Science gifts us new HIV prevention tools

Science and Health

But it poses an inconvenient question: is it expanding choices for the people?
ANALYSIS | SHOBHA SHUKLA | Any new HIV prevention method is not meant to sit on the shelf but to be used by the people who need it to protect themselves from HIV. We have to ensure that new HIV prevention technologies that are coming out of the scientific research pipelines, are accessible to people everywhere – especially those who are more at risk of HIV acquisition.
Jim Pickett, a Senior Advisor for the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) who directs their Choice Agenda programme focused on HIV prevention research and its implementation, has passionately called for translating scientific gains into public health outcomes – not with delay, but with equity and justice.
When asked what has changed between 2018 and now, he said: “COVID-19 reshaped our entire world. Traumatizing as it was, it also changed some things for the better, I think, globally. We got better at finding new ways to deliver healthcare. We also learned that we could develop a vaccine quickly and that was a win. But we failed to deliver it equitably in many parts of the world.”
Jim was speaking with CNS at the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference of the International AIDS Society (IAS) in Lima, Peru.
Sadly, equity and justice are not driving our health responses. “We have had some exciting scientific developments in the HIV prevention space. We have cabotegravir- a once-in-two months injection that can prevent HIV. But accessibility is a different issue. It is available in our country, but it is extremely expensive. It is also complex to deliver. So the number of users is very low. It is available, but not accessible for many,” he said.
Imagine the injustice: people of countries which participated in the clinical study of lenacapavir for a greater common good, will not be able to get the best of benefits when it comes to its rollout, as of now.
A choice should be accessible
Science finds new tools to create new HIV prevention options for people, but then to have success in terms of making it accessible to all so that we can reduce new HIV infection rate, continues to remain a struggle.
“While I am really excited for these new choices that we will have, I am also frustrated that they will not be real choices, unless people can truly access them. There is no change in the game if you cannot get on the field, and there is no ‘transforming’ anything if that drug looks really good on paper, and then it sits on a shelf, and the people, who really need it, do not have access to it. It needs to be cheap, affordable, and accessible to everyone anywhere in the world. We definitely need to have some strategy for this,” he added.
We cannot put profit above people’s health
“The focus of pharmaceutical companies is on their shareholders and on making money. But public health is not about profit; it is not about money; it is about rights-based access – for everyone, regardless of their means. So there is a conflict of interest in that relationship. We need people at the negotiating table who want to fix this. So, community involvement from the very beginning is very important. It is about having all hands on deck, I think everyone who is involved- from every community person, organisations, governments, policy makers, funders, pharmaceutical companies, we have to hold them accountable,” rightly said Jim.
Take the example of Lencapavir. “It does not need to be priced over US$ 40,000 per person per year to be profitable. We are not asking pharmaceutical companies to do this for free, but do they deserve rewards that are exponentially beyond profit and just so high that it can bankrupt health systems? Or make health systems say that it is beyond their financial capacity to pay that kind of money? We cannot bankrupt our health system for one innovation when we have multiple health needs for the community. We cannot subsidise products that are so grossly expensive. We do not know how much the price of lencapavir will be decreased through voluntary licensing by the generic manufacturers who are also for-profit companies. So there is a lot to do to make sure that when it moves forward and it gets produced, it is priced in a way that is affordable for the people,” he said. Even in richer nations like USA problems and disparities plague the development response.
He is right. All health and development enshrined in promises our governments have made are also contributing towards HIV prevention, support and care. We, the people need to connect the dots and call for integrated development responses that are socially just.
****
Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of Citizen News Service.
Source: Citizen News Service

Travellers Are Set to Take More Holidays In 2025; Savvy Spenders, Bravecations, Heritage Holidays and AI On The Rise

Travel

Research amongst over 20,000 travellers across the EMEA region shows that more than four in ten are planning to go on more holidays in 2025
Bravecations and Heritage Holidays identified as the new-for-2025 travel trends
Savvy spenders are on the rise as travellers seek the best value from trips
Use of artificial intelligence to plan holidays sky-rockets – and sustainability considerations increase

