Here are seven great gifts for the traveler on your list! As professional travelers these are some things that Sandi and I find particularly useful.
Verizon Jetpack AC791L Mobile Hotspot
As a part of the @NETGEAR Ambassador Program, I was given a Verizon Jetpack AC791L mobile hotspot device for review. At first I saw no need for a mobile hotspot since I could easily tether my laptop to my smartphone. But after using the device for a couple of weeks, I found enough advantages to justify adding it to this list.
I have fat fingers so I prefer to tweet and answer email from my laptop instead of my smartphone. By using the Jetpack to get work done, I am able to save my phone’s battery which always seems to run on fumes by the end of the day. When my smartphone is tethered, I lose my data connection if I have to make or receive a call. By using the Jetpack, I can stay connected and don’t have to choose between voice and data. Even if I don’t anticipate needing the Jetpack as a hotspot, I like to travel with it because it can double as a backup battery charger.
The Jetpack has an LCD screen that allow me to keep an eye on my data usage, and it allows me to connect multiple devices. My favorite use of the Jetpack is for avoiding outrageous data roaming charges when I travel internationally.
The retail price of the Jetpack is $49.99 (after $50 rebate) plus data usage with a 2 year contract from VerizonWireless.com.
We’ve been using GoPro products for years. What we love about the HERO4 Session is that is is smaller and easier to use. Simply push the button to begin recording 1080p30 ultra wide video. Push it again to stop. Hold the button down for three seconds to capture 8MP time lapse photos at 0.5 second intervals. The camera can be controlled with your smartphone via bluetooth and is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet.
The HERO4 Session comes with a ball joint buckle that allows you to change the rotate the position of the camera without having to stop and remount it. The camera’s dual mic system produces surprisingly good audio with limited wind noise.
The HERO4 Session retails for only $299.99 but does not include a memory card so you’ll need to purchase a micro SD card separately.
If you’re a budget shopper, HERE Maps is a free app that you can give to every traveler on your list (just send them the link). What we love about HERE is that an internet or cellular connection is not necessary for turn by turn navigation directions. So, if we’re traveling to say, Montana, we simply download HERE’s Montana map. We’ll have no worries as we travel through mountainous or remote areas where internet or cellular service could be sketchy at best. After our trip, we simply delete the map freeing up space on our smartphone. HERE is mapping the world and already has maps for all 50 states and over 100 countries.
e-Bags TLS Mother Lode Weekend Convertible
I am always in search of a great bag. The TLS Mother Lode Weekend Convertible can fit a ton of stuff and also fit under my seat, which is important to me since I’m vertically challenged and struggle to reach the overhead.
In 2010, S’well was launched with a mission to rid the world of plastic bottles and they just might do it! S’well is a fashionable, reusable, beautifully crafted bottle that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
The Travel Bra Soft bamboo fabric with secret pockets for passport, credit card, jewelry, room key & cash and designed for comfort, style and safety.
Travel Jacket and Hands-free Tech Travel Hoodie. The worlds first ‘made in the USA’ Travel Jacket and a hoodie that lets travelers (or concert goers, sports fans, joggers or anyone) put items like their smartphone, tickets, transit-passes, boarding passes etc. in clear sleeve pouches on their forearms, for easy access while keeping hands-free at the same time. It’s also weatherproof with over 12 features for men and women by Colby Kane.
love the travel bra – what a great idea!
That jetpack looks great if you can use it overseas without roaming charges. It could be the answer to my (silent) prayers. i also love the HERE map app – great list!
Thanks Kay! The jetpack is great and will work overseas. You still have to purchase a data plan but at least you can avoid the data roaming charges.