NEW YORK — What’s the perfect gift for someone planning a trip?
We asked three people who make their living in the travel industry to tell us what they always bring with them on trips. We also asked what they’d like to receive as a gift to take on trips, and what they’d give to someone planning a trip.
Here are ideas and inspiration for your travel gift list from Dylan Thuras, co-founder of the Atlas Obscura website; Crystal Cruises CEO Edie Rodriguez, and John Tanzella, CEO of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.
Dylan Thuras
• MUST HAVES: One great backpack that fits in an overhead but can also fit all your stuff, with a laptop pocket for easy access on the security line. I am obsessed with not checking bags — I have a strange vendetta against the rolling bag. One bag forces you to shed needless items. I love the one I have now by d’emploi. It can stand up to serious wear and tear: It is simple, utilitarian, and really beautiful.
I also always travel with a camera or two, currently a Canon EOS 70D, which is a nice sturdy workhorse of a camera. I also often bring an old Nimslo 3D camera, which is a camera that shoots on film using four lenses to make those 3D postcards you have seen in gift shops.
• COULD USE: A great coat. I have worn my two-piece Spiewak jacket to tatters and am in need of a great new coat. Coats are one of those things it is worth spending a bit on, and make a good “big gift” as you should be able to get years out of a good coat. I love the winter coats that have a detachable shell inside that can be worn as a lighter coat. Either the Spiewak Heron snorkel parka or the bomber with detachable jacket would be really amazing fancy gifts to get.
• TO GIVE: Besides the amazing new Atlas Obscura book? One thing I think it is really nice to give for a trip is a travel watercolor set. You can get a simple one or a fancy one and along with a set of watercolor postcards it is a really nice travel gift.
Edie Rodriguez
• MUST HAVES: I always travel with two passports with extra pages and my international electrical plug converter that works in any country. As a “mobile” CEO I must travel with both of my iPhones — yes I have two — chargers for those phones, and my make-up.
• COULD USE: I would love a new carry-on suitcase. My current one has traveled with me to many destinations and is now very worn
• TO GIVE: I would definitely give any traveler an iPad complete with a charger and converter. I would probably also throw in a fabulous carry-on suitcase.
John Tanzella
• MUST-HAVES: Space-saver roll-up storage bags are essential for packing when I have to combine business and leisure travel or back-to-back trips in a variety of climates. Look for the ones that don’t require a vacuum.
• COULD USE: Dress clothes that don’t wrinkle!
• TO GIVE: A Flytographer photo shoot. The company uses local photographers all over the world. While you explore, they capture the moments in an informal way. Much better than taking 1,000 selfies!