The appetite for leisure travel is set to continue to grow in 2025, according to a new industry report. Figures from Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 ‘Ticket to Travel’ research – conducted amongst 21,374 adults in ten markets across Europe, Africa and the Middle East – shows that 42% of travellers plan to go on more holidays in 2025 vs 2024, while 81% will do more or the same amount.
Consumers surveyed said that they plan to go on 2.3 domestic holidays within their own country in 2025, 1.8 short-haul holidays (four-hour flight or less) and 1.4 long-haul holidays. This suggests that respondents will be doing a total of 5.5 holidays or trips in 2025 – the equivalent of nearly one every two months.
Emerging Trends
The research identifies a number of emerging or growing travel trends. Amongst them are ‘Heritage Holidays’ – a holiday taken to specifically explore their family’s heritage, history or ancestry. More than a third (36%) have previously taken a heritage holiday and a further 32% plan to next year or in the near future.
Younger travellers are more likely to have done this – 43% of those aged 18-24 and 45% of those aged 25-34 have – compared to 22% of those aged 65+.
The key drivers behind this trend are travellers believing ‘It’s important to know where your family come from and understand what their life was like’ (46%) and ‘wanting to see where their ancestors lived and grew up’ (45%).
Bravecations – travellers’ propensity to be braver when they go on holiday and being more likely to try things they wouldn’t at home – is another trend that clearly comes across in the research.
More than two thirds of travellers (67%) say that they are braver on holiday. Age plays a role with 78% of those aged 18-24, and 82% of those aged 25-34 saying they are braver on holiday, compared to 39% of those aged 65+. The top three things’ people do on holiday that they wouldn’t be brave enough to try at home are:

Tried unusual food – 44%
Climbed up something high – 43%
Began conversations with strangers – 33%

Solidifying Trends
Other trends that emerged in last year’s research are set to become even more marked in 2025 – in particular sustainability and the use of AI.
More than seven in ten (72%) say that they look at the environmental impact of their travel plans compared to 64% last year. And over half (55%) say that they checked the sustainability of the accommodation they stayed in on their last holiday, although only 30% did so before they booked. However, this figure is up from 22% last year.
Growing rapidly when it comes to travel planning for 2025 is the use of AI. More than four in ten (41%) say they have used AI to help plan or research a holiday – up significantly from 26% last year, showing how much this trend has increased with EMEA consumers over the past 12 months.
This is led by younger travellers – last year 45% of 18-24 year olds had used AI, but this year the figure rises to 59%. Meanwhile last year 41% of 25-34 year olds had and this has risen even further to 62% this year.
What will be important for travellers in 2025?
When it comes to accommodation preferences, the ‘brilliant basics’ will remain key for travellers, with cleanliness (95%), price (92%) and location (91%) the most important factors across all markets.
But for 65%, sustainability is now a key accommodation consideration, while nearly half (47%) look for accommodation to be pet-friendly. Over half (55%) also call out the importance of accommodation catering to solo travellers.
The key priorities for travellers are ‘spending time with friends and family’ (53%), followed by ‘treating myself’ (49%). Although for over a third (36%) it is important they come back feeling healthier than when they left.
Savvy Spending
The research also shows that despite planning more holidays, consumers are looking for the best value for money from holidays in 2025, whatever their budget. The main element that would incentivise travellers to commit to a booking is ‘getting a special price’ (52%).
Three in ten travellers (30%) say that they always take exchange rates into account when going on holidays – but seven per cent say that they ‘never usually do but will in 2025’.
Shoulder season breaks – going away in the months surrounding peak season – is another popular way to make breaks more affordable. Three quarters (74%) say that they have, or have considered, doing this, with the main reason being to get better value (65%).
The strong desire for international, regional and domestic travel, seen from this comprehensive consumer research, is great news for the industry and we are excited for the year ahead.
The research identifies several interesting new trends for 2025. Bravecations and heritage holidays will be key themes for next year, with savvy spending an important consideration for many when booking their holidays, irrespective of budget.
The research also reveals that over the past 12 months the use of AI has become well and truly mainstream – with Gen Z and younger millennials now using this as a key part of their travel planning. This is only set to continue in 2025. Meanwhile sustainability is increasingly a key consideration for many travellers, especially when it comes to accommodation. Phil Andreopoulos, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International – Europe, Middle East & Africa comments

