Traveler Gifts for Student Budgets

The right holiday gift can help any individual planning a trip on a student-style budget. Some ideas: a guidebook, backpack, money pouch, sleeping bag or sheet-sleeping sack, Swiss Army knife, rain poncho, footwear and some foreign currency. Other stocking stuffers may be a flashlight, medical kit, luggage tags, travel alarm clock and sunglasses.

--A good guidebook can be one of the most valuable gifts. Keep in mind that guidebooks are heavy, so the traveler might be better off with only one well-researched book. Good advice can be gained from experienced staff members in bookstores that specialize in travel.

Two series known for providing excellent information for budget travelers are Let’s Go (guides to Europe and North America) and Lonely Planet (which has more that 60 travel-related guidebooks for destinations around the world).

--For good value, consider the styles of packs that convert to canvas suitcases. A traveler would get more use from the bag after the trip.

Many of the backpacks have smaller, attached day packs that are actually outside pockets that can be detached and used separately. They’re usually made of the same strong material as the pack. This is an asset because thieves have been known to slash them open when in crowded situations.

When shopping for a backpack, find the store that specializes in that equipment. Experienced sales clerkscan help pick out a practical style and the best size. If it is to be a gift, make sure that the receiver of the gift can return with the pack for a size check and adjustment.

--Sleeping bags are getting smaller and lighter. Most youth hostels, however, provide blankets and insist that travelers use their own or rent lightweight sleeping bags fashioned like a sheet folded in half. They can be purchased at many travel outfitter shops and youth hostel organization offices.

--Cheap sandals that travelers can use on the beach or in a shower are always a useful item. This year, however, high-priced durable sandals with good arch supports have become popular, particularly for treks in tropical climates. Buy them at outdoor equipment stores. Brand names, such as TEVA, are popular. Mosquito nets, available from outdoor equipment stores, are also valuable items for tropical areas.

--Each year, Harvard student agencies send out groups of students to update information in each Let’s Go guidebook. The 1992 editions of the 15 books in the series, which is published by St. Martin’s Press, will be available in bookstores by Christmas. The two most comprehensive guides in the series are “Let’s Go: Europe” ($15.95) and “Let’s Go: U.S.A.” ($15.95). New additions to the series this year are “Let’s Go: Washington, D.C.” ($10.95) and “Let’s Go: Germany, Austria and Switzerland” ($14.95).

--The Lonely Planet series offers guides to destinations such as India, Africa, Thailand and Iceland. Newest addition to its series is the 272-page “Costa Rica--A Travel Survival Kit” ($11.95).

People who buy guidebooks or give them as gifts should ask their book seller if a newer edition will soon be published. If so, arrange to purchase the latest version.