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Product Reviews
We have personally tested and used all of the travel related products listed below. Note: some but not all of the products reviewed below have been sent to us as samples. Also visit our BOOKSTORE
 
Technology Footwear Fashion Wine Accessories Other
 
TECHNOLOGY
  The Samsung NP-N130 is a cool 10.1" netbook that is ideal for using while on the road. Netbooks are already popular in Europe and Asia and have slowly caught on in North America. The small size and low weight are big factors in netbooks' increasing popularity. This model is a good choice for travelers or anyone who wants a compact affordable solution to be able to use for communication and work while on the road. This model comes standard with a 160GB Hard Drive, a 1.6GHZ Atom processor and 1GHZ ram but we strongly upgrading to 2 gigs of RAM to help increase the overall  speed. Other ad-ons we highly recommend to use with this netbook are a USB antenna to boost wireless signals and a small wireless USB Mouse and an external Disk drive. Because of its small size
 and reasonable weight, this can be carried around in a day pack when traveling. Click here to purchase the Samsung NP-N130.

Hazel Mail is a slick new service that updates the "old style" process of sending postcards by using the Internet rather than sending a physical paper postcard. Simply bring up their website, www.hazelmail.com and upload one of your travel photos, write your short letter, and fill in the address information. This costs merely $1.50 to send to most locations in the world. For the time it takes to track down a postcard in a foreign country, write it by hand, acquire stamps and find a post office, this service is well worth the reasonable cost. Hazel Mail cuts down on costs and keeps this an environmentally friendly service by contracting with printers in various regions of the world so that the postcards are sent locally. During a recent trip to Hawaii, within several minutes we had fired off postcards to friends back in the states as well as International destinations. Its that easy!

  Yak Pak sells a variety of laptop and netbook sleeves in various colors, sizes and styles. This company was actually conceived "on the road" by founder Stephen Holt while he was in a remote part of Tibet in the late 1980's. Different themed sleeves are available. The sleeves are available in both foam and neoprene (same material as used in wetsuits) versions with easy 3/4 sleeve zipper access. This is an excellent light weight way to carry your labtop or netbook around especially if you tend to travel light. They are also a safe way to store your computer while its not being used.
Yak Pak also produces handbags, backpacks and unique bags made from recycled billboards. The 15.6" sleeve (an image of ours is shown above) retails between $24.99 - $29.99. The 10.2" sleeve retails between $19.99 - $24.99. To purchase visit: www.yakpak.com/
 
    The Checkmate II Laptop Case is designed to be extremely travel friendly. This was one of four new airport security checkpoint-friendly laptop cases offered by Staples office supply store beginning in November 2008. Staples is the only office supply retailer to carry the Samsonite cases. The cases range in style and price to meet any traveler's budget.The Checkmate II as well as the other cases are designed so that you should not have to remove your laptop when you go through airport security. The case has a laptop only compartment that completely unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray belt. Once it has passed through security the laptop compartment can be easily zipped up. The
Checkmate II Laptop Case comes with a three year warranty. Visit any retail Staples office supply store or online at: www.staples.com
 
Xtreme 24-7 Power Pack, Fuel Cell Charger
Fast, affordable, portable and easy to use. What more do you need in a charger! This is a wonderful invention that has a variety of uses. This is the perfect gift for a traveler or for anyone who wants an instantaneous emergency backup power supply. Medis Technologies provides a compact portable fuel cell charger that is easily used to charge cell phones. We have accumulated a number of cell phones over the years and tested this charger on them all. Each fuel charger comes with a number of small adaptors that will certainly connect to most mobile phones and other hand held applications. This charger uses a liquid "fuel" that is safe for the environment and furthermore, everything in the cell can be recycled at the end of its life. Replacement fuel cells are priced extremely affordably. The beauty of this charger
 
is it is "plug and play". In other words, no pre-charging is needed. Pull it out of the box and follow the simple 1-3 step instructions and you are ready to charge. It has a long shelf life and can sit around prior to activation for extended periods of time.