*Research conducted in September 2024 by Mortar amongst 21,374 adults in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Poland, South Africa and Türkiye.
For more information and to access the report, visit www.marriott.pressarea.com.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
ABOUT MARRIOTT BONVOY
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalisation and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

13 Travel Gifts Your Favorite Frequent Flyer Will Actually Use

Travel

Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Rifle Paper Co.A set of packing cubes, a travel stub diary and a luggage tag.If you have a loved one who’s constantly boarding flights or seeking new adventures, a holiday gift that feeds their wanderlust might be the perfect type of present. Travel-related gifts can straddle the line between fun and practical, and your recipient can get years of use out of many of them, making these gifts the ones that keep on giving.Think about it: A good travel gift can make your giftee’s airport experience less hectic, their packing situation more organized or even their overall trip more memorable. If you’re hoping to score some brownie points with someone who’s. caught the travel bug, look no further — we’ve rounded up some of the best options from all over the internet.Advertisement

Check Out All Of Our Gift GuidesHuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.1AmazonA handy travel jewelry organizerAvailable in three colors, this velvet travel jewelry box has two larger compartments, six slot rolls and one elastic pocket on the underside of the lid. The box’s measurements are less than 2-by-4 inches, so it can easily fit inside a suitcase or carry-on. The organizer zips shut with gold hardware for both security and elegance.$22 at Amazon2Uncommon GoodsA travel stub diary to keep track of their mementosOne of my favorite parts of traveling has always been collecting ticket stubs, maps and other little mementos to take home with me, though they always eventually get lost somewhere at the bottom of my purse. If your recipient is the same, a travel stub diary can provide both a solution and a conversation starter. The diary has space for them to write about their travels, as well as clear sleeves that can preserve any mementos they want to keep, like postcards and museum brochures.Promising review: “My daughter put the Travel Stub Diary on her wish list and I found it such a useful and fun item. Instead of accumulating mementos in random places or a dusty shoe box, this diary will serve as a way to organize them into a ‘good times album.’ She can refresh good memories and rekindle the excitement that travel offers whenever she chooses. I’m already thinking about who else I want to give that opportunity to.” — Alicia$15 at Uncommon Goods3AmazonA sleeping mask with Bluetooth headphonesFor someone who frequently takes long-haul flights, blocking out the noise and lights of the plane can make a huge difference in getting some shuteye. This mask blocks out the light while doubling as wireless Bluetooth headphones so your giftee can listen to music or a podcast uninterrupted, and is made of a stretchy, breathable material that can fit to their face.Promising review: “I give these as gifts for traveling – block out noises and are so comfortable to sleep with. I use them every night at home and they have stood up to a lot of use. Easy to wash which is so important.” — LeenR$20 at AmazonAdvertisement

4AmazonA reusable silicone Go Bag from StasherWe’ve covered reusable Stasher bags before, for their ability to save people money and waste on single-use plastic bags. But while these are great for produce or snacks, they can also be used to hold a phone, makeup or other items your gift recipient may want to take with them on the go. This version, called the Go Bag, comes with a carabiner to attach to a belt loop or backpack for easy storage and access. It has the same pinch-lock seal you know and love Stasher for, and is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe up to 425 degrees.Promising review: “I use these to keep my phone dry when I’m around water. They are not meant for submersion, but will easily protect my phone from splashes. I love the attached carabiner for anchoring this to a kayak webbing or to attach my keys when I’m out at the pool. At the beach, these also keep sand away from the phone. I’ve given several as gifts and everyone loves them.” — Kathryn$14+ at Amazon (regularly $20)5AmazonA set of packing cubes in their favorite colorIf your giftee doesn’t already have packing cubes to organize their luggage, they’ll likely thank you for purchasing them a set like this popular eight-piece collection. The polyester cubes are available in a wide range of colors and have smooth zippers, mesh panels so they can easily see what’s inside each one and compact designs that can fit multiple suitcase sizes. The set includes standard cubes of four sizes in addition to bags for accessories, laundry, cosmetics or toiletries and shoes.Promising review: “These are a must have for travel! Now that I have used them I can’t fathom traveling without them. I even use them in my gym bag. This will be my go to Christmas gift this year and for graduations gifts. I am a teacher and I get invited to many graduation parties. This will be my new graduation gift for my college bond students.” — Frequent shopper$17+ at Amazon6AnthropologieA glass matchbook-style ornament of their favorite destinationWhile it won’t exactly help your recipient during their travels, this glass ornament can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge their journeys at home. Shaped like a matchbook and about the same size, the ornament has fun, colorful designs for cities all over the United States and beyond. Choose their home away from home, favorite vacation spot or the next place on their bucket list, and add some of the outside world to their home.Promising review: “Great gift. Great quality, and perfect size! I got the New York match box and it’s perfect” — AlyssaJarae$28 at Amazon$28 at Anthropologie$28 at Furbish StudioAdvertisement

