2018 Gift Giving Guide for the Globetrotter

 

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Believe it or not, it’s that time again. I can’t believe the holidays are almost here! Where did 2018 go? I swear we just started the year. The older I get, the faster it goes. This is so backwards. When you’re a kid Christmas is…well slow as Christmas! And as an adult, it seems like it comes around every two seconds. Anyway, do you have a traveler in your life and have a hard time shopping for them? If so, let my 2018 gift giving guide for the globetrotter take over and help you out!

2018 Gift Giving Guide

My gift giving guide this year is pretty diverse. It’s based on actual products I own and traveled with in 2018. These are products I can’t travel without or ones that saved my rear end for which I was SO thankful. I also included a few products I have recently discovered and are on my personal Christmas list this year OR ones that have come highly recommended. Hopefully, you’ll find inspiration for your traveler right here!

The products I have not yet personally used are marked with an asterisk for full disclosure.

Gifts for the Tech Traveler

The Canon SX730 HS is a light travel camera that doesn’t take up much room yet takes great photos. It has a lot of DSLR features and is my go-to camera. Most of the photos on my blog are taken with this camera. However, this is my DSLR if you are wanting a good recommendation.

I can’t go anywhere without my Kindle. I still can’t believe I was resistant to having my whole library at my disposal when it first came out. It’s SO much better than having the actual book (or two for those times where I would inconveniently be finishing a book during a trip)!

Earlier this year when the UP app disappeared (without warning to its customers) effectively ending the use of my Jawbone, I had no idea what I was going to do. The reason I hadn’t already switched to a Fitbit was that I didn’t like how bulky they are. The Jawbone was very slender.

After a significant amount of research, I found the Fitbit Flex 2 and all seemed right with my world again. The band is very slender and automatically comes with two sizes in the box: Small and Large. Not only that, I can remove this little waterproof device and put it into other items like bracelets and necklaces. But for now, I will stick with my awesome slender black band. This is the perfect gift for the traveler keeping up with a healthy lifestyle!

This Compact Sling for travel cameras might be one of my all-time favorite travel products and absolutely one I can’t leave home without. I love it because it allows me to use my camera and have my hands free instantly when I want to use my phone for Instastories. I also love that it rests pinned right under my crossbody purse when I’m walking. It’s secure and I don’t have to repeatedly take it in and out of my purse.

For those who have DSLR cameras, this Altura Camera Neck Strap with Safety Tether is the crossbody strap I recently purchased. I love that I can offset the weight of the DSLR from my neck along with it having a safety tether and storage in the strap too. Although I have not had the chance to use it yet, I will soon!

I have absolutely loved my Manfrotto Compact Action Tripod. I’ve used it several times this year and it is so easy to throw into my suitcase or strap it to the outside of my tech backpack. More importantly, it’s very user-friendly no matter what level of photographer you are!

For Canon camera users, this Canon Remote Switch is priceless when trying to capture any kind of photography that requires use of a tripod. This remote helped me capture lots of night photography including the Northern Lights in Iceland and the city lights in San Francisco, Dallas and Paris! (For Nikon users, this remote switch* gets great reviews.)

Gifts for the Adventure Traveler

This JOTO Universal Waterproof Cellphone Pouch is a MUST for the adventurer. Although I’ve had one before, the previous pouch would only allow me to operate the phone. This pouch not only allows that but is clear on both sides so you can take photos too! Perfect for water activities as well as ones where sand is involved.

Every adventure traveler needs the GoPro Hero 6. I currently have the Hero 4 and I love it but I put the Hero 6 on this year’s Christmas list as it has updated features such as automatic zoom and a waterproof body. That will eliminate the need for extra waterproof housing that I currently have to carry.

This Vicdozia Waterproof GoPro Selfie Stick is the perfect accessory for the GoPro Hero. It’s adjustable and works well for underwater activities such as snorkeling. I love its size and how easy it is to pack!

Finding a pair of waterproof hiking boots is never easy. Obviously, I wanted to find a pair that would do its job AND would be comfortable enough to walk and hike in for hours. These Vasque Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots did all of this! For the guys, here is the men’s version*.

I bought these boots in the spring for my Iceland trip this fall and broke them in while visiting Minneapolis during the biggest April blizzard ever. The first time I ever wore them, I walked 9 miles in 6 hours in the snow and my feet stayed warm and dry the entire time. Not only that, they were extremely comfortable and I had no blisters. It was as if I bought them years ago instead of a couple of days ago!

I could not have been happier with these White Sierra Rain Pants. They are lightweight and fit over my yoga pants and fleece leggings (and my boots) to keep my legs completely dry. They also blocked the wind which kept me warm! Here’s the men’s version*.

