10 knock your socks off stocking stuffers for the traveler…

Posted by indietraveler

Posted: December 12, 2009 - 3:47 pm

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The Native Hospital gift shop in Anchorage has great tree ornaments like this one...

It’s so easy to buy little gifts for the traveler with all the fun, affordable and practical things on the market. Check these out.
1. Tripod for point and shoot camera, for the person with a short arm or for use when taking a timed shot.
2. A headlamp. This may sound more like a camper’s delight, but they are so handy when you travel, especially if you are traveling off the beaten path and are walking at night. Of course you can use a headlamp to read in bed or on the plane when the overhead light is way too dim or misdirected.
3. Mini flashlight to use in the middle of the night in your room so you don’t stumble or think the closet is the bathroom. (Don’t laugh, I’ve done that.)
4. Leg money pouch, to deter wise crooks. I do know a couple that had to take off all their clothes when they were robbed, but what are the chances if you’re in a crowd.
5. Travel Alarm Clock. I think a girl or guy for that matter can never have too many travel clocks. When I’m not on the road, I set one for the time in Denver where my daughter lives and one for Nebraska where my mother and brother live. Make sure it has a face that lights in the dark.
6. Small folding travel bag. I always carry a small collapsible bag to put items in when I shop or to put items from my carryon into for easier access on the plane. That way I don’t leave my glasses case in the seat pocket nor do I have to lug down my carryon from the overhead rack to get my book or something else I need. I pack the small bag in the gate area and put my purse in it too.
7. TSA combination locks for your luggage. Like alarm clocks a traveler can never have too many. Use them to lock your checked luggage and also your carryon luggage. That way if the security dudes lose, cut or destroy the lock on your checked bag, you have an extra and don’t have to pay inflated airport prices. I always have at least two extra locks along. I also put them on my backpack and camera case too. Better to be paranoid than plundered is my motto.
8. A neck pillow. I love my beanie neck pillow. No matter what kind of airline seat I’m in, my head never feels comfortable . Plus my beanie neck pillow doubles as a bed pillow if I don’t like the one provided by my hotel.
9. A plug adapter. I take a travel hairdryer ($10 at Wal-Mart) and flat iron on trips. Plus I have a variety of electronic chargers for various things and love the new multi-plug adapters.
10. Travel Blankee. Since many airlines no longer provide pillows or blankets due to the Swine Flu epidemic, you can pack your own. An alternative for the ladies is to wear a shawl. It works great as a cover and looks trendy slung over your shoulder.

Well that’s my top ten for this year. Have anything to add? Post a comment below or e-mail me through the question box on the right.