My son is traveling to Europe next year for work and is extending the trip for vacation. He is excited about the opportunity but I’m wondering what he needs for his trip (other than a passport). Of course I’m looking for Christmas ideas, but I don’t want to buy a bunch of things that he won’t need.
So far, I’ve thought of a passport wallet. I’ve seen converters and things but I don’t know if they are necessary.
I’m not much of a traveler so…what do you need for that type of travel and three weeks in Europe?
If he doesn’t already have one, get him a lightweight piece of luggage that conforms to European budget airlines’ carry on dimensions. Maybe something that converts from wheeled bag to backpack. Travelmax is a British brand that has many options and can be found on Amazon. If you want something that is a bit more upscale, try Osprey, REI, or Timbuk2.
Some of this depends on where he’ll live and travel- whether he’ll just visit cities or go off the beaten path. And whether he’ll be associating with professionals or mostly other kids.
Something to Skype with.
Laptops may not need a power converter but need a plug adaptor. You can find compact, multi-purpose units. And my kid hated this, but a cheap plastic rain poncho (for days when he’s travelling light or the weather is wet but too warm for a raincoat) - a few dollars at some drug store and they fold to fit in a pocket. She did like the teeny fold-up umbrella. She also appreciated the sort of socks that were warm but lightweight and fast drying, got those at REI. She was in someplace that got very cold, no real heat where she lived.
I guess the rain thing is very casual, but I’ve been caught in downpours, backpack and all.
Power plug adapters are quite handy. Do not get a heavy converter if all he has to plug in are electronics. If he travels to several countries, check what kind of plugs those countries use.
Definitely a plug adaptor, depending on the country/countries that he is going to. UK uses different plugs from the rest of Europe. And some currency (euro or otherwise) for taxis and sundries while on vacation. I’m sure his company will foot the expenses for the business portion of the trip. I would recommend maps, but these days everyone just uses a smart phone and apps. Colorful luggage tags are nice for frequent travelers as everyone’s black bags look the same on the carousel.
Is he a razor or a shaver kind of guy? I totally grasp the regular outlet adaptors, but have always been confused by the plugs in the bathrooms that say “shavers only”. Does anyone know if these take a different type of adaptor or perhaps they are simply marked this way to keep us foreigners from trying to use a heat appliance in the bathroom.
What time of year will he be traveling and to which country?
If he will be staying in more than one place, I might send along 2 phone chargers in case he forgets one.
If you local Barnes and Noble doesn’t carry them, you can order small maps on Amazon.
I just returned from traveling across South Africa for several weeks. My new favorite travel accessory is a portable power strip with 4 USB ports, on a 5-ft power cord. The 5-ft cord cord is great because electric wall outlets are not always in the most convenient places (like hiding behind the bed). Having 4 USB ports enabled me to charge 4 different devices (phone, iPad, camera, etc) at the same time. My travel companions could also charge their devices. It is lightweight & packs small. But it will still need an adapter plug for European wall sockets. http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Charger-Universal-Charging-100v-240v/dp/B00VWUMLVI/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449505900&sr=1-6&keywords=travel+power+strip
It was the trip of a lifetime, @busdriver11! Staring down a white rhino 50 paces away while on foot is an incredible - and terrifying - experience.
Which reminds me of another favorite travel accessory: a USB adapter that fits into a car cigarette lighter. You can recharge phones & cameras while driving in the car. These things are tiny & fit into a suitcase - they would make great stocking stuffers for any traveler. In South Africa we stayed in a bush lodge where electricity came from solar-power batteries, so there was no steady electric current to recharge batteries at night. (My travel companions & I exhausted our poor camera batteries while photographing wild animals on safari.) These little plug-in chargers in our rental van saved the day (and at least one marriage): http://www.amazon.com/TopG-Smart-Charger-3-1Amp-15-5W/dp/B00FRB912U/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449507515&sr=1-1&keywords=car+lighter+adapter
Agree with portable power strip. We started traveling with it on our trip to Peru and now use it everywhere since you cannot count on convenient and sufficent outlets anywhere.
If he’s going to the usual tourist places, an offline map software. My older daughter had one on her smartphone and used it daily. There’s a few for specific cities (Rome, Paris, London, etc) or Nokia Here maps and some other offlines with points of interest, mass transit, and so on.
USB adapter that fits into a car cigarette lighter. You can recharge phones & cameras while driving in the car. These things are tiny & fit into a suitcase - they would make great stocking stuffers for any traveler."
Not if you’re not driving I daresay a young man traveling is likely using trains, not renting a car.
@Kajon, I believe the bathroom shaver outlets found in many European and Asian hotels provide a lower volt output for safety reasons near the water in the bathroom - in contrast to the higher voltage output of the “regular” outlets in the bedroom. I would not try to use these to heat up a blow dryer or curling iron or other volt hog even though some of these outlets look like they can take an American type plug. At best I think they wouldn’t heat up, at worst, perhaps could ruin the American appliance.
@12rmh18, I ordered your hiking pole. I couldn’t find one at REI or other outfitters before my just completed Asian hiking trip. Ready for next time - Thanks!
@tired already, I don’t know what you son plans for his travel days. If he will be hiking or walking a lot and needs a good day pack, I can recommend this one. I used it for a week in Cambodia and more local state park outings this fall. Holds a water bottle nicely, has many interior pockets and holds a lot. Got one for Hubby also - he likes it.
And on that note ^^^, a reusable water bottle - not too large that can be tucked into a bag, or carried in another way is super handy in airports (after security) and while traveling to fill with fresh water. Just don’t fill it with water before going through security.