I wrote this post back in 2015, but now that Christmas 2017 is coming, I thought it would be a great time to update it and share this gift guide for travelers.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Christmas 2015 is over. Let’s just say this gift guide is a little early for Christmas 2016, right? You’ll be so prepared!!!
I’m not a huge gift person…as everyone knows, I am actually the Grinch. But you, YOU! are probably a nice person that likes purchasing nice things for nice people in your life. If you know someone that is a traveler, is a wannabe traveler, or will be traveling in the future, I compiled a gift guide for travelers that will make awesome gifts for them, from stocking stuffers to really nice gifts. All of these things are things that I use and love and have made my time in Madrid and traveling around easier and more comfortable. (In no particular order) Enjoy!
1 // Travel-size towel. Ask me how many times I have traveled without a towel? Twice. Ask me how many times I rented one from the hostel? Once. Ask me how many showers I have taken a shower and then used toilet paper to dry myself? You do the math. A nice, quick-drying towel is a great gift!
2 // Quality, easy-to-use lock for a suitcase. This goes without explaining, but I recommend buying a lock with a code as opposed to a key because keys get lost…
A quality lock to take on trips for use in hostels. Some hostels don’t provide locks, so always bring your own.
3 // Nice toiletry bag. I use a small plastic one (shown in #5), but a nice bag for toiletries can make a good gift…bonus if you fill it.
4 // Neck pillow. For all that extra traveling on trains, planes and buses! Don’t get them a cheap one with little beads, as they don’t provide enough support. Get them a quality pillow. Unless, of course, you don’t actually like the person. Then go ahead and get one with beads.
5 // Complete carry-on toiletry kit. I bought one the day before leaving the U.S and have used it on every trip. Include: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a disposable razor, lotion, chap stick, deodorant, face wash, a fold-able toothbrush, mini toothpaste, small comb, and anything else they may use. Also, include an EMPTY carry-on size (3.4 oz) liquid container. This way, they can put their favorite product in it. I have yet to find these containers in any regular stores in Madrid, but they sell them at Bed Bath and Beyond.
6 // A DSLR. if you really want to get a nice gift. I love my DSLR and while it is big and bulky, the pictures and memories it captures on each adventure is worth the hassle. Try checking Craigslist for a lightly used DSLR. They are sold at a fraction of the retail price, but you can find them almost completely new. My DSLR is over $700 brand new, but I bought it for less than $300. I have a Nikon D5100. Does not include a lens. (Extra: if someone you know likes photography and already has a camera, you can get them camera equipment such as tripods or a fancy new lens).
7 // Quality carry-on bag. My friends and roommates should laugh at this because my current carry-on bag situation is pretty bad, but I know a quality bag can go a long way. Something with space, pockets, quality zippers, wheels. Just make sure it meets carry-on regulations for airlines like RyanAir and WizAir.
8 // Point-and-shoot camera. This is for the people that you actually like because a nice camera can be expensive. A small point-and-shoot is a great option for traveling because they take nicer pictures than a phone, but is much easier to carry than a DSLR. I don’t have one, but I wish I did.
9 // Light. inexpensive computer. Last year, my parents bought me a small, 2.2 pound ASUS from Best Buy. It was just over $200 and it is AMAZING. It’s doesn’t do any amazing tricks (except it’s touch screen, which I love), but it is probably my favorite thing I brought to Spain. I can take it to school, to cafes, on trips, and more- since it’s so light. I take good care of it and does everything I need it to do. An inexpensive computer really is invaluable when traveling. Think of it this way, I can get 5 of these computers for the price of your MacBook Pro…and they do the same thing.
10 // Travel guide book. These books are awesome for travel information, accommodation, restaurant and tourist site information. Recommendations: Rick Steves or Lonely Planet. Rick Steves offers a “no frills” perspective and makes great recommendations. My brother got me Rick Steves’ Spain 2015 book for my birthday and it has gotten plenty of use!
11 // Camera case. To protect those expensive cameras!
12 // Passport holder. It just protects your passport and maybe makes it easier to keep track of…especially when traveling.
Bon Voyage!!! (And Merry Chrsitmas 2016!)
*Post idea courtesy of Ollin. Thank you!
Let me know if this gift guide helps you make any travelers happy!
