Pros offer great gifts for travel

This roll-top pack by d’emploi is a travel equipment “must have,” according to industry expert Dylan Thuras.
This roll-top pack by d’emploi is a travel equipment “must have,” according to industry expert Dylan Thuras.

NEW YORK -- What's the perfect gift for someone planning a trip?

We asked three people who make their living in the travel industry to tell us what they always bring with them. We also asked what they'd give to someone planning a trip.

DYLAN THURAS, CO-FOUNDER OF ATLAS OBSCURA

MUST HAVE: One great backpack that fits in an overhead but can also fit all your stuff, with a laptop pocket for easy access on the security line. I am obsessed with not checking bags -- I have a strange vendetta against the rolling bag, it feels like a defeat of the adventurer's soul. One bag forces you to shed needless items. I love the one I have now by d'emploi. It can stand up to serious wear and tear, I have stuffed a hundred pounds of camera gear into it and it held up, no problem. It is simple, utilitarian and really beautiful.

I also always travel with a camera or two, currently a Canon EOS 70D, which is a nice sturdy workhorse of a camera. I also often bring an old Nimslo 3-D camera, which is a camera that shoots on film using four lenses to make those 3-D postcards you have seen in gift shops.

Now that my wife, Michelle, and I are traveling with our almost 2-year-old son, Phineas, I have found that a small portable child seat made to be attached to any chair is an essential.

TO GIVE: Besides the amazing new Atlas Obscura (guide) book? One thing I think is really nice to give for a trip is a travel water color set. You can get a simple one or a fancy one, and along with a set of watercolor postcards, it is a really nice travel gift. Taking the time to sit down and paint a little scene, even if it only takes 20 minutes, helps etch it into your memory, and then you get to send it to someone you love.

EDIE RODRIGUEZ, CEO OF CRYSTAL CRUISES

MUST HAVES: I always travel with two passports with extra pages and my international electrical plug converter that works in any country. As a "mobile" CEO I must travel with both of my iPhones -- yes, I have two -- chargers for those phones, and my makeup. My favorite things to travel with are quite simple: healthy snacks to stay nourished, bottled water to stay hydrated and moisturizer because traveling, especially on planes and at sea, can really dry out your skin.

TO GIVE: I would definitely give any traveler an iPad complete with a charger and converter. I would probably also throw in a fabulous carry-on suitcase.

JOHN TANZELLA, CEO OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVEL ASSOCIATION

MUST-HAVES: Space-saver roll-up storage bags are essential for packing when I have to combine business and leisure travel or back-to-back trips in a variety of climates. Look for the ones that don't require a vacuum cleaner.

There's also a great app I use when I travel abroad, CityMaps2Go. Before you leave home, you download the map of the destination. The app doesn't require Wi-Fi or data roaming for access, but you can still see where you are on the map at all times via your phone's GPS.

TO GIVE: A Flytographer photo shoot. The company uses local photographers all over the world. While you explore, they capture the moments in an informal way. Much better than taking 1,000 selfies!

Travel on 11/27/2016

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