I’m a bag gal.  I love bags of all shapes and sizes.  Special purposes bags, all purpose bags, and those quirky bags that are cute, but I’m not exactly sure how to use them.  When you see and use as many bags as I do, you soon learn that bags are not created equal, and once you realize that, you will never approach using a bag in the same way.

When I read about Lock-a-Bye bags I was intrigued; it seemed to combined fun fashion with practical considerations, resulting in a bag that held lots of promise.  So I welcomed the chance to put it through its paces.

The concept:  A bag with a locking mechanism that allows you the freedom to leave your bag while still keeping the contents safe.  For example, not being able to enjoy the beach because you have to sit with your valuables while everyone else enjoys the water; constantly setting up and taking down your workspace in a public setting because you can’t step away for a cup of coffee or to use the bathroom.  It’s a problem that Lock-a-Bye sets out to solve.

The company: Three sisters who hung out at the beach with their family, realized that not everyone good enjoy swimming and the other beach activities because someone always had to watch the bags. The idea for a secured bag that could be left unattended seemed like a good idea, but it would need to keep the contents secure, be slash resistant, and bonus points for look good, too.  The Lock-a-Bye was designed to meet this problem, allowing you to lock and leave your personal belongings and giving you greater freedom.

The solution: A patented key-operated dual locking mechanism that is built into the bag, allowing you to lock the zipper to keep the contents secure.  The carry strap is lined with a cable, allowing it to be secured to any stationary object without worrying that it might be slashed.

The bag: Lock-a-Bye sent me the Plumshoe Tote Bag to put through its paces.  The bag was a good-sized tote, with dimensions of 15 1/2 inches in height and 15 inches in width, with a strap that allowed for carrying, over the shoulder or even cross body.  With lots of pockets, inside and out, this is a bag designed for carrying everything you need while still keeping yourself organized.  The fabric is designed to be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent, although I have not yet had to address the cleaning issue with my bag.

The test: I put the bag through its paces, using it on a variety of different occasions and in different ways.  I used the bag as an in fight carry on bag for a weekend getaway, as a tote for a day of shopping, in lieu of a briefcase at a conference, as a shopping bag for a quick trip to the market, as a beach bag by the pool, and as a purse for numerous quick outings around town.  I’ve carried it thousands of miles, shoved it into overhead bins, beneath the seat (where I attached it to the seat legs), and under the table and conferences and at restaurants.  I’ve used it as a purse with very little inside, and on other occasions have toted by laptop, numerous files, magazines, water bottle and a sweater.  I’ve carried a picnic lunch in it, complete with a bottle of wine, as well as using it as a simple bag around town.

The good:

• Fun attractive patterns on very sturdy fabric that wear well.  I’ve used the bag plenty, and it shows no wear and tear, and the fabric is just as clean and spotless as when it arrived.
• I’ve crammed the pockets full, and they’ve stayed in shape with no ripping, fraying, or pulling away.
• The bag can be used over the shoulder, across the body, or carried.  I’ve used it all three ways, depending on the purpose and what I’m packing around.  The versatility is nice.
• A zippered wristband pouch will help make sure you don’t lose the key to the lock.  (This was something that I worried about.)

The so-so:

• The designs are colorful and fun, perfect for casual use.  I’d love to see some more fabrics and colors that would work in a professional environment (there is currently one in black).  Not boring, mind you, just with a little more thought to the suits in the office crowd.
• That cool locking system adds weight to the bag, and if you pick it up when empty you’ll notice a bit of heft to it.  Add in all the stuff you’ll be toting around and that extra weight is not without significance.  Depending on your height and size, and how much you carry around, you may need to play around with how to carry it best.  I’ve found that when I’m carrying lots of heavy stuff (laptop, books, gadgets, stuff for a conference) that carrying it across the body distributes the weight best and makes it the most comfortable for me to carry.

The not-so-good: Nothing.  And if I couldn’t find it after all that testing, then it’s a pretty darned good bag!

You can buy the Lock-a-Bye bag online where right now you’ll find it sale priced at $149.95, plus shipping.

