The Best Black Friday Gifts For Long-Term Travelers and Travel Bloggers
Since 2018, one of my hobbies has been travel blogging. But you’re here, so you already know that. One of the things that surprised me about travel blogging, is the amount of equipment that you need/feel like you need to get it done. I found out in the middle of October that all of my travel blogging equipment (except my laptop and phone) was stolen, so I’ve been looking forward to Black Friday sales ever since. As someone with years of travel blogging experience, these are the items I think are most important to get me back n the road to full-time blogging again, and the items I would get for gifts for other people if I had another travel blogger in my life that I was shopping for.
Skyroam Solis X
The Skyroam Solis X is an amazing gift for folks who need to be online a lot and travel frequently. It’s great for supplying WiFi access on long overland trips, like on trains and buses. It’s compact and lightweight and an easy travel companion. I already have one, and I recommend it for anyone planning on traveling long-term.
GoPro Hero8 Black Official Holiday Bundle - Includes Hero8 Black Camera Plus Shorty, Head Strap, 32GB SD Card, and 2 Rechargeable Batteries
I got my scuba diving certification in Cartagena in 2018, and I have not one picture from that time. Went swimming in cenotes in Quintana Roo, and to one picture from the experience. I love water activities like paddleboard and kayaking, and would love to have a GoPro that I could take with me on the water to memorialize these adventures. A GoPro is definitely on the top of my list for Black Friday.
Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera Body w/Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens 3 Lens DSLR Kit Bundled with Complete Accessory Bundle + 64GB + Flash + Case & More - International Model
This one stings a little bit. I had a Canon camera that I spent A LOT of money on, and those trifling bastards stole the camera, the lenses and all of the equipment. I want to replace it all, and a bundle like this is a really great price that would get me most of the things I lost all at once.
DJI Osmo Pocket - Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with integrated Camera 12 MP 1/2.3” CMOS 4K Video, Attachable to Smartphone, Android, iPhone, Black
I first spotted a tourist using one of these in Spain, and I immediately wanted one. It’s such a cool little tool to capture video when you travel. One thing about long-term travel is that your luggage and tools will eventually get really heavy if you have everything you want with you. If you are not prioritizing capturing video this a a great tool to get good video and keep your luggage light. There are better options, but they are significantly heavier and harder to travel with.
The Best Stocking Stuffers for Travelers Priced Under $10
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom - Drone Quadcopter UAV with Optical Zoom Camera 3-Axis Gimbal 4K Video 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
I want a drone. I really want a drone. When I see drone footage, I’m always like, “Oooh, I want one of those.” But since I’m starting from scratch, I probably wont be getting one this year. If you (or the person you’re shopping for) aren’t starting from scratch, this is a great gift for them.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa voice control - Black
Noise canceling headphones are a must for long term travelers. When you spend hours each week on transportation, or waiting to get on transportation options, you know the importance of finding some alone time with your thoughts (Introverts Unite!). These headphones (yes, these are the exact ones I had, and the ones I’m going to purchase again) are a lifesaver when you need to block out snoring neighbors or crying babies on planes.
Kindle - Now with a Built-in Front Light - Black
One of the things I missed most when I packed all my things away into storage were my books. Having my kindle with me was a great way to keep up my reading without being weighed down by books. I also love that you can borrow books from your local library and have them sent to your kindle. Another favorite feature, Kindle Unlimited thqt allows you to check out books for free from Kindle.
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera w/ 16-50mm and 55-210mm Power Zoom Lenses
I’ve been using Canon cameras for years, but I’ve also been eyeing Sony’s smaller camera bodies. Add a gimbal for stabilization and this is a great (light) option for filming on the go.
So that’s my wish list, and It’s a wishlist created by someone who has been traveling long-term and travel blogging for almost three years. I know what I need to get my work don (my phone and my computer) and I know what I want, and these are the items at the top of my WANT LIST.