Flying Squirrel




A travel gift guide

Judging from the parking lots at local malls, we’re in the midst of the holiday shopping season.

With just days until Christmas, many of us still have people to cross off our gift-giving list. Some might be folks for whom it’s tough to shop. You know the type: “I don’t know what I want, just get me whatever.” Or maybe you want to come up with something unique this year.

In either case, consider a travel themed gift. Everyone goes somewhere, whether it’s around the world or across the state, and travel-related gifts are often indulgences we wouldn’t buy for ourselves.

So if you need some quick ideas, here’s the “Flying Squirrel’s” holiday gift-giving guide. Some books, some gadgets and a few items you can make yourself. And, Santa, if you’re reading, some of these would make great stocking stuffers.

First up, the gadgets. Anyone who flies would appreciate a pair of noise-canceling headphones. I have the old standbys, a cushy-foamed Bose pair. For blocking out crying babies and the monotonous engine drone, they’re wonderful. These days, all the major brands have a noisecanceling option.

Another great travel tech gift involves the smartphone. For those with long traveling days, or those who Facebook every sight they see, consider a phone battery extender. I recently used the Mophie Juice Pack for my iPhone, and despite a long day of photography, I never ran out of volts. Another alternative is a portable battery, which plugs directly into your phone and provides a jolt of juice. Continuing with the smartphone theme, another gift idea is a waterproof case like an Otterbox or Lifeproof. Both allow the recipient to take poolside pictures, or text and tweet in humid and sandy environments, without worrying about damaging their phone.

That’s enough high-tech. How about a few old-school gadget gifts? Consider an umbrella. Travelers can easily find themselves in a place where it rains more often than in Southern California. A great gift idea is a mini-umbrella. Small, lightweight, easily packable and indispensable for unexpected showers.

Another gift everyone would love to have for a long flight is a travel pillow. I have the inflatable, neck-collar type, and it’s always in my flight bag. If your giftee has a red-eye flight and they need to catch some z’s, they’ll thank you for putting this under the tree.

What should you get the traveler in your life who loves to read? Consider a book of travel essays. Authors like Bill Bryson and Paul Theroux take you all over the world through their travel-themed novels.

Theroux is a legendary vagabond whose acclaimed works include “Ghost Train to the Eastern Star,” “Riding the Iron Rooster” and “The Mosquito Coast.” Bryson’s wry, funny observations can be found in “I’m a Stranger Here Myself” and “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.”

A book from the Moleskine series of City Notebooks, for travelers who want to record details about the places they visit, also makes a great gift. These guides are customized for cities worldwide, such as New York, Paris, Kyoto, Rome and Prague, and include helpful inserts like a city map, metro system map and an index for listing important addresses.

Finally, there is perhaps no better gift than a personal one. Consider making your own travel kit, filled with items tailored to the recipient.

For example, a gift for Dad from the kids could be a toiletry kit packed with his favorite items. Purchase a small duffel, then stuff it with travel-size toothpastes, deodorants and such. Kids can even add their own laminated pictures and “We Love You” messages to make their faraway parent feel closer to home.

Guys, you can do the same thing for the ladies in your life. Purchase a nice travel case, then fill it with scented bath soaps, perfumes and luxury items that will make her travels a little more special.

As you can see, gifts don’t have to be expensive. But for anyone in your life who travels—for business, vacation or just a weekend getaway—you can come up with the perfect holiday gift to make their traveling spirits bright.

Got a travel question for the Flying Squirrel? Email him at thor@theacorn.com. Thor is a travel consultant who lives in Thousand Oaks. He can also be reached at www.loveyourvacation.com or (805) 499-8784.



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