Intrigued about the concept?  Take a look at this video to get a visual representation of how it works:

Note:  Lock-a-Bye provided be with a complimentary bag for the purposes of this review.  The experiences, results, and opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

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There are so many safety considerations on a beach vacation, that sometimes it’s seems like it’s more work than fun.  Sunscreen, water safety, jelly fish, and all the other potential hazards of spending the day on the beach multiply even more when you’re vacationing with children.  The Noblo Umbrella Buddy, created by two moms concerned about the dangers of unsecured beach umbrellas blowing around on the beach, lets travelers enjoy the beach while also enjoying sun protection.

Small enough to fit in your beach tote, the umbrella buddy attaches easily with velcro, and the uses beach sand to weigh down your beach umbrella, anchoring it into the sand and keeping it from flying down the beach.  (Those flying umbrellas are apparently not some freak occurrences, not if those reports of legal settlements are true.)  It folds up small enough to easily fit in your beach tote.

Manufactured in the USA (New Jersey) and packaged by citizens with disabilities through the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation in Eatontown, NJ, the Noblo Beach Umbrella comes in hot pink, bright green, teal, and blue.  It can be purchased online for $14.99, plus $3 shipping and handling.

Photo credit:  Noblo Umbrella Buddy

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Can you have too many tote bags?  While I a big fan of specialty bags – there’s nothing like the right tool for the job – a well-crafted, all-purpose tote is the workhorse in any bag collection.  My recommendation?  The classic Boat & Tote from L.L. Bean.

The Boat & Tote is made from heavy-duty cotton canvas, with a double layer base and handles.  The reinforced flat canvas bottom and double-stitched overlapped seams give it durability.  The bag has been made for over 64 years, and although originally designed to tote ice, today is more likely to be seen filled with beach gear, groceries, suntan lotion and pool accessories, a change of clothes, gardening supplies, or reading material.  Don’t worry about over-stuffing, it’s been tested to hold over 500 pounds.  And I guess you won’t be packing that much stuff around!

Although imminently practical, the Boat & Tote is stylish enough to sport around town, use as a carry on for your next flight, or use the next time you head out shopping.  The tote is a natural color, with a pop of color from its contrasting color handles, which can be standard length or over-the-shoulder.  Handle color choices include:  Aegean Blue, Bittersweet, Black, Blue, Cool Green, Dark Fern, Dark Green, Pink Berry, Red, Regatta Blue, and Sunrise.

The bag comes is four sizes: small, medium, large, extra large, with affordable prices ranging from $24.95-37.95.  Optional monogramming is also available.  At this price point, buy a few different sizes, r pick some up for gifts.  Stuffed with some delicious goodies, flowers, or toys, it makes a great hostess gift for your travels.

Find the bag at L.L. Bean online, or at a local retailer.

Photo credit: LL Bean

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The eBags Crew Cooler is a very popular bag with Flight Attendants, pilots, and others who spend much of their life on the road.  For a long time it was one of those secrets whispered about on the jump seat as we’d watch – with great envy – as a co-worker would pull out the crew cooler, perfectly packed with delicious food for their trip.

Word passed from one crew member to another and we all started ordering a bag for ourselves.  As airlines started eliminating food, and duty days got longer, more and more of us starting filling up the crew cooler with nutritional meal choices and snacks.  I’ve seen coolers packed so efficiently that I swear could feed a family for a week!

Then the crew cooler disappeared!  As the bags wore out  or were damaged, we couldn’t get them replaced.  Those who had thought ahead and purchased a couple could gift them to friends and quickly cement their BFF status.  And we continued to grouse and complain among ourselves about what happened to the crew cooler.

Now it’s back!

And it’s still the Best Bag Ever!  Oh sure, a few improvements have been made, and they are bright pretty colors for those people not bound by the necessarily of a uniform black, but our dear bag has returned and we can once again pack up all our food.

