A Holiday Gift Guide for Every Travel Personality
You’ve made your list and checked it twice—and still don’t know what to get the travel-lover in your life. Not to worry, Jetset Extra has scoured the Web to find the best gifts for every type of traveler, from the Adventurer to the Business Traveler, to ensure each trip is fun, safe, and made in style.
So, if you need something for…
The Techie Traveler
1. mophie juice pack reserve micro
This keychain-friendly rechargeable battery gives a smartphone power while on the go. mophie also makes a similar device designed to use with the Apple iPhone.
Cost: $39.95
2. EO Travel Collection Hardshell Roller
The new luggage collection from Incase helps keep tech gear safe with a padded computer and tablet compartment, plus an organizer for chargers, cables, and other accessories. Although a black and gray exterior often leads to mix-ups at baggage claim, the rolling luggage’s fluorescent yellow wheels make for easy identification—and a bit of fun.
Cost: $299.95
3. Belkin Wireless Travel Router
Worry no more about sharing an Internet connection with other hotel guests with Belkin’s wireless travel router. The device turns one Ethernet jack into a wireless network for multiple devices, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. It can be password protected and has VPN functionality; plus, it comes with a travel case to safely store the device, its power supply, and an included network cable.
Cost: $80
4. 4G LTE MiFi Liberate
This mobile hotspot with a touchscreen display can connect up to 10 Wi-Fi devices at once. The device is available through AT&T.
Cost: $49.99
5. Timbuk2 Power Commute Messenger Bag
Securely transport a laptop, tablet, and other devices—and keep them charged—with this messenger bag from Timbuk2. The over-the-shoulder sling pack hauls gear and integrates an energy pack for recharging batteries. The Power Commute also includes a TSA-compliant laptop sleeve and organizational pockets.
Cost: $199
1. Tumi Tegra-Lite International Carry-On
Made from Tegris, a polypropylene thermoplastic composite created by Milliken, the Tumi Tegra-Lite is a lightweight, hardside carry-on for those who pack only the essentials. The case includes 360-degree swivel wheels, an X-Brace 45 handle system, integrated TSA-compliant locks, and interior accessory pockets and tie-down straps.
2. Beckel Canvas Necessary Bag
Toiletries, electronics, and other travel necessities are easy to find with this compact bag from Beckel Canvas Products. The bag comes in both small and large sizes to accommodate any need or space restriction.
Cost: $27
3. WanderFolio for iPad
The tri-fold case holds credit cards, passports, plane tickets, and other valuables in six hide-away pockets. An open-close function wakes the iPad up and puts it back to sleep, bumpers keep it safe, and a flexible design allows for multiple viewing angles. The folio, which fits iPad versions 3 and 4, is available from Speck.
Cost: From $69.95
4. Hunter Original Tour Boot
Packing for cold and rainy weather often leads to bulky, heavy bags. Save a bit of space with foldable Wellingtons from British boot company Hunter. These waterproof rubber boots roll into a small, flat package designed to fit in a backpack or purse, helping keep feet dry and bags light.
Cost: $135
5. F1 Paper Soaps
Stay squeaky clean with these lightweight, dissolvable paper soaps from Flight 001. Each compact contains 25 single-use sheets that take up far less space than liquid soap—plus they’re very carry-on friendly.
Cost: $5
The Business Traveler
1. Brookstone 7-Piece Converter Kit
Compatible with most electric shavers, battery chargers, hair dryers, and flat irons, this kit keeps professionals looking sharp while on the go. The converter kit adapts devices in more than 150 countries and is available at Brookstone.
Cost: From $40.99
2. Lenovo Twist Ultrabook Laptop
Frequent travelers will love the lightweight and super-thin Lenovo ThinkPad Twist, the screen of which can rotate 180 degrees to become a fully-functional Windows 8 tablet. The base model comes with 4 GB of RAM and a 1.8 GHz i3 processor, but with a variety of expansion and customization options available, pick the model that’s right for you.
3. Priority Pass Prestige Membership
For the businessperson who seems to spend more time at an airport than at home, the Priority Pass Prestige Membership grants one year of unlimited access to more than 600 VIP airport lounges in more than 100 countries and 300 cities across the world. In addition, cardholders receive privileged access to more than 70 United States Airport VIP Lounges, and complimentary refreshments, snacks, and Internet access; conference space is also available.
Cost: $399; holiday special $339
4. Jawbone Jambox Portable Speaker
With compact, lightweight design, speakers that have the power to a fill a room, and a 10-hour battery life, the portable speaker from Jawbone can do much more than play music. The product’s built-in microphone allows it to also serve as a speakerphone, useful for impromptu business meetings that might come up when on the road. The Jambox comes in a variety of colors and custom designs.
Cost: $199
5. Neiman Marcus Toiletry Bag with Shoehorn
Give the gift of organization with this toiletry bag, which comes complete with its own shoehorn, from Neiman Marcus. Made of brown deerskin, the luxurious bag ensures even the smallest essentials travel in style.
Cost: $190
The Fashionista
1. Tumi Voyageur Bijoux Jewelry Pouch
Organize baubles and bangles with this genius travel accessory from Tumi. Inside the jewelry pouch are multi-size zippered and elastic pouches, ideal for keeping rings secure and necklaces tangle-free.
Cost: $135
2. Cutler & Gross Sunglasses
The classic styles from British cult eyewear designers Cutler & Gross, such as the 1066 Matt Dark Turtle/Honey Tort
tortoiseshell sunglasses, never go out of style, which makes for a perfect travel accessory. Each pair of Cutler & Gross shades is one-of-a-kind; the company hand finishes the eyewear over the course of three weeks in its family-run Italian factory.
Cost: $500
What keeps hands warm and toasty in style? Dainty cashmere warmers from Restoration Hardware. Available in seven colors, the reusable two-ounce gel packs are heated up in boiling water and slipped into pockets and gloves for an ultra-soft and cozy bit of warmth during chilly flights.
Cost: $20
The Adventurer
1. Canada Goose Tremblant Full Zip Hoodie
Pulling double duty as both a jacket and a sweatshirt, the Canada Goose hoodie adds another layer for a variety of weather conditions. Mobile and breathable, the hoodie is perfect for outdoor sports and keeping campers warm on a cold night.
Cost: $325
2. Peak Snow Sled
Designeer Wolfgang Sirch, whose family has been developing wood products for more than 300 years in Germany, has teamed up with sculptor Christoph Bitzer to create a stylish and super-fun sled. Handmade in Bavaria, the sled is a combination of steam-bent solid ash wood, a turned acacia handle, and stainless steel runners. It is available at GSelect.
Cost: $459
3. Mulberry Henry Leather-Trimmed Backpack
Water-resistant, spacious, and durable, the Mulberry backpack found at Mr. Porter also comes with a padded laptop sleeve to help protect essential devices as well as multiple pockets to keep things organized.
Cost: $780
4. Brass Stow-Away Capsule
Outdoorsmen and women can store small valuables in the brass, watertight match safe, found at Best Made. The safe is also topped with an indestructible compass to help keep explorers out of harm’s way.
Cost: $32
The Solo Traveler
1. Owen & Fred Leather Bag Tags
Well-traveled individuals will love the rugged-looking, hand-stamped, vegetable-tanned leather tags that carry such phrases as “This bag is mine” and “This bag is not yours.” The luggage tags are available from Owen & Fred.
Cost: $26
2. Axis iPhone Wallet
The leather Apple iPhone case can consolidate a phone, credit cards, money, and a room key, keeping all the essentials in one place when on the go. The Flight 001 wallet by Hex comes in black and red and features a pivot hinge to create a stand for widescreen viewing.
Cost: $50
3. Sony Digital Noise Cancelling Earbuds
A crying baby on a packed flight is no match for the noise-cancelling ear buds from Sony. The buds might be less bulky than the big ones, but they are no less effective.
Cost: $150
4. LUXE Guides Bespoke Box
Even the savviest traveler needs a good guide. LUXE city guidebooks advise on the best things to see and do in the Europe & the Middle East, Asia, North America, and the Pacific. The company’s Bespoke Boxes can be customized with any five of its world-spanning titles.
Cost: $55
5. The Transport Rucksack
This leather backpack from Madewell keeps travel essentials in a carry-on and on-the-go friendly space. The ruggedly cool rucksack looks great on both men and women.
Cost: $248
The Photographer
1. LC-A+ Silver Lake Camera
This limited edition Lomography camera looks mighty fine in leather and chrome, with a Russian-made Minitar 1 lens for taking dreamy soft-focus photos. The camera comes packaged in a special wooden box and wrapped in map-printed paper.
Cost: $399
2. Samsung Galaxy Camera
Point-and-shoot photographers looking for the next big thing will love the new Samsung camera, with its 16-megapixel sensor, 21x optical zoom, 8GB of built-in storage, and bright 4.8-inch super clear LCD display. Plus, the camera runs an advanced version of the Android operating system (4.1 Jelly Bean), which gives it access to thousands of apps, and has GPS functionality, the ability to give voice commands, and on-board photo editing.
Cost: $499
3. Olloclip for iPhone
The Olloclip camera lens fits onto the iPhone and enhances the capabilities of even the most amateur picture-taker. The lens is available in macro, fisheye, or wide-angle options.
Cost: $69.99
4. GoPro HERO3 Black Edition
Skiers, snowboarders, and other adventure-seekers will flip for the Wi-Fi-equipped camera that can be remote controlled using a smartphone. The newest model of this GoPro camera is 30 percent smaller, 25 percent lighter, and two times more powerful than its predecessors, making it easier to snap shots on the go.
Cost: $399.99
The Family Travelers
1. Auto and Interstate Highway Bingo
Kids are kept occupied on long road trips with cards that have them search for items including trains, trucks, cows, and Corvettes. The game is available from Restoration Hardware.
Cost: $12
2. Google Nexus 7 Android Tablet
Thin and lightweight with 32GB of storage and a beautiful 7-inch display, the Google Nexus 7 Android tablet is made for playtime. Store applications, movies, books, and games downloaded from the Google Play Store and keep the whole family entertained. The tablet battery has enough power to keep it running for up to 10 hours between charges.
Cost: $249
3. Brodmann Blades Ping-Pong Paddle Set
Take the treasured pastime on the road with this slick, ergonomic set designed by Alfred Brodmann and available at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum Shop. The paddle-less handles are worn like gloves, allowing for greater ball control and a more intuitive game for beginners and experts alike.
Cost: $89
4. iHome GlowTunes Portable Rechargeable Mini Speaker
Give every vacation a soundtrack with the lightweight, rechargeable portable iHome speaker, which works with iPhones, iPads, iPods, mp3 players, and laptops. The speaker changes colors as the music plays, making for a fun and entertaining nightlight.
Cost: $25.99
5. F1 Seat Pack
Games, snacks, and other in-flight essentials are easily accessible with the lightweight and durable multi-zip pouch from Flight 001. The pouch includes three front zips, two interior card slots, and a large back zip compartment, as well as a side loop that can hang on the latch of the tray table.
Cost: $28
