Gift Ideas for Travelers in 2010

Here is a list of gift items for travelers that I have personally used or can honestly recommend. Remember, it’s not too late to do some last minute Internet shopping.

Heys 4-Wheeled Spinner

Heys Spinner Luggage–World’s lightest 4-wheeled spinner luggage made from a Polycarbonate composite, the same material used in the making of bullet-proof glass, both durable and flexible. When under stress, it flexes to absorb the impact and then afterwards flexes back to its original shape. Another great feature, is its expandability, one of the few hard-sided bags that can expand for up to 25% more space.” Target, Costco, JC Penny, E-bags and many other online stores carry the Heys line. I found mine in TJ Maxx. Love it, love it!!

Microfiber Travel Robe- Unisex robes from size XS-XXL tuck into a 7″ x 7″ pocket for easy packing. Feather-light polyester feels like silk. $59.50 at www.magellans.com

Trunki Ride-On Luggage for Little People- Trunki is the perfect size for children aged 3-6; fits within what most airlines call carry-on size. The case is very light-weight at only 3.8 pounds, making it easy to carry and store in overhead luggage compartments. Trunki is made out of the same plastic that adult suitcases are made with, so it is very durable. Parents–don’t check this bag in, rather let toddlers ride on it, keeping them amused during delays at the airport. The luggage is designed with stabilizers to prevent children from falling off. Trunki is a great way to carry your child’s toys, games and spare clothes. $50, www.trunki.net/

Olympus 8000 Underwater Camera

TripIt Pro- The TripIt Pro app for computers and smart phones brings organization to all of your travel plans, making it a must for frequent business travelers. Simply forward your confirmations from airlines, rental car companies and hotels, and TripIt organizes each trip, adds the items to your calendar, provides you with timely reminders (like gate changes) and keeps track of mileage rewards. $49/year; www.Tripit.com

OLYMPUS Stylus Tough 8000 Camera – a wide angle point and shoot digital camera that works underwater (up to 30′), in the snow and is shockproof. The 12 mega-pixel baby with LCD screen also takes video. Great for outdoor active adventurers. I own the earlier version of this camera and always carry it in my purse. www.olympusamerica.com Highly recommended

Kensington Portable Power Adapter –is a portable outlet for charging multiple devices all at once. The slim device plugs into a single outlet and connects five devices at once with its three AC and two USB sockets. Its grounded cord wraps into a thin, lightweight package that’s easy to take everywhere. $25, www.Kensington.com

Flip Video Mino- a pocket-sized camcorder that records 120 minutes of video. You can attach this to a bike, a helmet, where ever– just think of the fun. Billed as “the world’s simplest video camera.” Uploads easily to the computer for sharing or connect and watch on TV. Weighs only 6.4 ounces. Very cool. High-definition model also available. www.flipvideo.com

Globe ornaments

Worldly Globe Ornaments - These handmade ornaments feature the intricately rendered sixteenth century maps of Gerardus Mercator–the first person to convert two dimensional maps to three-dimensional globes. Heirloom quality with brass finials and rings. They hang from satin ribbons and come ready to give in a beautiful gift box with historical information on the maps and Mercator enclosed. Set of Two Globe Ornaments 3 1/2″ diameter, $24. www.travelsmith.com

Kindle or Sony Reader- wireless reading devices. Instead of lugging heavy books on your trips, you simply download them onto your electronic reader. The process is quick and the screen is very readable. You’ll never run out of material and don’t have to lug around heavy books.

Retriever Luggage Tags–When (sadly, not if) your bags get lost, these bright yellow or green luggage tags invite agents (in eight languages) to remove the itinerary you’ve placed inside, and forward your bag to you while you’re still en route- instead of sending it to your home address. www.magellans.com Extremely useful on international flights.

Retriever Luggage Tags

World Monuments Fund – Help keep watch over the World’s endangered places, including some in the US. This advocacy group brings to light the risks of threatened cultural heritage sites and works to help conserve and protect them. Donations at www.wmf.org

Around the World by Private Jet–the ultimate 22-day journey to explore the most treasured and legendary places on earth given by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Only $59,950 per person. I want this one!

A private Jet

Warning: Plan Ahead to See William Penn

William Penn on City Hall

The City Hall Tour Requires Reservations

The City of Brotherly Love proved itself quite the opposite when my daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and I set off to view the statue of William Penn above City Hall.

We knew observation desk tours were available and researched the Internet for details, checking Will Penn’s homepage. The website boasts, “This is where you will find everything you ever wanted to know about Philadelphia City Hall (and then some!) A second page stated,” Tours of the tower run every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. A group interior and tower tour of City Hall meets at 12:30, Monday through Friday. All tours are free.”

We also checked a few other tourism websites to confirm. Then, off we drove, paying the toll to cross the Delaware River from New Jersey. Unable to find street parking, we pulled into a lot charging $5.75 per 30 minutes for the first two hours, or $27 per day.

We walked to Penn Square, entered City Hall and were directed to the gift shop to purchase tickets. What happened to free? An employee explained fees were $5 per adult and $3 per child and reservations were necessary. Reservations? Did we want the next available time slot in an hour and a half? An hour and a half?

I wasn’t upset by the cost, but waiting over an hour with a five and six year-old wasn’t an option. The kids wanted to see the statue up-close and I expected to take a few photos. Thoroughly frustrated, we returned to the car, paid for parking and drove home.

Come on Philadelphia tourist bureau- please give your visitors a fair shake if you can’t bestow a little love. Update visitor information websites now.

Next time, if there is a next time, I’ll know to make reservations over the phone. Call 215 686-2840, but another warning–they are only offered on the day of your visit.

Earworms Update: Foreign Language Musical Brain Trainer

Listening to Earworms

Months before my trip to France, I began listening to a CD known as earworms : a musical brain trainer. My goal: to become familiar with basic words and common phrases.

I readily admit I struggle with foreign language; found French torturous in high school and college. My brain just doesn't want to think in another tongue.

But, I gave earworms a try. I played the oral lessons, really more like rhythmic tunes, in my office. I honestly didn't study or concentrate on the CD's. However, I listened to volumes 1 and 2 many times.

Guess what?

When I got to France, I actually comprehended some conversation. Menus could be deciphered with a reasonable amount of certainty. I confidently ordered a coffee or a bottle of wine since those were the first things I mastered. My grasp of basic phrases seemed automatic, almost magical.

One morning a waiter spoke to me, just rattling along and when he finished, I casually replied with my room number– in French. My daughter looked at me stunned. How did you understand all that, she wondered?

And..frankly, I did too. Must have been those earworms!

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I sincerely recommend earworms.

Earworms CD

Visit www.earwormslearning.com.

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