So what makes this bag the best?  Here are a few of the specs from the eBag site:

• Designed specifically for the unique needs of Flight Attendants and Pilots
• Top “dry” compartment has two zipper pulls for easy access and is perfect items that do not need to be kept cold
• Zippered mesh pocket in the lid keeps napkins and other small items in place
• Bottom “cold” compartment is insulated on all six sides and has a welded BOPET liner that is replaceable
• Front tip-out pocket has two zipper pullers for easy access and side pleats to prevent contents from spilling out
• An elasticized mesh pocket against the body is great for packets of mayo, mustard, etc. plus there is zippered mesh pocket against the front – a perfect place for silverware
• Unzip the special pouch pockets on either end to reveal mesh drop-bottom water bottle carriers
• There are three ways to carry the Crew Cooler:  with its padded web handles, with the removable shoulder strap, and with the pass-through pocket to stack on your roll aboard.

You can chill the cold compartment with an ice pack, plastic bags filled with the ice, or do as a lot of us do, and fill one of those first aid ice bags.  Ice can always be replenished on board the plane or at your hotel.

The bag is also great for road trips, picnics, or packing a lunch wherever you might be going.

Sale priced at $29.99 through January 31st, 2011, and available in black, slate blue, grey and red.  Buy one for yourself, and pick one up for your favorite traveler, too!  This is the BEST BAG EVER!

Photo credit:  eBags

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When I think about Italy, which I often do, it’s not the attractions or the countryside that capture my attention.  Oh sure, it’s beautiful and there are lots of incredible sights to see, but what really speaks to me is the food.  In my opinion, what makes Italy so fascinating and appealing is its food, wine, and people.

As I start planning my trip for this year, I’ve gotten together with friends to talk about what we want to see and do.  In no time at all the conversation quickly turns to our favorites restaurants.  The fabulous osso buco, the freshest tomatoes for the delicious bruschetta, the hand-rolled pici pasta, and the soft and creamy burrata.  In fact, I’m already salivating for the delicious mushroom soup at Latte di Luna.  Every time we get started talking about the delicious dishes, someone pipes us with the comment, “How come we can get anything as good as this at home?”

When I was offered a copy of Beyond the Pasta (by Mark Leslie) to review, with its subtitle Recipes, Language and Life with an Italian Family, you knew I was going to shout YES!  Maybe I could find out how to have a little piece of Italy at home.

Here’s the basic concept:  Guy goes to Italy and falls in love with the place.  He enrolls in enrolls in a full-immersion cooking and language program, learning to cook from Nonna (the grandmother) and the language from her daughter.  He goes back to Italy every year.

Except for the part about the cooking and language program, it’s an all too familiar story as visitors fall in love with the Italy.  But the difference that experience provides is what turns this combination cookbook -  travel book – food memoir into an enjoyable read that had me nodding my head and chuckling all too often.  If your visits to Italy have you dining in the finest restaurants and having wine at your upscale hotel, you may not understand or relate.  But if you’ve lingered in a small family owned cafe, stayed late to sip wine or grappa with the owner and his family, or peeked your head into the kitchen and watched that cafe’s very own Nonna making pasta, then this will be a book that you’ll enjoy.

I’m not going to detail all of Mark’s day-to-day adventures.  If you experienced any small bit of traditional Italian family life, you already have a preview of what to expect.  Discovering the tidbits of daily life in Italy is part of the fun in reading the book, and Mark tells the stories with great humor.  There’s plenty of Italian, too, so you’ll be able to brush up on your language skills as well.

The stories are charming and funny, but c’mon, I wanted to read the book for more than that – let’s get down to the food!

There is plenty of discussion about food, along with over 25 recipes.  There are some of my favorites that I lust for every visit (bruschetta in various forms), some dishes that I’ve only recently discovered (Sicilian Rice Balls), and some that I’m anxious to try (Grappa Cookies).  I’m going to spend some of the cold winter weather doing a little cooking – maybe I can get that good of food right here at home.

Two big thumbs up for this book!

Beyond the Pasta was written by Mark Leslie who also has a blog of the same name. It is available from Amazon for $32.95 or it can be purchased through Mark’s website.  It is not currently available for Kindle (although I LOVE my Kindle, this is a book I’d want as a hard copy).

