Unique, Meaningful and Healthy Valentine's Day Travel Gifts for Home and Away: 2023 "We're Traveling Now" Edition

To say that 2020 and 2021 were unique years is an understatement. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, safety precautions and protocols have become the stuff of everyday life — at home and on the road. In 2022 most of us were back on the road again with those we love. For some, romance within the restrictions of a public health crisis will be worth it; for others it won’t. LTD comprised this list of some of our favorite gifts for these unusual times that will be helpful both at home and on the road to capture memories, inspire adventure and make life healthier and more meaningful! 

Let's face it - they may not have the time or knowledge to look for great traveling items themselves.  Fortunately, LTD can give you some outstanding selections for all budgets that will certainly put a smile on their faces!!  Our guide includes items that are fashionable, healthy, useful and practical for the traveling female.  Click on the product photo or links if you wish to learn more!  By clicking and/or buying, you support our blog and our mission to bring you information about meaningful and healthy travel!  Thank you so much!!!

1.  Dreaming of Tokyo?   

Aromatized with the finest essential oils, ESNA HOME natural scented candles are crafted from 100% natural, non-toxic, vegan soy wax. This carefully blended with the seductive scent of its soothing incense & aromas of Japanese cypress trees, before fashioning into a scent with hints of Peony & Lotus, ending with tones of Iris & Musk will offer consistent fragrance release during the long burn time of 50 hours. Light it up for a moment of indulgence this Valentine's Day for someone dear to warm their heart and home.  If Tokyo is not for you check out scents like Fresh Cut Roses & Berries!

2.  Give them the next best thing to holding their hand!   

Banish soreness, popsicle fingers and stiffness with a hand massager!  Comfier Electric Hand massagers are specially designed to use air pressure and compressed hot air to pamper every part of their hand and work on the fingers and knuckles to ensure total relaxation. 

3.  OOLER by Chili Technologies - This is our number one recommended product because it has been a "sleep changer" for us!

Give the gift of sleep!!!! Our number one recommended product of 2019, 2020 and 2021.  We first encountered Chili Technologies, now known SleepMe, at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in 2019!  In a matter of no time we became customers ourselves and can't say enough how much the OOLER and chiliBLANKET have contributed to our well-being and healthy travel! The latest release from SleepMe is Sleepme+! It is the first and only technology that provides you with a dedicated virtual AI sleep expert that continually creates the ideal sleep environment based on your current sleep activity. Plus, you'll receive a daily sleep report that allows you take control of your sleep and health goals.

Interrupted sleep is when our sleep is studded with prolonged periods of waking up throughout the night, usually at least four times over the course of eight hours. This condition can be caused by a sudden shift in routine (for example, a new baby in the house), travel, unexpected noises (such as a party at your neighbor’s house or a partner’s snoring), bathroom trips, menopause or other health issues or racing thoughts.  Temperature affects your baseline sleep quality and regulating temperature can help you phase shift your sleep for travel and help prevent jet lag. And do you know what we love best about the company? They stand by their product and you get a 30 day money-back sleep trial. See our full review of OOLER by clicking here! 

4. Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket!

If you're not sure a Chili weighted blanket is for them, start with a RelaxEden Adult Weighted Blanket with a Removable, Washable Duvet Cover. It is designed to provide the deep touch pressure support that can result in a calmer, more soothing night’s sleep and provide the best of both worlds with its cozy and cooling features. Its dual therapy features come from a flippable and removable duvet cover: one side blankets you in a traditional, ultra cozy warmth and security; the other side provides the tranquility of weight, coupled with an advanced cooling fabric. This makes for a great improvement to your current sleep experience or a great gift that your friends and family didn't know they needed!

5.  Load Photos on this Digital Frame from Wherever you are! 

It's easy to stay in touch with this highly-rated 10" digital photo frame. You send photos through the Nixplay app, Google Photos, Instagram or Facebook, and the images automatically appear in the frame, anywhere in the world.  Want a larger frame? Check out this 15.5 inch version. 

6.  If they Love to Cuddle in the Cold   

Cuddle on those cool nights at home! She can keep her side extra toasty, while he can keep his a little cooler, and no one has to fight over who gets the controller — because this heated blanket conveniently comes with two!

7.  Cashmere Scarf   

Winter is here, so help keep him them warm this season with a stylish cashmere scarf. It comes in lots of colors, so you can choose which one will go best with their style

8.  Temperature Controlled Mug   

Using an app on their phone, they can control the temperature of this sleek smart mug to ensure that their coffee or tea stays between 120ºF and 145ºF a.k.a. the perfect drinking temperature for nearly two hours. This is the newest Ember mug for those who enjoy a larger cup of java! 

