
Picture yourself in a hammock, swaying lazily in the shade of two palm trees; the ocean waves fold into the compacted sand of the beach in a syncopated rhythm with the ropes of the hammock. What could be better? How about a cold drink within reach and a good book to keep you company? Did I mention that it’s snowing back home and you won’t have to return until the snow melts? Okay, this is a dream, but since we’re dreaming, let’s continue dreaming up gift ideas for the traveler.
Books for the traveler
For the wanderers amongst us; lace up your hiking boots and read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a book by author Cheryl Strayed.
For those who wish beyond the moon and the stars, how about An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Canada’s Commander Chris Hadfield?

Pocket-sized gifts
Does your jet set traveler need a snazzy new passport cover?
For the times you want to leave your purse behind, but still have your passport, cell phone and money at your disposal, consider The Girly Go Garter. This sexy piece of lingerie is pick-pocket proof and this lace garter with pockets is priced at an affordable $29.95.
Are you tired of asking strangers to take a picture of you when traveling solo? The Looq remote shutter supports most iPhones and Androids, is lightweight – 3.8 oz – and doesn’t require batteries. Plug the phone into the Looq slot, plug the wire into the earphone jack and you are ready to go. $69.99.
Travel apparel and gear
Some people travel with their favorite pillow, I travel with my dog and take along her dog bed. The Molly Mutt duvet is portable and works like a stuff sack. I bring along clean dog towels, fill the duvet with the towels and simple-as-that, Molly Mutt dog duvet turns into dog’s best friend bed.
Speaking of beds; my job as a travel writer has me on the road a lot. I love a hotel room with an excellent mattress and good quality sheets. Imagine my delight when I learned that Home2 bedding sells their micro fiber, quick drying sheets online. Starting at $68.
Many of you know that I specialize in equestrian travel writing. For me, cowboy boots are not a fashion statement, they are required gear for any horseback riding vacation. My pick for a solid pair of boots, Justin Boots handcrafted in the USA.
With 19 pockets, the Scottevest Puffer jacket is a travel lovers dream coat. Designed for men, and the 17 pocket Lola jacket for women, this 100% quilted nylon jacket is iPad compatible and will keep you warm in cold weather, while still being lightweight.

Ultimate travel destination
Now that you have your cowboy boots and your Scottevest jacket, hop on an airplane to Missoula, Montana and book the ultimate luxury vacation at The Ranch at Rock Creek. This Relais Chateaux property offers deluxe rooms in Granite Lodge, individual houses – ideal for families and canvas cabins for the ultimate glamping experience.
Santa, if you are reading this, please bring me a pair of Justin AQHA Remuda black quill ostrich boots. I leave for a trip to Texas in January. What’s on your holiday list?
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Another great gift idea for someone that travels all the time is something that will occupy their time while traveling. A great book, a game, or anything else that they are interested in and can travel with easily is a good idea.
@Hunter
You might like the books I have recommended.
I think it depends upon the interest of traveler. IPod for listening to songs, dry fruit/chocolate for eating 😀 and much more options.
Great tips. Now that Xmas is so near, we are all in need for great gifts ideas.
Great list of gifts! I’m coveting those boots.
Best ever travel gifts received when I was 21 –
The best travel backpack ever – fit under airplane seats (just if stuffed full), comfortable, convertible for checking. Wore to shreds over 20 years of backpacker travel.
Lightweight down sleeping bag for hostels, train trips and summer camping. 30+ years and I still use it.
@Karla
I love that your favorite travel gifts are ones you are able to use – and continue to use today!
@Donna
These Justin boots would look perfect on you in Montana!
@Cipri
I’m glad my holiday gift list was helpful to you!
Hey Nancy,
Brilliant gift ideas.Thanks for sharing.This will help me for my travel freak friends 🙂
the girlie go garter looks interesting! LOL interesting ideas- not the typical stuff you see across the travel websites. Thanks for sharing!
@Lina
I’m going to give the Girlie Go Garter to my 21 yo daughter. I think it sounds like a great way to go out dancing without a purse!
These are really great gifts and also useful to one. Thanks for the great ideas.
Thank you for sharing this great post. I really enjoyed reading it; it’s very informative. Keep up the great work!
I think the best gift for travel is music. You can enjoy your travel with music and make some dancing steps on your seat. It’s a little bit funny, but several travelers are doing this and I am too.
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