Holiday Shopping Guide for Travelers

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and this guide lists some practical gift ideas.   Whether you’re looking to get presents for the traveling folks in your life  or investing on some travel gear for yourself, some of the best deals can be found around this time of year.   Here’s a round up of some travel accessories that would make great gifts for Viajeras and Viajeros.  (Philippine/Metro Manila based shoppers, see note below regarding delivery of your US-based online purchases).

1.  Passport holder – $16. 25, Muji.us, available in Muji stores in the Philippines

This passport holder from Muji has multiple pockets to hold your travel documents, cards, cash, keys and a pen.  The outer pocket is a good place to stash your airline ticket, boarding pass or immigration documents, but there’s also a spot for it inside, along with pockets for the passports, credit cards, frequent flyer cards, cash and change.

 

2.  Money pouches

A secure way to carry a good bit of your travel cash and passport when traveling especially in areas where pickpocketing is rampant is in a pouch or  wrapped around your waist or your ankle.  There are certain hassles involved in using these items, like having to lift up your shirt or your pants leg to pull out wads of cash.  But if you do it in a discreet, private place away from prying eyes, it’s still worth the trouble. My advice:  carry a small amount of cash and one credit card for the purchases that you’re planning, keep the bulk of your money, cards and outher valuables in your money pouch. Replenish cash when you stop at a restroom for privacy.)

3.  Packing Cubes

Packing cubes help keep your clothes organized and can separate unused items from dirty laundry.  They also help maximize space in your luggage.  Ebags has them in Small, Medium and Large sizes.  Samantha Brown’s line also has nylon zipper envelope bags  and other sizes that come in her set.

4.  Binoculars

Whether your marveling at ancient structures, spectacular vistas, fascinating wildlife, thrilling athletic events, or just trying to spot your travel companion in sea of tourists, a binocular is a handy gadget to have while traveling

5.   Grid-Its organizers

One of the better organizer systems in the market, Grid-its are boards with elastic bands in various configurations to keep gear, gadgets, cords and other small to medium sized items in place.  They come in various sizes and are also incorporated in laptop and iPad sleeves and cases

 

(Quick note:  Most items listed are available in the US via Amazon.  If you’re based in the Philippines and want to order, I recommend using Johnny Air’s Shop Online service where they serve as your contact point and shipping address in the US.  They can accept packages on your behalf, bundle them up and ship it to Manila for pick up at either their Megamall or Makati offices.)