Laura Plays Christmas Elf...

...without the jaunty cap. Here are a few last-minute ideas for those shopping for the travelers in their lives.

The Power of Potatoes

Given my love of the state of Idaho, I am always keeping my eye out, so to speak, for potato-related stories. So, I yam pleased to share this story with you, which details how tubers are contributing to airline safety.

To briefly summarize, Boeing says it has been testing ways to "make it possible for passengers to enjoy more reliable connectivity using networked personal electronic devices in the air." (Boeing's press release writers must learn to pen prose in understandable English.)

At any rate, the new procedures Boeing has developed come, in part, via the humble potato. Just like Mr. Potato Head here, spuds mimic the human body in the manner they respond to electronic signals. So, the company's crack team of scientists bought 10 tons of potatoes, stuffed them into airline seats (no leg room required), and, in essence, microwaved them. When the potatoes didn't bubble and squeak after being pelted with electronic signals, all was deemed a success. Seems half-baked, but somehow this testing, according to a Boeing spokesman, allowed engineers to make sure that cabin-based signals are safe for the cockpit's communication and navigation systems. At the same time, the results are expected to ensure passengers using wireless devices on planes get (s)mashing reception.

As for the brave potatoes that chipped in for the experiment--they were donated to a food bank.

Laura on TV: More Travel Gifts for the Holidays

For the procrastinators among us, here are some last-minute gift ideas I am profiling on NewsChannel 8 on Thursday. Be sure to check out this previous blog post for more inspiration.

Dress up your suitcase with a CoverLugg. Fashionable coverlets made of form-fitting, hand-washable neoprene allow you to secure your bag, while making it stand out on the luggage carousel. What's more, you can choose from a whole wardrobe of patterns; opt for a CoverLugg featuring the logos of your favorite NFL, MLB, or NCAA team; or showcase your own monogram. $24.99 www.coverlugg.com

They say that the Aussie-designed Arvo iPhone 5 Case is inspired by the Sydney Opera House. The inside lining supposedly replicates the tiles of the iconic landmark. It don't know about that, but the design feature that does sing to me is the itsy-bitsy kickstand for easy viewing. And there's more. Arvo's satin matte finish is made to repel fingerprints and scratches. Aria convinced to purchase this stocking stuffer? It's $29.99 or less on Amazon.  www.stmbags.com


Have a little snorer in the back seat? Kalencom's Seat Belt Snoozer easily attaches to a seat belt shoulder strap to provide a cozy and secure comfort spot. $20-$30  www.kalencom.com

For adults feeling in need of a little support themselves, the portable BackJoy Posture Seat will help you sit up straight as you commute by car or airplane. $40            
                                                      www.backjoy.com

6 Days. 32 Degrees. 1 Carry-On.

Biaggi Foldable

As a travel expert, one of the questions I get asked most frequently is "how do I pack?"  And now that airlines are charging for checked bags, the follow-up is "how do I stuff everything into a carry-on?" Now, if you are a woman with a shoe fetish traveling to the Great White North in December for 6 days, you likely believe the latter feat is impossible. But, if you read my answer to the first question posed, you will learn that you can travel to Canada for 6 days in the winter solely with a carry-on bag (plus a purse/tote).


To show that I walk the walk, let me detail what I am taking this week to the freezing cold (literally) city of Toronto. Above is my 22" Biaggi Foldable Carry-On ($229). Let's see what's inside.

It starts with my three pairs of shoes rule. You rarely need to have more than three pairs of shoes for any trip, and if you are a guy, you can probably get away with two. For women, my rule of toe is one pair of heels, one pair of comfortable flats (for walking) and one pair of sneakers (for working out). However, on this trip, I am flip-flopping from the norm. I am bringing a pair of Cole-Haan loafers, one pair of knee-high  flat boots, high-heeled ankle booties, and one extra item to boot (details in paragraph below). Normally, I would wear the bulkiest footwear on the plane, but in this case, I am packing both pairs of boots, and wearing the loafers on board.

In case I want to work out, I am bringing yoga pants and a built-in-bra athletic top. If I opt to go to the gym instead of using my iPad yoga app, I figure I can just do it in socks...or thongs (as in flip-flops, friends--yes, I know--breaking the three-shoe rule, but they are oh-so-tiny). Speaking of socks and lingerie--here's an accounting of what's packed in the suitcase. One bra, five pairs of socks, two pairs of tights, and six pairs of underwear. For sleeping, a pair of flannel pajama pants and a t-shirt.

During the day and into the night, my outerwear wardrobe, which is highly mix-and-matchable, will consist of the following:

1 dress
1 wool skirt
4 sweaters 
2 pairs of pants
One short-sleeve shirt
One tiny purse
One pair of wool mittens and a hat
As aforementioned, two pairs of boots....

and a partridge in a pear tree.