7AmazonA bestselling toiletry bag with a convenient hanging hookIf an entire set of luggage organization seems like a lot, even just one toiletry bag can make your recipient’s life way easier. Take this Bagsmart toiletry bag, for example — it’s the No. 1 bestseller in its category on Amazon, and has over 48,000 5-star ratings on the site for its convenience. The bag comes in two sizes and a bunch of colors, has four compartments, is water-resistant and comes with a non-slip, 360-degree hook so they can hang it up to get easy access to all the contents. Speaking of the compartments, two of them are transparent so they don’t have to rifle through to find what they’re looking for, and the main pockets also have elastic straps to keep bottles in place and avoid spills.$15+ at Amazon$30+ at Bagsmart8SephoraA travel gift set with a trio of TikTok-viral skin care favoritesSelf-pampering is important on the go, too, and this travel size gift set by Sol de Janeiro makes that clear. The clear travel case comes with three travel-size products: a fragrance mist, shower gel and the ever-popular Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. If your giftee likes both travel and beauty, this is a happy medium between the two.$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at Ulta9CalpakAn award-winning Calpak duffel bag that can hold just about everythingSay it with me: Nine pockets! Yes, nine, including a shoe compartment to keep them separate. Anyone who takes a lot of weekend trips can appreciate a duffel bag like Calpak’s Luka duffel, which comes in a bunch of colors and two sizes, depending on how much your recipient needs to pack. The material is water- and scratch-resistant, and the back has a luggage trolley sleeve for easy transportation with a suitcase. The bag can hold up to 25 pounds in the interior and exterior pockets. With a Readers’ Choice Award for best luggage from “Condé Nast Traveler” this year, this is a reliable option if you’re looking to spend a little more on a travel-friendly gift.$102 at CalpakAdvertisement

10NordstromA Hydroflask water bottle to keep them hydrated on their adventuresWhether for a long flight, outdoor adventures or city trekking, a reusable water bottle will always come in handy for a traveler. And while there have been many contenders for the best one on the market, this Hydroflask remains a favorite with 4.8 stars across more than 26,000 ratings on Amazon. The lid is leakproof, and the bottle is insulated and dishwasher-safe — basically everything you could want in a water bottle. And even if your recipient doesn’t have a dishwasher, the wide-mouth design makes cleaning easier anyway. The bottle comes in a bunch of colors, so there’s bound to be one they’ll love.$33+ at Amazon (regularly $50)$37 at Nordstrom (regularly $50)11Rifle Paper Co.An appropriately themed chic luggage tagA baggage tag makes for a fun gift that they’ll probably use for years, and can also bring a bit of personality to their luggage. This one from Rifle Paper Co. is covered in a pattern aptly titled “Bon Voyage,” showcasing landmarks every world traveler should know. They can write any important information on the inside card, which slides out — otherwise, only their name is visible through the clear window for privacy.Right now, Rifle Paper Co. is the best place to add this to your cart with a 50% off deal, though it’s also sold at Anthropologie at full price.Promising review: “Can’t wait to take this luggage tag on many adventures. It’s beautifully crafted and colorful. It’ll stand out nicely amongst the other luggage when I travel.” — Caroline R.$14 at Rifle Paper Co. (regularly $28)$28 at Anthropologie12EtsyA deck of travel challenge cards to help them make new memoriesIf your recipient is the kind of traveler who enjoys spontaneity and cultural immersion over tourist traps, this travel challenge card deck can help them make the most of their trips. Great for solo travelers, couples and groups alike, each of the 50 cards contains a quote and a task, from learning a local craft to going without technology for the day. This is both a tangible gift and an experience gift, and the best part is it’s reusable for many trips down the line.Promising review: “I bought these cards for my boyfriend’s mom as a travel thank you gift. She was so excited to use these with the nephews. We cannot wait for our next trip.” — Bekah$23+ at EtsyAdvertisement