Who will like this book:  Italiophiles, foodies, cooks, travelers, and anyone who likes a good family story.

This book review was part of the Italy in Books Reading Challenge.  Why not join us?

Photo credit:  Courtesy of the author

NOTE:  I was provided a complimentary copy of the book for purposes of this review.  The opinions expressed herein are solely my own.

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Travel means contending with increasing air fares and sourcing the best flight times and pricing, facing the unpleasant reality of ever increasing add-on fees of airlines and hotels, contending with airport security, and juggling the demands of a lifestyle on the road and loved ones at home.

What makes it all easier?  Loving what we do, of course, but also the convenience and enjoyment of the travel gear that we pack along with us.

Here are a few of my favorite items of travel gear, both high tech and low tech.  These are the things that I never leave home without!

• Eee netbook from Asus – I bought my Netbook last year wanting something lightweight while traveling in Europe for a few weeks. I relied on a lot of the research that Austin over at Travellious had done, and have been very happy with this purchase.  I have a 1000H, although there is a newer version out.  The long battery life is a plus, as is the weight (3.2 pounds), and at only just a smidge over 10 inches in size, it doesn’t need to be removed from my carry on at airport security.  Priced under $350.
• Thumb Drives – I use these for backing up photos and other information when I travel, as well as for keeping documents and photos with me as I move between various computers.  They’re small, cheap, and seem to always be on sale.  I’m not brand loyal.
• Amazon Kindle – I’m on my second Kindle, the first having been the victim of a rather unfortunate accident that was my fault, and can’t imagine traveling without it.  Whether it’s a month in Europe, a getaway weekend, or just popping about town, my Kindle is in my bag or purse.  I still like reading a paper book, but for ease of traveling, the Kindle has been worth its weight in gold.  Priced at $180.
• Skecher Mary Jane shoes – Comfy and practical for walking along cobble stone streets and doing some light hiking, but also fashionable enough for shopping and strolling the boardwalk, these shoes have been a mainstay in my packing for a couple years now.   They work as well with a casual skirt or shorts as they do with jeans.  Priced at around $50.
• Flip video – I had a larger video camera that I never could get the hang of, and while I’m sure it had more bells and whistles that this mini-sized Flip, the fact is, that the Flip is always packed and with me.  I’m still learning and improving my skills, but each attempt gets me closer and closer to something that I could actually share on my blog.  Easy to use, carry, and upload your video.  Priced at under $200.
• Point and Shoot Camera – I was thrilled to receive this camera as a gift, and have used it nearly every day since receiving it.  It’s slips into a purse or pocket, so I always have it with me.  I’m working on learning better composition and lighting and still think there’s lots more quality that I can get out of this little camera.  I’ve decided to showcase some of my photos on my new photo blog (still a work in progress), Everyday Foto, so you can watch how I learn and progress in my skills.  I have a few extra SD memory cards tucked into the camera case as well.  I have the Canon Powershot SD 500, priced at about $600.
• iPhone – I won my first iPhone at the very first BlogWorld Expo, and upgraded to a new model last year, and can’t imagine life without one.  From using it as a phone to  being able to snap a quick picture to send to Facebook or Twitter, from email on the road, to games, weather, text messaging, maps, and all sorts of other applications, I’m lost if I don’t have it with me.  Some users may hate having to deal with the exclusivity of AT&T, but I’m a huge fan!  Prices vary, based on features, and start at $99,
• eBag Crew Cooler – Now in its second edition, this bag has long been beloved by Flight Attendants packing who try to pack healthy food on their trips.  It was out of stock for quite some time, but is now back better than ever with new features and colors. This bag can hold tons of food for the road, is great for a picnic, and is super durable.  I’ve had mine for about 5 years and it’s none the worse for wear.  Priced at $30.
• Zenergy Neema pants -  These are available at Chico’s and come in a variety of styles, pant lengths, and colors.  I have a full length pair, a capri length, and also some shorts, all in black.  They are lightweight, easy to pack, accessorize from casual to a bit more stylish, and wash and dry quickly.  They are my go-to wardrobe items when on the road, and are comfy for those all night flights.  Prices start around $60, and there are always lots of coupons and sales that can bring that price down substantially
• Moleskine – I’ve tried numerous travel journals, notebooks, but keep coming back to these little gems.  Over the years I’ve been given numerous sizes and styles, and have purchased others, and always have one tucked in a purse or bag.  I love the way the paper feels, making it a pleasure to write or draw on it.  I pick them up for all purpose notes as well as for individual trips, and always have one or two empty ones at home.  Prices vary, depending on size and features, and start around $10.

