Cool tools for travelers

Rob Lovitt Travel writer • E-mail

In fashion, it’s often said that the right accessories make the outfit.

In travel, they just make sense: Whether you’re navigating the highway or the airport concourse, the right gear can make or break a business trip or salvage your summer vacation.

According to Michele Marini Pettinger, president of the Travel Goods Association in Princeton, N.J., the best new travel products reflect consumers’ desire for safety, convenience and portability. “As our lifestyles change and travel becomes more complicated,” she says, “the industry has really been stepping up.”

From secure laptop bags to floating iPod cases, here are some of the things they’ve come up with recently:

In transit
Safety: The MetroSafe 300 computer bag ($90) from Pacsafe uses high-tensile stainless steel mesh, bulletproof polycarbonate lock links and other tamper-resistant materials to create a “safety cell” around your valuables. Accommodating most 13-inch laptops, it also features tamper-proof zippers, slash-proof shoulder straps and a built-in cable lock so it can be attached to secure fixtures.

Convenience: The Trunki ($40) is a unique ride-on suitcase for kids. Made of molded plastic, it features a seat-like top, pull/shoulder strap and four wheels, so kids can pull it themselves or be towed by their parents. Available in bright pink or blue, it’s set to launch in the U.S. in early July and is currently available by pre-order from TrendyKid.

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Portability: If you’ve ever had to peel off your backpack to get to your iPod, you’ll appreciate the Groove backpack ($70) from High Sierra. In addition to its zippered shoulder-strap pocket with 30-pin Apple connector, it features an integrated and back-lit switch on the shoulder strap that lets you control your unit without touching it.

On the road
Safety: ‘Tis the season for water sports, which means hauling kayaks, windsurfers and other hard-to-secure items on rooftop racks. Made with stainless-steel-reinforced webbing and integrated locks, SPT Lockable Tie Downs resolve the problem so you can leave your gear without fear when you leave your car. Available in three sizes (5, 8 and 13 feet, $65–$85 per pair) through Sea to Summit.

Convenience: The only thing worse than a dead car battery is a dead car battery on a dark and stormy night. The Simple Start Vehicle Battery Booster (from $50) from Black & Decker plugs directly into your car’s DC outlet, meaning you can charge your car without hooking up jumper cables or even stepping outside.

Portability: LG, the consumer electronics giant, has gotten into the GPS game with a new line of three Portable Navigators. The best, the LN740 ($450), features a four-inch touch screen, live-traffic updates and turn-by-turn voice guidance with street name announcements. It’s also slim enough (.7 inches) to fit in a pocket or purse.

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