Delays and crowded airports (not to mention pricey flights, baggage fees and no food) can make even the savviest of travelers want to think twice before setting out on another adventure. But for those on your list who won’t let a few inconveniences get in their way, at least give them something to make their jet-setting a lot less painful.
PLANE SHEETS
Rest easy and comfortably knowing there is a stylish protector between you and your airline seat. Because who wants to cozy up with someone else’s icky spills, crumbs and God knows what. That’s all I’m sayin’. Washable Plane Sheets ($24.99)
SOUND SCREEN
You may not want to leave home without your AMEX, but this will be a close second. Sure to block out dump trucks, barking dogs, meowing cats, crying babies and obnoxious neighbors all with the soothing sound of a constant fan. Sorry, it doesn’t block out snoring spouses. For that I recommend a gentle nudge followed by an elbow to the rib. Sound Screen ($49.95)
GOOSE DOWN TRAVEL PILLOW
Because every time they are out of pillows, it puts you in a bad mood. And the pillows aren’t even comfortable. No matter where you lay me down to sleep, you demand the best. Why should your plane ride be any different? St. Geneve White Goose Down Travel Pillow ($80)
LEATHER LUGGAGE TAGS
The airlines reported that 31 million bags showed up late in 2008. 1.8 million bags didn’t show up at all. Leather luggage tags might be an extravagance, but a necessary one. Put your name on your belongings… my bet is that it ups your chance of getting them back. Aspinal of London Luggage Tags ($30)
TRAVEL WATERCOLOR SET
For the impromptu artiste. Because who knows where you’ll be when the creative mood strikes. And here’s something to consider… next time you find something worth writing home about, paint home about it instead. Winsor & Newton Travel Watercolor Set ($69.76)
NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES
Lucky you, you are sandwiched between Chatty Cathy and Blabbering Betty. Rest easy knowing Clear Harmony is just a plug-in away, canceling out unwanted background noise to deliver crystal clear sound from your iPhone, iPod, or if you are lucky enough to have your own personal TV on the seat in front of you, the movie of the month. Let’s just hope it’s one you haven’t seen before. AblePlanet Clear Harmony Noise Canceling Headphones ($299) *1st Day Giveaway
CHIC CARRY ON BAG
Because everyone ties a little ribbon on their bag to tell it apart from the rest. They all look the same…Now you just have to sort through 500 black bags with red ribbons! Be different. Be chic. And don’t take out a second mortgage to do it. Carry On Bag from Streamline Luggage ($292)
