There are definite plusses to being a solo traveler: if you don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn when hotel check out isn’t until noon, you don’t have to; if you want to spend an extra couple of hours lingering at the Smithsonian, you can; and if you get a great travel gift, you don’t have to share!

I perused travel gifts and toys and came up with a list of ones that I think are just the best little ideas for the solo traveler in your life. Buy one for yourself, or give it as a gift – maybe to your favorite solo travel writer!

The SkyRest Travel Pillow – what better way to travel than to have the solo traveler in your life show up well-rested? This Travel Pillow would be fantastic for any solo traveler who routinely takes flights that last for more than three or four hours. It inflates, so it’s easy to include in your regular carry-on bags, and it’s built to fit right on the handy tray. TravelRest - The Ultimate Inflatable Travel Pillow - NEW PRODUCT!!

The Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag is a business traveler’s DREAM come true! This bag is priced comparably with other computer briefcases, and it relieves travelers of the pain of removing their laptop in airport security. I don’t know about you, but I always get nervous taking my laptop out and placing it in a random bin at security, especially if it makes it through the screening process before I do.

Skooba R101-101 Checkthrough Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Bag (Black)

Rosetta Stone Language Software is a GREAT companion gift for your solo traveler, especially the one who may travel for business a lot, without taking advantage of the opportunity to go elsewhere. Surprise your solo traveler with everything they need to learn Italian, French, Russian, Polish… even Turkish! Help them feel more comfortable seeing more of the world. Rosetta Stone Online

And as long as they’re going on the road, give them a travel plug adapter. This is an absolute MUST HAVE for international travel! There are several on the market. Kensington 33117 International All-in-One Travel Plug Adapter

And what’s a good solo travel package without THE map for new cities? Streetwise Maps for the Savvy SoloTraveler

My favorite gifts list would not be complete without this: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List. I have to admit, I bought this book for myself about three years ago, and when I loaned it to a friend, I was lost without it! Especially now, when the thoughts of economic freedom override my desire to hop on a plane and see the world, this book is my vacation without leaving home.

If you have a great gift idea for your favorite solo traveler, let us know and drop a post in the forum!

But the best gift you can give during the holidays isn’t anything that you can box, wrap, tape, or apply postage to, but it is something you can send: your love to those in your life! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may this holiday find you filled with love.