13Senko Nelly via Getty ImagesNeed more gifting inspiration?Check Out All Of Our Gift GuidesRelatedshopping travelGift Guides20 Things On Amazon That Make Perfect Gifts26 Foolproof Holiday Gifts For People Who Are Hard To Buy For22 Gifts That Are Wildly Practical Without Being Boring

13 Travel Gifts Your Favorite Frequent Flyer Will Actually Use

Travel

Amazon, Uncommon Goods, Rifle Paper Co.A set of packing cubes, a travel stub diary and a luggage tag.If you have a loved one who’s constantly boarding flights or seeking new adventures, a holiday gift that feeds their wanderlust might be the perfect type of present. Travel-related gifts can straddle the line between fun and practical, and your recipient can get years of use out of many of them, making these gifts the ones that keep on giving.Think about it: A good travel gift can make your giftee’s airport experience less hectic, their packing situation more organized or even their overall trip more memorable. If you’re hoping to score some brownie points with someone who’s. caught the travel bug, look no further — we’ve rounded up some of the best options from all over the internet.Advertisement

Check Out All Of Our Gift GuidesHuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.1AmazonA handy travel jewelry organizerAvailable in three colors, this velvet travel jewelry box has two larger compartments, six slot rolls and one elastic pocket on the underside of the lid. The box’s measurements are less than 2-by-4 inches, so it can easily fit inside a suitcase or carry-on. The organizer zips shut with gold hardware for both security and elegance.$22 at Amazon2Uncommon GoodsA travel stub diary to keep track of their mementosOne of my favorite parts of traveling has always been collecting ticket stubs, maps and other little mementos to take home with me, though they always eventually get lost somewhere at the bottom of my purse. If your recipient is the same, a travel stub diary can provide both a solution and a conversation starter. The diary has space for them to write about their travels, as well as clear sleeves that can preserve any mementos they want to keep, like postcards and museum brochures.Promising review: “My daughter put the Travel Stub Diary on her wish list and I found it such a useful and fun item. Instead of accumulating mementos in random places or a dusty shoe box, this diary will serve as a way to organize them into a ‘good times album.’ She can refresh good memories and rekindle the excitement that travel offers whenever she chooses. I’m already thinking about who else I want to give that opportunity to.” — Alicia$15 at Uncommon Goods3AmazonA sleeping mask with Bluetooth headphonesFor someone who frequently takes long-haul flights, blocking out the noise and lights of the plane can make a huge difference in getting some shuteye. This mask blocks out the light while doubling as wireless Bluetooth headphones so your giftee can listen to music or a podcast uninterrupted, and is made of a stretchy, breathable material that can fit to their face.Promising review: “I give these as gifts for traveling – block out noises and are so comfortable to sleep with. I use them every night at home and they have stood up to a lot of use. Easy to wash which is so important.” — LeenR$20 at AmazonAdvertisement