9.  TUSHY Spa  

Give them the gift of a clean hiney with this bidet toilet attachment. Choose from different colors that offer water pressure control. The TUSHY bidet gives you a high-end feel without compromising quality or the price tag. 

10.  Custom Pet Portrait

Send in one of the hundreds of pictures that they've taken of their pup or cat and get a printed digital portrait shipped straight to your door. There are so many styles to choose from, even if you don't order one take a look for a smile today!

11.  Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit

Preserve Every Precious Detail!  Share the experience of life casting from the comfort of your own home. You can't go wrong with this gift of a priceless memory and with a satisfaction guarantee why not give it to all of your loved ones?

12.  Handmade Wool Slippers

Does she have popsicle toes? These slippers are handmade in a family studio with customizable size, color and soles.  These slippers have rave reviews for the quality and comfort! If you're shopping for him, check out the men's selection.

13.  Handmade Caricature Drawing

Hand-drawn caricatures are 100% proven to make a great gift. A perfect loving and fun gift for your special person. Just send a photo of the person you would like drawn and any instructions about what they should be doing in the drawing, such as from your favorite vacation!

14.  Is that Silverware in Your Pocket or are You Just Happy to See Me?

These have become very popular during the pandemic, and what a thoughtful gift!  These portable utensils come in several different finishes so you know which set is which! They come with an elegant carrying case and include straws and chopsticks. 

14.  Phones are Important for Travel, but How Can They be Clean??!  PhoneSoap is the answer!

This is a customer favorite! AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL. PhoneSoap's revolutionary bacteria-zapping technology was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and tested and proven on the Discovery Channel.  Think of the germs we are exposed to during travel! Stay healthy and charge a phone all at the same time.

15.  For the Traveler who Carries Tension (who doesn't???) or Experiences Pain

Getting a post-flight massage can beat jet lag, improve circulation, and release tension. If they can’t make it to the spa, these palm-sized firm massage balls act like a portable foam roller to work out the knots and loosen tight muscles in feet, hips, back, shoulders, legs, etc. They could use a tennis ball, but the crevice in the middle of this design is more comfortable to use around places like the spine and come with a handy carrying bag. 

16.  What Says Love more than Dreaming of Paris?   

Picture yourself with Mojitos in a in a classic Havana Casino. Doesn't this travel poster for Cuba take you back and make you feel nostalgic and amorous? If you feel that way, your favorite explorer will too.  If Cuba is not for you check out other vintage travel posters by Canvas On Demand.

17. Swap Travel Dreams Over A Beautifully Laid Out Cheese Board 

We love this unique gift from Vintage Garden Art.  For anyone who loves to entertain, give them this set of Silver Plated Spoon handles which are hand stamped cheese markers for cheeses from around the World.  Even better, set up a special evening for them with wine and cheeses from around the world and use these markers to make the finishing touches!

18. Build Famous Buildings!

Longing to see some famous buildings? Inspire travel in the young Valentines in your life or the young at heart with a Famous Buildings 3D cut puzzles.  Choose from other cities including Moscow, New York, Notre Dame and Italy.

19.  Watch the Most Romantic Movie of All Time and Dream of Morocco  

Inspire travel to Morocco and give the gift of enjoying the most romantic movie of all time with your favorite Valentine....Casablanca: A jaded nightclub owner in war-torn Casablanca, whose loyalties are put to the test when his old flame, Ingrid Bergman, reappears to seek Rick's help in escaping from the Nazis.

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ALL USA Flights are Grounded until AT LEAST 9 AM January 11 After FAA System Fails

All flights across America have been grounded for the first time since 9/11 by an FAA systems failure that has left thousands of people stranded at airports. 

The problem is with the Notice to Air Missions System, which pilots use to access flight paths and communicate with air traffic controllers about hazards. 

So far 4,000 flights have been delayed by the outage - with more delays expected throughout the day. 

The FAA uses a system called NOTAM to access flight plans. This system has failed. The US Government states there is "no evidence" of a cyberattack.  Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is in touch with the FAA. 

The ground stop by the FAA systems failure has left thousands of people stranded at airports and that is threatening to tank US airline market shares. This follows a major travel headache for many Americans after Southwest Airlines failures last month. 

The cause of this failure is unclear and we will update as information becomes available. 

9:00 AM update:

FAA lifts ground order on flights after two-and-a-half hours: White House says 'no evidence of cyberattack' behind computer failure that delayed at least 4,000 flights and halted America's air traffic for the first time since 9/11.