Medis also produces an "Emergency Kit" which includes a variety of adaptors, the fuel cell and a flashlight which hooks up to the fuel cell. The one fuel cell will provide several days of charge for the flashlight, while providing hours of charge time for handheld devices. (Charge times vary depending on the device). For more information and to purchase this product visit: www.medistechnologies.com
 
FOOTWEAR
Kuru Shoes. We recently wore a pair of these shoes on a trip to Hawaii. While being new these shoes hardly needed breaking in and wore wonderfully on hikes in the diverse microclimates of Maui. From running beachside on the edge of the surf to hiking at 10,000 feet on the upper slopes of Haleakala these shoes held up very well to the different rigors. Kuru shoes are lightweight, extremely comfortable, and very breathable (especially nice in humid climates). While lightweight may often mean non durable - these shoes seem well constructed and meant to last. Men's travel shoes: www.kurufootwear.com/travelshoes. General purpose men's shoes: www.kurufootwear.com  
 
FASHION
  Cinzia Design, Sport 4 is the latest of Cinzia's trendy sunglasses from their Sport Collection. Cinzia was founded in 2002 but has a long optical history behind its products; it is a division of US based Europa International, Inc., which was founded in 1977. The company was founded by Cynthia Shapiro (also the lead designer);
Cynthia has more than 30 years experience within the optical fashion industry. The Sport 4 glasses are the latest in the evolution of Cinzia's sport line and are currently available in the Spring 2009 collection. These glasses seamlessly blend fashion with form. They are modern, functional and great for everyday outdoor activities, yet sophisticated enough that they can certainly be worn for events more elegant and social in nature.

The Sport 4 is available in black and bronze colors, each comes with spring hinges and high quality polarized lenses. Oh, and these glasses come with a real cool sporty looking case to!  Besides Sunglasses, Cinzia also produces a number of reading glasses. Their reading glasses are not boring and austere sometimes typical of these types of glasses, rather they have warmth, style and are chic in nature. In addition look for a number of fashion accessories including stylish mini-handbags.

You can even request a virtual eyewear consultation via their website. For this consultation and for more information about their sunglasses, visit:
www.cinziadesigns.com 

 
Porsche 8457 These very cool looking luxury titanium sunglasses will invite glances from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the Fashion streets of Milan. As the frames are made from titanium they are extremely lightweight and durable. Not one to just use numbers in the naming of cars, all their sunglass have their own model numbers. Can't afford a Porsche?... while still expensive as far as sunglasses go, these are certainly much more affordable then the car of the same name!
Each pair comes with a nice black padded stylized carrying protective case. All Porsche Design products are found at select locations worldwide including their own retails outlets. Porsche Design was founded in 1972. For more information please visit Porsche Design: www.porsche-design.com
 
WINE
  Vino Amici Wine MummyTM is the perfect item for wine lovers who travel - and how many wine lovers do you know who do not travel!? Each Wine MummyTM is an innovative black sealed padded bag that zips at the top. This is the perfect way to protect your valuable wine when transporting it or checking it into your suitcase when flying. It is large enough so that it holds a variety of wine bottles all the way up to a Champagne bottle size. It is 7x17 inches in size. It is also reusable. We have several of these 'mummys' and when not traveling we currently store several of our most valuable bottles of wine in these. Not only do they provide protection but they also keep out the light. Wine MummyTM  is currently available in several multi-packs at very affordable pricing. For more information, or to place an order, visit www.winemummy.com.
 
ACCESSORIES
  Vizini - Where better to test out a product meant to be worn in the sun then the sunny state of Hawaii. We took a Vizini on a recent trip to the big Island to test it out - from sea level to the top of Mauna Kea the Vizini worked as advertised! It is small and lightweight; simply slide in the straps on your sunglasses and voila you have shade without having to wear a cap.
Since the Vizini is strapless and is a stand alone visor you won't mess up your hair. It works well with thick framed or wire framed glasses. For more information visit: www.vizini.com
     
  The "Shoul" by Casual Essentials, takes its name from Shawl and Shoulder and is a one size fits all shoulder wrap for a woman's shoulders. Once you put this shoulder wrap on, it stays on. It is basic yet very functional, small and easy to pack for travel, soft and is very lightweight.

