NYLON’s Holiday Gift Guide 2018: The Solo Traveller

Shout out to all the peeps with wanderlust running in your veins instead of blood! We all know that friend who loves to yolo solo travel, with an inspiring Instagram feed to boast and plenty of stories to brag about. Chances are, they probably are enablers too. And also is in possession of a slew of fancy gadgets and accessories that are simply genius when it comes to travelling smart. When you’re constantly on the move, you have to be very picky with your travelling kit. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to be stylish and occasionally indulge in say, some fancy earrings or a gorgeous makeup pouch. Here’s what we’ve got on our wishlist for our solo travellers friends out there.

1. SKYROAM SOLIS + 15 DAY PASSES + TRAVEL CASE, $412.95
Available at skyroam.com

Giving any traveller the gift of unlimited internet is a no brainer. The Skyroam Solis is an incredible mobile device that connects to networks in more than 130 countries (see here for full list). Add on day passes (unlimited internet for 24 hours!) and a swanky travel case, and this gift wins Christmas.

2. LE FLEUR PASSPORT ORGANISER, $9.90
Available at styledegree.sg

The last thing you’d want when flying solo is to lose any of your valuables, especially your passport. For a hassle-free holiday experience, get yourself a Passport Organiser like this one from Le Fleur to keep all your loose tickets and maps in order. Now there’s one thing less to worry about.

3. KLOOK GIFT CARD, $50
Available at klook.com

Go one step further and gift the memory of an unforgettable experience. Book attraction tickets, tours and even meals through Klook in other countries to make traveling a breeze – and they’ll definitely love it because they chose the experience themselves! With instant confirmation and vouchers sent directly to your email inbox that you can just flash to redeem, your friend is going to be converted into a Klook fan after using this voucher!

4. MATADOR DROPLET XL DRY BAG, $44.99
Available at matadorup.com

I know how this looks, pretty avs right? But the beauty’s in how they’ve managed to store an entire ultralight 20L ripstop nylon dry bag into this tiny, minimalist case that’s shaped to look like a water droplet. Or, the happy tears I might have shed after discovering this brand. Genius! You can clip it on your beach bag or kayak, and keep your gear totally dry, then collapse it into a palm-sized case when you’re done. Other products in their Doraemon-like range include pocket blankets and stashable towels.

5. NAIISE SCRATCH MAP DELUXE – TRAVEL EDITION, $29.90
Available at naiise stores and naiise.com

We’re certain that everyone loves scratch cards. So why not buy a scratch map for the wanderlust in you? Scratch off the countries you have been to, or the countries you want to visit. You are one step closer to achieving your dreams; now all that is left to do is buying the air ticket. 

6. WACACO MINIPRESSO GR, USD$49.90
Available on wacaco.com

With this portable espresso machine, you can now enjoy a good cup of coffee anywhere and anytime with just a push of a button! Despite it being compact and lightweight, the device lets you add your own ground coffee, giving you control over coffee preparation, served in a detachable drinking cup!

7. MARK & SCRIBE LARGE COSMETIC CASE, $130
Available at markandscribe.com

You’ll look extra fly even on the fly when you can bring your makeup and skincare along with you — and this cosmetic case is large enough to handle all your essentials and more. Made of vegan leather, there are two roomy compartments, while the top half also includes a two-sided flap and dedicated makeup brush holders for storing small items. You won’t need to beg, borrow or steal from your hostel mates now.

8. HERSCHEL NOVEL DUFFLE BAG, $209.90
Available at TANGs and at Zalora

There’s nothing like a wheelie to slow you down when you’re on the road. Pack light and all you’ll need is a good duffle bag to tote around all your necessities. The bag also comes with a separate shoe compartment and a two-way waterproof zipper to brave the elements. Quick getaways are now that convenient.

9. QUE WATERBOTTLE, $24.95
Available at quebottle.com

If you’re a backpacker and always on the move, you’ll that know lightweight and collapsible items are your go-to best friends. Even better if they are 100% food-grade silicone! Que bottle checks all the criteria boxes, and more. They are good for both cold/hot drinks (best of both worlds), shockproof, fits your fat ice cubes and also comes in many different colours for your choosing!

10. FENDER FA-115 DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC GUITAR PACK, $229
Available at Swee Lee

Are you one of those people who travel with a guitar? You probably want something inexpensive, but still reliable. This Fender Dreadnought offers a big sound (if you’re thinking of busking), and has all the basic accessories you need to get started — including picks, strap, extra strings, and a free 30-day trial of Fender play, which gives you access to online lessons.