My Charles River Rain Jacket goes on EVERY single trip I take. It’s so versatile that it works in almost every situation. I’ve used it as a windbreaker (excellent), a rain jacket in both cooler and warmer weather (excellent), and even in colder weather in Iceland when it was raining (excellent). Keyword here? Excellent! It’s lightweight, foldable, and easily packable. Also, it comes in a ton of different colors!  Here is the men’s version*.

These Darn Tough Socks definitely live up to their name. If your adventure traveler needs socks that will keep their feet 100% warm and dry, these are the ones!

On my recent trip to Iceland, I had backed up to the water on Diamond Beach for a photo when a wave crashed into me. It was powerful enough that the water forced its way into my shoes from the top near the back of my ankles and I suddenly felt my heels get cold and wet; however, five minutes later they felt warm and dry again. It was strange.

Several hours passed before I finally got to take my shoes and socks off. To my surprise, there was only a hint that the event ever took place. My feet were dry and my skin wasn’t even wrinkled. WIN! Here’s the men’s version*.

Gifts for the Organized Traveler

I can’t pack without these Shacke Pak Packing Cubes with Laundry Bag. Granted, I also use these and these for their different sizes, but the Shacke Paks are my favorite because they come with the laundry bag.

Packing cubes keep everything neat and prevent your clothes from ending up in a wrinkled pile at one end of your suitcase which eliminates the need for an iron! They come in multiple color options making it a great gift for both men and women.

The Case Logic SLR Camera and 15.4″ Laptop Backpack has been my go-to carry-on for almost 3 years now. It fits my laptop, Kindle, DSLR camera, all camera accessories (for my DSLR and travel camera), GoPro and accessories as well as my external hard drive plus a number of other personal items comfortably. Even three years in, it looks almost brand new and withstands my constant traveling. I love that I can rearrange the compartments to fit my needs or take them completely out!

This Etek City Digital Hanging Luggage Scale will keep your packing weight just right and has saved me many times. No more rearranging at the airport because you will now know before you go!

These BV TSA Approved Luggage Travel Locks are my favorite luggage locks because they are longer and therefore can be looped through zipper pulls that might be located farther apart. They are user-friendly and perfect for anyone who loves to be organized!

If your security job is bigger than zippers, consider the Lewis N. Clark Cable Lock. Perfect for hostels, bikes or to secure backpacks on buses, it has a 30″ retractable cable with a combination lock. I brought this with me on a trip this year but wound up not needing it. However, I tried it out anyway and it worked like a charm!

The Wandf Foldable Travel Duffel Bag* is going on my own Christmas list this year. It’s lightweight, water-resistant and folds up into a little pouch making it a space-saver. It can be used as a daypack, an extra souvenir bag, and much more!

For the Eco Traveler

Also going on my list this year is the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel*. These are great to have when traveling because they dry fast and can be packed away and reused.

If you or the traveler in your life is a straw-lover like I am, you might want to consider The Original EcoTribe Metal Straw Set*. I am asking for this for Christmas for sure! Because so much plastic is being used, places are moving to a no-straw policy. In Europe, you will already find most places don’t even have them anymore. In the US, places still have them but will only bring one if you ask.

I’ve noticed some restaurants offering biodegradable ones, but it’s easier and more cost-effective to do away with them altogether. This metal straw set is the solution if you don’t like to drink straight from that (oftentimes) dirty glass!

For Girls

Girls, this Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-body Bag is perfect for traveling. It is RFID blocking, slash-proof and locks onto itself. It has pockets inside that are the perfect size for your passport, pen holders, and even a hook for keys with a tiny flashlight. I’ve taken this purse with me all over the world and I love it!

I put this Travelon RFID Blocking Wallet inside my Travelon purse. That way when I take my wallet out all of my cards are still protected. What I like is that there are two sections divided by a zippered change pocket in the center. Each section has a spot for paper money and spots for cards. This is great if you need to carry more than one currency!

It always happens at the most convenient time, right girls? The Lena Cup* cuts down on having to buy and pack traditional products. It lasts for 12 hours, is reusable and can be worn during any kind of activity including swimming, hiking, and camping.

For Guys

This Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag for Men* is perfect for the guy-on-the-go. It is made of leather with a waterproof lining, has 2 separate zippered compartments, and comes with 2 silicon travel bottles. It combines style with functionality!

If the guy in your life already has a toiletry bag or is needing toiletries to put in the bag this Man On The Go Travel Kit is perfect. It is a 15-piece kit that includes a lot of necessary travel items for men and includes a carry-on size case too!

Gift Cards

If you don’t see exactly what you want, how about a gift card?

Airbnb Gift Cards-Email Delivery

Hotels. com Gift Cards-Email Delivery

Amazon eGift Cards

For Uber you can click here OR use code: heathert7463ue for $5 off your first ride. Share with the traveler in your life!

PIN IT!

Hope this helps you give the traveler in your life the perfect gift for the holidays! If you want even more ideas, check out all of my favorite travel items!

And for the max savings be on the lookout for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday deals!

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather