The holiday season is upon us and there are deals all over the Internet as well as gift guides on every travel blog. But how do you know what to get the traveler in your life? I realize how hard to shop for I am, so I’ve compiled a list of products I think my fellow traveling females will enjoy. There are a few affiliate links embedded within this post, but they allow me to buy Christmas gifts for my family :)
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Journal
Not only are journals a cheap and easy gift, your solo traveler will use it to collect their thoughts, take down information like directions to their hostel and let their friends write them notes inside. As a solo traveler, my journal was the only thing that remained constant every day in my life.
Moleskine is my favorite brand of journal because of their durability and many color choices. Many come with pockets in the back to keep ticket stubs and receipts. Moleskine Ruled Notebook Large is just the right size to throw in your bag and has a sturdy rubber band to keep the pages together.
Books
I love giving and receiving books for holidays. I am a self confessed bookworm and the two packed bookcases in my room prove it further. Solo travelers use books to give them advice and to keep them entertained on long journeys. Here are a few that I recommend.
Guidebooks
Earlier this year I reviewed Go! Girl Guides Thailand. They make great guidebooks for women. I also recommend titles from Rick Steves and of of course, Lonely Planet. Rick Steves’ Europe Through the Back Door 2013: The Travel Skills Handbook is the ideal starter book for anyone traveling to Europe for the first time.
Narratives
I read travel narratives in my free time and I’ve read some good ones this year. Radio Shangri-La: What I Discovered on my Accidental Journey to the Happiest Kingdom on Earth was by far my favorite, which I reviewed for Her Packing List. I also recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Into the Air by Jon Krakauer.
Cosmetics
Don’t worry. Buying makeup as a gift for someone doesn’t mean that you’re saying they need it. Most people prefer to pick out their own cosmetics, but there are a few items you can stuff in your solo traveler’s stocking to keep them looking their best.
I had the chance to review some of Lush’s products and fell in love with two in particular. The Ultrabalm is a live saver on long-haul flights. You can rub it into your dry lips, cracked skin or the nails you won’t stop biting. I’m also a fan of the Solid Perfume in the orange blossom scent.
I like to pack perfume but don’t like dealing with liquids restrictions or worry about spillage and breakage inside my bag. This solid stick of perfume can be rubbed onto your wrists, neck or wherever you like it.
Gear
XShot 2.0 Camera Extender keeps you from having those awkward arm self portraits. You can attach nearly any camera, including your GoPro or cell phone.
Safety
We never want anything bad to happen to us when we’re traveling but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. My parents bought me pepper spray when I went off to college and (thank God) I’ve never had to use it.
Jodi from Legal Nomads recommends carrying a 120db Electronic Pocket Whistle makes them feel safer and it doesn’t take up much room. I wouldn’t recommend traveling with pepper spray as it is illegal in many places and you cannot get it through the airport, which is why this whistle is a good alternative.
There are also personal GPS systems that hikers use to alert someone back home if something goes awry. I also recommend an app that checks in with your contact person when you arrive at your destination.
Clothing
ExOfficio Women’s Chica Cool Hoody is one of my favorite clothing items for travel. When I put mine on one morning in Portugal, my fellow blogger Kristin came downstairs wearing the same hoodie in a different color! I love the jacket‘s thumb holes, hood and front pocket. I’m also a fan of their dresses, particularly ExOfficio Women’s Go-To Tank Dress, which goes with practically anything. Female travelers will love the versatility of this item.
Etcetera
Not sold on any of these ideas? How about a set of MooCards with your traveler’s name and email or address to hand out to new friends to keep in touch. I also recommend an ID case so you don’t have to carry around your passport and all your important documents every time you go out. Just throw in your hostel keycard, driver’s license, Oyster card and a little bit of cash.
memographer says
I am expecting a Scratch Personalized World Map :)
Regarding Safety, I would recommend using a smartphone app. My family uses free Life360 app for tracking family members. You can see everybody on a live map. It can use GPS or/and Cell Towers. There are many useful options available in the app. The ALERT (when you tap it) sends emails, SMS, and makes calls to the provided list of recipients and includes your location.
Jackie says
These are all fun ideas! I have a few Lush items on my list for my upcoming trip & the two you mentioned here look awesome, so I am going to point my mother in this direction…
Lindsey says
Great ideas! I love Lush – the solid shampoos are amazing. I just ordered a new one that I haven’t tried before and can’t wait for it to arrive to just smell it. Their stuff is heavenly.