Country Vacations & Resorts

I’ll have a guest post later today from Matt, our Tuscany expert, on how to find some great and inexpensive Tuscany Christmas vacation rentals. While you’re waiting for that, here are the top 5 deals on the top 5 products recommended by readers of “Country Vacations & Resorts,” for Cyber Monday 2011…

The Dingle Peninsula Fishing Sweater provides the same exceptional warmth and durability required by fishermen plying the waters of the Dingle Peninsula.

Traditionally synonymous with Ireland’s fishing trade, this crew-neck sweater is knitted in County Kildare from 100% wool with a generous rib stitch, forming a naturally lofty cable pattern that keeps out the cold while evoking a centuries-old Irish maritime motif of a wish of safety and good luck for fishermen.

Its suede shoulder and elbow patches are faithful to the self-reliant, resourceful nature of the country’s fisherfolk, who were known to sew patches onto their “jumpers” for reinforcement against the wear and tear of hauling ropes and nets over the shoulders.

The Unparka provides warmth in temperatures as cold as -40F without the restrictive bulk of a heavier parka.

The jacket owes its exceptional warmth to its unique construction–a double layer of fleece bonded with a polyurethane layer that retains the body’s heat while blocking wind, water, and snow. It allows the body’s moisture to escape, keeping skin dry and warm for optimal comfort. Its lightweight construction also permits nimble movements that are otherwise impossible while wearing a heavy parka, ideal for recreating or working in cold weather.

Both sleeves unzip to provide use as a vest. Three zippered pockets–two at the waist and one at the chest–secure valuables.

The Clarity Enhancing Sunglasses use optical technology developed by NASA to make objects appear more vivid while blocking 100% of UV rays and shading eyes from sunlight.

Based on the glasses designed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to protect astronauts’ eyes from solar radiation, the polarized lenses filter blue and violet light rays that can impair vision, yet allow sight-enhancing green, yellow, orange, and red light rays to reach your retina. As a result, objects appear more distinct and distortion is greatly diminished. The stainless nickel-silver frames have a gunmetal finish, adjustable, non-slip nose pads, and spring hinges.

Bifocal version also available…

The National Geographic Lightweight Leather Travel Tote has seven organizational pockets, and a look that only gets better with every expedition. This will be the indispensable travel tote you’ll rely on for years to come.

Rich brown or deep black leather is fully lined and enhanced by tonal cross-stitched accents.

12″W x 13 1/2″H x 4″D with 11″ handles.

This Carabiner Clip Watch with LED Micro-light is brought to you by the National Geographic Online Store – who knows better what travelers want and need?

Equipped with a powerful LED micro-light, this clever explorer’s watch has a built-in carabiner that clips right onto belt loops, packs and more, keeping the time and a light source within reach as you travel.

Luminescent hands and hour markers provide visibility in all kinds of conditions.

Uses one 376 watch battery and one LR1131 watch battery (both included). Water-resistant to 100 feet.

Free Shipping site-wide, today only…