Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Travelers

In today's day and age, there are tons of gadgets to make traveling easier. A lot of these things make great stocking stuffers. Here are some of the most essential.

Universal adapter and converter set: Your traveler will want to charge their iPod and camera battery all over the world. With a universal adapter set they'll be prepared where ever they go!

Alarm clock: Make sure your traveler doesn't miss their 5 a.m. flight home! A cell phone can also be used as an alarm clock, but not all US cell phones work in other parts of the world.

Toiletry bottles: Nothing is worse then getting off your flight from Madrid and retrieving your bag from the carousel only to find your shampoo has spilled and ruined your Picasso prints from El Prado. Make sure the plastic bottles have screw-on caps and they'll be less likely to spill. Ziplock bags help, too!

LUSH shampoo bar: Avoid the above problem altogether by giving your traveler a solid shampoo bar to carry around. Plus, the shampoo bar can also be used as body wash and laundry soap! LUSH also makes a tin for the shampoo bars and a solid conditioner.

Silk neck pouch: Your traveler can keep their passport and cash safe at airports and train stations with a nice neck pouch. A silk one feels better next to the skin, especially during hot weather, and it doesn't cost much more than the ordinary kind. As a bonus it can double as a small purse!

Compass: It's easier to read a map when you know which way is north. You can get compasses that come attached to things like whistles or flashlights, which are also handy.

Pocket knife or multi-purpose tool: How will your traveler slice up that bread and cheese they bought as a picnic lunch to eat in a park or on the train? They will be surprised at how many times they use this traveler's necessity. Make sure you get a pair with scissors and they will be doubly useful. You can go with the classic Swiss Army knife or a new-fangled Leatherman tool.

Pocket tissues: Your traveler will always want to have some of these handy. It's amazing how superfluous toilet paper seems to be in other parts of the world!

Earplugs: It's a bad idea to set foot on an airplane or in a hostel without these.