Holiday Gift Guide: For the Traveler Who Doesn’t Want to be here this Christmas

It’s that time of the season again and the clock is ticking until Christmas Day. You’re wondering what to get your backpacker or traveling aficionado, when all they really want is a plane ticket to get the hell out of here! Sometimes, we just don’t have the money to give them what the really want. Luckily, here are the top 10 ideas, in all price ranges for your traveler.

1. A Journal: I know we are in the age of computers and Blackberry’s, but sometimes, you want to jot down the name of the awesome sushi spot you found in Montreal. There’s nothing like the feel of a pen in your hand and writing about your adventures abroad. Pocket Journal by Rite in the Rain is a nifty little waterproof notebook that will survive rain, sleet and snow.

2. Subscription to Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel: When you’re sick of reading Cosmo and Men’s Health, check out Budget Travel. Even if you are not a backpacker, you could find some great family fun ideas, romantic getaways or, of course, solo adventures.

3. Cabin Cuddler Patented Travel Blanket & Pillow Combo: Everyone loves something that is compact and versatile. This large travel blanket also has a small pillow. Make sure you don’t miss your stop; you just might sleep too much!

4. Conair CS56 Mini Pro 1/2″ Ceramic Straightener, Black: For the woman who doesn’t want to lug her hair styling products and doesn’t want her frizzy hair to curl up in warmer climates, Conair made the Mini Pro straighter. It is lightweight and does what any $100 straighter can do. I just might buy this to straighten my hair at work!

Don’t worry guys, I didn’t forget about you. Burt’s Bees Natural Mens Travel Kit, Bar soap,0.8-Ounce, Body Wash, 1-Ounce, Shave Cream, 0.5-Ounce, After Shave, 0.5-Ounce, Lip Balm, 0.15-Ounce

One of the most important personal care items to any man is his shaving kit. Burt’s Bees has a nicely compact Travel Kit that has your travel essentials and it smells good too!

5. Shake Awake Vibrating Portable Travel Clock: It’s not like you have to wake up for work or anything, but sometimes, after a long night of partying, you want to make sure you don’t miss your next trip! This portable travel clock vibrates, the way a cellular phone does.

6. CamelBak BPA-Free Better Water Bottle with Bite Valve: This has to be my favorite water bottle in the world. Not only is it BPA free, but it is lightweight, has a bite straw and comes in many sporty colors. Mine is in pink, just so you know!

7. A Food Dehydrator: Because you can only pack so many granola bars, for the ultimate traveler, a food hydrator will preserve anything from fruits to steak. There is a lot of information about how a food dehydrator works, so I would check that out!

8. A Map for Saturday: Tells the story of Brook Silva-Braga, a successful young man who decides to travel the world. I’m sure you’ve heard many stories about young people who do this, but this DVD is a unique documentary that captures the essence of youth backpacking. This is great to watch with your family who might not understand the idea of a backpacker.

9. The Track Your Travels Lighted World Map: A strange and higher end gift for the traveler who wants to show where they have traveled. It is a nifty little map to hang up in your living room.

10. Gift certificate for a Spa: For after they come back! After all that walking, they will need a deep tissue massage!

Happy Holidays from Art of Backpacking!