Gifts for Travelers

Need holiday gift ideas for your favorite traveler?

Check out my newest blog post at Wanderfly, featuring my favorite picks of the season for all budgets!

Quick {exciting!} Writing News

My first post for National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel blog went live today! Please check out my little story about exploring Hong Kong's Stanley Market...

Snake Products

You might remember when I was in south Florida and spotted a bunch of American alligator products at a pharmacy. So recently I encountered the same situation, but with snakes. I was strolling past a gift boutique and spotted these products made from sea snakes, cobras and rattlers. There were wallets, life-size statuettes, shoes and even earrings...

Would you ever purchase an item made from snakes and their skin?

View more posts about animals.

Read my blog posts on National Geographic Inside WILD.

See amazing images of wildlife.

© passport in my pocket

Georgia Antiques

Do you like antique shopping? My mother-in-law and I explored a gigantic antique mall during my recent stay in rural Georgia.

Over the years, I've scored some of my favorite home items from antique shops (like a croquet set and desk chair from the early-1940s). While I was hunting for an old typewriter, these particular pieces caught my eye.

A wall telephone from 1901......

.... and a vintage coffee maker.

* © passport in my pocket *

A Gift for Any Zip Code

This custom nautical tile clock is a great gift or decor piece for the sailor in your life. Simply enter in a United States zip code at check-out and receive a custom-made clock of the city's waterways, lakes or rivers, screened on a tumbled marble tile.

This one, above, was a gift from my little sister to my boat-loving parents, and it features coastal outlines and depth markings. Wouldn't it be fun to hang one of these in a beach or lake house?

* © passport in my pocket *

Embellished Moleskins

Every writer loves a moleskin. Aren't these embellished ones adorable?

Champignons

 

heidi burton

 soul flower

DenkiAis

plain jane textiles

heidi burton

Hot Air Balloon = my fave

* © passport in my pocket *

Essential Tools for the Twenty-Ten Traveler

Stuck in a layover? Security lines out of control? Freezing in the airplane? Don't speak the local language? Germs freak you out?

photo credit: flickr

Here are some essential, problem-solving tools for the
Twenty-Ten Traveler....

Problem: Your flight has been delayed.

Solution: Escape into the virtual world with a Boingo Wireless subscription for your laptop. For just $9.95 a month, you can access over 125,000 Wi-Fi hot spots (including Starbucks! How they still don't offer free wireless access is beyond my comprehension). Surf the 'net, tackle work projects, catch up on emails, read your favorite blogs or just watch your favorite shows on Hulu to help pass the time.

Problem: The line at security rivals the DMV.

Solution: Unprepared travelers can be a cause of airport security delays. Respect quality safety inspections with adequate preparation. Know the current FAA regulations, pack appropriately, and stand at the ready with your identification, boarding pass and passport pulled from the adorable pockets of this Kate Spade number:

Problem: You have no idea what anyone is saying. 

Solution: Don't worry, there's an app for that. HNHFSoft's Talking Dictionary is like having a trusty translator at your side. Favorite feature reported by users? The ability to save a customized list of frequently-used words. Don't have an iPhone? Consider a Lingo. (Another quick tip? Download a free currency converter application onto your phone to ensure you're staying within budget).

photo credit: terracurve

 Problem: Chatty lady, crying baby, snoring man. 

Solution: Block out the world. Bose noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for travelers who prefer to create their own traveling soundtrack.

 Problem: You grabbed a suitcase off the baggage claim conveyor belt... and it's not yours. 

Solution: Yes, everyone and their mother owns a large black suitcase. Dangling a zebra-patterned identification tag doesn't always do the trick. Have the prettiest bag in the pack with a vibrantly-hued alternative, like this one from Orla Kiely:

Problem: What? Only beverage cart service?

Solution: Leave your hunger behind by packing a small, satisfying snack for your journey. Just one Lara bar can alleviate hunger for a few hours (and I swear they actually taste good). Added bonus? Lara bars are void of gluten, dairy and soy, making them excellent choices for the choosiest palates.

Problem: The in-flight movie is two thumbs down.

Solution: Seek entertainment elsewhere with the new and improved Kindle Wireless Reading Device. Weighing less than most paperback books, the Kindle can be a much-needed entertainment doorway to newspapers, magazines and literature.

Problem: Airport? More like Antarctica. 

Solution: Airplanes, airports, trains and buses can be chilly places. Always pack a comfortable, neutral-toned wrap on your trip – like this stylish gem from Anthropologie – to keep you warm.

 Problem: The air has the scent of dirty socks.

Solution: Stinky smells be gone! Overcome air travel restrictions on liquids by flying with a solid mini-perfume, perfect for alleviating not-so-aromatic travel zones. Consider this sweet-scented Tocca Stella solid:

Problem: You could enjoy the sights... if it weren't for all the germs.

Solution: Zap it. With the Zadro Nano Wand, UV light disinfects and kills almost 100% of bacteria and viruses in just ten seconds. An ideal tool for hotel rooms, airports and bathrooms. With just one quick cleaning zap, you'll be back to anxiety-free exploration.

 

What are your favorite travel essentials?

* © passport in my pocket *

Nighttime Reading

Hey, we don't all have kids. But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate good picture books.

Ohdeedoh did a post today on Perfect Bedtime Reads. Check out the blog for great suggestions on nighttime reads that will lull your little ones into a peaceful slumber. (Or, if you're a writer like me, visit the site for a review of picture books that are being well-received by the public).

* © passport in my pocket *