What To Buy The Minimalist Traveler In Your Life

Travelers and fathers seem almost impossible to shop for since they never seem to want anything and dismissively scrutinize what gifts they do get. While you can fall back on the old reliable combo of socks and wine for dad (a purchasing paradox that may never be solved) when it comes to frequent travelers they generally want better – not more, stuff.

The Best Travel Laptops Of 2014 (Top Pick: Macbook Air 13-Inch)

Size, battery life, durability and weight aren’t factors that mean much to a laptop that sits on a desk all day but for those of you who carry an electronic baby on your back regularly, they’re crucial factors to consider before purchasing your next one. Read more.

The Best Mobile Phones Of 2014 For Travelers (Top Pick: Moto X 2014)

All this means that any mobile you buy now has the potential to last you 3+ years without feeling like an abacus so if you want to save more for your travel budget with less on electronics purchases, here are the best phones for your pocket. Read more.

I’ll add that if you’re in the United States, although it’s Verizon-only, the Droid Turbo is basically a Moto X on steroids. Less aesthetically pleasing but much more powerful with exceptional battery life.

The Best Headphones For Travel (Top Pick: Bose QuietComfort 25)

Whether your jamming out to Taylor Swift or listening to Star Talk Radio, these headphones are best at canceling out ambient engine noise while providing crisp sound in reliable hardware. Read more.

3 Best Compact Cameras For Travelers (Top Pick: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS 40 / TZ 60)

These are the best point and shoot cameras of 2014, though if you’re on the market for a DSLR I recommend you check out the gear some of my favorite travel bloggers are using. Read more.

Best Carry-On Backpack

RELATED
Is DJI's Trade Up Program Worth It?

So many of you have left comments and written me echoing my fondness for SwissGear computer backpacks; one I’ve been using for over 10 years now. They’re incredibly durable with enough pockets of varying sizes to find a home for anything you’re traveling with. Padding makes them a comfortable carry while at the same time protecting valuable gadgets.

SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900 (Black)

Motorcycle Books And Running Genes

Weightless in digital form (well, not quite) these books in digital format are intriguing reads on a Kindle Fire HD or Samsung Galaxy Tab Nook.

My Interview With The Geneticist Who Overcomes Flight Phobia To Study The World’s Fastest People

The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance

8 Great Motorcycle Books That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust

Jupiter’s Travels: Four Years Around the World on a Triumph

Conduct A Covert Minimalist Survey

RELATED
Rosetta Stone Is A Good Supplement But Not Primary Way To Learn A New Language

It’s always best to begin with some gentile probing to find out what type of replacement gadget or updated backpack the traveler you’re shopping for is lusting for – yes, minimalists still want things – they’re just pickier about them. Don’t be afraid to ask as generally they tend to know exactly what they want; preferring to get just the right gift over the thrill of a disappointing surprise.