Actually, no partridge, but other little odds and ends that every woman needs (sunglasses, vitamins, energy bars, etc.)  And that's the Biaggi bag.

Instead of a purse, I am carrying on a nylon expandable tote. The reason for the tote--I will need the extra room to stow the Canadian version of Monopoly I plan to purchase (thus adding to my 30-plus game international collection). Plus, I may purchase a few other odds and ends. For the outbound trip, though, the bag will be nearly empty. It will contain items that need to be whipped out at security, along with valuables (camera, iPad, phone) I don't want to stow in the overhead compartment. I will also toss in seeds and reads.

Rodechi Hazelton
Hybrid Scarf ($185)

Because I will need a winter coat, I will wear that on board to save massive space (even though it is currently 70 degrees in Washington, DC). I will don my loafers (with socks so that I don't pick up yucky germs when I go all Shoeless Joe through security); a pair of jeans (with which I have to wear a normally-not-recommended belt, as these are low riders and ride low they will without some form of suspension); a lightweight shirt; and a fashionable Ralph Lauren sweater hoodie. I am also testing out the Robdechi hybrid scarf, which does septuple duty as a hat, a money belt, a passport holder, an eye mask, a neck pillow and a micro-fiber cloth to clean your iPad and iPhone (the latter of which you can conveniently store in one of the scarf's many hidden compartments).

Voila, my six-day Canadian wardrobe. Canuck believe it?

9 Things to Know About Visiting Burma

The temples of Bagan

I traveled to Myanmar/Burma* in the 1990s, thus preceding President Obama by 15 years. But the country I experienced in 1997 is likely quite different from the one the President will be experiencing today.  Back then, a military dictatorship known as the SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council) was at the height of its power. The country was completely cut off from the West, and ubiquitous billboards  headlined "The People's Desire" warned citizens to:


--oppose those relying on external elements, acting as stooges, holding negative views 
--oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the state and progress of the nation 
--oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs of the state and 
--crush all internal and external destructive elements as the common enemy.

Needless to say, journalists entering the country were well-advised to list another profession on their visa applications.

The only English news came in the form of "The New Light of Myanmar", a government propaganda rag highlighting the various accomplishments of the generals illegitimately in charge. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was in the midst of a long-term house arrest, punishment for her party's win in a 1990 national election. The locals were extremely paranoid, with reason, as the government encouraged spying on thy neighbor (shades of Communist Europe). Talking politics with the Burmese meant first gaining their trust and then finding a quiet corner where one was not likely to be overheard.

Despite the intrigue and the political turmoil (or maybe because of it), I found Myanmar/Burma to be one of the most fascinating and complex places I had ever been. The people were gentle, the roads to Mandalay and Yangon and Bagan were captivating, and the countryside felt like something out of a Zen painting, complete with monks clad in orange, walking in front of hazy, watery horizons.

Thanks to new government policies, most travel publications are naming Myanmar/Burma* as one of next year's hot destinations. If you decide to go, remember, this is a country that has been closed off  to modernity for some time. Khiri Travel, which specializes in Asia, offers some helpful tips for those considering a visit.

*For an explanation of what to call the country, click here.

These tips courtesy of Khiri Travel Myanmar, with minor edits courtesy of Daily Suitcase.

Get Your Visa and Book Accommodation Before Arrival 
Get your Myanmar visa before arrival in the country.  It takes (at least) two weeks advance application. Demand for Myanmar hotel rooms during high season (November to March) outstrips supply. Rooms are not cheap. If you don't pre-book, you'll end up paying over the odds for a mediocre room -- if you can find one.

Bring Cash 
There are no ATM cash points in Myanmar. Bring dollars -- preferably hundred dollar bills. But not old ones, as vendors won't accept notes that are torn, shabby, have a stamp on it, or a fold in the middle. They may not accept ones with "CB" in the serial number either.

Forget Your Mobile Phone 
There are no roaming mobile phone agreements with other countries. Daily Suitcase adds: So go old school and just enjoy your holiday. Instead of being distracted by incoming messages, or constantly fidgeting with your phone cam, look around you for a change.

Your Credit Card is Useless 
Fewer than five places accept credit cards in Myanmar. It will take a while before credit card acceptance and ATM access is possible. Until then, avoid hassles by pre-paying for accommodation, tours and transfers before you go.

Behave Like a House Guest 
In Myanmar, there is no word for tourist, only for guest. So behave like a guest when visiting. Be polite, smile, and don't yell when things don't go according to plan. 

