Wide array of gifts will delight travelers

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 7, 2003 by Beth J. Harpaz Associated Press

Gifts for outdoor warriors: For skiers, snowboarders and other winter adventurers, think leg warmers, arm warmers, waterproof gloves, and gadgets -- like high-tech ski goggles ($95, Wisdom Snow Persimmon Lens) or a three-in-one electronic compass, temperature sensor and stopwatch ($49.95) from Altrec (www.altrec.com or 800-369- 3949). For campers, a full-length sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest ensures a good night's sleep.

For ecotourists and those bound for warm climates and developing countries, create a care package with heavy-duty sunscreen; plastic rain poncho in a small, flat pouch; Permathin mosquito repellent (spray for clothes, cream for skin); small binoculars; flexible, wide- brimmed hat; plastic protective covering for passport; a first-aid kit (Adventure Medical Kits offers a variety, depending on destination and needs); and a pouch to protect film from airport X- rays. A Leatherman all-in-one pocket tool (from $20 to $50) is also a good gift; it's the 21st century-equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.

Gifts for preserving trip memories: Give a scrapbook. Remind the traveler to save ticket stubs, brochures, postcards and photos. Offer to help an older person or child fill the book when the trip is over.

For a high-tech gift, think digital camera. Rick Sammon, author of "Complete Guide to Digital Photography" (W.W. Norton, $45), says that a 3-megapixel digital camera works for most amateur photographers, producing images up to 8-by-10 inches. For point-and-shoot photographers, Sammon suggests picking a camera with different shooting modes.

AP writers Nick Wadhams, Brian Witte and Verena Dobnik contributed to this story.