Life on the road

THE FESTIVE season is upon us and that means it’s time to choose gifts that will delight those who receive them. Short on ideas for what to buy the travel enthusiast? 

On the road, people are looking for different experiences. Foodies crave a “tongue adventure” in Japan or southern Europe, while eco-travellers dream of taking photos and leaving nothing in the way of a footprint. This week we offer ideas for even the fussiest traveller. 

Happy holidays, travellers!

 

THE BACKPACKER

For the modern nomads, a round-the-world air ticket to six continents comes top of their bucket list. You can do better – and save lots of cash too – by presenting them with the Scrubba Wash Bag (US$49.95 – about Bt1,800). Backpackers usually spend long periods on the road and sometimes go off the grid. As they can’t bring their washing machines with them, their clothes tend to stink until they reach civilisation. Not any more though, thanks to this handy “magic” wash bag, which promises to help them stay cleaner and healthier. You simply push the filthy, sweaty and smelly clothes in the bag, add some warm water and detergent, lock the bag and rub it for 15 minutes and hey presto! clean clothes for the road. Check it out at www.Amazon.com.

 

THE ECO-TRAVELLER

The MiniPresso GR Espresso Maker (Bt1,990 at www.Lazada.co.th) is a brilliant travel mate for the camper and coffeephile on the go. This tiny device fits in the pocket and features an in-built cup. Compact as it is simple, the Espresso maker does not need 

 electricity or battery (let alone a Wi-Fi connection). It totally relies on the user pumping it to brew a strong cup of java juice.

 

THE CYCLIST

People jump into the saddle for different reasons. If the bicycle is the new pub to your friend, this 6-Bottle Bike Bag ($72.99) is a brilliant gift. Perfect for holding bottles of water, soda, milk – and yes, beer too – the bike bag is sturdy and water

 proof, comes in snappy colours and sits well without leaving scratches on the bike. Get one for your bike buddy and one for yourself.

 

THE LUXURY TRAVELLER

Mark and Graham's Travel Jewellery Case ($59) will quickly become a woman’s best friend on the road. This sleek, circular zippered case has multiple layers to safely store earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewels in transit. Made of a durable and flexible vegan material with a soft linen lining, it features multiple layers to hold the family jewels keeping them safe and contained while travelling. The optional UV-printed monogram comes in a choice of colours.

 THE MOONSHRINE RUNNER 

The “moonshine runner” might not be the right term, but this handy gadget is a must for a friend whose idea of travel is commuting between home and the pub. Compact and easy to use, the Tabletop Moonshine Still allows you to practise the science of making booze in the kitchen. Included is a half-gallon still, piping, an ice bucket – all made of the non-reactive Type 304 stainless steel that’s used in premium cookware – as 

 well as a packet of turbo yeast and instructions. It’s straightforward to set up, requires no running water or complicated cooling systems, and yields roughly 7 to 12 ounces of hard alcohol per batch of low strength solution. Find it at Amazon for $250 (but don’t tell the Revenue Department),

 

THE FOODIE TRAVELLER

“Dinner with Jackson Pollock” could be a great book for both the foodie and art buff. Jackson Pollock might be recognised for his art works but is perhaps less known as a gardener, baker and dinner-party host. From starters and entrees to side dishes, breads, and desserts, “Dinner with Jackson Pollock” features more than 50 recipes collected from pages scrawled byPollock, his wife, artist Lee Krasner, his mother, Stella, and their many friends in the town of Springs on Long Island. They’re interspersed with Jackson’s masterpieces, still lifes of the Pollock-Krasner home, and beautiful photographs of each delectable recipe, plus delightful tales from both sides of the family and local friends. This truly unique and insightful portrait of a great American artist is at Asia Books for Bt1,795.

 

THE ROAD JOURNO

Armed with a smartphone and wi-fi connectivity, this traveller likes to blog about his or her travels on the social media. A set of Photojojo’s magnetic lens series ($14.95) can turn a smartphone into a fancy camera and does away with the need to cough up for a DSLR. The collection has six lenses – from telephoto to fisheye – and each is crafted out of solid aluminium and outfitted with thick, high-clarity glass. It’s a perfect pressie for the snap-happy traveller. Find it at www.Amazon.com.