Stocking stuffers for the traveller,
Ask any frequent traveller and they’ll tell you life on the road sounds a lot more glamorous than it actually is. But give them the right gift this holiday season and you can go a long way to restoring the fun and adventure of travel. 1 Stay hydrated on the road with light, bright, colourful BKR glass bottles. They have a chemical-free silicone sleeve and are lightweight, leak free and dishwasher safe. Plus part of the cost of each bottle supports initiatives that combat the global water crisis. $35 each at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com).
2 When Dorothy Parker quipped “Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker,” she wasn’t talking about hastening a tedious journey, but she could have been. And so it seems like the perfect phrase to be embossed on Indigo’s stainless steel pocket flask, a comforting companion to tuck into a suitcase, especially for trips that involve long days, endless waits and cold nights. $24.50 at Indigo (www.chapters.indigo.ca).
3 Wouldn’t it be great to have a camera that was waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof, that fit in your purse or pocket and still took great photos? Luckily for the adventure-seekers on your list, that’s just what Fujifilm has created with the FinePix XP50. It has a wide-angle, five-times optical zoom lens, a bright LCD screen with anti-reflective coating, a rechargeable battery and HD video. Plus it comes in cool colours of green, orange, blue and silver. $179.95; see www.fujifilm.ca for stores. 4 There’s no question that an e-reader or iPad is a practical gadget on the road. Now you can add a romantic retro appeal with an Out of Print case. These novelty cases look and feel like a well-read classic book — The Great Gatsby, perhaps, or Moby-Dick. Plus your gift for your favourite traveller will provide another gift for someone a world away: For each case sold, a book will be donated to an African community in need. Gatsby e-reader case $55; Moby Dick iPad case $60 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com).
5 There’s nothing like an oldschool notebook for recording the memories of a journey — it holds sketches, ticket stubs, cocktail napkins and pressed flowers as well as notes in a way no electronic device can. Indigo’s faux leather notebook comes in gorgeous colours like purple and aqua, closes with a secure large tab and has a removable 240-page lined notebook that slips into the cover and can be replaced when needed. The A5 Refillable Notebook: $19.95 at Indigo (www.chapters.indigo.ca).
6 The Celluon Magic Cube keyboard really is like magic. This tiny cube, small enough to fit into a jacket pocket, uses laser technology to create a virtual keyboard on any flat surface. It works with iPhone, iPad and just about any smartphone, tablet or Bluetooth device. It’s a must for business travellers and even works in total darkness. $200 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). 7 Pottery Barn’s plush, luxurious faux fur throw is ideal for long winter drives, ski vacations and chilly spring nights at the cottage. Its rich, shadow-printed hues look as real as its soft textures feel. Pure comfort. $168 at Pottery Barn (www. potterybarn.com).
8 Indigo’s red knit ballet slippers are a perfect solution for transatlantic flights and over-air-conditioned hotel rooms. They come in a satin bag and weigh next to nothing, making them ideal for tucking into a carry-on. They’re a great solution for the squeamish traveller who doesn’t like walking barefoot on hotel carpets, as well as the chilly one whose tootsies are always cold. $24.50 at Indigo (www.chapters.indigo.ca).
9 Make your hotel room feel more like home with one of Diptyque’s luxuriously scented candles. The French fragrance house is known for its exquisite ingredients and exotic scents, which can bring a whiff of sophistication to the stuffiest accommodation. $82 at Holt Renfrew (www.hoterenfrew.com).
10 For more than a century, the Swiss Army knife has been the traveller’s essential gadget. It comprises several useful tools in one tiny package, including not only a blade, but nail file, scissors, tweezers, toothpick and other implements. Some even have corkscrews, saws and pliers. Now, Victorinox has come up with a limited edition range of classic knives with cool covers in funky designs that look like sneakers, motherboards, poetry or magnolias. $26; visit www. swissarmy.com for a store locator.
11 For the female traveller with a certain glamorous yet businesslike style, there’s Tiffany’s Amelia tote bag by designers Richard Lambertson and John Truex. It comes in camel leopard print haircalf or plush espresso suede with patent leather trim. It’s big enough to hold a laptop, and chic enough to go to dinner. Plus the collection has a range of wallets, pochettes and card cases for all those important travel documents. The totes retail for $1,100 to $1,300 at Tiffany stores or through www. tiffany.ca.
12 Road warriors know that hard-sided luggage can stand up to the rigours of travel better than soft bags. For them there’s the Cronos Elite by Canada’s own Heys Luggage. These sculptural, metallic-looking spinner bags come in sleek silver or bronze and are made of tough, durable, lightweight and flexible German polycarbonate plastic. This luggage also has a telescopic handle system, water-resistant zippers and multi-riveted top and side handles, as well as a builtin TSA Lock. A three-piece set of the Cronos Elite (21, 26 and 30 inches) has a list price of $1,649.99, but is only $759.97 if you buy it through http://shopheys.ca.
13 Help your Europe-bound traveller get around with a Eurail Pass. There’s no better way to explore the continent than by train, and nothing makes it easier than one of these passes. They range from single country passes to the Global Pass that lets you explore 23 countries by rail. Note that you will have to provide a fair bit of information, including the first day of travel, full name and passport number of the person going on the trip. Prices range from $48 for a 10day One Country Pass in Slovenia to $1,973 for a three-month Global Pass. Order yours at www.eurailgroup.org.
14 If you have a frequent traveller who hasn’t quite been able to gather enough Aeroplan status points for Elite membership, you can make their day by buying them a Maple Leaf Lounge membership. The lounge is a perfect place to rest and refuel, sip a glass of wine, grab a snack, check email, work or relax while waiting for a flight. Member- ships range from $365 for the Maple Leaf Club Canada to $648.99 for the Maple Leaf Club Worldwide. Sign up at www.airclublounge.com. 15 Know someone suffering from wanderlust? Then you also know that nothing will make them happier than a ticket to someplace new and exciting. Right now, one of the most intriguing destinations is South America, and especially Argentina. With its fascinating history and spectacular scenery of glaciers, pampas, beaches and, of course, the towering Andes Mountains, this is one unforgettable destination. While you’re at it, throw in a winecountry adventure in Mendoza, a visit with some local cowboys, the grilled meat feast known as an “asado,” a quick tango and some of the warmest, friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere. Don’t be surprised if your happy traveller never wants to leave. Air Canada flies daily (except Tuesdays and Thursdays) from Toronto to Buenos Aires; learn more about Argentina at www.turismo.gov.ar/ eng/menu.htm.