Depending on where I’m going, there will be other travel gear in my bag, but the above list is ALWAYS packed to go with me!

Of course, there is still lots of items that I’m looking for, whether it’s to upgrade current gear or because I’m still looking for the perfect choice.  Here’s what’s currently on my shopping list:

• iPad – I love this handy little device, having already purchased one for a family member, and it’s on my shortlist of gadgets that I’d like.  I’d most likely use it as an entertainment device for movies, video, games, etc., rather than have it replacing any of my current gear.  That means one more device to carry, but it’s small and lightweight, so it seems easy to justify.  Priced starting at $499, depending on features.
• Backpack – I own several, and just haven’t found one that fits both my size and needs.  I don’t want to carry the world on my back, and want something that makes a good day bag for my gear or for a bottle of wine and a picnic.  Ease of use (well situated pockets and compartments) is important, as is weight.  It has to feel right on my back or slung over a shoulder, and I just haven’t found the perfect choice yet.
• DSLR – I’m interested in eventually stepping up to a DSLR camera, hoping to increase the quality of my photos.  I’m battling the practicality of a small point and shoot that fits in my pocket vs. the size and amount of equipment that goes with a DSLR.  And then there’s the whole Canon vs. Nikon debate!  I still haven’t made the decision on this bit of gear, but continue to research and monitor the models and prices.

What’s on your must-pack gear list?

Want to know what other travel bloggers have to say about gear?  Take a look at these gear-related posts from the Travel Blog Mob:

• Andy Hayes at Sharing Travel Experiences talks about the history of travel gear.
• Pam Mandel at Nerds Eye View talks about gearing up.
• Jennifer Miner reviews the Smart Alec backpack.
• Amie O’Shaughnessy tells us about her travel gift list, and also has a great hotel stay giveaway.
• Beth Whitman lists her choices for the best holiday travel gifts
• Wandering Educators has a top ten travel gift list.
• Wil reviews travel socks.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Shutterstock

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Today I have an important guest post that will be of importance to anyone who suffers from ear discomfort while flying.  I’m a sufferer, as a result of allergy and sinus-related issues, so have to take a lot of precautions when I travel.  And that includes not flying when my ears get too bad!

—-

As a former hospital nurse and now as a nurse consultant in the travel industry, I have found patient/traveler education vital to success when dealing with health issues. Understanding the function of the body greatly increases compliance and personal satisfaction in preventing or treating ailments.

I have found this especially true when reaching out to those who suffer with ear problems associated with flying, scuba diving, allergies, or colds.  Most people are aware that ears can be an issue when flying – and many think of the crying babies on board. However, have you ever noticed a crying adult passenger? The tears may be silent, but the ear pain causing the agony is very real. Unfortunately, this pain, pressure and hearing loss can last long after the flight is over.

What is happening to cause this ear pain? Why won’t the ear “pop”? What is that building pressure?

To understand this, we have to become familiar with a little tube called Eustachian. Named after a 16^th century scientist, the tiny little tube has the big role of regulating ear pressure in the middle ear cavity. Extending from the back of the nose (outside world) to the middle ear, the tube lies closed at rest. It will open about 400 times per day to equalize pressure in the middle ear with air pressure changes outside.

When we fly, the changing air pressure (felt mostly on descent as air pressure increases outside) causes a negative pressure in the middle ear. Normally the little Eustachian tube will open (the “pop” we may hear) and pressure is adjusted. However, if congestion is present around that tube or the plane does a quick descent, it can be difficult for the little tube to do its job.

