Looks like it . . .

Dec 7, 1999 - © Diane Goldberg under the original topic name

Well, it is once again time for the mid-winter obligatory gift-giving ritual --- no matter how hard we try to emphasize the spiritual aspects of the season when it comes right down to it --- most of us are sentenced to shopping.

And, inveterate travelers are darned hard folks to shop for . . .

Admit it --- even or maybe especially those of you who are budget minded global nomads --- you have a great pocketbook from Greece, a super shawl from Spain and you're wearing the earrings you picked up in a souk.

Or, if you aren't an urban wanderer but a mountain climbing, back-packing, sleep in the desert type your mom knows you need new boots but hasn't a clue how to purchase the chunky things you'll wear from Timbuktu to Tucson.

So how can anyone shop for a travel addict? Most budget travelers especially like to keep their stuff on the slim side --- if they can't eat it, drink it or stuff it in a carry-on they probably don't want it.

So before that once a year tourist circumnavigates the globe let me make a few suggestions for traveler's gifts.

It's tempting to buy bags for your favorite rambling man or woman but unless you travel as much or more than the recipient don't try to second guess what they want --- when it comes to luggage a gift certificate to an appropriate vendor may be the best choice.

Gift certificates are a great choice ---- you can buy a gift certificate for several different airlines. At http://res-excite.previewtravel.com/Gift... you can buy gift certificates on American Airlines. http://www.southwest.com/programs_servic... will link you to the Southwest Airlines gift certificate information. Air Trans has gift certificates also find out about them at http://www.businesswire.com/webbox/bw.12... .

If your special someone has shared plans with you to hit the rails this year the folks at http://www.railpass.com will sell you a pass to speed them on their way.

Of all my travel gear, the one thing I find really indispensable is an "essential travel skirt" from http://www.travelsmith.com . You might want to have a look while you're shopping for someone who can't stay in one place long.

Other treats that may delight the travelers on your gift list are less obvious ----

Books, all paperbacks are welcome when you're waiting in an airport.

Plastic tubes of moisturizer for the frequent flyer - even guys need face grease after a transworld flight --- airline cabin air dries out anyone.

The copyright of the article Looks like it . . . in Traveling on a Budget is owned by Diane Goldberg under the original topic name. Permission to republish Looks like it . . . in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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