Travel gifts for the holidays — 2017

By Howard Hian | December 1, 2017

Can’t travel without

Eagle Creek — My Eagle Creek inventory includes everything from rolling luggage to handy Pak-It Cubes. My latest find is the water repellent, ultra light Cargo Hauler Duffel. It expands to a perfect sized carryon for extras picked up on the road and also substitutes for a backpack. www.EagleCreek.com.

Chico Bag — Winner four years in a row of the “Best for the World Environment Award,” Chico Bag produces stylish reusable bags for shopping, travel, snacks, etc. I always pack my cleverly designed Bottle Sling (made from five recycled plastic bottles!). It has in-strap pockets for a pen or lip gloss, as well as a built-in slot for phone, ID, etc. It folds into a small pouch when not in use. www.ChicoBag.com.

Klean Kanteen — Since 2002, Klean Kanteen has produced high quality, stainless steel insulated bottles, growlers, cups, tumblers, straws and food canisters in all sizes and shapes. Double wall vacuum insulation and innovative cap designs keep hot drinks hot and cold, cold. They’re all about environmentally friendly merchandise. www.KleanKanteen.com.

Gotta wear while traveling

White Sierra — A family-owned, 38-year-old company that offers affordable quality outdoor apparel for men, women and kids. I’m a big fan of the nylon Kalgoorlie II shirt and jaunty looking Bug Free Brim Hat. www.WhiteSierra.com.

Clothing Arts — The Pick-Pocket Proof Convertible Travel Pants are a must-have for dual purpose wear… long pants or shorts. They are quick dry and even have radio wave blocking technology. www.ClothingArts.com.

Craghoppers — This British outdoor clothing company has been around for more 50 years. It was first set up to outfit an expedition to climb Mt. Everest. The Kiwi model quick drying shirt with UPF 40+ sun protection was a smart choice for my trip to Mexico. www.Craghoppers.com.

Teva — Noted for sandals, Teva also has other excellent shoes for the whole family. My choice for “everything” wear is the Omnium. They are water friendly, provide good support and are very comfortable. With a pair of brown socks, I cheat and use them for “dress.” www.Teva.com.

Hi-Tec Socks — Good shoes and active feet deserve first-rate socks. These are a perfect footwear choice for hiking and/or casual wear, featuring a merino wool acrylic blend that is breathable and comfortable. www.TheComfortSock.com.

Fun gifts

Need a stocking stuffer? Small batch crafted Gnome Sauce adds a delicious smoky flavor to your food. It’s made and bottled on California’s Central Coast. Order online at www.GnomeHotSauce.com.

Journalist David Clary’s book, “Gangsters to Governors,” is a fascinating read, chronicling gaming from the time of the mobsters forward to the relationships of politicians and state legalized gambling. www.DavidClaryAuthor.com.

GOSLEEP is a travel combo featuring a comfortable memory foam pillow and first-rate sleep mask. The sleep mask has an elastic cord when wrapped around a headrest in a plane or car prevents head bobbing. www.GoSleepUSA.com.

Support your local arts and subscribe to season tickets. My choice is the La Jolla Playhouse. It offers military nights at the Playhouse, veterans’ playwriting workshops and presentations of their annual POP Tour at military bases. www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org.

The “Entertainment Book” is a perennial favorite. Available in book form or digital format, it’s been at the forefront of discounts for restaurants, travel, movies, shopping, etc., for decades. For 2018, I like the digital version, which offers local deals, as well as savings, in over 100 major cities in the U.S. and Canada. www.Entertainment.com.

Here’s a freebie: The app “Omaha Tutorial & Poker Resorts” can be found in the iTunes store. There’s updated content on how to play poker’s most frustrating game, plus general advice, terms and an all-new section focusing on casino/resort travel destinations.

Enjoy the journey …