This is where we often see wide-eyed passengers frantically yawning or swallowing. These actions use the same muscles that open the Eustachian tube. When this does not work, a gentle Valsalva Maneuver may be tried. As the nose is pinched closed and air is forcibly exhaled the little tube may be forced open.

What happens when yawning, swallowing, and the Valsalva Maneuver don’t work? The negative pressure building in the middle ear cavity may cause pressure against the eardrum and pain. This vacuum like pressure then may pull fluid into the middle ear cavity, further applying pressure on the eardrum as well as preventing the little Eustachian tube from opening against the pressure and fluid. Passengers may walk off the plane with ear problems brewing.

Now it is important to understand the role of the eardrum in hearing. The cymbal like eardrum vibrates with sound, sending vibration through the middle ear cavity to the nerves and tiny bony structures in the inner ear that communicate with the brain where sound is processed into what we “hear”.

However, when there is pressure and fluid in the middle ear, the eardrum is unable to vibrate properly and our hearing is affected.

This may be a temporary issue and a few days after a flight, we sigh in relief as the ear finally “pops” open and all is equalized.

The more severe ear issues can last for years as congestion and changes in pressure affect the normal workings of the ear.

That tiny little Eustachian tube plays a very important role in our hearing, ear health and comfort. They key is to help the Eustachian tube open so pressure can be equalized.

When yawning, swallowing, and the Valsalva Maneuver fail to open the little tube, there is a clinically proven device that will naturally and safely open the Eustachian tube with a regulated amount of air. This battery-powered device, appropriately called the EarPopper, has eliminated tears and pain for my family and friends since 2007 (when I discovered the device at a medical conference) when used during flight, driving over Mountain terrain, and after colds and allergies.

My role as a nurse consultant and travel expert has been to find “Products Worth Packing” that address the practical issues we face when traveling. The EarPopper literally turned my then 3-year-old son’s tears into laughter as he learned to use the EarPopper on descent. We can all agree laughter is more pleasant than crying in a shared aircraft cabin!

Colds, allergies, congestion, and rapid descent are a possibility on every flight. If ear issues have ever been a concern, then packing the EarPopper may be something to discuss with your medical care provider.

The EarPopper in our bag has made sure hearing loss and ear pain never become part of our itinerary!

—-

Anya Clowers is a nurse consultant and travel expert passionately educating travelers of all ages about the importance of travel preparation. She can be found on Twitter @EarPopperNurse @JetWithAnya, @JetWithKids  or at www.EarPopper.com/blog, www.JetWithKids.com www.JetWithKids.com/blog. Her practical travel advice has been praised by the NY Times, MSNBC, ABC News, Rick Steves, and People Magazine. Anya researches travel with her frequent-flier-in-training 6-year-old son, who visited 17 countries on 4 continents before finishing kindergarten.

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While travelers bemoan the loss of the kinder, gentler era of air travel, airline memorabilia fans know that they can enjoy a little retro moment with bags, accessories, and gifts from Pan Am One.  Adorned with the original Pan Am logo, items can also be found at travel stores and air museums.

Perhaps you had this classic carry on tote bag.  I know I did, although I’m not sure how I happened to acquire it.  This stylish version from the Originals Collection is in leather rather than plastic, and sells for $71.  The Originals Collection offers a variety of products that you may have received if you flew Pan Am back in the day when airlines gave you something when you chose to do business with them.

My how things have changed.

Photo credit:  Pan Am One

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As I get ready for each trip I make, one of the purchases that I most look forward to it buying a new travel journal.  Over the years I’ve struggled with how to make a travel journal work best for me, and I think I finally have it figured out.

What do I want?  I want something pretty with nice paper.  It needs to be an easy size to tuck into a day bag and take with me no matter where I am or what I’m doing.  It’s usually expensive enough to be meaningful and have value, but not so expensive that I stress if it gets banged up a bit.  A travel journal should have a few worn edges after all.

Along with the journal I pack a glue stick, a decent pen, a few cheaper pens, and some odd and ends of colored pencils.  These don’t take up much room at all, and I’ve found that having a few things at the ready help make the process easier for me.

