Country Vacations & Resorts

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 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

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…

Not sure about you, but when it hits 80 degrees one day, is 59 degrees the next morning, and by that day at lunchtime it’s 40 degrees – I think something weird is going on with the weather! This past Saturday in the US provided a huge weather shock for many on the East Coast. My North Carolina temperatures were in the low 80s on Thursday, 50s and 40s on Friday – and barely made it to 45 all day Saturday – but no snow here – yet.

Time to “Unparka.”

The Unparka provides warmth in temperatures as cold as -40º F 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. Lightweight construction also permits nimble movements that are otherwise impossible while wearing a heavy parka and both sleeves unzip to provide use as a vest. The elastic cuffs, drawstring waist, and high collar lock out the cold for complete comfort.

This year is already setting up to be full of weather surprises. Be prepared with your own Unparka – offered by…

It doesn’t take a camping expert to know that one of the more important camping requirements is good artificial lighting. I’ll guess that many who camp for the first time – especially if they are city-dwellers – are surprised at how dark “dark” can get away from even reflected city lights.

You need lighting you can count on and as bright as you can find – not only to add to camping enjoyment, but for your safety. Here are a few good bets to light up your camping environment…

This 14 Day Lantern runs on four D batteries.

The lantern’s LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, allowing them to produce 160 lumens of bright light for 336 consecutive hours on the lowest setting (175 hours on high). Its cylindrical design provides 360\u00BA of unimpeded illumination, and the bulbs produce almost no heat, making the lantern safe for children and uninteresting to insects. The lantern has a durable waterproof case and it will remain buoyant and operational if dropped in water. An integrated handle ensures ease of portability and can also be used to hang the lantern for hands-free lighting.

9W Rechargeable Hand-held Spotlight

This one is great for camping, but it is also the most used outdoor lighting on my 7-acre, rural property…

Penetrate fog, rain, and darkness to illuminate near or far with this 9W Rechargeable Hand-held Spotlight. Two light modes adapt to the situation: Use the three high-power LED spotlights for long range illumination, or the six standard LEDs for lighting up a task at hand. Handy in emergencies and power outages, on boats and camping trips, or as part of a road-trip kit, it recharges via a 12v DC car plug adapter or an AC/DC wall adapter (both included).

Rubberized ergonomically designed housing withstands vibration and shocks. An always-on lock switch lets you use it as a free-standing light while setting up camp or changing a tire while exploring back roads. A removable red lens helps for spotting wildlife in the dark without disturbing them.

And sometimes, bigger isn’t better, and isn’t handy when you need it “right now.”

This Swiss Army LED Flashlight is a sturdy, shockproof, and water-resistant little flashlight that is a model of efficiency.

Its ultrabright LED lasts virtually forever, since it is nearly ten times more efficient at converting energy into light than regular bulbs. The longer battery life means you won’t have to pack backups.

The beam’s range is 125 feet and can be seen from over 1.25 miles away. Grab a couple of these and stick one in your car’s glovebox and one in your camping backpack. If an emergency arises, you’ll have light – and plenty of it.

Whether you go camping once a month, or are considering your first camping trip, being prepared is critical to your safety and enjoyment of this outdoor experience. A sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, and good lighting will enhance your next camping adventure.

Nothing can be more headache-inducing than heat and glare. Spending a day at a sunny beach or checking out the scenery of a snowy mountain, these glasses help cut glare while enhancing clarity of whatever you are viewing…Summer hasn’t even officially begun – more glare on the way…

The Complete Protection Clarity Enhancing Sunglasses are the multi-coated sunglasses that provide a dozen protective and vision enhancing benefits. Triple filter polarization–developed from NASA optic technology–blocks 99.9% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as damaging blue and violet wavelengths and enhances contrast for hawk-like clarity. An optical-grade anti-reflective coating cuts distracting glare. Scratch- and crack-resistant coatings protect each side.

Over 40 eyes? Not to worry…

Unlike traditional sunglasses that darken your vision, these Clarity Enhancing Bifocal Sunglasses use optics 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.

Have a Dad who plays a lot of tennis? These might also make a great gift!

The Tennis Ball Sunglasses make tennis balls easier to see-and thus easier to return–even when served at professional speeds. The dark teal lenses mute all colors but “optic yellow,” ensuring that the most vivid thing its wearer sees is the hurtling tennis ball.

Designed by Bolle, a 112-year-old French company that is official supplier of sunglasses to the U.S. Professional Tennis Association, the lenses on this pair meet ANSI standards for UV protection and employ a metallic silver mirror to cut glare.

Don’t miss this Private Sale…

It’s amazing how fast one can go from the first glorious step onto a nice white-sand beach to “OMG – Where did all this sand come from?”

Once your beach blanket or towel is infiltrated with sand – and this can happen fast if you have kids or dogs with you on the beach, the stuff is EVERYWHERE – and not particularly pleasant. Throw in a little sun tan oil or other lotion product and you will feel and look like a walking emery board in no time flat.

Here’s a little beach mat, developed for military use in their God-awful desert conditions, that just might provide some relief…

The 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 36′ sq. mat also eliminates dirt, dust, and water from its surface, ensuring a perpetually clean outdoor expanse for camping or watching a concert. The rip-stop polyurethane construction resists abrasions from outdoor furniture or pets, the bound edges remain flat, and the mat won’t absorb moisture, preventing mold and mildew.

Also available in a 64′ square size, in colors: blue or orange. Another great product from Hammacher Schlemmer. You just can’t beat them for offering problem-solving solutions.