We asked you... what are the best travel-related gifts you have given or received? What's on your wish list?
And you let us know.
So this year's Travel Gift Guide not only includes the products that Tracey and I love and some great trip ideas from our sponsors but also the travel gifts that you've enjoyed giving, loved receiving or have on your wishlist.
I don't believe in being weighed down by a lot of stuff. But we all travel differently. What's a "must-have" for a backpacker is different from that of an urban traveler which is different again from a... well, you get the idea. What I do believe in is investing in travel experiences and the things that make travel more enjoyable.
It's the holiday season. December is a month of gift giving. This is the time that we update our Travel Gift Guide to inspire you with new gift ideas for the travelers in your life and help you create a list and ask for what you really want. And, it may be time to give a gift to yourself as well. Let's get on with the gift ideas.
Packing Products
Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Cube Set - 2pc An organizer with extra zipper for compression. Recommended by Ursula
Peak Design Backpack 20. For my camera, lenses, kindle/laptop. Lots of pockets. Weatherproof. Recommended by Michelle
Travel Toiletry Bottles BPA Free, Squeezable, Refillable 10 pack. Canadian price high so buy from Amazon.com.
Foldable Duffle Bag A foldable bag for extra space going home. Recommended by Kay
The Demi-Hugger helps attach other bags to your roller bag. Or the cheaper bag bungee.
Recommended by Tracey & Debbie
Solo Traveler Luggage Tag A subtle way of recognizing other members of the community.
Lowe Alpine Carry-on. Recommended by Lee (I can't find it in Canada at a decent price. - JW)
20" Swissgear Spinner I find Swissgear durable and affordable. There's a 28" too. Recommended by Janice
Happy holidays from Clothing Arts
90,000+ travelers have chosen to travel smarter with our secure pockets. We have stopped 60+ pick-pocket attempts – that we know about! Pick-Pocket Proof ® Clothing offers innovative pocket design, technical fabrics, and everyday style to create the ultimate solo travelwear. Designed by travelers for travelers, our Pick-Pocket Proof ® designs layer multiple levels of security on all of your pockets.
Save 20% on Signature group tours 8 days or longer
Enjoy exciting days and comfortable nights with an exclusive discount on Signature group tours offered by On The Go Tours. Pick your perfect guided trip of 8 days or longer to destinations ranging from Cambodia to Peru, China to Egypt, Morocco to Vietnam. Book by January 15th for 20% off the tour price and simply quote Solo Traveler Blog at time of booking.
Joy in Kenya! Join “Women’s Journey to Kenya,” a 16-day travel experience created for the heart! With host, Linda Higdon, you will step into the joyful daily life of Kenyan women in their villages, tea fields, and ancient lands. This is a chance to be part of women’s lives from halfway around the world. You’ll stay in 4-star luxury at the Fairview Hotel, a beautiful historic British lodge in Nairobi’s center. You’ll see magnificent wildlife and have time with the group and private time. There are only 2 spaces left for the February 2018 trip and we are now booking for July 2018.
Northwest India Textile Tour 
100% Knit Silk Undergarments for Men & Women
Kim Allan Silk Undergarments are made from 100% Knit Silk, a versatile, light weight, fast drying, warm and easy to care for fabric ideal for the high paced and active solo traveller. Please enjoy an ADDITIONAL 5% OFF already marked down items with the code: SOLO5. Happy Solo Travels!
Uniqlo's down vests and jackets
Recommended by Ursula & Rosanne Similar products available on Amazon.
I love my Marmot Jacket It took me 15 years to wear out my first. Recommended by Janice
Running Buddy strapless fanny pack. Stays on your waste with magnets on both sides of the wallet. Recommended by Trish
Smartwool Socks Keep your feet dry in hot and cold weather. The only socks I wear. Recommended by Michelle.
ExOfficio Kizmet Cap Sleeve Dress This is a perfect travel dress. Recommended by Dale
ExOfficio Camisole. Great to dress up under jacket or cardigan or for an extra layer of warmth.
Brave Betty Travel Bra for keeping your passport, etc., safe. Recommended by Janet.
Ecco sandals. Stable for lots of walking but look great too. Recommended by Elizabeth
Scrubba Wash Bag Clean clothes wherever you are. Recommended by Heather and Cheri
LadyP, LadyCup, LadyPad. Feminine products for women who travel. Recommended by Ilona
ExOfficio Quick Dry Underwear for Women and Men Highly recommended by many readers.
Portable Clothes Line If you're going to wash your clothes you'll need some place to hang them.
BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer Dual-voltage so it works worldwide, and it's a powerful. Recommended by Sari
Travel-Size Heating Pad Recommended by Cheryl as it helps her sore back when traveling.
Collapsible Diffuser helps avoid frizz. Lightweight, fits all 2" hair dryers.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader This one has a built-in light and can be connected to WiFi. Recommended by Carmel Canadians click here.
Anker 20000mAh Portable Charger Ultra-High Capacity: Doesn't just top up your device. Can fully charge many times. Requested by many readers
Cover for your Kindle. It comes in lots of colors and designs. Recommended by Janice
Universal Power Adapter with 2 USB Charger Ports. Requested by many readers.
GoPro Hero 6, Black A lot video capability packed into a pocket-sized camera. Recommended by Janice
Road Atlas I like a road Atlas for planning and also as a souvenir of all my road trips. I highlight each trip I've taken in the atlas in a different color. Recommended by Janice
AAA's compact Road Trip Kit has 76 safety items including your first aid kit. Recommended by Janice
Healthy snacks for the road. Portion sizes. Makes a nice gift pairing with the Road Atlas. Recommended by Janice
Audible for Audiobooks. On a road trip, I can usually listen to an entire book using Audible. Try Audible free. Recommended by Janice
Travel insurance. I never travel without it. Read this for cost/benefits comparison. Recommended by Janice
Strong VPN Protect your identity while you're on public WiFi. Set up details here. 50% off annual plan Nov 22 - 29. Recommended by Janice
Amazon Gift Card Any amount is a good amount. Recommended by Michelle
Traveling carefree means traveling covered. Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Wondering About Travel Insurance?
- “I just couldn't leave my mother to travel when she got sick. Fortunately, my travel insurance reimbursed me for my flights which was all I had spent to date”
- “I lost my prescription glasses on a hike in the UK. When I got home I was surprised to learn that my travel insurance would pay out up to $300 for them.”
- “I was in Sydney, Australia when a crown popped off a tooth. I had it fixed by a local dentist and recovered the cost from my travel insurance.”
It takes just minutes to buy travel insurance. You could be thankful you did for the rest of your life. Here are two companies to check out.
You can read my full report on travel insurance here: Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must
