Gift Ideas for Travel Enthusiasts

Someone you know has a birthday coming up. Or perhaps you are beginning to think about Christmas. The big question is, what on earth can you give her?. If your friend loves to travel, that interest may be the key to some great gift ideas.

As with any gift giving, it is important to consider first what the person already has. (Someone who is keen on travel almost certainly has a decent set of luggage, and unless it is at the point of falling apart, probably has no need of another set.) Another factor that needs to be considered regarding gifts that will be taken with the traveler is weight/size, as these will impact on airline travel allowances.

Books or DVDs about locations which might interest them will always be welcome, as will foreign phrase books or guide books like Lonely Planet (but check first to be sure they don't already own a phrase or guide book for that country.) If the destination is English-speaking, why not seek out a magazine from that country in an area of their interest, and give them a subscription? Remember that people who love to travel are interested in other places even if they don't intend to go there, so these ideas can apply even if your friend doesn't have a particular destination in mind.

Airport connections can involve long, boring waits. A good novel or a puzzle book to fill in the time will generally be welcome.

An on-board comfort kit of eyeshade, ear plugs, a neck pillow and loose fitting socks can make overnight travel a little easier (airlines used to hand these out, but in these days of cost-cutting, many don't.) This is also good for people doing coach travel.

A small fix-it kit of needles, thread, buttons, small screwdriver, sticky tape and a tube of superglue may prove handy - just be sure they take it in their checked luggage, not carry-on, or they will lose it to security.

Again, a small first aid kit - band aids, a couple of bandages, tweezers (for pulling splinters), hot/cold pack (the kind you can heat in the microwave or freeze in the freezer), disinfectant cream, aloe vera gel (for burns and stings), ginger capsules (for travel sickness) and a packet of asprin - will be useful. (Note: do not include any pain killers that include codeine. Many countries consider it a narcotic, and your friend could end up in jail - hardly a gift you want to give.)

If you are looking to give a more expensive gift, then all or part of the travel experience itself may be the way to go:

* Some airlines offer "mystery flights" where the passengers board on a set day, but don't know where they are heading till take off.

* A pre-paid adventure such as a hot-air balloon ride or white water rafting.

* A ticket for a one day cruise.

* Theme park passes.

* A pre-paid dinner at a restaraunt at their planned destination.

* Tickets for a special show at their planned destination.

Most importantly, talk to your friend first. Ask about their travel experiences. Most travelers love to talk, so it should be fairly easy to find out the kind of things they enjoy, and also what items they already have.