It's graduation season, and I would be remiss not to recommend Andrew Yang's Smart People Should Build Things: How to Restore Our Culture of Achievement, Build a Path for Entrepreneurs and Create New Jobs in America to everyone who is graduating, or knows someone who is.

#ViajoSola (I travel alone) is trending on Twitter – and I happen to be traveling alone right now!
 
Except, as I wrote in The Best Advice EVER for People Who Fear Getting Lonely While Traveling Alone… when you travel alone, you are rarely actually alone.
 
Take yesterday, for example. I stopped into a Dominical surf shop to rent a board, and ended up catching a ride to the beach with one of the coolest couples ever.

Back in the States, they are professional sports photographers (they take photos for NASCAR and the US Women’s Soccer team)… and when they travel, their camera of choice is the Nikon COOLPIX S9900 Digital Camera with 30x Optical Zoom and Built-In WiFi. (And, because they’ve since released a newer model, it’s only $269 on Amazon!)

I recently published Pearce Ferry Rapid: Then and Now, in which I discussed some awesome nonessential gear for your Grand Canyon (or, really, any) trip. I thought some of these items deserved their own post, because they are that incredibly awesome. 

Without further ado: 

1. Water Sports Lighted Bocce Ball Set, $49.99. Probably more suitable for rafters than kayakers, due to size constraints. But perfect for nighttime entertainment.

A few years ago, I was hiking to Machu Picchu, and I realized something: "Everyone is a photographer." 

It’s true. While I often complain that our electronics take us out of the moment and make us less mindful, they have also enabled us to capture the special (and mundane) moments of our lives better than ever! 

Which is why I think this Printerpix Faux-Mink Photo Blanket is a spectacular gift – for significant others, parents, grandparents and bffs. Or pretty much anyone you’re close to.