.
Price: $19.95
Where to buy: http://go-travelproducts.com/us/
10. AquaPockets Bottle Carrier
It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling and it’s so annoying to carry around water with you all day, but this bottle carrier solves that problem. It’s keeps drinks cold for up to four hours and has a convenient snap compartment that can hold keys, credit cards, phone and more.
Price: $19.75
Where to buy: Amazon
11. Vyve Splashpant
For the outdoor and adventurous traveler, this activewear capri is great because you can wear it for so many different activities. Originally it was designed to work as a swimsuit and keep you warm in water, but it functions so well for a variety of other sports such a hiking, biking, running and surfing. The activewear capri is comfortable and can be worn with just a t-shirt and hoodie as well for a casual day out.
Price: $64.00
Where to buy: http://vyve.shop/
12. Traveler’s Choice 2 Piece Carry-on and Backpack
It’s so hard to find affordable good luggage that matches, especially when it comes to a carry-on and backpack, but we finally found a great set by Traveler’s Choice.
The rolling upright has good quality wheels, which is a key feature I always look for. It’s roomy and can fit everything I need for a long weekend trip. In addition, it has a patented T-cruiser handle system allows you to maneuver your bag with ease. The downward curve of the sturdy handle fits the natural position of your hand, thereby minimizing discomfort or fatigue.
The backpack is amazing because it has a cool feature I haven’t seen before–a pouch that closes with a magnetic snap for easy access. There’s a compartment that will securely hold your laptop and it’s designed to fit over the handle of the carry-on.
