Best Gifts for Travelers

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We love to travel to Europe, and have found that there are certain things that make our life easier and more fun as we travel. With that in mind, here is our list of best gifts for travelers  this year.

A small camera that has a great zoom lens. We have a great little digital camera that is actually smaller than a cigarette pack, but it just can’t take those distance shots. One that looks good to me is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3K which runs in the $250 range.

A rolling carry-on. On our Europe trips, we take a medium-sized rolling suitcase and a rolling carry-on. After each of us gets our checked bag, we put the carry-on on top of the suitcase and off we go. Our laptop fits inside the carry-on, so we don’t have to lug that as well.

A blow-up sleeping pillow for the plane. We are rarely able to travel in business or first class, so we need to get as comfortable as possible in those teensy economy seats. I just can’t see carrying one of those filled neck pillows around. They are too bulky to pack and get dirty carrying them around everywhere. I have a nice blow-up pillow with a fleece covering (that can be washed) It folds up to fit in my carry-on and I love it.

My on-plane toiletry case is a life-saver for me. This is a great, inexpensive gift for frequent travelers. The air on flights is so dry that I get major headaches when flying and I can actually feel my skin getting dry. To combat skin dryness, I use lip balm, and a little mister spray. (You can also make your own) I use a little Evian spray canister that you can get in the cosmetics department of better department stores. I mist my face often and then apply moisturizer. I also have a little bottle of saline nose spray that I use several times during the flight to avoid headaches. It really helps. I also carry a small bottle of hand- sanitizer, because planes are rife with germs. And finally, hand cream because the hand-sanitizer is very drying to your skin. A few other items that I don’t use, but others might love are ear-plugs and a sleep mask.

A Dual-zone watch. It is really nice to know what time it is where you are and at home, without having to count backwards. Here’s a spot to buy one on-line. GeorgeTimeWatches.

Noise Reducing Headphones The headphones that airlines sell are uncomfortable; and honestly, I can barely hear with them. I always bring my own headphones on long distance flights. I can watch movies or listen to music in comfort and without all that extraneous noise.

Compression socks are great for those who worry about deep-vein thrombosis. When you take those long, trans-Atlantic flights, it is a nice to know the wearing compression socks lessens that danger. These are available at most travel stores including Magellans. They also carry a handy and inexpensive luggage scale. The international limit per piece of luggage is 70 pounds; this little scale which goes up to 75 pounds will help you stay within that limit.

Well, that’s my list of the best gifts for travelers to Europe.  Any additions?