OK, white Christmas, that's cool! But rather than snow, who has never dreamed of spending Christmas under the coconut palms or, at least, in the sun? To do this, you have to leave the Metropolis and, ideally, reach the southern hemisphere. But as it is not always easy to go to the end of the world, the other solution can lie in the gift linked to the trip. You will see that it can be very easy to get away from it all ... at least in your head! Here is our selection of gifts for avid travelers.
A book or a DVD for an initiatory journey
The book or the DVD is a classic Christmas gift. For travel lovers, some titles are essential.
Our DVD selection
In the “road movie” or “initiatory journey” category, we could for example cite Little Miss Sunshine and, in a different style, On board the Darjeeling Limited. But in our list to Santa Claus, we can also slip a DVD of Into the Wild, the film by Sean Penn, a sublime invitation to escape into the great outdoors. To complete this romantic getaway, we also recommend the sublime soundtrack of the film, and the book that inspired the story, by John Krakauer.
Travel stories
Always for lovers of reading, difficult not to mention the essential travel stories, mainly Sur la Route de Jack Kerouac. Otherwise, also take a look at Bill Bryson's Caustic Motel Blues.
Travel books are obviously not limited to novels. Beautiful books with many photos abound. And some can rank as must-haves and make wonderful gifts for discerning travelers or first-timers. This year, we particularly remember:
The Routard G'Palémo guide
This guide allows you to communicate with your interlocutor if you do not speak the same language. This book is filled with more than 200 images, classified by themes (transport, accommodation, food, catering, practical information). Pocket-sized, it is very convenient to carry on your person. The Routard guides are also a whole lot of diverse and varied works on the different cities and countries of the world. What to know the places that you absolutely must visit!
Around the World in 365 days
From Lonely Planet. The only guide that gives you 365 travel ideas to get you off at the right time. Enough to have all the essentials without overloading yourself. A real bible! Lonely Planet is also several guides on cities, regions and countries to find all the good addresses and excursions.
Photo tips for travelers
By Aurélie Amiot (alias Madame Oreille). This guide gives many tips and advice for successful travel photos. Easy to read and to consult, it allows to really improve in photography in order to bring back memorable memories.
Technology comes in your suitcase ...
Here are some ideas for high-tech products that can be very useful as Christmas gifts for the traveler. Whether in terms of functional object or space saving.
A solar charger
From time to time, whether the person is traveling in a vehicle or in a backpack, electricity may fail. However, these days it's relatively important to at least have your phone charged on you. This is why having a solar charger will allow you to fill the batteries of your smartphone, but also of your camera, your go-pro, your e-reader, your rechargeable lamp and your laptop! All this via a USB cable or an electrical outlet.
An e-reader
It is often difficult to choose from the books that you want to bring with you, when you are a backpacker who loves to read! That's why an e-reader is a great gift choice for travelers. It allows you to carry several thousand books in your pocket. Rather practical, isn't it? In addition, since the e-reader is backlit, it is very convenient for reading at night.
A waterproof phone pouch
This type of accessory protects the smartphone from water for all nautical and aquatic activities.
A luggage scale
Very useful for air travel to be sure not to have excess in your luggage. In the shape of a handle, it is small and light!
Board games on the theme of travel
Board games are always a great time to socialize. And nothing like a travel game to discover the different places in the world or remember those visited. As a result, two games caught our attention:
The great world tour
From Lonely Planet (from 7 years old). It is a question of going around the world by answering questions (adapted to the level of each one). A bit like the Trivial Poursuit, but with only questions of geography. Something to relive his past travels and make you want to new explorations! It allows you to discover the world and the customs of several countries.
The Brainbox Travel around the world
From Haba (from 8 years old). In this game, you have to succeed in identifying the flags, capitals and geographical locations of each country. What to have a good general culture! Small in size, it is easy to store for a nomadic life.
What decorative objects as gifts for travelers?
Do you want to please a traveler who has a pied-à-terre or who travels by vehicle (in a van or motorhome)?
The scratch off world map
So why not give him a scratch map of the world! In addition to being a pretty object of decoration, it allows to highlight the regions which have already been visited. What to see at a glance the countries traveled.
The scratch-off travel journal
If the person you want to give the gift to is a backpacker, or doesn't have room to hang a map on the wall, then you can gift them a travel journal to scratch off. Much smaller in size, it is easy to transport. It makes it possible to distinguish the places visited, but also to leave some notes and to mark the future places of stay. When returning from the trip, the cards are then detachable in order to hang them as decoration. Enough to have a visual reminder of your trip!
Practical gifts, to combine business with pleasure
The amount of items a traveler can carry is often limited. Sometimes it is then better to give him a gift that will be useful to him.
Offer the Lifestraw water bottle for Christmas
A filter straw or gourd
From Lifestraw • It eliminates 99,9999% of waterborne bacteria and 99,9% of waterborne protozoan parasites. In addition, it filters down to 0,2 microns, eliminates E. Coli, Giardia and Cryptosporidium and many other contaminants that are present in water. It is the must-have of the traveler-adventurer in order to make dirty water into drinking water. It can indeed convert 4 liters of water!
A portable washing machine bag
It will allow explorers to wash their laundry from day to day, and therefore to travel lighter. Compact, it can be transported easily and is very easy to use.
A portable urinal for women
It is sometimes difficult to find a quiet corner for a pressing need when you are a woman. This portable urinal allows you to relieve yourself, while remaining upright, like a man! Compact and foldable, it is easily put back in its case and takes up very little space.
Offer a trip in a gift box
Giving a gift-boxed trip for Christmas has become something almost banal ... but always a pleasure! A pretty box with a catalog where the lucky ones will choose their destination themselves, that is the secret of this great success! And there is something for all tastes: gourmet getaway, stay in a trailer or even an introduction to sporty driving, the choice is immense and you will inevitably find something to please ...
> Our full article to read : our selection of 5 travel boxes to offer
For Christmas, think about well-being too!
To go on a trip, you need a lot of equipment. But the luggage or the cupboards of the vehicle are not expandable. It is then necessary to really make sure to buy products which offer an undeniable saving of space.. Even at the level of well-being, it is possible to find Christmas gift ideas for travelers:
Travel pillow or pocket pillow
To sleep peacefully when traveling by plane, train or bus. It allows you to rest comfortably during the hours of travel in order to be in shape once at your destination.
Microfiber towels
They are ultra-compact and very absorbent. This makes it possible not to clutter up luggage or cupboards. In addition, they dry really very quickly. It is truly an essential item for any traveler! Whether for the shower or water activities, they allow you to dry easily anywhere.
A travel kit for the lady
The travel kit: Having fun while traveling is a good thing. But to take full advantage of it, it is better to take the lead. This can result in the use of a travel kit for these ladies: micellar water, moisturizer, shower gel… In short, the ideal panoply to be on top even at the end of the world!
Souvenirs to extend the spirit of the trip
For those who haven't planned to go on a trip - but just keep coming back - this year's Christmas present could be an opportunity to extend the good time. Today, it is very easy to recall your best memories by creating a photo book or a calendar illustrated with his best photos. A good way to find a smile under the winter gray ...
What gift would you like to receive for your next trip?
The months of November and December are often a good time to find gifts for those you love. However, finding travel gifts can be tricky. Since it is necessary, if possible, that they are practical and easily transportable. Now you have some ideas that may be useful for globetrotters. Something to please during the Christmas holidays with pretty attentions under the tree!
And you, as a backpacker, what is the object that you absolutely need for your trip?
