Hit the Road November 1, 2013Can it be? Yes, it is.
It’s that time of year when we begin to think about the holidays and what to give to whom. Here are some items that the traveler on your list will find useful.
If you can’t take your personal pillow with you, the 2-in-1 Down Travel Pillow is the next best thing. It doubles as a small pillow, ideal for trains, planes and automobiles, and as a cover that fits any standard pillow (20 inches by 26 inches). Made from 250-thread-count cotton, the 2-in-1 is filled with natural down and comes in five bright colors so you won’t leave it behind. Machine washable. http://www.thecompanystore.com/2-in-1-down-travel-pillow/PO76.html.
RejuvaSocks
Function meets fashion in these knee-high RejuvaSocks, compression socks that help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots that form in the deep veins of the body. The clots can break off, travel to the lungs and become a dangerous pulmonary embolism (a clot that blocks blood flow). DVTs can be a real concern for people who spend long hours sitting en route; even people in the best of shape can be at risk. RejuvaHealth, an Orange County company, was founded by a 21-year-old woman who was diagnosed with DVT and didn’t like wearing the unattractive compression socks. RejuvaSocks apply moderate-compression (20 millimeters to 30 millimeters), and also can be used by those in recovery from surgery, those who have varicose veins, and pregnant women. $40. Visit www.rejuvahealth.com.
isABelt
When it comes to dressing well, there are few things as annoying as a lumpy waistband, the result of wearing a bulky belt under a form-fitting sweater. The solution to this problem? It’s isABelt, the “original invisible belt” that was designed by three “fashionista” sisters who tired of gapping, slipping, low-rise jeans. The belt nips and tucks the waistband without ruining your silhouette. Made of thin, strong, flexible plastic, isABelt is the ideal travel fashion accessory as it weighs nothing and requires no room. Comes in clear and black. Expands to 50 inches. The site also offers many other fashion/travel accessories. $20-$40. Visit http://isabelt.com/.
Daddy Diaper Pack
These days, it’s not unusual to see daddies out and about with the young ones, but chances are they would just as soon not haul around a pink-and-purple flowered mommy-bag. The new Daddy Diaper Pack, from DaddyScrubs, provides a manly alternative: a sturdy, multi-compartment backpack that holds water bottles, baby bottles, Sippy cups, diapers and a change of clothes ($69.95). There also is a pocket for the “I’m the Daddy” mug, a 14-ounce, double-walled stainless steel tumbler with a snap-fit lid ($14.95). Practical travel accessory from day of delivery to whenever. Visit www.daddyscrubs.com.
SnoozeShade
Your stroller passenger will travel in comfort and safety, thanks to SnoozeShade, an invention made of stretchable, breathable fabric that also has a sunscreen protection of SPF 40+. This stroller accessory was invented by an aggravated mom in Britain, where assuring babies get plenty of fresh air in all kinds of weather is an Olympic sport. She was tired of fighting the wind and draping coats and blankets over the stroller to protect her youngster from the elements. Blocks 97 percent of light, so the shade makes for uninterrupted naps when you are out. Lightweight and folds to a small package, so ideal for travel. For single-width strollers only. $35. Also available for car seats and travel cots. http://www.snoozeshadeusa.com/
GeoPalz-monitor and GeoPalz-phone
Need a little incentive to increase your activity? Or maybe your kids need a little nudge to get out there and move? The iBitz activity trackers by GeoPalz of Boulder, Colo., will kick-start a regular exercise habit for both adults and kids.
The water-resistant monitors are about an inch-and-a-half square, sync to iPhones, iPads and the iPod Touch, are worn on the hip or shoe, and come in multiple themes/designs and colors.
The children’s version, iBitzPowerKey ($35; for ages 5-12), syncs to an app that unlocks a world of game interaction fueled by the child’s activity. Kids power their online GeoPalz characters when they move, so the monitors are great motivators on the trail. The adult monitor, iBitz Unity ($50), tracks steps, distance and calories burned.
GeoPalz says these monitors are the first activity trackers that encourage kids to walk and reward them with prizes. Adult and kids version have corresponding free app at the Apple App Store. Visit http://geopalz.com.
Hydro Flask
Travis Rosbach founded Oregon-based Hydro Flask after seeing a need for a better water bottle – one that keeps liquids hot or cold, uses quality BPA-free materials, and is durable, practical and attractive. Hydro Flask was the result. Each is constructed of 18/8 stainless steel, resistant to bacteria and odors, and has double-walled vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot up to 12 hours. Unless you lose it, you’ll never have to buy another bottle or mug again; Hydro Flask has a lifetime guarantee. Bonus: 5 percent of price will be donated to a charity of your choice. Comes in many colors, sizes and models. $20-$50. Visit www.hydroflask.com.
