Last year’s post on 8 last-minute holiday gift ideas for travelers was quite popular, so I thought I’d share my picks for 2011. I’ve arranged them according to cost. Items marked with an asterisk were provided to me at no charge to review on this blog. Need some gift ideas for the traveler in your family? Look no more.

Monster Outlets to Go Power Strip

November is a special time of year. On the 21st of this month I celebrate my birthday!

Now ordinarily, this is a cause for celebration. But this year, I turn a major milestone: 30. On November 21st this travel blogger and adventurer starts a new chapter in his life. And to be honest, I’m not looking forward to it.

Why I’m Not Looking Forward to Turning 30

To me, turning 30 is the very (very) beginning of the end. Your 20′s are supposed to be fun, carefree, irresponsible and generally the time when you can make mistakes, try again and figure out what direction you want to head towards in life.

Happy Halloween!

The last time I celebrated Halloween was in 2006. Yes, it’s been almost 5 years since I put on a costume, handed out candy and enjoyed the revelry of celebrating our darkest fears. From 2007-2010 I have been out of the country on business: Three years in South Africa and one in Canada.

Travel Tip: Trick-or-Treaters don’t visit hotels. And TSA Agents don’t wear Halloween costumes either (but some people in airports do).

Holiday are important. But like a lot of things that are important, we don’t recognize how special they are until we lose them.