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 Travel products make great Christmas gifts. (Shutterstock) |
Travel products make great Christmas gifts. And they cover the gamut, from clothes and luggage to electronics and items that can make a journey more comfortable and safe. Here's a sample:
LIGHTS, CAMERA, COLOUR
The Olympus FE-46 Digital Camera Coloring Set is a novel gift the whole family can enjoy. Relive family vacations or keep little ones amused en route with personalized colouring pages. Mom or Dad can snap shots of the kids, then enter a code at Crayola.com/colorme and transform the photo into a colouring page that can be printed out. The kit comes with 12 megapixel camera, case, 64-pack of Crayola Crayons, software, code good for six months of unlimited prints, batteries and cables for about $129.
QUIET TIME
Sony's noise-cancelling headphones are designed to eliminate ambient noise such as crying babies, chatty passengers and the airplane engine. You can also use them to listen to your iPod, MP3 player or in-flight entertainment. Having your own headsets is also more hygienic (how many others have worn the airline issued earphones) and saves money (many airlines charge for headphones). Plus you'll get a better fit with these deeply cushioned ear pads. Widely available from electronic retailers and Magellan's, which offers a lightweight model with carrying case, two adapters and battery for $149 US.
Unfortunately you can't easily wear noise-cancelling headphones to bed. For that there's the Travel Sound Therapy System from Sound Oasis. In addition to keeping time, it has 17 soothing nature sounds designed to help you sleep in noisy hotels, $89.85 US. Magellan's.
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LET IT RAIN
My cheap rain suit was no match for a downpour encountered on a day tour in Iceland. Sitting on a bus in wet clothes all day, I vowed to get quality gear next time. One good choice is the Gore-Tex Monsoon jacket ($155) and Typhoon pants ($98), from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), which are "guaranteed to keep you dry." It's the kind of gear you don't need often, but in inclement weather, the investment is worth every penny.
HATS OFF TO TILLEY
Tilley hats have evolved since the original T1 model came out in 1980. Now there are more than a dozen different designs including three new raffia hats (made in Canada from Madagascar raffia) as well as other stylish models, so durable they're guaranteed for life. These include (for women) the TH9 Hemp Hat ($79 with three different coloured hatbands), the LT1B Breathable Nylon Bucket Hat ($68) and, my favourite, the TH8 Tilley Hemp Hat ($79). All are packable, crushable and provide UV protection. The TH8 has a brim that can be worn up or down and comes in three colours: Natural with black band and piping, natural and mocha.
Are there any ugly hats in your closet? If so, donate them to Tilley's Hand Over Your Hat program and get $5 off the purchase of a new Tilley winter hat. For every person who makes an in-store hat donation, Tilley will donate $5 to charity (up to $25,000). Donations are accepted until Dec. 31 at participating retail/partner locations or see "Hideous Hat" at facebook.com/TilleyEndurables.
SOCKS WITH POCKETS
Thieves have been known to pick pockets and snatch purses but they might have a harder time getting to your socks! Zip It socks have a zippered pocket that can hold cash, credit cards and room keys. Made of Coolmax, cotton and Spandex, these socks dry quickly, have a support arch and elasticized tops. Available for women and men in white and black, crew and ankle lengths. Contact relaxus.com or 1-800-668 9876 x223.
CARRY ON LUGGAGE
Now that many airlines charge to check luggage, more people are travelling with carry on bags only. The advantages are obvious. You save money and time (no more waiting at the baggage carousel) and don't have to worry about bags being lost or delayed.
Practical options include the new frameless FlyLite (50.8 cm) described as the "world's lightest hybrid luggage" from Heys International. Made of ballistic nylon, it weighs just 2.18 kg, has inline skate wheels, many compartments and an anti-tip system. About $89.
Another light but sturdy carry-on option is the 53 cm, 3.1 kilo rolling upright that is part of Magellan's VI Ultra-Light Collection. It has multiple pockets, a roomy main packing area and expands 5.08 cm with the pull of a zipper. Laurel or black. $199.
EMERGENCY ALARM
It's small, lightweight, easy to carry and can add another level of safety to a trip. The powerful Personal Emergency Alarm, with just a squeeze, emits an ear-piercing 101-decibel shriek that's sure to frighten off would-be attackers and attract the attention of bystanders. Clip to your belt or keychain. Batteries included $12.85 US, Magellan's.
BATTERY CHARGER
When buying a new charger look for one that covers a range of voltage from 100 to 240 volts. Then you won't have to buy a separate currency converter. While looking for a replacement for a Panasonic charger I recently lost (the best one I ever had) I found a new model -- the Panasonic BQC01AKM40 Charger Kit. It will check the battery charge level to determine if it's ready to use or needs to be charged, and adjust the charge rate according to battery condition. It has an auto shut off and comes with four AA batteries that can be charged up to 1,200 times. About $59.
ALL IN ONE
More than a few travellers have ruined their battery chargers when plugging them into an outlet with an incompatible voltage. Others have used an adaptor in the belief it converted the voltage (which it doesn't). Keep it simple with just one gizmo -- the Four-way Adaptor, Converter/USB Charger from Magellan's includes the four most common adaptor plugs for over 150 countries and automatically converts voltage (from 220v to 110v) when needed. It also has a USB charging port to power up cellphones, iPods or other USB compatible device. $59.85 US.
DISINFECTING SCANNER
Getting sick on your trip is the last thing you want. One way to keep your environment free of bacteria and viruses is with a portable Nano UV Scanner which claims to kill 99.9% of germs on any surface. Use it to sanitize anything from airplane tray tables and hotel bedding to phones and TV remotes. Fits easily in a purse or pocket. Includes two AA batteries. $79 US
FOLDING FOOT REST
Wouldn't you love to put your feet up on your next flight? While it's impossible to stretch out in most economy seats, you can at least elevate your feet. The Folding Foot Rest unfolds into a 10-cm-high footstool to give support and relieve the strain on your lower back. I find it helps relieve knee pain as well. From Magellan's, $24.85 US.
MORE INFORMATION
- Heys International, contact heys.ca.
- Tilley Endurables has three stores in the GTA -- tilley.com or call 1-800-363-8737
- Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is at 400 King St., W. Call 416-340-2667.
- Magellans.com or call 1-800-962-4943.
WRITER@INTERLOG.COM