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Part-Time Traveler

Find your balance of travel and home.

Home » Travel » Gifts for Travelers!

Gifts for Travelers!

November 29, 2012 Travel

Iiiiiiit’s that time of year!  Whether you’re searching for some new items to add to your travel-packed new year, or you simply need an idea for a traveler in your life, I present… (no pun intended)
 

Gifts for Travelers!

1.  The latest GoPro camera



GoPro HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition
I reluctantly agreed to try this video camera (which also takes stills!) on a trip to Thailand.  It seems like such a “man-friendly” product, as you can strap it your chest, your head, OR your surfboard!  Besides, isn’t having my DSLR and my iPhone enough?
But as soon as I found out I was able to take it diving (it is waterproof up to 197′ or 60 m) I was sold.  I was even MORE sold when I saw the footage of us climbing waterfalls, exploring in long boats, driving a Thai motorscooter, surviving the water-sport that is Songkran (Thai New Year)…this thing is incredible.  It’s a must-have for the video and/or adventure traveler you love.
 

2.  Packing Cubes


eBags Packing Cubes – 3pc Set (Blue Polka Dot)
I was kind of against packing cubes for the longest time.  The college student and backpacker in me was always like, how is this different from rolling up my clothes and putting them in plastic bags?
When I finally decided to give them a try, I fell in love for a few reasons: 1) your clothes or items can breathe.  2) everything lies pretty flat, which prevents you from having to dig to get the item you need (done this way too many times with my plastic bags.)
At roughly $20 for a set of three, I think it’s worth giving packing cubes a try.  They fit splendidly in my work suitcase AND my travel backpack.  Double-duty!
If you’re purchasing for the lady traveler in your life, I highly recommend this cute polka-dot set!
 

3. A Make-Your-Own, Keep-Your-Sanity Travel Kit


These are the non-negotiable items I put together as a ‘travel kit’ for planes, trains, and automobiles we inevitably spend hours on.  Some of those hours, we might require…I don’t know…some peace and quiet?!  Maybe even some sleep?!
I know many travelers out there already rely on these items as as basic need.  I do know that after years of use, it was time for my travel kit to get an upgrade.  There are highbrow ear plugs out there!  While certainly not a complete necessity, it is a luxury for us travelers to either put together a kit or upgrade an existing one.
I recommend:
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Comfort Travel Pillow,Charcoal
Dream Essentials Sweet Dreams Contoured Sleep Mask with Earplugs and Carry Pouch, Black
 

4. Bobble BPA Free Water Bottle


Bobble BPA Free Water Bottle, 18.5 Ounce, Magenta
This light, BPA free water bottle has a filter that works as you drink.  Travelers can fill their water bottles with tap water (where appropriate) and get much better tasting water.  We all know how important it is to stay hydrated on the road, and much more water we drink when it tastes good.  While this certainly isn’t high-tech enough to be able to fill your water bottle up in INDIA and not come down with Delhi belly…it offers a solution for your water needs in many destinations.  I have been very pleased with its ability to transform the taste of water. Also, it comes in all kinds of cute colors!  (YES!)
 

5.  Cocoon CoolMax Blanket


Cocoon CoolMax Blanket
I LOVE this thing!  It was given to me as a gift, and it has become invaluable as a way to stay comfortable while traveling.  It is one of my most-used travel items, on buses or in place of sheets, in hot weather or cool.  It has the technology to keep you cool and dry, it also keeps you somewhat warm, is extremely soft…and the best part…it is this huge blanket that rolls up into a tiny, tiny little ball!  What else could a traveler ask for?
 

6. Moleskine Travel Journal


Moleskine Passions Travel Journal
This is the only item on the list that I do not currently own.  I want one!  I am a huge fan of Moleskine journals—they are invaluable to my trip memories and are high quality and durable.  From what I’ve seen, there are five different section tailored to different parts of trip planning and recording.  I love that they made a product specifically for travelers.  Really, though, when it comes to this gift…any journal will do!
 

7.  Scratch Off Map


Scratch Personalized World Map Poster (Travel Edition)
Last but certainly not least, the omnipresent Scratch-Off Travel Map.  Though I’ve seen these all over the place, including Pinterest, I have to say it was by far the best “traveler’s gift” I have received (thanks, bro.)  First of all, it’s a map.  We all love maps.  Secondly, it allows your traveler to show off where they’ve been (which we secretly or not-so-secretly all love to do) AND to daydream about their next destination.  Finally, it’s SCRATCH OFF.  Which means, if you’re human, and ever slightly enjoyed lottery tickets…this is going to be fun.

To whomever you’re giving to this holiday season (including yourself!)…Seasons Greetings and Happy Travels from Part Time Traveler!

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Winner of Gold and Silver 2019 Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing.