Shwe Dagon Pagoda, Yangon

Dress Appropriately 
When you visit places like Shwedagon Pagoda or Bagan, dress appropriately. You are, after all, entering places of Buddhist worship.  Modesty is key for both women and men.  Ladies, despite the heat, no plunging necklines or uncovered shoulders. Best to wear a long sarong and a lightweight shawl. 

Know a Few Words 
Mingalaba -- hello/greetings! (used any time of the day); nà-mǎleh-ba-bù - I don't understand; diha balao leh?-- how much is this? cè-zù tin-ba-deh -- thank you.Ta-ta -- goodbye!

Barter When Shopping 
The objective is not to relentlessly chase the cheapest price, but to secure a fair price. A bit of good-natured back and forth on the price of lacquerware, marionettes, or a longyi in a market is certainly acceptable, indeed expected -- but always with a smile. Both parties should finish the transaction happy and grateful.

Mohingar, Not McDonalds 
There are no McDonalds, Starbucks, or other international fast food or drink outlets in Myanmar (Daily Suitcase adds--for now). Go local. Support local vendors. Try mohingar (delicious thick fish soup often eaten for breakfast), ohne kyaukswe (coconut noodle soup), or leh pet thauk (pickled tea leaf salad).

Daily Suitcase Reading List: For a good historical perspective of post-colonial Burma, read Aung San Suu Kyi's Freedom from Fear. For a feel of Burma under British rule, read George Orwell's Burmese Days.

9 Things to Know About Holiday Travel

It's holiday time and everyone is asking, "How can I avoid travel headaches?" Well, here's a little Top 9 List you can use, whether you've been naughty or nice this year.

1. Try to book off-peak. That means avoiding the day before the holiday, the Sunday after the holiday, etc. If you fly on the holiday itself, you will find smaller crowds at the airport, lighter loads on the plane, and better rates.

2. Send gifts ahead of time or order them on-line and have them sent directly to your holiday destination. If you must bring gifts with you and stuff them in your carry-on, don't bother wrapping them. If you do so, TSA will unwrap them for you.

3. Get yourself organized to expedite getting through security. Watch what you wear--avoid clunky belt buckles, heavy-duty jewelry, under-wire bras, or other items that might set off alarms. Have your plastic bag filled with liquids stuffed into an outside compartment of your carry-on.  Have your laptop or tablet easily accessible.  

4. Find an airline-branded credit card that allows you to check a bag for free if you purchase your ticket with self-same card. Some of those credit cards also provide holders the opportunity to jump ahead in the boarding line. 

5. To save luggage space, wear your heaviest items on board. Layer that cozy cardigan over a bulky turtleneck and then complete the outfit with a winter coat and boots. 

6. Check in ahead of time, either on-line or on a mobile device. Paying for your checked bag ahead of time will also save you a little time and a few bucks.

7. Going overseas? Check on advisories for dicey areas at travel.state.gov.  But don't just check out the U.S. government site, as travel warnings can have an American political bent. Visit www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/updates_mise-a-jour-eng.asp, the website of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and www.fco.gov.uk, the home of the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

8. Even if you are staying close to home, you have to prepare for the trip. If you are driving to your destination, get your car checked out ahead of time, leave yourself plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B, and, if the kids are along for the ride, bring healthy snacks, bring plenty of entertainment, and remember to make frequent stops.

9. And if you are looking for a totally carefree holiday travel experience, stay home and host visitors from far and wide. 

On Dasher: GIfts for Travelers

If you are paying attention to TV ads, store decor and weather reports (here's looking at you, Athena and et tu Brutus), it must be time for the holidays.  As you start pondering who's been naughty and who's been nice,  consider some nifty items that will please any traveler on your list.

Who doesn't want a super-cool suitcase?  I've been getting mad props and a lot of  "Heys, Girl" shout-outs at airports this year, in large part due to my updated collection of carry-on luggage. One of my favorites is from the Heys Britto Collection. Based on the designs of pop artist Romero Britto, my lightweight 22-inch polycarbonate case (right) retails for $250. If you prefer something a little less flashy and a little less expensive, the Heys xCase  (left) at $150 may be just the ticket.


If your favorite travel geeks are also computer and yoga freaks, they're going to be head over heels…or heels over head…for this Gorilla Mobile Yogi for iPad by Joby. The Yogi stabilizes the iPad on any surface and offers adjustable viewing angles, including Downward Dog (left), Half Lotus (below) and Spinal Twist. If your exercise of choice is ballet or pole dancing, you can hang the Yogi from a bar. It retails for $39.95, although I found it cheaper on Amazon.


Joby also makes the Gorilla Mobile Ori for iPad for your favorite Zen master. Inspired by the art of origami, it’s a iPad case that bends and folds in multiple ways. Best yet--it has a swiveling hinge. It costs $59.95 at http://www.joby.com/


Watch this space as I post more travel gift ideas every week through December 25.