We are always on the lookout for products that make traveling more enjoyable. Of course, our style may not suit your style.
I hope some ideas are good even if you buy a better product.
And, ideas can be helpful for Father's Day, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Christmas, and any time you are looking for a gift idea.
Binoculars
Any good pair of binoculars can be helpful if you like better views of landscapes, wildlife, or special events. I have a pair with an easy zoom- here's a few on AMAZON.
Trekking Poles
We like to hike. I bought this Cascade Mountain Tech and have been happy with the purchase. This was helpful in hiking upstream at Zapata Falls.
Folding Chair with a Canopy
We wanted a folding chair with a canopy rather than mess with an umbrella. This Kesyus model worked for us at the Jersey Shore.
Pixel Phone / with a great Camera
I liked my iPhone but I like the flexibility of the Pixel phone and using Google Fi for my cell provider. I have used the phone on cruises and in other countries. One of my English cousins called while we were driving through a tunnel in Pennsylvania. We had a clear signal through the tunnel.
Hats
I got a Mpow 5.0 headset and I am happy with it. I use it at home and on the road. There are plenty of high priced models that probably sound better. And of course there are the small buds. To each his own.
Tripod
Sometimes I take better pictures than at other times. My old tripod broke after a couple of decades. I got this Victiv 72 inch model in 2020 and I am still happy with it. The included remote works well and the phone holder also works well. It was helpful in getting long shots of Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Security
The AMAZON smart plugs work well for turning on and off the lights when we are away.
I use GE dusk to dawn bulbs for the outside lights. The sensor is built in to the LED bulb.
We also have a Simplisafe doorbell and security system. There are several systems to choose from. The doorbell works fine. We can see who is at the door or just look out front from the phone app.
Backpacks
I have an OlarHike waterproof lightweight daypack for short hikes. What I like is the small size and it is waterproof.
My larger pack is a lightweight Nike.
Hiking Shoes
Always good to have a pair of hiking shoes in the car. My wife and I have been happy with Sketchers.
Cameras
I've used different cameras over the years.
One all-purpose light weight camera is the Lumix. It shoots 4K, has a 3 inch LCD and 10X Fx.8- 5.9 zoom. New features come with new models so you will just have to see what's best when you are ready. I got my Lumix in 2016 and it has been a great camera when I want a zoom or longer video than I can store on my Pixel Phone. I also purchased extra batteries after mine went dead during a wildlife safari in India.
I also bought a Go Pro Hero 9 Black, which is great for shooting 4K+ videos with a super light weight camera. I like it for videos while hiking or when in motion situations like train journeys. There are different kits with various accessories. I have extra batteries and memory cards.
For wildlife, I use my Canon D70 with a Sigma 150-600 Zoom lens.
Some examples of photos with the Canon D70 and the Sigma zoom lens can be seen at
Rocky Mountain National Park and
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Books and Tablets
My wife and I consume a lot of books. Some we get on Kindle. My wife has a Kindle Fire 10 inch and I have an iPad Air. When in doubt, a gift card can be a good idea. My son and daughter in law gave me an Audible gift subscription--that works too. Kindle Unlimited Free Trial link
