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The annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass offers admission to more than 2,000 parks and forests throughout the United States. It's $80.
(National Park Service)
Looking for the perfect gift for the frequent traveler in your life? Here are a few ideas for a variety of traveling types, from gadget-accumulating jetsetters to nature-loving explorers.
Grid-It! Organizer
Cocoon Innovations
$9.99-$29.99
Cocooninnovations.com, amazon.com, Walmart, Best Buy
Have trouble keeping track of all your digital debris when you're traveling? A Grid-It! Organizer can help. These rectangular caddies – the manufacturer calls them "object retention systems" -- use rubberized elastic bands to hold in place all your stuff, including cellphones and cameras, earbuds and USB ports (or Tic Tacs and makeup – nothing says the gear has to be electronic).
These organizers come in a variety of sizes, from extra small (7 inches by 5 inches, $9.99) to extra large (11 inches by 15 inches, $29.99). They're also available as part of a computer bag or tablet sleeve.
National Parks Annual Pass
$80
nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm, 1-888-275-8747
True, there is no admission to our Cuyahoga Valley National Park. But most parks in the U.S. National Park Service require an admission fee – anywhere from $3 per person to $25 per vehicle.
For the outdoor lovers and explorers on your list, consider an annual pass that covers admission to the nation's 2,000 federal parks, forests and recreation areas – from Arizona's Grand Canyon to California's Yosemite to Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes. U.S. historic sites are included as well, including Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island and the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor.
Scratch Map
Luckies of London
Amazon.com, uncommongoods.com, $15-$30
Keep track of your travels with a Luckies of London Scratch Map, available in multiple sizes and geographic configurations.
No high-tech gadgets required here – just have a coin handy to scratch off the foil exterior of the country (or state) visited, revealing a colorful design plus some geographic details of the destination.
Maps are available for the world, United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Travel sizes are meant to journey with you, others can be mounted on a wall.