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Need Suggestions

Posted: Dec 7, 2011

Hi all-

I am in serious need of Christmas gift suggestions, but not just your ordinary giving a gift. We have some friends who are traveling to Ecuador for 3 months, starting in January. I am wanting to get them an International gift credit card, but I have heard that even using a credit card is a big rigamarole in that country, advance notice, etc. Does anyone know if getting an International calling card (when I'm not the one traveling) is a problem?

I can't buy them something for their house (they're renting it out for the 3 months), and they simply must travel light, so a 3-month supply of bug spray or something is out. <g>

Any ideas?

;

P.S. - JC

[ In Reply To ..]
Just wanted to mention, dollar amount we can spend is about $40-50. Hate just handing them cash.

IMO - Not very original

[ In Reply To ..]
IMO, in this situation, money may be the best option, figuring they will need to stock up on supplies. Get the cash exchanged for, well, whatever kind of money they use in Ecuador (pardon my ignorance) and find a clever way to package it up that will not add too much bulk to their baggage, like wrapping the bills around their favorite candy or granola bars (just thinking out loud here).

agree with JC - mt1347

[ In Reply To ..]
JC is right, IMO. I lived in South America for a year. Chances are the calling card won't do them much good. Unless they are in a major city, they probably will have to use the public telephone, which is not a booth but a building where people go to wait their turn to place a call to wherever. Money is by far the best option. They will need things once they get there, that they couldn't have known about. I hope they have a wonderful time - Ecuador is a beautiful country and they are great artists, especially with material. Your friends will be tempted to buy many gorgeous things.

How about a money belt? I used mine to carry - cash, ID, photocopy of passport, etc.

[ In Reply To ..]
Or maybe a gift certificate to R.E.I. - that store has all sorts of great travel gear, clothing, etc. that is high-quality. They could then pick out what they really want or need.

A few years ago I got one of those little soft daypacks from the Rick Steves website. It was just as he described... roomy, compactable when not in use, and soft, soft, soft! Stuff a sweater or two in it, and it becomes a great pillow!

Actually, I also bought one of his carry-on-sized suitcases to go with it. That, too, was exactly as described, and I was able to carry everything I needed in it, yet never had to check my luggage.

Thanks All! - JC

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks for the help.

We decided to get them a Gift Certificate to their favorite restaurant here. I would have rather gotten them something for "over there," but I think it will make them feel good to have something waiting here. I know they are going to get very home sick, and it's a restaurant we all frequent on a regular basis.

They can also use it before they leave if they'd like.

A note in a card saying when they get settled and have - address, card entitles them to

[ In Reply To ..]
a care package. Just read story of family that was in Columbia for 2 years, and author said care packages were a god-send.

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