TRAVEL GUIDE

THE NEWEST IN TRAVEL GEAR

What’s New in Travel Gear

Safety and Comfort

By Valerie Summers

Vacation time will be here before you know it and several companies have recently put new and varied travel gear on the market. Some of these items may be just the right things to make your trip safer and easier.

For the little ones on a road trip, Buckle-Pals seatbelt hold system tackles an age-old problem by conveniently holding seatbelt straps aside while a child is seated in his/her car seat. Buckle-Pals are designed to fit universally to convertible car seats and also traditional highchairs and are the perfect time-savers for parents on the go. www.littlebumblebaby.com

Making sure children are safe while traveling is an utmost priority for parents. Lost and Found Temporary Tattoos are the latest trend in travel safety for children. These unique, fun temporary tattoos help ensure that your child will be found quickly if they become lost and will help your child remember important phone numbers because they know to look for the tattoo. www.tattooswithapurpose.com

ID On Me is a personal ID bracelet capable of communicating complete identification, medical and family contact information. The bracelet features a comfortable lightweight design in a variety of colors, adjustable wristband, and four waterproof Tyvek Information Inserts that are easy to update when locations, personal situations or medical conditions change. Parents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with the children wearing the ID On Me bracelet, especially when traveling. Recreationally active adults recognize the advantages of ID On Me for running cycling, at the beach or whenever traditional ID is inconvenient or incomplete. A compartment provides extra protection by concealing confidential information from casual view. www.idonme.com

BoomerangIt is a global lost and found return service that works with law enforcement, Good Samaritans and others to return recovered property to its rightful owners worldwide. Travelers/consumers place tamper-resistant, serialized BoomerangIt labels on important items including luggage, cell phones, laptops and MP3 players. They enter brief product descriptions with serial number and label number under their secure online BoomerangIt account where the registration information is used to match recovered items to their owners and facilitate their return. When someone returns a found item, they receive a reward, which at minimum are free BoomerangIt labels and service. There are more than one million registered BoomerangIt members, making it the leading property protection and recovery service of its kind. This company also operates the National Bike Registry. www.boomerangit.com

Freedom Photon Micro Light, manufactured by Laughing Rabbit Inc., is less than the size and weight of a quarter, but packs a wallop with brightness that can be seen for over a mile. The mini-light is durable, water resistant and features a no-hassle warranty. Although these are a must for the outdoor enthusiast, their safety features make them an item that should be carried for every day use as well. You never know when you might need light. Features include variable brightness control, three speeds of strobe and an automatic SOS setting. The company’s Micro Lights were the first used in space by NASA astronauts. Photon Freedom Fusion Flashlight/Headlight may be used as a hand-held flashlight, free-standing table light, clip-on safety light or versatile headlight. It is water resistant and features full range brightness control and Morse code signaling. www.photonlight.com

La Fresh Travel Kits are almost like a first class amenity so travelers who go the economy route can still enjoy a bit of luxury. These zip-top travel pouches include all the personal care items that a traveler would need, but in ultra portable, single-use, carry on-approved sizes available in His and Hers One Day Stay models as well as larger handle-toting sizes ideal for the frequent traveler. The kits include antibacterial towelettes, mint-flavored dental mitts, deodorant towelettes, lens cleaner, makeup remover, shoe shine towelettes, hydrating towelettes and more. Not only are the travel kits earth friendly with towelettes crafted from biodegradable material, they are also handy for last minute trips where space is at a premium. www.lafreshgroup.com

Spec.-Ops. T.H.E. (Tactical Holds Everything) Wallet features exclusive, quiet shark-bite closure and offers three carrying options: fits in back pocket, can be worn around the neck or belt mounted. The wallet includes a hidden zippered section and a divided full-length compartment for cash, receipts, airline tickets, passport and documents. www.specopsbrand.com