Perfect Presents for Travelers

Travelers love their gear; items that make traveling easier, safer, and smoother. Here are some perfect presents for travelers in your life (hint: Christmas is coming)! They fit many budgets and purposes – there’s something for everybody here.

TRAVEL GEAR

Here’s some miscellaneous travel gear for safety, health, and convenience:

Collapsible Water Bottles

Vapur calls them “anti-bottles”, and they’re the best water bottles I’ve used in my eight years of full-time travel. They’re ultralight, easy to drink from, and when empty they roll up to fit in your pocket. They even make one with a built-in filtration system – perfect for places where the water isn’t potable. (I have a regular bottle and one with a filter).

SteriPEN

Speaking of water filters, if the water is dodgy, don’t waste your money on bottled water (which also creates massive waste): use a SteriPEN. The handheld UV purification system kills all bad things in water so you can chug-a-lug with peace of mind (and stomach).

Headlamp

Headlamps are lightweight and kick out a powerful punch when hiking/camping, navigating at night, reading in bed, and even manoeuvring an unknown hallway to the bathroom.

Universal Travel Adaptor with Surge Protector

This is invaluable for travelers with electronics, since outlets vary around the world. Although you can buy country-specific (ie: US to UK) adaptors, I prefer a universal adaptor allowing me to plug any type of plug into any outlet. Look for one with a built-in surge protector, so a power surge doesn’t fry your computer or cell phone.

TRAVEL SAFETY

Here’s how to keep your stuff safe while traveling:

Passport Wallet

Protect your passport from the elements when you’re not actively traveling, and protect it from mischief while you’re in transit (especially if it has an RFID blocker). Seasoned travelers stick to routine so they don’t lose anything in the shuffle, and a passport wallet helps keep everything in check.

StashBelt

After having a substantial amount of cash stolen, I now keep extra cash in my Stashbelt – a unique take on a money belt that also incorporates a USB stick on which I store (encrypted) sensitive information and document copies. (Here’s a review of the Stashbelt and my USB stick trick).

Undercover Hidden Pocket

If a belt is not your thing, you might want an undercover pocket, as recommended by other professional travelers.

CLOTHING

Here are some travel-friendly clothing and shoes for style and comfort:

Compression Socks

My feet swell when flying, and often remain that way for days. Compression socks abate that problem, and also give my legs and feet some pep when exercising or hiking.

Anatomie Style

Anatomie Style makes designer travel clothing for women, and almost my entire full-time travel wardrobe is Anatomie clothing. It’s lightweight, wrinkle-free, and super stylish. Here’s more on why it’s my favorite travel clothing.

Encircled

What I don’t have from Anatomie, I have from Encircled. They make sustainable travel clothing that can be worn a multitude of ways so you can get more miles out of your limited travel wardrobe.

Ultralight Hiking Shoes

My VivoBarefoot trail running shoes work perfectly for light hiking expeditions (including multi-day mountain treks), saving the weight and bulk of hiking boots. VivoBarefoot carries a variety of styles, from street shoes to full hiking boots.

Pick-Pocket-Proof Pants

Clothing Arts makes pick-pocket-proof pants (for men and women) with ingeniously-designed pockets to keep your stuff safe while traveling.

PACKING

Pack light and effectively with these multi-functional tools:

Hoboroll

The Hoboroll organizes and compresses a massive amount of stuff, and is largely responsible for my ability to travel full-time with carry-on luggage only. You can even use it as a standalone bag for the gym, day trips, and more.

Carry-On Luggage

My current carry-on luggage of choice is the PacSafe TourSafe 21; it’s light and sturdy, with lots of anti-theft features. I’ve used backpacks, wheeled backpacks, and now this; here’s how to choose the best luggage for your needs.

Ultralight Day Pack

The Antimatter Pack fits into your luggage, and pulls out of its own pocket for day trips and excursions. For a larger, more rugged version, I use the DryComp Summit Sack for multi-day expeditions and even as carry-on luggage for short trips.

TECHNOLOGY

Stay in touch (and take great pictures) with these tools:

Camera/Smartphone Combo

I replaced my semi-professional camera and iPhone with the Nokia Lumia 1020 which has a top-of-the-line 41 megapixel camera and full smartphone capabilities. I chose it after extensively testing the two best smartphone cameras on the market (here’s my comparison).

International SIM Card

International SIM cards save costly roaming fees, and the hassle of buying local SIM cards. They’re great if you plan on visiting a lot of countries and want a US/Canadian number to stay in touch with family/friends at home.

TOILETRIES ETC.

Stay squeaky clean with these tools that go the extra mile:

Magic Toothbrush

The Soladey ion5 Oxygenating Toothbrush not only uses half as much toothpaste, but you don’t actually need toothpaste – or water! It’s great where the water is dodgy, or camping, and normal daily use for a super-sonic clean mouth. I skeptically tried one and now I won’t use anything else.

Solid Shampoo

Lush makes natural toiletries including solid shampoos, conditioners, soaps, moisturizers, and more. Their compact solid shampoo foams up like normal, and lasts ten times as long.

Travel Towel

A travel towel works as a full bath towel, but is a fraction of the size and weight, and drys in a jiff. Great for hostels, camping, the beach, and more.

I’ve used all of these travel tools and gadgets, and swear by them. For everything that I pack as a full-time traveler, check out this packing list.

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Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn is The Professional Hobo: a full-time traveler and freelance writer. Having sold her business and belongings to travel, she has been on the road since 2007. She travels in a financially sustainable manner, specializing in creative travel strategies like getting free accommodation and flying in business class for less than economy prices; all the while earning income with her location independent career.

As a former Certified Financial Planner, she is financially responsible for her actions along the way. She believes there is a fine balance between planning for tomorrow, and living for today.

She has penned the book How to Get Free Accommodation Around the World, is contributing author to the book 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget, and a regular columnist for Wise Bread, Transitions Abroad, Credit Walk and many other publications.