The folks at Going Global have traveled the world over; our Executive Producer has been on every continent (yup, all seven of ‘em) and over one hundred countries. With a traveling record like this, you run into a lot of gadgets and travel ‘solutions’. While apps and gadgets definitely top this teams’ list, here are our 10 best travel-gift suggestions, from the $5 stocking stuffer to the gift for the high-end traveler with everything, we’ve definitely run the expanse here:
1.) Clean It Up
This qualifies as a stocking stuffer, more than a gift, but is definitely something every seasoned traveler has needed or appreciated at one time or another. Travel laundry soap. We recommend Travelon Soap Sheets or Tide has a handy compact size; both are TSA carry-on compliant and simple to use.
Check out Amazon.com to find.
2.) Personalized It – Inexpensively
Unique personalized luggage tags! We found these at www.personalizationmall.com, but there are many to choose from online. Personal, easy to spot in the airport and inexpensive, a gift that’s great as a stocking stuffer or to give with a piece of luggage.
3.) Light a Fire Under It
For the outdoorsy traveler, a good fire lighter can be great for camping or even in an emergency. This Swedish Army firesteel is guaranteed to create sparks even in wet weather and lasts for about 12 000 strikes. Available in the UK at www.theglamcompany.com.
4.) The Perfect Travel Adapter
Swiss World Travel Mains Adapter with USB Port; this handy, compact and super useful (Covers more than 150 Countries) travel adapter rocks. Has a USB port and allows even the most adept globetrotter to plug in wherever they are.
5.) The Easiest Travel Keyboard
Waterproof, flexible (rolls up), compact and versatile; this Bluetooth Keyboard is a travel-techie’s dream. Easily works with iPad or Iphone 4G+, Windows Mobile 6.0+ and Android Smartphones, in less than 30 seconds. Inexpensive and available at www.brookstone.com .
6.) Travel Garment Steamer
Wrinkled clothes are the scourge of every traveler from business to leisure; and a steamer needs to be compact, lightweight and work well. This Conair Tx184gs pro Garment Steamer simply takes 10 minutes and comes with a folding handle to cut down on suitcase space. It features worldwide dual voltage that will work anywhere.
7.) Get Around In Style
Samsonite boasts that this is “the ultimate ride-on luggage”; the Micro Samsonite Luggage Travel Scooter is great for navigating airport crowds and then conveniently folds up. Not recommended for drag racing.
8.) Love Your Carry On
Perfectly sized and efficient carry-on luggage is the best way to travel. The Going Global team loves TUMI, those of us that don’t have it yet have our eye on the Alpha International Zippered Expandable Carry-on (Style #: 22020). This perfect sized carry-on bag allows you to hang dresses and jackets and has various compartments to keep work clothes, casual and evening wear separate.
9.) Luggage That Keeps Up
HOP! The suitcase that follows you! (Prototype only, sorry) is probably the luggage news of the year! Spanish designer Rodrigo Garcia Gonzalez has created a prototype of a carry-on suitcase that follows its owner, as long as they don’t go up or down stairs. How does it work? Inside the suitcase are three receivers that triangulate Bluetooth signals coming from the owner’s cell phone; a micro-controller uses the signals to calculate where the phone is and follows the direction of the phone. Our team can’t wait until this cool gadget hits the market!
10.) You Can’t Have Everything (Or Can You?)
The high-end traveler that actually does have it all, probably “needs” their own private Island, for pristine, private traveling pleasure. This little baby is currently listed in North New York State.
Petra Island is an 11-acre private island, complete with a Frank Lloyd Wright original cottage, and is located just 47 miles north of New York City. The Island sits in Lake Mahopac in Putnam County, New York. If you’re giving the perfect gift, it includes a 5,000-square-foot main residence, a guest cottage (which Frank Lloyd Wright completed himself) and an artist’s studio. This can be yours to give (or keep) for a mere $20 million, simply visit ahalife.com and add it to your shopping cart!