I collect stuff as I travel, and much of it will wind up glued into my journal.  Stuff like bits and pieces from brochures, ticket stubs, business cards, matchbook cover, postcard, stir sticks, drink napkins, coasters, wine labels, and all sorts of other “treasures” from the road. Having a glue stick handy makes it easy to glue things into my journal right away, instead of letting them get lost on the journey.  More importantly, it means that I will glue things in and make notes NOW instead of putting it off till later. . . or never.  And many times having visuals in my journal help me find the words to express thoughts and feelings about my travels.

Finding time to write (or perhaps making the time) can be difficult.   After several hits and misses, I’ve found a few key travel journaling times that work best for me:

• In the morning over coffee.  Whether it’s where I’m staying (house, apartment, villa, hotel room), at a neighborhood cafe, or sitting on a park bench with a cup of java nearby, this seems to be a time when my mind is full of reflection.
• Over a glass of wine at a cafe.  This unhurried, relaxing time is good to watch the world go by and write about it.  If you’re traveling alone, it’s also a nice way to enjoy a a beverage alone without being disturbed.
• On a train, plane or bus.  Don’t miss what’s going on outside the window, but if it’s not compelling I’ll use the time to do a little writing.  It helps break up some of the monotony of travel time.
• In taxis.  On the way to the airport, I try to write about the excitement of the trip and what I’m looking forward to.  On the way home, it’s about the reentry process and reflections on the journey.  This is ultimate start and end of the trip, and it’s interesting to see how things measured up in between.
• Sitting outside on a nice day — a park, beach, piazza, cafe, or anywhere that I can grab time and space.  Slowing down, and taking some time to observe and enjoy the world around me, always gives me plenty to write about.

If you’re traveling with kids, a travel journal is a great activity for them as well.  It can be something for them to do when weather and circumstances forces them indoors, it’s a way for them to practice writing and thinking skills, it fosters creativity, it promotes a love of travel, and it’s perfect for those times when you need a little peace and quiet.  You can encourage the process by developing themes or ideas to help them get started writing.  And let them choose their own journal so they have ownership in it as well.

What I like about a travel journal is that it doesn’t have to be perfect.  Just like the journey itself, a travel journal reflects the ebb and flow of your life on the road.  You can take notes, draw, or write whatever you feel.  You can glue and cut as you see fit.  You can write a lot, or write a little.  If it gets too thick you can get a large band to put around it, or tie it with ribbon or cord.

And when you get home you can put it on your bookshelf and take a look back whenever you want to think about your travels.  It may be a prompt for future writing, or it may be a archived book of memories.  You may use it as a reference to check back for information, you may read it to remind yourself of the journey, or you may never pick it up again.  Or, it may be something your grandchildren read long after you’ve left this world as they discover what a “cool” life you’ve lead.

It’s time to buy another travel journal.  It will be one of my best companions as I head off to Europe.

Photo credit:  SXC

NOTE:  This is a sponsored post; the opinions expressed herein are my own.

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A frequently used passport is often a beat up and ratty looking passport, and while that used look may be a badge of honor to you, it can also raise eyebrows and cause delays at customs and immigrations.  Why not slip it into a passport cover that both protects it and serves as a wallet to keep other necessary travel documents, foreign currency, and itinerary at the ready.

I’m particularly fond of this passport cover made out of recycled vintage neckties from Narwhal Co.   They’re a sporty looking accessory that will be easy to find in a purse, briefcase, or backpack, they‘ll keep your passport neat and tidy, and since they use recycle ties, they’re both eco-friendly and completely one of a kind.

The Narwhal website is easy to navigate, and you can take a look at the other products they offer in addition to the passport covers (a variety of wallet styles and a creative wrist wear option).  If you see something that you like you’ll need to act fast.  These are hand-made,custom items and once they’re gone, that’s it.  On the other hand, if nothing there suits you’re needs today, be sure to check back and products are updated regularly.

Photo credit:  Narwhal Co.

Hat tip:  Daily Candy

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