Caroline’s Favorite Things 2014

After the great success of last year’s post and giveaway, it’s that time again: Caroline’s Favorite Things 2014! While I still use and love the products I featured for 2013, I’ve come up with even more brand new things to get for the traveler in your life or for yourself.

And again, there’s something for every type of traveler and for every price range. This post includes coupon codes for you to save some money and even a chance to bring some home! 

This post contains affiliate links that can earn this website a small income. They will not cost you anything to use.

Clothing and Accessories

Encircled Chrysalis Cardi, $138

I received the Encircled Chrysalis Cardi to write about for Her Packing List last year and have since fallen in love. The Canadian company makes beautiful travel products that can be worn dozens of ways and the cardigan is no different. It can be worn as a scarf, cardigan, dress and much more. I wore it to my friend’s wedding in Koh Samui and again on the flight home.

I love how versatile it was for my trip to Asia and I highly recommend it to my fellow female travelers. They also make tops and skirts to be worn many ways. It comes in a handful of colors and despite its steep price, it’s well made with quality clasps and fabrics and is like having multiple outfits in one. Use the promo code CAROLINE for $15 off a Chrysalis Cardi. The code is valid until December 19, 2014 at 11:59 EST.

>>Purchase the Chrysalis Cardi on their website. 

Everlane LA Sandal, $80

I love me a good pair of sandals and wear them daily when it’s warm enough. I had a pair I brought to Asia and when they broke I got a new pair custom made in Vietnam.

If you’re looking for a go-to pair of chic travel sandals but aren’t headed to Hoi An to get your own made, Everlane makes the LA Sandal, handcrafted in their namesake city from Italian leather. Dress casual to the beach or pair with a dress for a night out.

Luggage and Packing Gear

Sea to Summit UltraSil Backpack, $30

While it’s more of a stocking stuffer than a traditional piece of luggage, the Sea to Summit UltraSil is something every traveler will use. The water resistant material backpack folds down smaller than your phone but can hold all the essentials for your day of walking around.

Sammi brought hers on our Australiasian Adventure, pictured here in Melbourne, and used it constantly. My mom even bought her own for our Puerto Rico trip and I recently borrowed it to bring to Malaysia.

>> Purchase the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack on Amazon.

Timbuk2 Aviator Backpack, $180

The Aviator Travel Backpack is a great product from Timbuk2, as it’s waterproof and has features like a rain cover and bottle opener. I reviewed it over on Her Packing List and brought it with me to New York, Puerto Rico and Lexington as it’s carry-on compliant.

It’s front panel loading and has a padded sleeve for your laptop. You can also tuck in the shoulder straps and hip belts to carry it like a suitcase. It also comes in a wheeled version and a handful of colors.

>> Purchase the Timbuk2 Aviator Travel Backpack on Amazon.

Stocking Stuffers and Other Gifts

Anker External Battery Charger, $25

If you’ve ever been to a music festival, conference or anywhere you couldn’t charge your phone, you’d benefit from an extra battery. I bought my Anker external battery before Bonnaroo a few years ago to power up without having to find an outlet.

Since then it’s been an essential travel item, especially on press trips and when I’m far from a plug like in rural Cambodia. Other brands exist at higher costs, but I’ve been content with my Anker, which is smaller than my iPhone.

Eagle Creek USB World Travel Adapter, $30

This is a great world adapter that keeps you from having to bring all the necessary fittings for your adapter. Switch the buttons to change them for your destination and plug your USB items in as well. I’ve gone through a number of adapters and the ones that allow you to have just one adapter are my favorite because it means less things to bring.

LiteGear Travel Clothesline, $15

I’ve had other travel clotheslines, but this one is rubbery, braided and folds up small. I received it to write about over on Her Packing List and already prefer it to my previous one, as you don’t have to worry about finding a place to loop around. It velcros onto your bunk bed or anywhere else you want to hang it. Best of all, it’s long lasting.

>> Purchase the Lite Gear Clothesline on Amazon. 

Belkin Travel Surge Protector, $15

There may be no tech product I use more on my travels than my Belkin travel surge protector. In fact, after one went missing on my flight home from Montreal, I bought another just like it. It allows you to use only one adapter when you’re overseas and plug in with three outlets and two USB ports. You’ll be sure to make lots of friends at your hostel or in the corner of the airport this way.

>> Purchase the Belkin SurgePlus 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector on Amazon.

REI Recycled Camp Mug, $10

People think it’s funny when they see me with my mug but I’ve gotten more use out of this mug than anything else I’ve ever traveled with. I make myself a morning cup of tea or take an extra to go from the hotel breakfast buffet. I have made ramen noodles in the mug and store packets of tea in it while on the road.

>> Purchase the REI Camp Mug on their website. 

Vapur Element Water Bottle, $12-15

I’ve used a number of water bottles through the years of my travels, but before my Asia trip, I purchased a Vapur Element Anti-Bottle beforehand and was so glad to have it. Not only is it great for refilling with filtered water, but it folds up small and clips onto your bag.

You can also add boiling water or freeze it. Vapur also makes larger bottles, flasks for wine and all sorts of other goodies for the traveler. Enter to win below!

>> Purchase a Vapur Element Bottle on Amazon.

Travel Gifts and Gift Certificates

On Location Tour Gift Certificates, $20-40

I’ve been on some excellent tours this year and if someone in your life is going on a trip, a great gift is a gift certificate for a tour company. If they’re going to New York or Boston, check out On Location Tours like I did on my Sex and the City tour. Their gift certificates are 20% off until December 15 by using the promo code GIFT20 AND enter to win below.

>>Purchase gift certificates on On Location Tours website. 

Personalized Map from Maps International, $60-90

When you’ve come home from that trip of a lifetime, it’s nice to be able to reflect on it. For my 21st birthday, I got a large Rand McNally map of the world on poster board, where I have since pushed pins into all the places I’ve been. Maps International carries both traditional political maps and more decorative ones for you to commemorate your best adventures. Enter to win below!

>> Purchase more maps at Maps International. 

Charitable Donations, Varies

A great gift for the traveler in your life is a charitable donation to an organization of your choosing. For my birthday, I asked for a donation for the Elephant Nature Park, where I volunteered earlier this year. You can also adopt an orangutan to support at Matang Wildlife Center in Borneo, where you’ll get a photo of the animal you’re contributing to the well-being of.

>> Choose the charity of your choice and get a certificate printed to announce the donation. 

Books

Eliminating Packing Nightmares e-book, $25

Over on Her Packing List, where I’m a team writer, Brooke and I created an e-book this year about changing your packing habits in 30 days for lighter and cheaper travel. The 78 page book is chock full of tips and tricks, as well as a workbook to help you craft the perfect packing list and eliminate the excess, as well as discount codes for our favorite travel products. It’s the perfect gift for your traveler friends or someone about to leave on their first big trip. All readers of Caroline in the City receive a 20% off discount with the code CITCHPL20 AND enter to win a copy below!

>> Purchase Eliminating Packing Nightmares on the HPL website. 

Giveaway Rules and Details

The Prizes

• Maps International World Map
• Vapur Element Water Bottle
• Eliminating Packing Nightmares e-book
• On Locations Tour of your choice for two

Enter Below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comment below with what gift you’d like to receive or give!

Some of these items were given to me for review and/or giveaway purposes, but all opinions are my own. I also receive a small income from my Amazon affiliate links if you purchase through me. Thanks to Encircled, On Location Tours, Maps International and Vapur for their contributions!