2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Travel Writers

You know those people who pick up holiday gifts all year and stash them in the back of their closet? The ones who finish their holiday shopping in August and have plenty of time to sing carols and sip eggnog by the fire?

I am not one of those people.

I’m the kind of gal who loves a deal. And Black Friday is all about deals.

So, since Black Friday is coming up this week, tune in for the next three days. We asked our favorite travel writers and photographers to share what’s on their wish lists this year, so you’ll have plenty of ideas once the sales roll around.

Whether you’re shopping for your favorite traveler, travel writer, or photographer (or cruising for items to put on your own wish list), you’ll find plenty of gift ideas here. Starting today, with…

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS FOR TRAVEL WRITERS

1.     Portable luggage scale ($19.95).  Great for making sure your luggage remains within the airlines’ weight limits so you’re not charged extra. Also comes in handy when you’re writing travel articles. Just think: “Every day the women in Bali carry into the city more than 15 pounds of flowers — on their heads. Fifteen pounds. I know, I weighed them.”

2.    Lighted glasses ($19.99).  Great for plane rides, dim restaurants, and dark hotel rooms.

3.    MagicJack ($39.95).  Plugs into your digital phone on one end and your computer or a standard phone jack on the other for free international calls. 

4.    Luggage.  I like the Eagle Creek Tarmac series ($275 and up).

5.    Packing cubes ($40).  Makes packing and unpacking a breeze.  I love them.

6.    Add-a-bag luggage strap ($15).  Great for hooking multiple suitcases and bags together for easier rolling. 

7.    Sunscreen and Insect Repellent Towelettes ($16).  Great stocking stuffers and are TSA-friendly.

8.    A “Made to Squish” item from Budget Travel’s recommended gift list for travelers. 

9.    A Dodocase for your iPad ($79.95).  Makes your iPad look like a Moleskine book and protects it at the same time.

10.    A leg or arm wallet for carrying cash and valuables while you travel ($15.99 and up)

And here are a few things on our travel writer’s wish list this year…

>> From Freelance Travel Writer, STEENIE HARVEY

** 1. New boots/walking shoes. Travel writers tend to do a lot of walking, so never skimp on footwear. I had a pair of Merrell boots once, which were fantastically comfy. Looks like they’ve got free shipping over the holidays, too.

** 2. One-on-one Russian lessons. I’d love to visit back-of-beyond Russia, but the language is a mystery to me. If you can speak a foreign language, you’ll get so much more from a trip.
 
** 3. I wouldn’t say no to a beat-the-baggage-fees travel vest. Scottevest make them with 22 pockets, so it’s like a bonus carry-on. Perfect for shorter trips.

>> From Travel Editor, KYLE WAGNER

** 1. I would like to have Columbia’s self-heating, waterproof hiking boots (they cost more than $300, sigh). But they’re super-durable, kind of stylish (I would wear them with a long skirt) and could go on a trek or through the mucky streets of any Third World country easily.
 
** 2. I’d also like a Flip video camera (the one I want is about $300). The online writing world is all about the YouTube sidebar these days, and I need something more portable than the big thing I lug around now. You can even design your own.
 
** 3. And the Tivoli portable satellite radio/alarm clock/mp3 player (about $200). It picks up radio pretty much around the globe, and it’s also an alarm clock. Plus, it’s tiny and you can plug in any MP3!

>> From the Executive Editor at International Living Magazine, JEN STEVENS

** 1. I think this cool suitcase I spotted in the New York Times travel section looks great. I refuse to spend that much on a bag. But I have to say: If money were no object, I’d be all over it.

** 2. I’d like a Kindle Fire. I swore I wouldn’t do it. But I lugged so many books along on my last trip… I’m over it. I’ll still pack a slim book of poetry for when the plane is taking off and landing, but that’s it!

** 3. And, as always, I’m asking for the Best American Travel Writing collection for 2011. Guaranteed to be a good read.

Tune in again tomorrow for holiday gift ideas for photographers… just in time to save.

[Editor’s Note: Learn more about opportunities to profit from your travels (and even from your own home) in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.]