What shall I buy my two mates who are spending a year travelling around Canada?

Question

One's male and the other one's female. I would like it to be something useful but don't want to spend more than £20 each.

Answer 1

Hi,

I think the calling card is a great idea - except they will do better to purchase the calling cards here, in Canada.

You could purchase them some Canadian currency and tell them use it for calling cards.

Everything they are going to need is going to be available in Canada - and probably at lower prices than what you will pay.

What about buying them a t-shirt from your country so they have can display their national pride and also have a conversation starter? Or you could buy them leather covers for their passports or other document holders.

Answer 2

My dad gave my brother an envelope full of cash and told him only to open it if he was at his lowest ebb, if things had gone totally wrong. My brother returned a year later and proudly showed my dad the envelope that was unopened. My dad smiled and said he should open it now. Seeing his face when he pulled out the the £3000 monopoly money was a treat. Lucky he never really needed it though eh?!

Answer 3

Calling cards are good, but if you want to pool the money together for the both of them you could shop around online and get a cheap (used) GPS. There are wicked places all over Canada where you can go geocaching. You'll find some in lots of touristy spots, but others in secret fantastic locations as well=)

http://www.geocaching.com/

If you're unfamiliar with geocaching, here's a good summary of it. I started this summer and its lots of fun! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching

Answer 4

Buy them nothing, but say you will pay for a reverse call telephone if they are in need...(even if only in need of a chat with YOU) from wherever on their travels.
They shouldn't want anything more than they need on their travels. Travelling light is essential so don't load them up with extra weight.

Answer 5

Barclays do a travel card. Its like a debit card that you put money onto whilst in the u.k then it works as a Visa card overseas. It prevents the risk of losing cash, but has the usability of a Visa credit card without the overseas charges. But also, the Post Office credit card dont charge for overseas purchases.

Answer 6

3 things i never go on holiday without which aren't in your usual kit bag:

marmite = covers up crap food, keeps well, tastes awesome and the best of all it keeps mosquitos away (don't ask it just does).

two rolls of black electrical tape (one wide the other narrow): it can patch up anything, waterproof the list is endless of what it can do.

a table top tripod (www.warehouseexpress.co.uk) so they can both be in photos.

a stick label with you address on it so they can send you a postcard and not have any excuses that they forgot your address.

Answer 7

Personalized Swiss Army knives? Travel sized space bags? Compasses? Head lamps? Patches of their native countries flag to sew on their backpacks (assuming their backpacking)?

I guess it all depends on their mode of transportation and where they'll be staying!

Answer 8

You could buy a really nice small journal for the girl to record the stuff they've done and perhaps a compass for the guy!

Answer 9

Tim Horton's Gift Certificates...if you can get them on line...I'm not quite sure. But it is a staple in every Canandians diet. We are all proudly adicted to our Timmies coffee!!!!! And it is a sure thing that no matter where they end up there will be a Tim Horton's.

Answer 10

Some Thermals