Holiday time means finding just the right gift for the traveler on your list. Here are five suggestions.
1. Just say cheese: Capture essential family vacation memories with the small and stylish Coby Snapp Mini Camcorder. Easy to use and carry, the pocket-size video camera has a flip-out, side-screen feature, enabling the whole family to be included in on-the-move portraits. Included is Muvee software, which makes it easy to upload your travel videos, complete with music, to YouTube for quick and easy sharing. 800-727-3592;
2. A little inspiration. Are the would-be travelers in your world visual learners? If so, treat them to Lonely Planet’s image-rich resource for global inspiration. The Travel Book offers 817 images alongside compelling text, tempting the most hesitant explorer to book a flight to one or more of the 229 countries and destinations included within this popular book’s second edition. For a limited time, buy two books and get one free.
3. Wild and woolly. If you’re headed to cold country, warm your hands with these amusing, handmade mittens crafted from Australian farm wool. Keep fingers toasty during your journey while telling stories about and with your predator-and-prey mittens. Part puppet, part hand-warmer, choose from sets that include wolf versus sheep and lion versus gazelle. Sizes available for kids and kids at heart.
4. Experiences preferred: The adventurer on your list might appreciate credit toward a future trip more than any material item. Consider a gift certificate that gets your favorite explorer out the door. For example, Grant Thompson, owner of Tofino Expeditions, an Oregon-based outfitter serving up global kayaking expeditions, offers gift certificates for his trips. Pay in full, and he’ll guarantee against a price increase. 800-677-0877;
5. Fit travelers: Staying healthy on the road can be a challenge for even the most committed fitness buff. Your favorite exercise-challenged explorer might appreciate the Fit Kit Travel, a portable combo pack that includes a jump rope, tubing and nutrition tips, plus access to an online library of more than 250 exercises. Also included: a reflective armband, an ID tag and a pedometer. Looking for a lightweight and low-cost solution? The Body Works Band weighs just a few ounces and has a series of exercises printed directly on the expanding resistance band. ;
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes: lohayes@FamilyTravel.com
