Her Top 10 Bon Voyage Gifts
ED. NOTE: Readers, do you have an interesting item you'd like to suggest as well? Please send an email to: editor@journeywoman.com and put the words ‘travel gift’ in the subject line. We’ll be happy to add your thoughts at the close of the article. Thanks everybody!
It’s pleasing to see that with all the advances of modern travel, the mere act of getting on a plane and traveling somewhere new is still an event to be celebrated. I am fortunate that however often I have journeyed, I'm still the grateful recipient of travel gifts from friends and family. But I've also shared in their dilemma of trying to choose a suitable farewell gift for someone about to head off on their own adventure. So next time you wish to celebrate a loved one's big adventure, here are some of my ideas for gifts that will be both useful and treasured without breaking the bank.
Inexpensive gifts...
Don’t think you have to spend big just to give a thoughtful gift. The following suggestions will cost you between $5.00 to $10.00.
Magazines -- Anyone who has ever got on the plane with the good intentions of reading a lengthy novel will tell you that it just never happens. Magazines are much more welcomed for two reasons. They're easier to read and easier to ditch when you're done. What is your traveler’s favorite hobby? I can guarantee from trolling the magazine aisles if there is a hobby or interest, there is a matching magazine. A foolproof choice of publications? Be sure to include a current travel magazine.
Second hand books -- I don't usually like the idea of giving used books, but for a traveler they offer a 'no angst situation' when they've finished reading them. With a new book, you feel obliged to keep it, however with a secondhand book I can swap, give or just toss.
A pocket calculator -- Whether it's to keep track of your travel budget, work out the exchange rate or use it as a haggling tool, this is always a godsend for any traveler.
Luggage locks and a key ring -- I always need new sets because I always lose the little keys. Give a pack of these and a decent size keyring and your traveler will think of you fondly everytime there's an opening or closing to be done.
Gifts to make yourself...
Are you a whiz on the PC and printer? How about putting your technical skills to good use and produce a set of personal business cards for your traveler. Rather than print their full contact details, put just their name and email address. This makes swapping contact details with new acquaintances both easy and safe.
A quick trip around the aisles at your local drugstore and you can make a handy little Flight Survival Kit. Include, aspirin, ear plugs, lollipops (to relieve air pressure on landing), mouthwash, breath mints, hand-wipes and a pen (I always forget to pack a pen!) in a colorful cosmetic purse or bag.
A compilation disc of your traveler’s favorite music is always a hit. A few dollars for a blank disc and a walk through your music collection will soon locate a personal Top 10 Hits to entertain your traveler on the road.
For the overseas adventurer...
The first thing I think of when I plan a trip overseas is ‘duty free’. How about a gift voucher from the airport’s duty free store to allow your adventurer the fun of choosing a discounted item as they leave or on their return?
Local currency -- This doesn’t have to be a lot, but it’s so much nicer arriving at your destination with some small notes of the local currency for snacks, taxi, bus etc. You’re saving your traveler the dreaded line up at the currency exchange booth when she arrives after a long flight.
Prepaid phone cards, (just confirm that the provider you choose is suited to the destination country).