Finding a Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to mean settling on the typical, tired choices of golf clubs and ties. If your Dad – or favorite father figure – is a frequent flyer, consider clever travel gadgets as a gift. These aren’t all just for solo travel, either; some are ideal for taking trips with the family, kids included. In keeping with Cheapflights’ mission to keep travel affordable, they’re not super wallet-busting, either.
When you want to shoot video without lugging around a large camcorder, the palm-sized PlaySport is a nifty hand-sized alternative. It shoots in 1080p HD video and has software for simple social media sharing to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Perhaps its most family-friendly feature is that Kodak engineered the PlaySport to be tough: it has great image stabilization, a hard shell in case it’s dropped, and is water resistant for up to 10 feet.
If you’re traveling with little ones, an older parent, or your own sore back, having a place to sit can be invaluable in long lines and crowded airports. Swany America makes a line of carry-ons and suitcases with built-in, fold-out seats that hold up to 300 pounds. No more sitting on the floor or crushing your luggage by using it as a makeshift seat.
If you’ve dealt with dead batteries while hiking, camping, rafting – or just being away from the power grid – you know how frustrating the lack of power can be. To the rescue are Revolve’s solar-powered chargers that let you recharge more than 3000 different types of devices – including iPhones, iPads and BlackBerrys. The built-in battery also doubles as an emergency power source.
There’s nothing worse than getting your phone, keys, wallet, and other electronics and essentials crushed, stomped on, chewed, or drowned in water. Solving that is OtterBox, maker of protective cases for phones, electronics, cameras and other valuables that protect against scratches, drops, water, and almost everything else you can submit them to.
These are more than just diaper bags – they’re multifunctional mini-luggage with enough compartments and pouches to carry everything needed. They attach to nearly any stroller, and even have insulated cooler compartments for food and snacks. Watch out – they’re so cool, Dads may want to use them instead of a briefcase for everyday commuting.
PacSafe
Well known for its lockable steel mesh backpack protectors, PacSafe also makes a wide array of travel security passport holders, bags, pouches, backpacks, and even wristbands and belts so your travel gear doesn’t take a separate, unintended trip without you. Their products encompass items for business, adventure and family travel, as well as cameras and electronics.
The growing inclusion of Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) into passports, debit, and credit cards has spurred criminals to wirelessly and unknowingly harvest people’s information for identify theft, and worse. Fortunately, Theft Defender makes passport and ID/credit card sleeves that block the RFID signals your documents emit to prevent them from being read without your knowledge.
No longer must you sleep with one eye open, worried that someone will break into your room in the middle of the night. Made by Lewis N. Clark – and available at sites such as Luggage Pros – the Belle Hop Door Alarm attaches to the inside of a hotel room door, and emits a piercing 91 decibel alarm if someone tries to enter. It’s ideal for those who prefer their wake-up calls from the front desk, rather than a burglar. It’s also suitable for women travelers and families with young children staying in separate rooms. They can also be configured for windows to warn of anyone (human or otherwise) approaching from the outside.
Eton Raptor Emergency Radio
If you’re staying somewhere and a blackout or storm hits it can be frustrating, inconvenient, and – above all – potentially dangerous if you’re driving on a lonely highway or camping in a remote location. More than just a radio, the Raptor includes a rechargeable battery, compass, altimeter, barometer, USB port, light and digital alarm clock. It also receives NOAA weather alerts, and can charge itself with its built-in solar panel.
If your favorite traveler appreciates American-made craftsmanship, consider investing in one of Lotuff & Clegg’s handmade leather items, such as briefcases, duffels, totes or luggage. If you’re not looking to splurge, they make lesser-priced iPad cases and luggage tags. Individually made in Massachusetts, they’re more than just carryalls – they qualify as heirlooms to be passed down to younger generations of well-dressed travelers.
Written by Martin Clinton
(Images: Cyril Attias, nargalzius)
