Holiday Gift Guide For World Travelers

At wandermelon, we are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest destinations in the world, including useful, interesting and stylish travel products. Here are a few of our favorites that we would love to find under our tree… hint, hint! Happy Holidays to all our readers from all the team at wandermelon! We look forward to seeing you again in the New Year with more exciting travel tips and stories from around the world.

Hummingbird Waterproof Travel Bags
We love these brightly colored waterproof Hummingbird carry-on bags for active travelers; perfect for sailing, diving and adventure trips. Both stylish and durable, they come in a practical range of shapes and sizes and are reasonably priced. (Prices from US$74.95 – $169.95.)

GO PRO Sports Cameras
The HD HERO2 cameras are hands down the most versatile and affordable sports cameras out on the market used by professional athletes. They shoot not only stills, but also HD videos at altitude and underwater. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing professional full 170º wide angle 1080p video and 11 megapixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second. The GoPro records both 960p and 1080p at 30 fps. If you’re looking for higher fps for slow motion play back then you can use the 720p option, which is capable of shooting footage at 60 fps. Whether your goal is to capture a great day out with friends or you’re gunning for the cover of a magazine, the HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition can help you nail it and look like a hero. (HD HERO2 Surf and Motorsport editions, as well as the original HD Helmet, Motorsports and Surf HEROS, and the HD HERO Naked and 960 also available.) (Prices from US$149 – $299.99.)

New BOSE In-Ear Audio Product
Engineered for improved audio performance and stability, Bose’s new audiophile quality in-ear earphones are perfect for travelers and can be used with iPads, iPhones, iPods and other digital music players. There are three new in-ear products: the IE2 audio headphones for listening on-the-go, and the MIE2 and MIE2i mobile headsets, designed specifically for music-enabled mobile phones.  The MIE2 and MIE2i mobile headsets offer an additional benefit—taking calls with ease from music-enabled mobile phones. They feature a convenient in-line microphone and one-touch answer/end button for seamless switching from music to calls and back. While the MIE2 is compatible with many mobile phones—including all iPhone models and many BlackBerry devices—the MIE2i was designed exclusively for listening to and control of select Apple products, including the iPhone, iPod, iPad and MacBook Pro. Its in-line microphone provides access to certain voice applications in Apple products, and the in-line remote lets users adjust volume and navigate through stored music directly from the headset. Each is engineered with proprietary Bose technologies for improved audio quality, and feature new Bose® StayHear™ tips for greater stability and a comfortable fit. (Prices from US$89.95 – 116.95.)

WANAKA: From Earth to Heaven at Whare Kea
This beautiful award-winning new book will make an ideal gift for anyone who loves this special part of New Zealand or who just wants to enjoy a bit of kiwi alpine magic at home. Written by Michal McKay (the former editor of NZ House & Garden and Cuisine) and commissioned by the owners of Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet (Louise and Martyn Myer), it is a love song to the region and a celebration of Wanaka’s artisans, adventurers, cuisine, and magnificent landscape. The book is divided into the four seasons, and in each season there are activities you might pursue, profiles of people you might meet and seasonal recipes from the hotel’s gifted chef, James Stapley. This is the first-ever travel (and recipe) book dedicated to Wanaka and it brings to life a cast of talented locals – from Everest-grade mountain guides to artisan food and wine producers, while also showcasing one of the most stunning parts of New Zealand with gorgeous photography by Kieran Scott. No wonder it won The Best Cookbook in NZ for the 2011 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. (Approx. US$60 + shipping.)

Ultimate Cashmere Travel Kit
Loro Piano’s luxurious leather-soled his or hers slippers, soft inflatable headrest, lightweight blanket, and elegant eye mask are all made of the finest, beige cashmere and raw materials by Italian craftsman so you can travel in first class comfort no matter how cheap your ticket is. (Prices start at US$395.)

2011 Special Edition of Planet Earth
The ideal gift for armchair travelers and nature lovers, this new special edition of the Planet Earth television series comes in a special collectible globe with both DVD and Blu-ray copies available. There is even a set of nature-inspired art cards included. (US$61.49 for Blu-ray & $19.99 for DVD.)

Skechers Walking Shoes
Know any travelers with big plans to spend some serious time walking in the New Year? Skechers has launched a new line of minimalist playful shoes called GOwalk (US$59). These colorful cushion-soft shoes are lightweight and have a seamless sock fit so you can wear them barefoot for a more natural stride; easy to tuck in a suitcase and great for your feet as you navigate around the planet.

World Vision Gifts
It’s easy to forget those less fortunate than us at this busy time of year, so why not give the gift of hope and life to a friend, family member or colleague by helping children and communities in need. At World Vision, your donations will support projects around the world such as education and training programs for children and adults, agricultural and environment work to help grow nutritious food and revive the land, including farm animals, healthcare, water and sanitation programs, emergency relief during natural disasters and toys for kids to play with. Donations start as low as $5 for water purification tablets and can go as high $1345 to build a house. For each gift purchased, you will be sent a World Vision gift card featuring a photo and description of the gift and space for you to write a personal message. If you order online, you can choose a printed gift card or send a personalized eCard or MMS to the person you’re buying the gift for.

Outstanding in the Field 2012 Gift Certificates
Sharing a farm dining adventure with your friends & family is a gift that will be savored and remembered. Whether your gift recipient is a wide-eyed and wonder-filled first time diner, or a loyal long time fan, they will be thrilled! Gift certificates are available in $200 denominations. The 2012 schedule will be posted on our website on March 1 for viewing and tickets go on sale on March 20, the First Day of Spring. For those of you in Florida and Hawaii (or for someone looking to get away in January), there are 6 winter events. Tickets are available now and seats have been going fast! (Prices start at US$200 each.)

GET A ROOM! – Mr & Mrs Smith Gift Vouchers
These hot vouchers would make a great addition to any Christmas gift guide you’re planning. Stylishly presented in an intricate black display box the vouchers can be used toward the purchase of accommodation at any boutique hotel in the Mr & Mrs Smith collection worldwide. Available in denominations of $100 and up, they will be sent to your inbox as soon as your order is processed. All vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and are available on the Mr & Mrs Smith website.

kai Bubbles & Light Holiday Set
This fragrant gift set is a recipe for relaxation. Their new luxe bathing bubbles contains argan oil, coconut and sugar derivatives and their divine scent. We love the tropical gardenia notes of kai’s signature scent and that all products are paraben, sulfate and phthalate free. The petite nightlight candle, made with soy, palm and coconut wax is great for travelers and dreamers, as it fills any room with the sweet scent of faraway jungle. (Prices from US$34 – $110.)