Country Vacations & Resorts

Travel often means crowds. Crowded airports and planes, crowded tourist destinations, and crowded restaurants. Crowds also often mean germs – many of which may be totally new to your immune system. Unless you want to travel with a face mask and breathe through an oxygen tank, the best you can do before travel-time is to build up your immune system as much as possible before you leave, and use a few handy travel items to ward off germs that may try to ruin your vacation. Here are a few you might find useful…

This 10″ Travel UV Wand stores unobtrusively in a purse or duffel bag, and kills up to 99.9% of the H1N1 virus, E-coli, mold, and fungi.

Tests performed by an independent antimicrobial testing laboratory showed the wand destroyed 99.9% of the H1N1 virus after a five-second exposure when held 3/4″ above the contaminated surface. Also capable of killing MRSA, mold, and dust mites, the UV-C light penetrates viral and bacterial membranes and destroys their DNA, rendering the microorganisms incapable of reproduction and survival. Unlike liquid disinfectants, UV-C light can sanitize keyboards, upholstered furniture, cell phones, or any delicate surface that harbors germs.

A great idea for travel AND for home use! Who knows what “evil” may be lurking on your toothbrush?

This compact Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer from Violight uses proven germicidal UV technology (the same kind trusted to sanitize hospital instruments) to eliminate up to 99% of the millions of germs that can accumulate on your toothbrush, including streptococcus and listeria. The battery-powered device sanitizes a single toothbrush in less than seven minutes, and packs easily in a suitcase or toiletry bag.

This Traveler’s Bed Bug Thwarting Sleeping Cocoon is made specially woven fabric that is impervious to bed bugs. The sleeping cocoon’s tightly wound polyester threads are spaced only 1-micron apart (a span that’s much smaller than bed bugs) to prevent 100% of bed bugs from penetrating the fabric.

The durable polyester threads are impervious to bed bugs’ teeth yet the fabric remains soft, pliable, and breathable for optimal sleeping comfort in a hotel bed. The sleeping cocoon creates an enclosed sleeping environment from the shoulders to the feet, the hooded top protects your head and neck yet allows you to breathe naturally, and the entire unit folds to fit in the included tote for ease of travel.

I bought one of these units about 2 months ago and it will be going in my suitcase for my upcoming week-long vacation. I’ll plug it in when I get there, turn it on, and forget about it…but it will give me another chance to NOT have sinus issues in a new environment.

The Mold and Germ Destroying Air Purifier eliminates up to 100% of airborne bacteria, mold, viruses, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen without making a sound or using a filter. The device uses natural convection to silently draw airborne impurities into its patented ceramic heating chamber that instantly destroys the microorganisms with 400\u00BA F heat. In tests, it destroyed 100% of bacteria and mold regardless of the microorganism’s size. The air purifier remains cool to the touch and the heat it produces will not affect room temperature.

Size: 10 1/2″ height by 8 1/2″ diameter and weighs about 2 pounds. Coverage for rooms up to 550′ square feet.

The Number One thing you can do to increase your chances of not getting sick is to keep your hands away from your face. Make it a rule.

No rubbing your eyes, no scratching your nose…and plan to limit a host of other habitual face-touching unless you KNOW you have just thoroughly washed your hands. Once you know that the majority of germs enter through areas on the face, it makes sense and easily becomes a new habit, to keep your hands away. No one want to be sick.

Here are some of the top-selling products from 2011, and a new addition or two for 2012. If you’re planning a little Spring Break escape as I am – now is a good time to start thinking about beach accessories you’ll want and need.

Developed for military use, this Sandless Beach Mat is impossible to cover with sand.

Used in military applications to contain sand and dust when helicopters land and take off, the mat is made from two layers of patented woven polyurethane that instantly filter sand to the beach as soon as it falls on its surface. The specially woven polyurethane acts as a one-way filter to prevent sand from reemerging through the bottom of the mat.

The 64′ sq. mat, (available in two sizes) also eliminates dirt, dust, and water from its surface, ensuring a perpetually clean outdoor expanse for camping or watching a concert.

Winner of a Gold Medal at the INPEX Invention Show, this is the only folding beach chair that swivels 360º, allowing you to always face the sun without getting up! I call it “The Smart Chair.”

The Suntracking Beach Chair swivels smoothly on steel ball bearings that are sealed by a rubber gasket to keep sand and dirt out. The chair reclines to three positions, a removable pillow provides head and neck support, and an integrated canopy offers shade or flips behind the chair when you are sunbathing.

I take my dog with me on every vacation. Leave it to the folks at Hammacher Schlemmer to consider the needs of a Black Lab on a hot beach!

This Canine’s Instant Sun Shelter provides a 4′ wide shelter that sets up in seconds to protect a canine from sun, wind, and rain. It opens like an umbrella and stakes to the ground with the included six metal anchors, ensuring stability on blustery days.

The durable 210-denier polyester canopy blocks 99.7% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays for a UPF rating of 50+–the highest attainable. Two side panels unfold and stake to the ground to prevent sun, wind, and rain from penetrating the flank, and two screened windows unzip to allow refreshing cross breezes.

Taking a book – or ten – to the beach with you this year? Block the glare and avoid the headache with a pair of these Clarity Enhancing Sunglasses.

Unlike traditional sunglasses that darken your vision, these 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.

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