10:00 AM 

Up to 4500 flights delayed and nearly 900 cancelled nationwide.

How do you track flights? Tell us in the comments below!

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Carnival Legend Passenger Dies after he Fell and Hit the lifeboat on Deck 4

A guest died aboard the Carnival Legend, on Monday, December 20, while the cruise ship was sailing an 8-day Eastern Caribbean Christmas cruise. Several passengers reported that a man overboard signal was sounded on the public address system saying that from the deck cams there were lights in the water and that the crew even lowered a lifeboat.

Carnival Cruise Line said that while there was a man overboard alert, this was not an overboard incident, reports CBS Baltimore.

Following the tragic event Carnival released a statement;

"We are sad to share that we had an incident last night. We are supporting the guest's family and others who witnessed the situation. With respect for the privacy of all involved, we will not say any more, but ask that you keep the family in your thoughts and prayers."

A source aboard the Carnival Legend told Crew-Center.com that the man fell down from his balcony on Deck 8, and hit the lifeboat on Deck 4. This happened at around 00:30 local time.

The cruise ship, which embarked on its journey from Baltimore, Maryland, with stops in Nassau, Princess Cays and Grand Turk has made an unscheduled stop in Freeport, according to ship tracking websites. The reasons for the stop are unknown however some guests said that the man’s body was taken off the ship.

“We have been in Freeport since around 5:30 am. We are fueling now but not one of our stops. I guess the man's body was taken off and from what we hearing taking off his girlfriend,” a guest reported on social media.

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Two Norwegian Star Elderly German Tourists Brutally Attacked during Robbery while Sightseeing on Shore

Two German Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) passengers were attacked in a violent robbery while sightseeing in Recife, Brazil, where the ship docked. One of the passengers was stabbed in the head during the incident and was taken to a local hospital, G1 Globo reports.

Wolfgang Duysen Gurkasch, 79, and Werner Duysen Gurkasch, 81, were attacked on Thursday, December 8, as they explored the local tourist sites. The elderly couple was sailing aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Star. The crime took place near the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, in the Santo Antonio neighborhood, when two robbers approached the victims.

Wolfgang had superficial injuries while Werner was stabbed in the head as the thieves made off with their cell phones and glasses. The stabbing victim was taken to Hospital Santa Joana, in the central region of the capital of Pernambuco, and remains hospitalized. The police said the couple was attacked while taking pictures. According to local merchants who witnessed the crime, one of the victims fell and hit his head on a step of a snack bar.

In a note, the Secretariat of Social Defense of Pernambuco reported that it “deeply regrets what happened” and that the security forces are working to identify and arrest the suspects.

Port Authorities released the following statement:

"Porto do Recife SA regrets the incident that occurred with the German passenger of the ship Norwegian Star, Werner Duysen Gurkasch, who disembarked through the Maritime Passenger Terminal and was attacked near Dantas Barreto Avenue, last Thursday (12/08). Porto do Recife SA has provided all possible assistance to the victim and the state Social Defense Secretariat is leading the investigations."

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Passengers Test Positive for COVID on Viking Jupiter with Mild Symptoms, and Placed in Mandatory Quarantine for 5 Days without Further Testing

Viking Cruises is still performing regular daily saliva COVID testing for many of its itineraries including Ocean, River and Expeditions cruises. Currently, those who test positive are being quarantined for 5 days on board with no further testing required. After 5 days those affected are provided a letter of recovery. Daily temperature and oxygen saturation testing is being performed for those in quarantine. 

When this will end is anyone's guess. For example, guests on a current itinerary for Viking Ocean to South America, were NOT required to provide arrival nor pre-boarding COVID testing but are tested daily. Does daily testing actually reflect local laws? You be the judge. View Viking's COVID policy here. 

Is Viking is "over testing," which was a question we posed when we sailed to Iceland over one year ago, when local officials denied and entire ship from visiting one port when one passenger tested positive for COVID? Other ships at the same ports were not testing at all while Viking tested daily. 

How do you perform a Viking saliva COVID test? Watch our video here!

About 20 passengers are in quarantine due to COVID testing according to a current Viking Jupiter passenger, and up to 50 more passengers on currently have GI symptoms too.

Remember, if you have questions related to your health, always consult your doctor or medical professional. The information presented here is informative only and is not medical advice.

Find the latest updates about COVID-19 by visiting the CDC website. 

Make sure you get a cover for your vaccine card!  We love the kind where the card can be removed to add booster record at a later date rather than laminating your card! Click below to check out these combined vaccine card and passport covers at Amazon! You can use them to organize all the documents needed to travel internationally these days! 

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