Top 5 Must Have Gifts for the World Traveler

Travelers aren't always the same people as tourists. Travelers explore the places they visit, tourists just �see' those places. In my travels, I've come up with 5 �can't do without' items, and if you are shopping for a holiday gift for the world traveler in your life, these suggestions may be just what you are looking for to give your world traveler something different, necessary, and useful.

1. Digital Camera Binoculars - VERY COOL! The pair of binoculars I purchased have a optimized 3 megapixel digital camera built in to a optically clear pair of binoculars. These are made by Celestron, a high quality optical company, and have a rugged (easily protected) dual shaft rubber coated element, with a completely functional preview screen and 32 bit memory. The binoculars are 8x32 optical magnification. They gave me a perfect view (and memory capture) of the crocodiles sunning themselves on the sandy beach far enough away that I felt safe from becoming their dinner. Easily downloadable to any PC with a USB port, and it has decent photo software with the package. Around $200. From Celestron, http://www.celestron.com.

2. Rolling Backpack w/Detachable Backpack - This rolling backpack is the perfect world traveler's suitcase! The day pack on the front of the rolling case is great for tossing in a day's worth of snacks, maps and water, and is big enough to add your binocular camera and language translation book! World travelers won't have to scrimp on undies when they have the CalPak 28" rolling Backpack. It is a roomy 12" deep, and has terrific S-shaped shoulder straps for comfort. I easily fit a month's worth of travel into this backpack, and even had room (not much, but some) to bring home souvenirs. A little expensive, but well worth it at around $200. From Ebags, http://www.ebags.com.

3. Toiletry Kit - A terrific, compact hanging toiletry kit keeps all our ditty bag stuff neat and tidy. The convenience of being able to hang your entire toiletry kit on a tree limb overhanging the river or in a shower stall makes this kit a must have for the world traveler. And, no world traveler wants to poke through layers of clothes and maps to get to their shampoo, first thing in the morning or after a day of tramping around the jungle. While you are at it, stock this inexpensive holiday gift up with trial sizes of shampoo, conditioner, antibacterial soap, waterless hand sanitizer, a few disposable razors, and other small personal care items from your local mart type store. The Lewis N. Clark Frontier Hanging Toiletry Kit that I chose has a shatterproof mirror. Around $15, not including filler items purchased separately. Also from Ebags, http://www.ebags.com.

4. Power Adapter Kit - World travelers often end up having to go purchase a new adapter for every country they visit, just to plug in their laptop, or even their shaver. Help your world traveler avoid this hassle with a power adapter from Walkabout Travel Gear at http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com. For example, Thailand uses the standard European non-grounded socket, and while it is the most common type in the world, most North Americans don't have a clue. Adapters are inexpensive at around $4 a piece, or you can buy one of the inclusive travel adapter kits for anywhere from $15 to $85. I recommend Brookstone's Universal Travel Power Adapter. This unit has what they call an all-in-one design so your world traveler doesn't have to carry carry multiple country-specific travel adapters. The built-in 110V/220V indicator light lets you know any outlet's voltage. It is small and very easy to tuck in the corner of your rolling backpack, and can be used throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and both North and South America! The cost is just around $25 and well worth the small price for such a big usefulness! I bought the Universal Power Adapter from Brookstone, just to keep my life simple and my luggage lighter, at http://www.brookstone.com.

5. Cocoon Travel Sheet - Who says world travelers don't live in luxury, whether on the Camel Tour Safari or in a crowded hostel in Calcutta? With the cocoon travel sheet, your world traveler will feel comfy, clean and cozy. A roomy rectangular silk �sleeping bag', the Cocoon Travel Sheet weighs just 6.5 ounces, and easily rolls into its own stuff sack. I wouldn't leave home without mine. The travel sheet is well worth the small expense and can be found at CampMor, http://www.campmor.com for around $30.

These are my favorite world traveler luxuries. I leave my rolling backpack pre-packed with these items all the time. Then when I am off on another adventure, I just toss in a few clothes, my passport, and I am gone! Traveling the World, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures.