Editors' Picks: Holiday Wish List

There is nothing worse than preparing to take a beautiful picture of the Eiffel Tower when your iPhone’s battery life decides to call it quits. Never lose battery power again with this rechargeable smart battery, tucked inside a lightweight case.

Who has the space to pack both a phone and a camera? Now you can turn your phone into an actual old-school camera -- functional shutter button, neck strap, optional interchangeable lenses -- and all with this iPhone cover. Capture your best travel memories and share them instantly with your favorite apps -- all while looking like a real photographer.

Is the person on your holiday shopping list an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys a campfire and climbing adventure year-round? This is the perfect gift, and you can depend on Nalgene’s rock-solid durability. So pack your gear and hit the trails. Pick from slate blue or elegant red, and fill it up with your favorite end-of-day refreshment. My favorite is Talisker 18, but the flask doesn’t have a preference.

The New York Times' <i>36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada</i> is the perfect gift for business travelers who don't spend much time in one destination or anyone else who enjoys being whisked away for a fun weekend getaway. This book is chock-full of practical itineraries, insider secrets and expert advice on how to get the most out of a short trip.

Carrying camera equipment on vacation is never fun, especially when going through security checkpoints. Instead of using the traditional bulky camera bag, try this crossbody bag. If you look too quickly it may seem like a regular leather purse, but peek inside and you will see compartments for a camera body, extra lens and memory cards. This is a must-have for my upcoming travels.

Forget the money belt on your next trip (and the embarrassing task of digging into your shirt for your passport or cash). Carry your passport and money in style -- and keep it safe to your heart -- with this clutch purse that doubles as an infinity scarf. Also perfect for everyday life-on-the-go, the scarf includes a hidden pocket where you can store your phone and keys. We’re all for hands-free, especially when it’s not fashion-free.

If you don't mind a little preorder wait (and not having something to unwrap under the tree), this purse-that-doubles-as-a-phone-charger belongs on every busy traveler's wish list. The clutch "magically" charges your smartphone while you're on the go (if you have an iPhone 4/4S/5 or Galaxy S III). Choose from among leather, fabric, wristlet or crossbody styles -- I'm a sucker for the persimmon leather clutch in utilitarian orange.

Nothing quite screams “tourist!” like a big, black-and-red Canon strap hanging around your neck as you snap frame-worthy photographs of your latest adventure. Stand out from the hordes of photo-hungry travelers with one of these super-cute camera straps from Bloom Theory. “Bohemian Belle” and “Petite Cherie” have been calling my name from my Pinterest board for months!

Sure, there are times when travelers can’t avoid using water bottles. But many still succumb to this less-than-green approach even when vacationing in eco-friendly places. Reduce your plastic consumption with this handy pocket water microfilter, equipped with a round pump handle to easily rid water of any less-than-desirable particles. So on my next national parks outing, I can stay hydrated with peace of mind.

I know it sounds crazy: Who wants a device that's noise-canceling when they're trying to listen to music? But there is one exception: The Executive pair of Beats headphones designed by hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre. They’ll cancel out any outside noise, from babies crying on an airplane to the bustling traffic of a metropolitan city. They fold flat so they are easy to travel with, and although they run close to $300 they are the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys music, meaning virtually everyone.