4AmazonA reusable silicone Go Bag from StasherWe’ve covered reusable Stasher bags before, for their ability to save people money and waste on single-use plastic bags. But while these are great for produce or snacks, they can also be used to hold a phone, makeup or other items your gift recipient may want to take with them on the go. This version, called the Go Bag, comes with a carabiner to attach to a belt loop or backpack for easy storage and access. It has the same pinch-lock seal you know and love Stasher for, and is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe up to 425 degrees.Promising review: “I use these to keep my phone dry when I’m around water. They are not meant for submersion, but will easily protect my phone from splashes. I love the attached carabiner for anchoring this to a kayak webbing or to attach my keys when I’m out at the pool. At the beach, these also keep sand away from the phone. I’ve given several as gifts and everyone loves them.” — Kathryn$14+ at Amazon (regularly $20)5AmazonA set of packing cubes in their favorite colorIf your giftee doesn’t already have packing cubes to organize their luggage, they’ll likely thank you for purchasing them a set like this popular eight-piece collection. The polyester cubes are available in a wide range of colors and have smooth zippers, mesh panels so they can easily see what’s inside each one and compact designs that can fit multiple suitcase sizes. The set includes standard cubes of four sizes in addition to bags for accessories, laundry, cosmetics or toiletries and shoes.Promising review: “These are a must have for travel! Now that I have used them I can’t fathom traveling without them. I even use them in my gym bag. This will be my go to Christmas gift this year and for graduations gifts. I am a teacher and I get invited to many graduation parties. This will be my new graduation gift for my college bond students.” — Frequent shopper$17+ at Amazon6AnthropologieA glass matchbook-style ornament of their favorite destinationWhile it won’t exactly help your recipient during their travels, this glass ornament can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge their journeys at home. Shaped like a matchbook and about the same size, the ornament has fun, colorful designs for cities all over the United States and beyond. Choose their home away from home, favorite vacation spot or the next place on their bucket list, and add some of the outside world to their home.Promising review: “Great gift. Great quality, and perfect size! I got the New York match box and it’s perfect” — AlyssaJarae$28 at Amazon$28 at Anthropologie$28 at Furbish StudioAdvertisement

7AmazonA bestselling toiletry bag with a convenient hanging hookIf an entire set of luggage organization seems like a lot, even just one toiletry bag can make your recipient’s life way easier. Take this Bagsmart toiletry bag, for example — it’s the No. 1 bestseller in its category on Amazon, and has over 48,000 5-star ratings on the site for its convenience. The bag comes in two sizes and a bunch of colors, has four compartments, is water-resistant and comes with a non-slip, 360-degree hook so they can hang it up to get easy access to all the contents. Speaking of the compartments, two of them are transparent so they don’t have to rifle through to find what they’re looking for, and the main pockets also have elastic straps to keep bottles in place and avoid spills.$15+ at Amazon$30+ at Bagsmart8SephoraA travel gift set with a trio of TikTok-viral skin care favoritesSelf-pampering is important on the go, too, and this travel size gift set by Sol de Janeiro makes that clear. The clear travel case comes with three travel-size products: a fragrance mist, shower gel and the ever-popular Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. If your giftee likes both travel and beauty, this is a happy medium between the two.$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at Ulta9CalpakAn award-winning Calpak duffel bag that can hold just about everythingSay it with me: Nine pockets! Yes, nine, including a shoe compartment to keep them separate. Anyone who takes a lot of weekend trips can appreciate a duffel bag like Calpak’s Luka duffel, which comes in a bunch of colors and two sizes, depending on how much your recipient needs to pack. The material is water- and scratch-resistant, and the back has a luggage trolley sleeve for easy transportation with a suitcase. The bag can hold up to 25 pounds in the interior and exterior pockets. With a Readers’ Choice Award for best luggage from “Condé Nast Traveler” this year, this is a reliable option if you’re looking to spend a little more on a travel-friendly gift.$102 at CalpakAdvertisement

