Gifts for the Traveler

For those of you traveling over the holidays or for those who are planning a future trip, there are some innovative and practical products that should be added to your packing list and to your Christmas wish list. From portable tripods to inspirational frames to capture vacation memories, there is something for all who are dreaming of a vacation this holiday season.

GorillaPod Flexible SLR Tripod with Bubble Level

My favorite product for travelers this season is X-treme Geek’s GorillaPod Flexible Tripod. No more asking strangers “can you take a photo for me?” This unique travel accessory is a must to pack along any day trips or longer journeys as it is compact and its’ flexibility allows you to take the perfect shot just about anywhere. Compatible with both cameras and video cameras, you can actually be in front of the lense for a change and will have a much more complete video and photo album upon return. Buy it here and readers are eligible to receive free shipping when they enter code GiftFS at checkout.

Inspirational Photo Frames with Recording Option

Another gift idea topping my list are products by Inspirational Gift Gallery, which offers a variety of frames, including one designed for grandparents and loved ones, suitable to keep vacation memories alive, both in photos and voice. These display frames have a recording function where multiple messages can be captured providing a new way to say “wish you were here” or to feature a few of your favorite memories. This is especially creative to include kids by asking them what their favorite part of the vacation was or a special greeting for a loved one.

Cruising Caddy

BVT Products offers the perfect solution for travelers who want to stay hydrated, but also have quick access to keys, phones, cameras and other necessities. The Cruising Caddy is compact and utilizes a shoulder strap, leaving hands free to take photos or video or to participate in other vacation activities. No need for a large backpack with the Cruising Caddy. It even comes with a sleeve to keep your water bottle cool when exploring your vacation destinations. Do not let the name fool you, as this compact case is perfect for beach-goers, hikers and other travelers on the go.

Caboodles Travel Case

Remember the classic Caboodles® from the 80’s? Well, the company continues to design cost-effective travel cases for women on the go who have style, yet appreciate functionality and organization. New is the In My Case^TM product which features a funky, modern design - launched and is available for purchase in Ulta and Target. There are removable storage panels, dividers and other necessities to keep all of a gal’s beauty products on hand, especially when traveling.

Motorola Talkabout MJ270

Skiing this season or taking a cruise or traveling with kids? Then, be sure to not leave home without the new Motorola Talkabout MJ270 two-way radios, which operate in many areas not covered by cell phones. These radios give a sense of independence for the younger travelers, but a large sense of safety for the parents-and all without roaming fees. With a range of 27 miles, this device offers many other useful functions including NOAA weather alerts, hands-free operation, an Emergency alert button, charging from the car and the computer. These can be purchased at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Home Depot, online and other places. Personally, I can’t wait to try these out on our next cruise as our phones never work and I know how useful these would have been on my many ski trips to Whistler, Park City and other great winter destinations.

Corel Digital Studio 2010

What to do with the photos and videos taken on vacations? There is a software program that boasts ease of use for taking photos and videos and making quick edits, creating a personalized movie, or even creating that must-have photo book or calendar. The Corel Digital Studio 2010 makes it fun to preserve vacation memories, prompts you to relive your 2009 vacations and inspires you for upcoming trips. This gift idea encourages the photographer to advance to the next level with working with video. I have always worked with my vacation photos electronically, but have never had luck with video work as I have always been overwhelmed with “what” to do, so I can not wait to put this software to the test.  Corel Digital Studio is available at www.corel.com and Amazon and at leading retailers including Best Buy, Fry’s Electronics and Micro Center.

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Whether you are celebrating the holidays at home or away, there are many gifts that inspire travel. National Geographic and LIFE are synonymous with travel and this season there are many gift ideas to delight travelers of all ages.  Travel books to wines all top the list of stirring the travel senses.

Food Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe

Culinary travel is a growing niche for the travel industry and this fabulous coffee table book will not leave you hungry. In fact, you can eat across continents while perusing Food Journeys of a Lifetime without gaining a pound. Sharing food and beverage stories often tops the vacation memories shared upon return. Explore Cusco’s Christmas Market where this Christmas Eve, Peruvians will gather and shop for their yuletide feasts. Indulge as you sample the top 10 cheese tours of France, which of course, must be experienced with a glass of vino. Learn about the most unusual food festivals such as Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas or the Ice Cream Expo in Japan.

LIFE Wonders of the World

If a photo says a thousand words, then LIFE Wonders of the World coffee-table sized photography book is a trillion visual stories of manmade and natural adventures around the world. As you travel from the Coliseum to the auroras borealis and australis - the northern and southern lights you feel as though you could just reach out and touch these stunning destinations and sights. Presented in a gallery format, there are even removable prints that can be framed. Unlike when touring an art gallery, this personal tour is complete with educational descriptions. A perfect family gift, learning about the 50 Wonders will educate children, but most importantly, will stimulate them to explore and experience these and other travel marvels. 

JUST Learning about Wine Pack

Traveling to California’s wine country is a romantic retreat, but are you overwhelmed about the different wine varieties and distinguishing between a merlot and a pinot noir? Help is here from Justin Vineyards & Winery, located in a hot California wine region, Paso Robles. This holiday season, give the gift of wine with a private wine education. Coupled with a bottle of the winery’s 2008 Chardonnay and a bottle of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, recipients will also receive Red and White, a book covering wine basics starting at the vineyard and traveling through the winery process to the eventual bottle. After enjoying the gift pack, plan a trip to sample your way through wine country!

Animal Holiday DVD

Animal Holiday DVD is the next “March of the Penguins” as kids travel from Santa’s home to the South Pole with the jolly soul himself and his animal friends. These winter adventures are educational as well as viewers learn about reindeer, otters, polar bears and other winter creatures.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010

On a junior level, National Geographic has compiled the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2010 featuring over 500 images, interesting facts and tidbits, activities and more. Kids will get lost exploring the United States, go to Egypt, go Down Under, dive into the Arctic, travel to Europe and more. The layout of this book is quick and easy to navigate and is chalk full of interesting insights that will stimulate kids of all ages to want to travel outside of the book and into life.

Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys

What is a Christmas without a stuffed animal under the tree? Mama Mirabelle Plush Toys bring the PBS show “Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies” to life. Reminiscent of Madagascar, there are baby animals (an elephant, zebra, and a cheetah cub) to help guide kids through African adventures. Many stories await and do not be surprised if your children begin planning a real safari.