studentsineurope

Arrive in Style: Gifts for the Student Traveler

Photo: Vogue Italia

As I type this from my local Barnes & Nobles, I can’t help but notice that – though Thanksgiving hasn’t even had its day in the spotlight – Christmas is already stealing the show. Similarly, the pages of my favorite travel magazines are glittering with gift ideas for those leaving town.

Yes, the season is upon us, and ’tis the season for giving, receiving and quite possibly returning all sorts of gifts. For those about to cross the pond, now is the perfect time to stock up on all those student travel essentials and frivolities alike.  So, add these items to your Christmas list, or play Santa to one of your own jet setting friends.

Passport cover: Maybe nationality is best kept a secret, or maybe that god-awful passport hue just doesn’t seem to coordinate.  Either scenario may best be solved with the gift of a passport cover. Available in every color of the rainbow or imaginable pattern, these things manage to accessorize air travel.

Watch: Some people, like me, rely much less on their cell phone when abroad. It’s exhilarating and liberating, but it comes with one consequence: as a person who doesn’t do watches, I’m constantly in need of the time. A lovely little wristwatch would solve this problem, making it much less possible to miss the train, class or happy hour.

Prepaid debit card: It’s as good as cash, only better, because you didn’t actually have to earn it. Most major credit card providers make debit cards that can be filled with numerous amounts of money, then given away as gifts. Make sure the card of your choosing is accepted in different countries, and authorize it if necessary. Then, once abroad, you can use it like a gift card for anything and everything.

Words of Wisdom: Whether it’s a subscription to a travel magazine, a helpful guidebook or a lanuage learning tool, the nervous pre-traveler could certainly use a little literary help.

MP3 player: It’s a long, lonely plane ride, and the metro can be a very somber place. Jazz up the daily life of you or your loved one by loading all your favorite tunes onto one pocket-sized MP3 player. Plus, those obvious ear buds give the she-traveler license to ignore any unwanted comments. Pair these things with a set of sunglasses and you’re practically invincible.

Outlet converter: This may be more of a stocking stuffer, but few things are worse than realizing – while primping for your first night out – that your hair dryer won’t fit into those awkward Euro-plugs. Avoid the hassle and arrive in style by having an international outlet converter before takeoff.

Luggage: A good carry- or check-on is always appreciated, especially for those travelers comme moi, who never seem to have enough luggage space for all those items I just know I’ll wear. They’re a bit of a splurge, but the Heys hard case rollers are stylish, sturdy and – with those colors – certainly won’t get lost on the baggage claim. The company even makes backpacks for the less weight-friendly roamers.

Clothing: Maybe clothing is a more of a first-person-purchase, but if there’s enough familiarity between the two of you, ask for or give a winter wardrobe essential – just be sure to include the gift receipt.