10NordstromA Hydroflask water bottle to keep them hydrated on their adventuresWhether for a long flight, outdoor adventures or city trekking, a reusable water bottle will always come in handy for a traveler. And while there have been many contenders for the best one on the market, this Hydroflask remains a favorite with 4.8 stars across more than 26,000 ratings on Amazon. The lid is leakproof, and the bottle is insulated and dishwasher-safe — basically everything you could want in a water bottle. And even if your recipient doesn’t have a dishwasher, the wide-mouth design makes cleaning easier anyway. The bottle comes in a bunch of colors, so there’s bound to be one they’ll love.$33+ at Amazon (regularly $50)$37 at Nordstrom (regularly $50)11Rifle Paper Co.An appropriately themed chic luggage tagA baggage tag makes for a fun gift that they’ll probably use for years, and can also bring a bit of personality to their luggage. This one from Rifle Paper Co. is covered in a pattern aptly titled “Bon Voyage,” showcasing landmarks every world traveler should know. They can write any important information on the inside card, which slides out — otherwise, only their name is visible through the clear window for privacy.Right now, Rifle Paper Co. is the best place to add this to your cart with a 50% off deal, though it’s also sold at Anthropologie at full price.Promising review: “Can’t wait to take this luggage tag on many adventures. It’s beautifully crafted and colorful. It’ll stand out nicely amongst the other luggage when I travel.” — Caroline R.$14 at Rifle Paper Co. (regularly $28)$28 at Anthropologie12EtsyA deck of travel challenge cards to help them make new memoriesIf your recipient is the kind of traveler who enjoys spontaneity and cultural immersion over tourist traps, this travel challenge card deck can help them make the most of their trips. Great for solo travelers, couples and groups alike, each of the 50 cards contains a quote and a task, from learning a local craft to going without technology for the day. This is both a tangible gift and an experience gift, and the best part is it’s reusable for many trips down the line.Promising review: “I bought these cards for my boyfriend’s mom as a travel thank you gift. She was so excited to use these with the nephews. We cannot wait for our next trip.” — Bekah$23+ at EtsyAdvertisement

13Senko Nelly via Getty ImagesNeed more gifting inspiration?Check Out All Of Our Gift GuidesRelatedshopping travelGift Guides20 Things On Amazon That Make Perfect Gifts26 Foolproof Holiday Gifts For People Who Are Hard To Buy For22 Gifts That Are Wildly Practical Without Being Boring

Local Crime Book Author Publishes Ninth Book

Arts & Culture, Books

“Mud Lake” by TJ Buck is set in a small town similar to Bemus Point, and what happens after a serial killer is discovered. The cover photo comes from Buck’s friend, Chuck Ferraro.
Submitted photoLocal author, TJ Buck, has focused all of his novels on crime in some way or another, and this time his focus is on crime in a small town.Buck’s ninth novel, “Mud Lake” will be released on Nov 15. The book includes multiple crime story aspects including good cops, bad cops, love, murder, and a priest’s redemption, according to a review of the book from Douglas Osgood, a Western short story writer. Buck said for this novel he wanted to focus on a small town.
“I wanted to set it in a small town that is reliant on tourism,” Buck said. “So, I set it in a fictional version of Bemus Point, though I changed some things for the story. My last few novels have been set in cities and I wanted to explore the small town and what having a serial killer might do to a place like that.”
This is Buck’s second novel this year, and while he said he usually only does one a year, after getting the idea in his head, Buck felt the need to write this one now as well. The main character, Father Joe, stems off of his previous novels, and Buck added that the other main character is an adult film star, and he wanted to explore the two main characters as polar opposites as they move to the small town and get involved in the murder.
“What I try to do with each of my novels is explore different aspects of crime,” Buck said. “I look at the victims, their families, the place, rather than the actual criminal. You know, for serial killers, everyone knows Ted Bundy, but not the names of his victims. I focused on the town at large for this novel, rather than the killer.”
Pictured is TJ Buck, who recently wrote his ninth novel, which will be released on Nov 15.
Submitted photoBuck added that he always gives each book a different twist in order to challenge himself and generate new ideas. He said he has the idea for his next one in his head already, but that he likes to sit with the ideas in his mind for a few months before beginning to write, and that the next one after “Mud Lake” will most likely come out sometime next year.
“I can sit with an idea for months before I write,” Buck said. “I like to know the end beforehand, so I have something to write towards.”
All of Buck’s books are available on Amazon in both ebook format and paperback, along with at Good Neighbor Bookstore in Lakewood. Future events for “Mud Lake” include an interview with WRAF radio and a book signing at Good Neighbor Bookstore sometime after the book is released on Nov 15.