Trying to decide what to give travelers for the holidays can be a challenge.
Finding quality, affordably priced, functional products takes some time to locate. Whether searching the internet or heading to the local mall, it is time consuming to find an item you will be comfortable giving. Fret no more, shop the AstridTravel Marketplace and quickly solve your solo traveler gift giving problem.
Even though the AstridTravel Marketplace is still in the developmental stage one phase, AstridTravel Essentials, is open which you can access here. There you will find fifteen products that I regularly use on my travels, all of which I consider to be essential "must haves" to help enhance your travel experiences and keep travel related stress to a minimum.
Not to be considered coveted or sexy products, AstridTravel Essentials are bottomline, functional. Multi-pronged, electrical adapters, practical packing cubes, a safety oriented passport/credit card case, jewelry and tech pouches are a few of the basic travel products offered in this section of the Marketplace. Likewise, all of these items have received many positive reviews from prior purchasers. The following are a few products I particularly like to help you make your gift giving purchase decision.
Bandolier Hands Free Smartphone Case
1. Bandolier Phone Case
The Bandolier Handsfree Smartphone case with an attached cross body strap is my all time favorite travel essential. I have written a blog about and done a video on this wonderful travel companion.
I find this product incredibly useful because it ensures that your phone is always readily available to answer a call or text, send an email or take that it photo without having to retrieve it from your purse or backpack. Because your smartphone is strapped across your body, it's highly unlikely you'll lose it or have it stolen. When traveling, knowing where your smartphone is at all times is extremely comforting.
This phone case also includes a covered pouch for your credit card, driver’s license or some cash on the back, so you really don't need to carry a purse while out! In my opinion, this case is definitely an essential!
Packing Cubes
2. Packing Cubes
The second product I've grown to love is packing cubes. I have to admit I was slow to realize their usefulness. After reading many positive comments by travelers about how wonderful they were, I decided to try them out. From the first trip, I loved them. A jumbled up, disorganized suitcase is definitely a stressor. When you arrive at your destination and your clothes are all wrinkled and you can't handily find something, stress starts to mount. Packing cubes are the solution to keeping your clothes organized and virtually wrinkle free. There are individual cubes for your shirts/tops, pants/skirts, dresses, jackets/vests, sweaters and even one that's big enough to accommodate coats. The multi-sized cubes are designed to fit snuggly in any type of suitcase. In addition, I have found the cubes help you to not leave items behind when repacking to go home. Seriously consider giving this inexpensive product, your gift recipient will be thrilled after their first use.
Jewelry Case Organizer
3. Jewelry Case
Continuing along the line of packing organizers, two other products offered by AstridTravel Essentials are the tech pouch and the jewelry roll / case. Valuable items need to be protected from loss or damage when traveling. Losing an earring or a tech cord can be a travel bummer. I use both of these organizers on every trip and place them in my tote, backpack or carryon for easy access while en route somewhere. Knowing where your jewelry or tech essentials are at any time sets your mind at ease.
International Electrical Adapter
3. Electrical Adaptor
Having the correct electrical adapter when visiting a foreign country is a must. There are many horror stories such as having electrical appliances catch on fire, hair being fried from improper electrical conversion while using a flat iron, as well as arriving at your destination and not being able to plug in and charge your tech devices. Before investing in an international electrical adapter, I was prone to packing many different types of pronged devices due to not being totally sure if any one would work properly. Consequently, I have had to buy many new, appropriate adapters once I reached my destination. This adaptor works well in as many as 150 countries. Take the guessing out of international electrical adapters and purchase one for your solo traveler. They will be delighted you did.
Luggage Scale
4. Luggage Scale
Last, but definitely not least, is the seemingly un-necessary luggage scale. With the airlines being more and more stringent when it comes to baggage overweight penalties, a inexpensive luggage scale can save you hundreds of dollars in unexpected, unwanted overweight baggage fees.
If you love to shop or are prone to overpacking, the luggage scale will become one of your best travel friends. Knowing that your bag is not overweight before you board a plane will prevent any unwarranted baggage penalties which can routinely happen upon returning home with a suitcase full of souvenirs. Many times when I've known I'd be penalized for having overweight bags, I have mailed things home which was cheaper than incurring the baggage penalties. This handy device allowed me to decide whether it was less expensive to send excess things home or incur the overweight charges. Every solo traveler should have a luggage scale!
I will be adding new products which I believe are paramount for stress free solo travel to the AstridTravel Essentials regularly. Some of the additional, upcoming products will include extra small but durable umbrellas, foldable rain toppers/ponchos, packable hats, shoe and boot bags, collapsable totes/backpacks, top quality, portable phone chargers, safety door stoppers and sturdy selfie sticks.
The Holiday Season is upon us and it's that hectic time of year when everyone is looking for ways to make their season merry and bright. Remove some of the gift giving stress by visiting the Astrid Solo Travel Advisor Marketplace and purchase a functional, quality travel gift for that solo traveler friend or loved one from AstridTravel Essentials.
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
Living a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle is something that is very important to me. It’s not always easy, but I have discovered a number of eco-friendly/sustainable/responsible travel products that have helped me maintain my “earth-conscious” habits and make wise consumer decisions while on the road. Here are 10 of my favorites!