Country Vacations & Resorts

I believe I was ahead of the curve on realizing the convenience of a bag similar to this one from Hammacher Schlemmer. Back in the 1970s, I found a old and well-worn canvas camera/photographer’s bag at a flea market. It had lots of small and handy zip and side pockets for passports, wallets, sunglasses, sinus medicine, etc. All items you need to keep handy – especially when flying.

This latest version of a Organized Traveler’s Carry On is a supple leather carry-on holding travel essentials while not being cumbersome. The accessible pockets and tiered sleeves keep tickets and credit cards at the ready, and the large inner compartment is lined with nylon. Padding protects cameras and other small electronics. With adjustable shoulder strap, padded handle, brushed nickel hardware, and self-mending zippers.

Style available in Brown or Black.

Here’s a good place to start!

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Although holiday travel 2011 is over, there are many areas to choose from during Winter months of 2012 that offer a nice break for those who will have to wait awhile for long and warm Summer vacations.

Even in the southern US, packing for a long weekend trip can be tricky. Temperatures can be in the 70s one day, down to the 20s overnight – and then barely reach 50 degrees the second day. Unless you’re waiting for Spring Break 2012 and heading for sunny Florida, a sweater or two in your weekender bag is not a bad idea. Here are a few top selections…

This Machine Washable Irish Aran Sweater Vest is knitted with a traditional Aran design that originated in the early 19th century among the fisherfolk of Ireland’s west coast.

The vest’s tight cable, honeycomb, and basket stitch patterns evoke images of the fisherman’s rope (a sign of safety and good luck when fishing), just reward for hard work (like the hardworking bee), and the fisherman’s basket (hopes for an abundant catch). It is made in County Mayo in the country’s northwest from the fleece of Merino sheep, renowned for its durability, water resistance, and insulating properties. The wool is first hand-combed, then spun using a short-draw technique that adds a twist to the wool as it is spun into yarn, resulting in cloth that is lofty and durable enough for machine washing.

Meticulously tailored to allow complete freedom of movement for the arms, the generous vest slides easily over a flannel shirt. The front closes with four traditional pattern buttons; has two horizontal front pockets.

Best Seller #1 for 2011 was the Dingle Peninsula Fishing Sweater.

This is the sweater that 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.

And Best Seller #2 was the WWII Mechanic’s Sweater.

Reminiscent of the original A-1 mechanic’s sweater worn by USAAF ground crews during World War II and favored for its overlapping v-neck that pulled easily over mechanics’ overalls, it was originally made from worsted wool, but this one is improved by using 100% cotton for comfort.

Like the original, it uses a rib-and-rack weave on the cuffs and waistband that provides a relaxed fit, allowing ease-of-movement, one of the reasons it was worn by wartime mechanics as well as the pilots they supported. Enhanced for modern wear, the sweater includes suede elbow patches for durability and a button-down shawl collar for locking out the cold.

And, you’ll need something to pack them in! Here’s a perfect solution for a long Winter weekend’s worth of clothing and essentials:

The Widemouth Leather Weekend Bag has a frame wide enough to stay open on its own for easy packing or unpacking of clothes.

Made with a full-grain cowhide that’s more rugged and sturdy than other luggage, the bag is large enough for a weekend trip. Its microfiber lining is easily spot-cleaned and includes interior pockets for pens, credit cards, and a cell phone, while two large outer zippered pockets hold additional items. The adjustable shoulder strap is easily removable and the self-mending zippers will provide years of worry-free use. Antiqued pewter hardware adds an additional classic touch to the buttery-soft, vegetable pigment-dyed cowhide.

Winter season can be a great time for a quick trip. Crowds are few (except at ski slopes!) and you might just find a quiet little B&B with a roaring fire. Just don’t leave home without a warm sweater!

Time really does fly – whether you’re having fun or not!

I noticed Valentine’s Day products are already in stores which will then be replaced with Easter basket displays followed quickly by July 4th party items – probably by 1 June! Normally I find this sales push quite annoying but for vacation planning – the earlier you start the better.


If you’re running short on ideas for your 2012 vacation, spending some time at http://www.trustedtours.com might help.

They can provide tickets to top US sightseeing tours, world class attractions, museums and other amazing things to do while on vacation. The selection is huge and includes over 500 products in 23 top city destinations including New York City, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Key West, Miami, Chicago, Washington DC and more!

You can also get travel assistance with:

- Sightseeing Tours
- Helicopter Tours
- Whale Watching Excursions
- Airport Transfers
- Bicycle Tours and Rentals
- Dinner Theater Productions
- Rail Tours

If I had school-aged kids, I think I’d plop them in front of the Trusted Tours web site and let them propose some destination ideas for their own summer vacation!

What’s to stop you from planning a trip to London this year?

The London Pass is a sightseeing card which gives holders FREE ENTRY to over 55 sights and tourist attractions in London.
Simply pay the one-time price for the London Pass of your choice, (there are 4 durations to choose from) and then enter as many of the tourist attractions included on the pass as you wish, without paying anything else!

5% off All Orders of London Pass Tickets

Some of the most popular attractions which can be visited free with the London Pass are the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Windsor Castle, London Zoo, the London Aquarium, and Shakespeare’s Globe – to name but a few.

The London Pass is an ideal addition to a family holiday, romantic weekend or group trip – in fact, anyone who is travelling to London can enjoy and benefit from the pass. Customer survey results show that over 95% of London Pass users are more than satisfied and would recommend the pass to others.

This year will be an exciting one for the United Kingdom:

There’s the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Held from June 2 – 5, 2012.

Or the London 2012 Olympics from 27 July to 12 August 2012.

And there are a few other corners of the UK you just might want to see…but you’ll need a place to stay. You can build your own “UK cottages” portfolio right here and begin to plan your Summer 2012 travel!

Here are the shipping deadlines from Hammacher Schlemmer – and a couple gift ideas taken from the best sellers this holiday season!

+ Premium (All States) – Wednesday, 12/21 3:00 p.m. EST
+ Express (All States) – Thursday, 12/22 3:00 p.m. EST

The Dingle Peninsula Fishing Sweater

The Machine Washable Irish Aran Sweater

The Side Opening Bison Leather Weekender

The Organized Traveler’s Carry On

Use code HOLIDAY11 for deep discounts.

Consider it payback for your “last minute” nerves of steel! Or decide you can save enough to take that holiday trip after all!

~ Ring in the New Year with $10 off your next flight from Fare Buzz!

~ Hit the Road this Holiday Season and Save $5 on your Car Rental with Fare Buzz

~ Save an extra $10 on your flight this Winter with Coupon Code WINTER10!

Sorry I missed a week on the gift basket countdown. Flu caught me pre-Christmas this year!

But here’s a great idea for travelers, history buffs, and fans of Andrew Jackson – all in one place! I know there are quite a few of you (like myself) since the Andrew Jackson “Traveling with American Presidents” page is one of the most popular on this blog!

Jackson’s Hermitage Museum in Nashville, Tennessee has a nice little museum store – and you can order gifts online.

I would hurry if you’re hoping for Christmas 2011 gifts, like the baskets linked below, but this is also a great travel destination idea for 2012. I’ve been to the Hermitage – the house and grounds are spectacular. You also have the vibrant city of Nashville nearby.

Happy shopping – time is running out!

Tennessee Gift Basket
Good Morning Basket