Holiday Gift Guide For Travelers
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
December 17, 2003
Do the holidays make you feel frazzled? I have to admit, much as I love them, they take a lot out of me. This is the time of year when it seems every novice hits the road, which can make my travel-intensive life more tiring than usual. So I started to wonder, "What would make my life--and a fellow traveler's life--a bit better this season?" Gifts we can really put to use! From restorative to practical, relaxing to playful, here are a few of my seasonal faves.
Oh, and for you plain old procrastinators or time-pressed road warriors, I've got a list of where you can go to get all your shopping done in a jiffy. Do it right, and you'll still have time left over to do, well, whatever you like! For me, the most delicious thing about a hotel is that you can snooze where no one is going to wake you, unless of course, you've requested it.
Great Gift Ideas from stocking stuffers to show-stoppers:
- Perfect for the traveler on your list are aromatherapy "to go" candles. Offered in large and small sizes, the small is especially good for packing. I suggest you save the large for relaxing when you get back home. They come in a variety of scents like Tranquility, Relaxing, Chai Tea, Inspire, Ambiance, and Insight, and they're made from all natural ingredients and packaged in a silver tin. Prices start around $6 for the small candle and $11 for the large. Visit www.aromanaturals.com for more information.
- Make friends with your backgammon travel set. Take the edge off by playing a game and getting your mind on your board moves, instead of the boardroom. It may surprise you how refreshing the break from work can be. Try the wooden board with magnetic pieces that is built for travel. When closed, the board is 4.5 by 7.5 inches and costs $49.95. Visit www.allprossoftware.com/bgames for more information.
- It's time to go digital this season. A digital camera allows you to share your journey with the people you can't take with you. I know from experience--they're easy to take with you and the best part is, they provide instant gratification! They come with various bells and whistles, but users with a more discerning eye will want to get a camera with better resolution. Prices vary widely; I suggest going to the store in person or visit www.amazon.com to see specials. Another great way to pass the time on the road or in the air is with your very own personal DVD player. Fortunately they've come down in cost in the last year and sell for under $400. Visit www.circuitcity.com for more information.
- For the soulful traveler, the Chakra Balancing Treatment Kit by Al Benessere is a one-of-a-kind aromatherapy system designed to help you achieve chakra equilibrium. The theory is that we each have seven chakras (energy centers), and traveling can really make them out of whack! Get them back in alignment by practicing deep breathing in combination with the application of the various balms. Before you know it, your chi will be restored. Cost is $68; call 888-236-3737 for more information.
- Some believe that herbs can work miracles. I'm not sure about that, but the herbal Essential Travel Kit by Elizabeth Van Burren is made up of six essential oils to help travelers protect themselves while on the road. With the flu season in full swing, these can help boost immune systems, relieve nausea and headaches, provide local pain and muscle relief, and serve as a stress-relief. Packaged in vials named Peppermint, Lemon, Teatree, Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary, the oils are easily portable in a small pouch and come with an instruction sheet for the uninformed. Visit www.elizabethvanburen.com for more information; cost is $54.
- Need something special for him? Try the Edwin Jagger Travel Razor Set. This beautiful handmade razor comes in a variety of shapes and styles. It shaves as close and sleek as it looks. Prices start around $50. Visit http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.co.uk/ for more information.
- A little something for her hands and her feet: The practice of reflexology is based on a theory that every body part has a corresponding reflex area in the hands and feet. Moisture Jamzz makes a kit to pamper your hands and feet as the gateway to pampering your whole body. The gloves and socks come in whimsy patterns and both moisturize and exfoliate with aromatherapy oil. Gloves and socks retail for about $32; call 800-945-6837 for more information.
- Spread the travel fun around for the whole family. Reminisce about where you've been or make a list of where you'd like to go with Monopoly's national parks edition. Build tents and ranger stations instead of houses and hotels as you try to own it all. The game costs about $35. Visit www.boardgames.com/monopolygames.html for more information.
Now, about those places to knock out everyone on your list all at once, may I suggest getting yourself a lickety-split last-minute deal for a day or two at any of the following:
- Chicago's Magnificent Mile sports stores by the dozen. You'll have to move fast to keep warm, which will motivate you to get your shopping done. With your spare time, explore some of the amazing cuisine Chicago has to offer and don't forget to sample the deep dish 'za it's so famous for.
- The Galleria in Dallas is a great place to ice skate, see a movie, and have a fabulous three-course meal. (Hey, it's all in a day's shopping, right?)
- Perhaps a splurge along Rodeo drive is more your style. I can already hear the boutiques of Bev Hills a calling. Get your sunglasses out and have your plastic ready, here you're going to need it. If you get done early, walk along the star-studded way outside Mann's Chinese theatre and dine al fresco at the Ivy--that's where everyone who is anyone goes in LA.
- If you're a serious shopper, you seriously need to head to the Mall of America in Minneapolis. Their claim to fame as the largest mall in the US makes it a suitable place to stay warm. You'll find everything from roller coasters to food along with your gifts.
- They say the isle of Manhattan has it all. From bargains by the bushel to upscale allure, this city won't stop for anything Start at the bottom of 5th Avenue and walk up to 57th street. That should pretty much take care of it! If there's time, sneak in a show and glimpse the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Gifts, gifts, gifts! Remember, sending them in advance may save you a whole lot of hassle. But if you do bring them with you to the airport, just make sure they're not wrapped--save that for when you arrive at your destination.
If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!
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