The past year I’ve discovered various items that every traveler should consider.
Clothing
The brand sounds like an educational project but Outdoor Research carries a good looking line of sports, outdoor and travel clothes that fit my three basic needs: quick dry, lightweight and easy to pack. Take a look at the Sun Runner Cap and Sombiolet Sun Hat for protection from harmful rays. For a catalog of their products, go to www.outdoorresearch.com.
Sombiolet Sun Hat From Outdoor Research
Footwear
Shoes: Although Teva sandals are legendary, they offer a wide variety of casual, hiking and multi-sport models. Teva’s Raith Event provided a perfect fit for my recent trip to the Grand Canyon. The Gnarkosi model is my choice for water wear (especially creek walking). Have fun browsing at www.Teva.com.
Teva’s Raith and Teko Hiking Socks Visit the Grand Canyon
Socks: Teko is all about premium performance socks. My light hiking ones are cushioned, wool-wicking, comfy and durable. Order a pair of the Lifestyle model for a dressier look with the same components. The website is www.tekosocks.com.
Shoes: Acorn’s handsewn SportMocs are comfortable and perfect for semi-dress or casual wear, plus they’re easy-on, easy-off at TSA security checkpoints. My wife loves her EarthRoamers; they are stylish and durable. For the complete line of shoes, slippers and socks, logon to www.acorn.com.
Acorn’s SportMocs and Teko’s LifeStyle Socks in a Dinosaur Garden
On the Plane
Luggage: My choice here is TravelPro’s WalkAbout Lite 4’s 20” carry-on. It features dual spinner wheels and two outside zipped compartments (one of which is padded to protect your laptop). Their entire collection of suitcases, bags, etc., can be found at www.travelpro.com.
TravelPro’s WalkAbout Lite 4’s 20” Carry-On at Sacramento’s New Terminal
Travel Vest: This is my favorite article of clothing. It becomes a third carry-on, its pockets filled with my cell phone, keys, wallet, paperback, passport, etc. It’s lightweight, dries quickly and looks good. That and loads of other interesting travel merchandise can be found at www.magellans.com.
Comfort: The inflatable “Business Class Foot Rest” provides leg support that relieves strain on the lower back. It’s another goodie from Magellan’s.
Magellan’s Business Class Foot Rest
Noise: Airplane din, babies crying and loud talkers mostly go away with PlaneQuiet Platinum’s sound reduction headset. It also provides hi-fi audio and is compatible with in-flight systems, iPod, CD, DVD, MP3 players and laptops. For a special gift for the audiophile in your life, consider an upgrade to the Solitude X Active Noise Canceling Headphone. The motto at Pro Travel Gear is “Be a traveler not a tourist.” Their catalog of products can help you achieve that goal at www.protravelgear.com.
Solitude X Active Noise Canceling Headphone
Computer: Wilson Software features Hold ‘em, 7-card stud and Omaha, all with tournament and cash game variations. The games have great graphics, realistic simulation, an advice tab, odds calculator, stats and a replay button. If you want to improve your game and tune up your skills, or just kill time while traveling, this is the product for you. I attended a recent WPT Boot Camp and Wilson’s computer analysis was used in the classroom. Become a winner at www.wilsonsoftware.com.
When You Get There
Save Money: The Entertainment Book, soon to celebrate its 50th. anniversary, offers several innovations. It’s still in coupon book form but also available in digital format and as a phone app. As they say, “Give the gift of savings that lasts all year long.” Purchase options can be found at www.entertainment.com and don’t forget to sign up for their email blasts.
Picnic Sidekick: It is a lightweight tabletop “tent” that packs easily and is handy for the beach, camping or any outdoor event. It comes in two sizes and keeps your food and utensils protected from insects, wind and sun. See it online at www.duratent.com.
Biotrue: It’s a new product and a good one. This multi-purpose contact lens solution lubricates my eyes and keeps them comfy while flying, at my computer and swimming or hiking; a travel size bottle is available. Retailer locations can be found at www.biotrue.com.
Note: While online at the sites look for sales, discounts and, if in doubt of what to give, consider a gift certificate.
Safe travels and enjoy the journey…
Howard Hian
www.Travels-with-Hian.com
Some photos supplied by the various companies mentioned.
