Sherman's Travel

We’ve already offered you gift guides for all types of travelers. But with just a few days left before Christmas (and Chanukah already in the rear view mirror), I’m sharing a few more of my favorite pieces of gear, just in case you’ve been putting off all of your shopping until the last minute. Or, perhaps you’re anticipating a bevy of gift cards, checks, and cash stuffed in your stockings and need suggestions for how to spend them all in the new year. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, loved one, or yourself, this random assortment of great gear is sure to round out any traveler’s collection.

Tretorn Skerry Vinter Boots ($75): Tretorn is known for its rubber rain boots, which are great. However, come winter, when rain turns to sleet and snow, you need more than rubber to keep yourself warm. The Skerry Vinter boots put a winter spin on the classic, by adding a faux fur lining to these brightly colored women’s boots. They’re 100 percent waterproof, warm, and comfortable for a day wandering the city shopping for a pair of gloves to match. They’re also stylish, durable, and affordable, at $75. Read more

This holiday season, spread some cheer and goodwill to an adventure-loving lady in your life (or yourself!) with a gift that inspires travel. We’ve scoured the latest offerings (as well as pulled some tried-and-true favorites from our own stashes) to find adventure and outdoor travel gear for women (plus some gadgets) that’s sure to enhance any journey, whether it’s a simple afternoon hike, week-long trek in the backcountry, or even a slog through the security line. Happy shopping, and even happier travels!

First Ascent Alchemist 40L backpack ($189):Finally, a solution to the dilemma of choosing a pack that works as well for hardcore backcountry hauls as it does for breezy day trips. The Alchemist’s clever design features superior versatility, with a top-loading compartment that expands from 40 liter to a more ample 55 liters, and shrinks down by folding the lid into the main bag and cinching via a  draw cord. I especially love the vertical dividers that eliminate the dreaded excavation deep into your pack for items. A removable foam frame called the BFF, which doubles as a sleeping pad or camp chair, is a thoughtful extra; leave it behind to make the 4-pound pack even leaner. Read more

It’s that time of year! And by “time of year,” we’re talking about standing in endless lines, catching untold illnesses, and wondering where all of those spare vacation days went. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special someone, you can save yourself tons of time and stress by deciding on a product ahead of time. For the busy business traveler in your life, we’ve got a list of gifts just waiting to be wrapped.

ECBC: Lance Daypack ($150): Most business travelers will tell you that they prefer to carry all of their essentials in as few bags as possible. To that end, having a suitable backpack is paramount. The ECBC: Lance Daypack is a multifaceted pack that should be useful in a variety of situations. It’s roomier than the exterior leads you to believe, it’s understated so as not draw attention to itself, and it’s constructed from water-repelling ballistic nylon. It’s also got a breathable back padding design, and the TSA-compliant FastPass laptop compartment makes getting through airport security that much easier. Read more

With only about six weeks left before the end of the year, it’s time to look ahead to 2013 and the promise of new outdoor adventures. If you haven’t started yet, it’s also probably time to think about the outdoorsman on your holiday gift list. The trouble is, there’s a lot of stuff out there vying for your hard-earned money. Almost every season, new equipment ranging from the essential to the incidental appears in stores and online, and it can be tough to keep up with every new development in outerwear, boots, and backpacks. But since a few pieces of outdoor equipment always help to inspire travel and recreation, I’ve spent some time narrowing down the field. And so for the adventure-seeker you always have trouble shopping for, here’s a short list of gift-worthy gear they’ll be thrilled to unwrap this year.

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Once again, the holidays are upon us. Mailboxes are over brimming with holiday catalogs and in-boxes are jammed with travel gift ideas. As in past years, there are too many choices. And, as in past years, bad ones outnumber the good. Therefore, our family travel gift guide committee (me) has sprung into action, weeding through the many gadget, apparel, and accessory offerings out there so you don’t have to.

Here now are my favorite products, almost all of them new for 2012. And if they’re not, they simply deserve to be recommended once again.

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It’s that time of year! And by “time of year,” we’re talking about standing in endless lines, catching untold illnesses, and wondering where all of those spare vacation days went. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special someone, you can save yourself tons of time and stress by deciding on a product ahead of time. If you’re looking to gift the road warrior in your life with some new technology, here’s a list of gizmos that any traveler would appreciate.

iPad mini ($329+): Yes, it’s the easy choice. But it’s more than just Apple’s best tablet ever, in my humble opinion. It’s way more portable than the full-size iPad, significantly more affordable than the original, and it has a trick that travelers will love. Pick up the Verizon Wireless LTE version, and watch as your new tablet turns into an LTE hotspot with a battery that will keep your Wi-Fi devices online for up to 12 hours. Read more