December has descended upon us, and all of a sudden you’ve only got a few weeks left to shop for holiday gifts. A gift card, some funky socks, a cool coffee table book and a few bottles of wine will do for most, but then you get to that one person on your list who’s daunting to shop for: they call him … the traveler. The person who’s been everywhere, seen everything and is impossible to impress. If you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t have that person on my list” … then it might be you.
Our holiday gift to you is easing the pain that is gifting the nomad. Whether you’re shopping for the traveler or you are the traveler deciding what you want this year, this list of gadgets, fitness accessories and luggage has something for your world wanderer.
And to thank us, you can give us those bottles of wine.
Main image courtesy of YouTube/Spectacles
Maggie Parker is Paste Magazine’s assistant travel editor.
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For the No-Strings-Attached Traveler: Plantronics' BackBeat GO 3
A good pair of headphones is essential to a good trip, but nothing's more annoying than getting all tangled up in a cord when trying to take a nap on an airplane. Plantronics' BackBeat GO 3 wireless earbuds provide hi-def sound without a bulky construction. They also feature waterproof coating, wireless control and portable changing. With three pairs of bud covers included that range in size, you'll easily find the perfect fit.
From $100
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For the Fit Traveler: Booty Belt System
Some travelers insist on taking their fitness regimen with them on the road, and walking around the city just won't cut it. Make their lives easier with a packable fitness tool, for when there's no gym in the hotel and the streets in the city they're visiting weren't made for running. The Booty Belt is lightweight and portable, made up of only a few pieces that can easily be tossed into a suitcase. It's a time saver, too, as it requires just a quick 20 min glute/core workout, leaving more time for exploring.
$100
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For the Fancy Traveler: Mime et Moi
The biggest problem traveling fashionistas face is narrowing down how many pairs of shoes to pack. Flats, sandals, pumps … they'll find a reason to pack them all. But then there's no room in the suitcase for anything else. Unless, they pack all of those shoes and more in one pair with Mime et moi's changeable shoes. The heels to this super chic shoe are removable and each pair comes with two heels, but you can buy more heels separately to create more styles. That sounds like a chunky, ugly shoe, doesn't it? It's not. It's sleek, simple and on-trend, and the removability is invisible.
From $185
Photo courtesy of YouTube/Mime et moi
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For the Wired Traveler: Lander Neve Cable
A lightning cable might not be the most glamorous gift, but knowing your phone cord won't break in the middle of the night in a hotel in the middle of nowhere is the gift every wired wanderer really wants. And you can give them that guarantee (well, not 100 percent, but it'll last longer than most cables) by stuffing their stocking with Lander's Neve cable. This cord (which comes in lightning to USB and micro USB to USB) features Lander's signature Illumiweave reflective technology that allows for quick location in a dimly lit hostel after a late night out with new foreign friends, and is made of durable nylon that is tangle-free and will last. Seriously, it's a traveler's best friend. Plus, it's red, which makes it a little more festive.
From $25
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For the Hipster Traveler: Spectacles by Snap
Hipster travelers are Snapchatting their adventures all the time, anyway, make it easier with Snapchat's new Spectacles. These are exactly as they sound: a pair of sunglasses with Snapchat capability. The brightly colored shades have cat eye corners and colored mirrored lenses. Each corner has a decorative dot, one of which conceals a camera. Press the button on the stem and the camera snaps a 10-second video, which is automatically sent to your phone for you to do with what you please. Documenting your travels has never been so easy.
$130
Photo courtesy of YouTube/Spectacles
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For the Outdoorsy Traveler: Good Candle Campfire
To some, traveling is simply pitching tent in the woods somewhere because it provides a one-with-nature feeling that's impossible to replicate. Well, almost. Good Candle's campfire-scented mason jar candle invokes that warm yet adventure-ready feeling no matter where it's planted. The smell of embers and burning wood can turn any room into the wilderness, so that adventurer never has to feel like they've stopped wandering.
From $18
Photo courtesy of Good Candle/Steph Noritz
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For the Techie Traveler: Insta360 Nano
Panoramas are so three years ago; now it's all about the 360-degree photo. The Insta360 Nano attaches to your iPhone and takes striking 360-degree HD images and videos, and can even live stream to social media platforms. The craziest part is that it does all of this in a small and lightweight body that's perfect for packing. Don't throw out the box! The packaging turns into a VR cardboard so you can fully revisit the trip when you've come home.
$170
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For the Do-Good Traveler: Matt & Nat George Weekender
Every traveler needs a good durable duffel, but it doesn't have to be leather to have a long life. Material and natured inspired brand Matt & Nat (get it?) creates cruelty free, sustainable and eco-friendly products. They use harmless materials such as recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork, recycled bicycle tires and recycled plastic bottles to make bags, wallets and shoes. For a traveler who likes to wear their heart filled with love for the earth on their sleeve, the leather-like George weekender bag with crossbody and adjustable shoulder straps will help them see the world their helping to preserve.
$195
Photo courtesy of Matt & Nat
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For the Zen Traveler: YoYo Mats
Yoga mats are annoying to travel with, but certain zen-aholics insist on it. YoYo Mats makes yoga on the road easier with a self-rolling mat that packs itself, thanks to two patented steel bands beneath the surface of the mat. Unlike other yoga mats, this one stays conveniently rolled until you are ready to use it and toss it out. Choose a fun color and have fun rolling around (whether for fitness' sake or just playing with your new slap-bracelet-esque mat).
From $80