About Anne

Anne Lowrey is an award-winning travel writer based in San Francisco.

After spending a year in the world, she insisted on building a life at home she loved as much as she loves travel. The result was a move to SF, which she affectionately calls her “soul city.” She believes in the balance of and connection between time spent at home and abroad.

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I’m Anne! I spend part of my time traveling the world and the other part living in my soul city, San Francisco.

I have a love for all things travel. I also have a love for nesting. I do NOT believe the two have to be mutually exclusive. If you seek that balance…you’ve come to the right place.

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Last: Greece (Santorini, Milos, Crete) and Northern Italy (Piemonte, Lombardia, and Emilia Romagna.)

Next: Michigan lake summer

Now: At home in San Francisco

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Find your balance between home and travel.

Factoring in a little one has both changed and rei Factoring in a little one has both changed and reinforced how I travel. For so long accommodations have been “just a place to sleep” for me, so I could prioritize my time and money elsewhere.

Now, whether it’s nap schedules or simply the ability for my husband and I to relax longer on a given afternoon, it’s great to be able to experience a destination right from the front step (or even better, from bed.) 🌄

What’s stayed the same, of course, is that a change of place and pace is incredibly restorative and energizing — and you don’t have to go far to get that.

Thank you to @innabovetide for the perfect weekend stay right on the bay. It was just what our family needed 🤍 #parttimetraveler #sausalito #besthotels
Thinking back to my last trip before taking my nex Thinking back to my last trip before taking my next one (with baby!) and wishing I could transport here for a cornetto and cappuccino ☕️

Meanwhile, please send any and all tips for traveling with a five-month-old. (Also, send coffee. All the coffee.)
—
 #parttimetraveler #piedmonte #italianlife #caffè #pasticeria
After the rain. 🌁 #alwaysSF #goldengatebridge After the rain.
🌁 

#alwaysSF #goldengatebridge
Walks around the city look a bit different these d Walks around the city look a bit different these days 🤍

It’s been three months now since I became a mama. It’s the single greatest life transition I’ve ever undergone.

The amount of love I have for my son is immeasurable. But being a new mother is not easy — no matter how well you heal, how much (or really, how little) you sleep, or how much you love your babe. For me it is humbling how challenging it can be and, at the same time, how happy it can make you.

Mamas, I see you. What a profound thing it is to care for a new life.
—
#citybaby #fourthtrimester #newmama
Mendocino moments ✨ Just a few hours drive up t Mendocino moments ✨

Just a few hours drive up the coast from SF, being here always feels like a breath of fresh air (maybe because it is?) The redwood-lined drive in alone puts me instantly at ease. (Balm for this tired new mama’s soul.) 

Even better we were able to visit with baby and dog in tow 🤍 Have you been? 

Don’t miss walking the trail along the headlands, hiking, biking, or canoeing Big River, and the wonderfully fresh seafood and/or produce.

 #parttimetraveler #mendocino #weekendgetaway #dogfriendly
Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a Introducing my son, Luca. He entered this world a mere six weeks ago and he is everything 🤍

His name means “bringer of light” and he is the light of our lives. And while we are currently cocooning in the comfort of our family and our home, I can’t wait to take him on adventures and show him the beauty of this world.
One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend bot One year as man and wife 🤍 highly recommend both city hall weddings and marrying your favorite person. 15/10, would marry again (I’d choose you over and over and over.)
📷: @amandaweiphoto 

#happyanniversary #myperson #weddingday #sfcityhallwedding
Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a Waiting for baby 💛 I’ve dreamt of becoming a mother as long as I can remember. I stand here, in the final weeks before birth, in some pain and discomfort (the end of pregnancy is no joke,) but mostly in awe of the female body and this experience of growing a life that’s about to enter this world. 

We are beyond excited to meet you, little  one!✨#37weekspregnant #selfportrait #maternityphotos #almostbabytime
Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot Like all of us, the past few years has meant a lot less part-time travel and a lot more…full-time homebody. I haven’t shared much about my own house in San Francisco, but perhaps it’s time for that to change!

My husband and I merged existing furniture and styles before we were even in this space. And as we prepare to welcome baby, the nesting urge is strong (plus we’ll be spending even more time in our home!) So it feels like a good time to refresh our space to suit both of us cohesively.

Although I already had a plan in mind for the nursery design, when @thehavenly reached out to work together I knew our living room, the heart of our home, could use some fine tuning. I’ve independently used them before to affordably design our home office (soon-to-be nursery or I’d share!) and loved it, so I jumped at the chance to be a #Havenly ambassador. 

I’m working 1:1 with a talented designer now (stay tuned!) and will also share a 25% off discount soon if you’d like to do the same. They also have a fun design quiz (linked in bio) to help you figure out your style. 
More to come! 💛
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