It is surprisingly warm and because it is so easy to put on an off it is a very versatile solutions for changing temperatures.

The shoul comes in a variety of colors and two types including Acrylic and a Cashmere blend. The shoul wrap appeals to women of all ages and men take note; this is a "mistake proof" gift as one size fits all. It also comes with its own carry on metal clip.

You can purchase directly via their website here: www.theshoul.com
     
My Little Steamer, Go Mini - Never iron again and…Be wrinkle-free and on-the-go with the fabulous Joy Mangano "Go Mini" - My Little Steamer! This is a small portable device that because of its size is ideal for travel (or for use around the home for that matter).

We recently tested this and were pleasantly surprised by how fast the water starts boiling and producing steam (2 minutes or less)! Why lug around a big iron when this compact steamer does the job quickly and efficiently. An 8 foot long cord helps with longer range use. To order your mini steamer, click here.
 
 
  Booklight in a CoverTM is a handy little device that provides light for reading (Three AA batteries required). It is cordless, clipless and clutter free. Often we find ourselves traveling in situations both during the day and at night with very little ambient light. This is the answer to reading under low light conditions! Merely slip a small book into the cover pockets, pull up the LED light from the cover spine. This light automatically turns on once you have the arm fully extended. This is the ideal gift for travelers who enjoy reading. Specific book covers are made for either soft or hard cover books and they come in a variety of attractive colors. A built in bookmark is also available. Once you are finished push down on the retractable light arm to put it back in place. Once in place it becomes almost a part of the spine of the cover and can easily be transported without worry of breaking it. Because this light is compact and meant just for a book you don't have to
worry about disturbing others in various low light situations, i.e. Red Eye Flights, Camping etc. The Periscope Booklight is found nationwide at Barnes & Nobles bookstores or by visiting: www.periscopelight.com

Microfiber Firm Support Travel Socks. Ames Walker specializes in medical socks, therapeutic shoes, supports, braces and other footwear accessories. These particular socks are excellent for helping prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) a type of blood clot that can result from extended sitting in small places, i.e. economy class on an aircraft. More information about DVT can be found here: www.economyclasssyndrome.net

These socks are recognized by The World Health Organization in regards to reducing the risk of DVT. The socks apply decreasing pressure from the ankle to the knee which forces blood to the leg’s inner veins. This in turn reduces the pooling of blood and maintains proper flow rate of blood to the heart and lungs.

The travel socks are available in men’s and women’s styles in multiple sizes (S, M, L & XL) and colors and cost only $9.95/pair. Ames Walker has a printed and online catalogue. To order or to find out additional information go to www.ameswalker.com
 
OTHER
mySpaShop.com offers a variety of wonderful tropical smelling products including hand and body lotions, bath and shower gels, massage oils and body-hand-foot scrubs. We sampled a number of products from JAMU which specializes in a number of Balinese influenced products. Why not bring the exotic smells of the tropics into your own house. We recommend the Jasmine Frangipani body, foot and hand scrub. With a mix of Jasmine, frangipani, turmeric and rice this exfoliates and cleanses.

Seventeenth-century Bali and its ancient beauty rituals are now at your fingertips with mySpaShop.com. In Bali, experience the royal Balinese wedding ritual of Lulur, beginning with a JAMU massage of Jasmine Frangipani oil and ending with a yogurt splash, shower and flower bath. The JAMU lulur scrub is infused with antioxidants that leave the skin with a bright, Asian-inspired radiance. To purchase, visit: www.myspashop.com
 
 
  Loaded Questions is a great game for the entire family whether stuck in the car on a long road trip, crammed in an airplane or just sitting around at a campground. This card game tests players on how well they know each other with thousands of questions designed to spark laughter, creative discussion, and a lot of curiosity along the way. The game is divided into four categories including Hypotheticals, No-brainers, Anything goes and Personals. The On the Go version features a convenient handled ‘suitcase’ box, custom spinner eliminating the possibility of lost die, and a consolidated answer and score pad in one. 250 new questions are included. You can find the game nationwide on the shelves at Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit www.loadedquestions.com.

 

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 Last Updated:  07/26/10 23:01:00
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