11. PLANTRONICS BACKBEAT GO 410 WIRELESS ACTIVE NOISE-CANCELLING EARBUDS, $219
Available at leading IT and electronics stores and at Lazada

There’s a noise-cancelling function that you can turn on and off, you can connect to two devices at once, and 15 minutes of charge gives you 1 hour of listening time! Light, ergonomic and functional — exactly what you need when you’re on the go.

12. DRYBAR TRAVEL BLOW-DRYER, $135
Available at thedrybar.com

You no longer need to worry about hotels without hair dryers, or the need to call room service to get them to deliver one to you — the Dry Bar Travel Blow-Dryer is foldable and extremely portable, and will be your next travel essential. It also comes in a drawstring bag to easily sling into any duffle or suitcase.

13. TIMBERLAND WOMEN’S LUCIA WAY WATERPROOF BOOTS, $269
Available at Timberland stores and timberland.com.sg

Are you a globetrotter? Well, now you can be a globetrotter, literally. No travel kit is complete without a good pair of shoes boots. The Timberland Women’s Lucia Way Waterproof Boots is made of premium waterproof leather and waterproof membrane. It also features a SensorFlex comfort system that delivers constant support, active cushioning and dynamic flex for pounding down those pavements. A good pair of shoes will certainly lead you to adventure and whatever else the world has to offer!

14. KATE SPADE TOUCHSCREEN SMARTWATCH, $406
Available at H2 Hub NEX, H2 Hub Century Square, TANGS at Tang Plaza

The most important thing when you’re travelling is keeping track of the time – you don’t want to miss your flight. This touchscreen smartwatch is Kate Spade’s first ever smartwatch compatible with both Android and iPhones! Pair your phone wirelessly to answer calls, message alerts and play music. Besides helping you stay organised with a stylish timepiece, download the Kate Spade connected app to access fitness tracking features. You can even set the time to show up shaped in those gold balloons that Kate Spade is synonymous with.

15. THE CHEF’S PORTABLE MULTI-TOOL, $44.10
Available at uncommongoods.com

Get your traveller friend a Swiss Army Knife… wait up, it’s a Chef’s Portable Multi Tool! It features many tools used for cooking, from mini knives to graters. We know not all hostels or Airbnbs have the right utensils and tools to create that Masterchef-wannabe dish. Or simply get fun-sized Remy to whip something up for you with this mini tool set!

16. JOBY GORILLAPOD 1K KIT, $53
Available at tkfoto.com.sg 

It comes as no surprise that this handy Joby Gorillapod is one of Casey Neistat’s must-haves for his solo expeditions around the globe. What’s best about this tripod is that it’s lightweight and can be easily configured to suit your filming needs whether it’s for still photography, cinematography, and even if you’re vlogging on-the-go. Besides, who else will be there to hold your phone for you when you’re flying solo?

17. WANDERLUST + CO ALEYA EARRINGS, $136
Available at TANGS at Tang Plaza

For the traveller who loves far-flung, exotic locations — you’ve set your sights on the ruins of Machu Picchu, the wide plains of Mongolia, or the breathtaking blue city of Morocco. Your travel choices certainly aren’t mainstream, so why should your accessories be? Channel the mystical elements and that twinkle in your eye with this pair of bohemian-style earrings, from the equally dreamy jewellery label Wanderlust + Co.

18. GNOME AND BOW KENSINGTON MESSENGER, $375
Available on gnomenbow.com

This gorgeous reversible bag takes you from work at the office to all over the world. One side is a handsome midnight blue, inspired by the calm and collected Dr Jekyll. The other is a rugged khaki with motifs printed all over, a testament to the eccentric Mr Hyde. Along with that duality, this reversible bag tells of a classic tale. Made from premium materials such as full grain U.S. cow leather, nylon, canvas, and a cotton webbing strap, this bag is big enough to fit all your essentials and even a 13” MacBook!

For all those items with the ‘WIN’ labels, we’re giving them away in our massive holiday gift guide GIVEAWAY — head over to our Facebook page and Instagram page daily to take part in our contests. 

More of NYLON’s Holiday Gift Guides, coming soon — stay tuned! Click here to see our full list of gift guides.