Fast Five Travel Tips: Lousy gifts for travellers

Do you love an explorer? Does he or she live for the open road? Well here are a few gifts I think you ought to steer clear from.

5 Lousy gifts:

1. Tickets to the symphony. Whoa.... Are you saying travellers don't like the symphony?  Ok, tickets in general. I'm just saying you should not shell out big money for tickets or anything that is date specific, because you never know when they'll be hitting the road for their next travel fix. How about a hand-written coupon from you with an offer to go out to the symphony, Oilers' game, Emerson Drive concert or the like, when it is convenient for them?

2. Knick knacks and table ornaments. You don't want to weigh down that free spirit. Maybe a wall map or a custom wall canvas made from one of their own photos instead?

3. Cooking lessons. Don't sign them up for any class that requires weekly attendance. We can learn the lessons of regional cuisine while we travel. In fact, we prefer it that way. What about a gourmet gift basket of treats that reminds them of a favourite destination?

4. A big sweater. Do you know how much they weight and how hard they are to pack? Boo! A quick dry, light and versatile zip-up is a much better choice. 

5. Luggage. Unless your favourite traveller is 18 and moving away from home, luggage is a lousy choice. It's too personal. If I'm going to drag something around the world and back, I'm going to want to choose it myself. A gift card is a better choice.