7 Interesting gifts for your traveller friends

One thing I hate about malls is that everything looks the same. No matter what stores you go to, everything is probably produced in the same factory somewhere in Asia. This is especially bland when you're trying to do some Christmas shopping, and you're forced to sort through rows of generic looking sweaters to buy, wrap and gift.

Usually when I'm abroad, I love browsing quirky shops and clothing boutiques and buy things and find interesting and fun things to give friends and family on birthdays or for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised the other day however when I discovered this Diesel Surplus boutique that sold not just Diesel, but also Tom Ford, Marc by Marc Jacobs and G-Star in this small but really trendy shop relatively close to home, where I was able to finish my Christmas shopping. It's kind of nice when you discover a nice hidden place like that, isn't it?

Anyway, with only a few days left until Christmas, here's a few interesting gift ideas for your traveller friends, for those who are in need of some ideas.

1. Vintage maps
I love maps and I love vintage things, so why not vintage maps? Like most travelers, I always find maps to be an endless source of possibilities as it's great for planning trips, and reminiscing on past trips. If your friend already has a world map, subway or transit maps also make for a great present, especially if it's a city that brings back fond memories. Make sure you obtain these maps legally though! I remember when I was living in Chicago, stealing maps from the subway became a pretty big issue...

2. A Scrapbook
With the popularity of digital cameras and Facebook, I feel like hardly anyone ever prints out their photos anymore. It's sort of a tradition in my family to browse through our photo albums during Christmas, and I still remember the excitement of looking at my photos after I get them developed from a trip. A scrapbook, put together with a collection of photos and captions from a backpacking trip across a country or continent would be something I can see being cherished forever.

3. Calling cards
While the idea of giving calling cards as a gift seems a bit boring, we all get a bit homesick on the road, and sometimes those calling cards can feel like they're heaven sent.

4. eReader
I much prefer reading paperbacks, but with publishers such as Lonely Planet creating travel books for the eReader, an eReader seems like a good alternative to lugging around heavy travel books. Especially with the Kindle or the Kobo reader costing only around $100 these days, it seems like a reasonably priced method of always having books to read on the road while avoiding overweight luggage fees.

5. Moccasins
They're light, comfy and great for walking. Plus who doesn't want to channel their inner hippie?

6. Travel journal
While a journal seems like an obvious gift for a traveler, it is something that definitely won't be sitting in their closet collecting dust, like for example, a hand-waving disco Buddha. I always bring a few journals with me on the road, and they always get filled up by the end of my trip. Try looking for journals that are eco-friendly, hand-crafted or with lots of side pockets or storing photos, ticket stubs, or (more excitingly!) love notes.

7. Polaroid camera

These are possibly the greatest invention on earth. They're fun...instant, and therefore guaranteed to bring instant fun. It's a must have for travelers who especially can't be bothered to painstakingly edit through all their photos and great for capturing "in the moment" moments. And developing those pictures make us want to shake it, shake it, shake it like a polaroid picture. 

image source: www.viator.com

8 Types of Travellers You'll Meet on the Road

Similar to the unfortunate abundance of self-obsessed hipsters readily found in art schools, to the socially awkward and perpetually single accountants at any given corporate firm, you are likely to meet travellers who also fall into very distinct categories when backpacking. While most travellers tend to be fun individuals, there are also the ones that you try to avoid at all costs. Here is my list of some of the most common types of travellers on the road.

How many have you met?

Mr. Aspiring Underwear Model
This is the guy who happens to be blessed with good genetics but unfortunately flaunts it off whenever possible by walking around the hostel sans shirt. They seem to have a great hatred toward shirts in general as they have a never-ending list of excuses to take it off whenever possible. These might include the hot weather, being too drunk, or that all their clothes are in the laundry. Their shirtlessness is obviously to make other male travelers feel self-conscious of the state of their own abs, and for them to sleep with as many girls as possible. Verdict: avoid whenever possible; Very bad specimen.
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The Stoner/Hippie/Bob Marley Fan
Usually Canadian, Swiss, or South African, these guys are often seen wearing a bandana, or sport dreadlocks. Although they may smell a bit funky, they are really laid-back and enjoy spending all their nights getting high on the patio of the hostel, listening to Bob Marley, or playing music on their guitar. They have a deep disdain for anything corporate and would like to think of their travels as a journey for spiritual or self enlightenment.

The Ironies of Hostel Sex

(image from sheknows.com)

Chances are, most of you have probably encountered some form of hostel sex while traveling (and although reluctant to admit it, partaken in it as well).

These love-struck travelers usually try to sneak in some passionate sex during the middle of the night when they think everyone else is asleep. However, this usually never goes very well when you factor in the squeaky mattresses, the loud moaning, the perverted guy hoping to see some flashes of ass, and the now traumatized bunkmate sleeping on the top bunk bed…

How to Make Friends When Backpacking

Picture this: you've planned an exciting summer abroad backpacking with your best friend. You've been waiting months for this and all of a sudden...he/she bails on you! All of a sudden, your trip doesn't seem so fun anymore. In fact, it's starting to look a bit scary. How will you ever survive your trip to Spain without your friend's superior knowledge of the language?