I love to travel. I also love travel accessories that can simplify my next adventure or address a specific or unique travel need. And with a grand family adventure just a few short months away, I’ve been searching high and low for a select few travel accessories that will compliment this adventure.
The result? Here’s my top ten favorite travel accessories I hope to find under my Christmas tree this year. Enjoy!
Not a traveler? No problem! You don’t have to travel to enjoy many of these items.
This Traveler’s Holiday Wish List
Ah yes. The Holiday season is in full swing. Do you have a traveler on your list? If so, perhaps one of my favorite travel gifts might be just the gift you are looking for. And if you know my family, share this list with them so they know what to get me! 
Panasonix Lumix TS5 Waterproof Camera
The Panasonic Lumix TS5 is one tough camera - water-proof to 43 feet, shock-proof from 6.6 feet, freeze-proof to 14 degrees Farenheit, and pressure resistant to 220 pounds. It’s so tough it’s sure to survive practically anything from adventurous escapes to the kids’ accidental drop onto a concrete floor.
My favorite features of this tough little camera? WiFi connectivity for easy photo-sharing and built-in GPS that takes the guess work out of where that image was taken.
The Lumix TS5 retails for $300 at Panasonic and Amazon.
GoPro Hero 3+ Camera
All I can say is – the GoPro Hero3+ is just so cool! It goes anywhere your adventure takes you. Underwater? Check. Ziplining? Check. The kids’ soccer games? Check. The GoPro Hero3 features video resolutions up to 4K, takes 12MP photos, is waterproof to 131 feet, and has built-in WiFi for instant sharing.
The GoPro is with you all the way, shooting video and images from perspectives you just might not get with a traditional camera.
What I like best about the GoPro Hero3+? It’s easy enough for my kids to use it. Just think of the different perspectives they’ll capture with a GoPro Hero3+ in their hands!
GoPro Hero3+ cameras range from $199 to $399.
LowePro Photo Sport AW Back Pack
A multi-functional day bag that safely houses a D-SLR camera as well as a water bottle and snacks is a must for my daily travel adventures. Tops on my list? The LowePro Photo Sport AW Series camera back pack. This uber-cool camera backpack works well for both active adventure photographers and family photo enthusiasts alike. Safely store that precious camera cargo in the padded side pocket. Then throw in some snacks and it’s off to the next adventure.
Why is the LowePro PhotoSport my favorite camera bag? Because it safely houses my D-SLR camera and it’s easily accessible when I’m ready to take photos.
LowePro Photo Sport Backpacks range from $99 – $200.
QuadroPod Tripod Mounting System
The nifty and versatile QuadroPod tripod-mounting system is the perfect sized companion for a trip across town or across continents. Simply clamp your device in, twist the legs to whatever configuration you need, and you are good to go! The QuadroPod also makes a great compact camera tripod mount.
What I like most about the QuadroPod? My son can safely attach his iPad to an airplane drop-down table to enjoy his movie. Unlike the last time, when it fell to the floor and slid to the row behind us!
The Quadropod + Clamp sells for $40.
WakaWaka Solar Charger And Lamp
No electrical outlets required when you have a Waka Waka Power Charger and Lamp. Just a sunny afternoon is needed to power up the WakaWaka with enough juice to recharge dead cell phones and tablets. And the handy built-in lamp means you’ll not be left in the dark!
What I like most about the WakaWaka charger? Each purchase helps support Waka Waka’s mission to end energy poverty around the world. Sweet! A WakaWaka gift is a gift that keeps on giving!
WakaWaka Power chargers are $69.
myCharge PEAK 6000 Portable Charger
With build-in Apple 30-pin and Micro USB cables, as well as a USB port, the myCharge PEAK 6000 can charge up to three devices at one time. It’s compact design makes it an easy “drop-in-the-bag” travel companion to just about anywhere.
What I like most about the PEAK 6000? Fewer fights over whose device charges first! Check out the full line of myCharge portable rechargeable battery packs.
The myCharge PEAK 6000 sells for $80.
SleepPhones
The SleepPhones mantra says it all – It’s like having pajamas for your ears. The uber-soft headband houses removable earbuds that let you listen in comfort. Best of all, these earbuds aren’t jammed into your ears! SleepPhones might just be the ticket to getting some shut-eye on that next red eye. And great for sleeping in hotels too. You know, just in case you need to block out the snores of your traveling companions!
What I like most about the SleepPhones? With a red eye flight in my near future, I might actually get some shut-eye! I definitely want pajamas for my ears.
The original SleepPhones sells for $40, and a wireless version is $100.
Eagle Creek Pack-It System
The Eagle Creek Pack-It System can transform an ordinary carry-on bag into the ultimate two-week travel bag. I gave several Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes a run for their money this summer. I wasn’t sure I’d like them. The verdict is in – they are exactly what I need to keep this family of four organized when traveling. I just need more of them!
What I like most about the Eagle Creek Pack-It System? They cut down on wasted space in my suitcase, making it possible to travel with just a carry-on bag.
Eagle Creek Pack-It components range from $5 and up.
Kindle Paperwhite
If you love to read, but hate lugging all those books with you, then a Kindle Paperwhite 3G might just be your new best friend. We have three readers in our traveling family, and packing enough books to get us through a trip can really weigh us down. Literally! One of us must “sacrifice” our printed books for a Kindle. That’ll be me, please.
My favorite feature of the Kindle PaperWhite? The X-Ray technology so I can easily find characters through-out the book.
Kindle Paperwhite 3G is $189, and Kindle Paperwhite is $119 at Amazon.
ScotteVest’s Ultimate Travel Vest
What’s a girl to do when she’s got all this stuff to carry, but a hand bag just won’t do? Get a ScotteVest Travel Vest! This practical yet stylish vest has seventeen different pockets discreetly placed throughout the vest. I’ve been coveting this item for quite some time now. Sure hope it finds it’s way under the tree this year!
What I like most about the Travel Vest? I can keep essential items on me, no hand-bag required, leaving my hands free for other activities like taking photos.
The ScotteVest is $125, in designs for both Men and Women.
20-Day Grand Journey Through Southern Africa
What’s the #1 item on my Holiday Wish List? An epic, 20 day journey through southern Africa, exploring breathtaking coastlines, deltas and national parks across four distinct African countries. Sipping fine wines in luxury accommodations. Experiencing the Big 5 up close. Trekking across barren deserts and rushing rivers. Sign me up now!
What I like most about the Grand Journey? Everything!
The price for this incredible, once in a lifetime Grand Journey Through Southern Africa? A mere $15,000 – $18,000 a person!
Ok, I don’t think this will be under my Christmas tree. But hey, this is a wish list, right? And one can dream.
What’s On Your Wish List?
What do you think of my favorite travelers’ gifts? Do you have a coveted travel accessory you’d like to share? Is there a travel accessory you hope is under your Christmas tree?
Are you hoping your loved ones gift you with an African Grand Journey? Let us know in the Comments section below.
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Gift box image from Alvanman via Flickr.