Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Traveler

Looking for a holiday gift for your favorite traveler? This post offers all sorts of suggestions and includes a recent Gadget Guru segment from Great Day Washington as well.

Picture Keeper Connect 

It's happened again. You've taken so many darn pictures that you've run out of space on your phone. Back up those images so you can take new ones this holiday season. After purchasing the Picture Keeper Connect ($119.99 for 16 GB), download the app to facilitate the super-easy transfer of photos and videos from a smartphone or tablet to a computer or a portable compact USB drive.

Weego

How about a battery pack that not only charges your mobile devices, but your car as well? Weego is a pocket-size jump starter battery pack that can do it all. You can give juice to the main power pack at home or in your car (cables included), and then throw Weego in your glove compartment for those times when something in your car is in need of a charge. There's even a built-in flashlight. There are three Weego models, ranging in price from $99.99 to $289 (depending on type of engine you need to charge). Easy-to-follow-instruction are included, as are jumper cables.

HumanCharger

Sometimes, it's the traveler who needs the charge. Could it be that the quickest way to alleviate jet lag is... through the ear? That's the claim of HumanCharger's Finnish inventors, who say their device cuts typical jet lag recovery time in half by emitting light into the ear. The operating principle of the HumanCharger: The headset beams UV-free, blue-enriched white light through ear canal for 12 minutes at a time to the light sensitive regions of the brain that keep circadian rhythms in sync. The HumanCharger ($269.99) comes with a smartphone app that tells you when to take the needed 12-minute bursts of light (after you enter details of your trip). I haven’t tried it myself, but the HumanCharger has been certified to meet the EU Medical Device Directive.

Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand

Germs are everywhere when you travel. Airplanes and hotel rooms can be cesspools of microscopic bugs and bacteria. But the Verilux Clean Wave Sanitizing Wand ($69.99) can zap your these worries away. The wand uses powerful ultraviolet-C light to significantly reduce microscopic germs, mold and dust mites. Take the 10" battery-operated wand and wave it over doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures and the remote control in your hotel room. On the airplane, you might want to zap the tray table and the seat back pocket, two of the dirtiest places around. Frankly, I might be tempted to zap my seatmate as well, particularly if he's hogging the armrest. But the instructions do not sanction that usage.

Black Starry Night Arcopedico Boots

When a traveler is sightseeing, (almost) nothing is more important than footwear. Yet, for women, it can be difficult to find comfortable and good-looking shoes, particularly for winter weather. Well, these Arcopedico boots were made for walking. The knit upper, the soft textile lining, a twin arch support system and a cushioned insole provide all-day comfort. Just as important, the soles are non-slip.

From Italy With Love: Emilia Romagna Edition

While you are enjoying these images of sites along the Via Emilia, take a listen to my recent segment on Italy's Emilia Romagna region on Around the World Radio.  Go to the December 1 show and forward 12 minutes in.

Bologna and Cured Meat

Teatro Regio di Parma (and yes, that's the Michelin Man off to the side)

 Parma Streetscape

A Wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano

Getting Inspected 

Modena Architecture

Modena Balsamic Vinegar 

 Just a Spoonful of Balsamic

(the perfect digestive)

Food Porn Italian Style

Calling all foodies. If you want to truly indulge in the art of slow food, head to Emilia Romagna in northern Italy.

Want to learn how to make Parmigiano Reggiano from a hunky cheesemaker?

Or how can one become Inspector Cheese?

The Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium can set you up.

If your preference is prosciutto, head to Parma to experience the silence of the hams.

Perhaps this looks more appetizing.

Also sample authentic Modena Balsamic Vinegar.

If you want to check out Via Emilia museums focusing on products ranging from pasta to cheese to olive oil to cold meats, here's the menu.

For more ideas on food tours around Emilia Romagna's Food Valley, take a look at this.

We'll be profiling Carpigiani's Gelato University in an upcoming post. Meanwhile, if you want to learn how to make gelato, here's the scoop. 

Buon Appetito!

Here are some recent stories I covered for Orbitz Blog.

We started in South Dakota.  

Then, it was off to eat, first along some food trails in the USA... 

...and at some of the country's top food halls.

Dig in!

Where to Go Next

On Election Day, I did my travel expert thing on WUSA's Great Day Washington. The topic, aptly, was places to go to escape from the U.S. of A. 

http://www.wusa9.com/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-washington/travel-tuesday-new-international-non-stop-flights-/349789757

If you are actually thinking about moving out of the country, here are some excellent alternatives.
In the comments section, let me know what your post-election travel plans are.

Of Spas, Sexy Beaches, Scrumptious Food and Swanky Chateaus

Interested in luscious male bodies, scrumptious food, deluxe mansions or sexy beach resorts? Then this round-up of stories I have recently written has something just for you. Indulge.

For ShermansTravel, I focused on how spas are appealing to the male species.

This picture capture your attention? You have
Kohler Waters Spa at the American Club to thank.

For Orbitz Blog, I dug into the development of central food markets around the USA.

Denver Central Market
Larkey Photography

I revisited my old stomping grounds for ShermansTravel, looking at how tourists on a tight budget can explore swanky Santa Barbara, California.

Speaking of swanky, are you aware that some of the country's most glamorous mansions are located in Delaware? Read on.

Nemours from Visit Wilmington

Hot Travel Tips for the Holidays

Heading off for the holidays, kids? It's never too early to start planning your road trip, so here is some early advice designed for those traveling by car. For a televised version of these suggestions, please watch here.

Before you head out of town, check the weather forecast. That will help you pack more efficiently. Also, download apps that can make travel easier, such as those that provide the skinny on rest stop locations or cheap gas. Of course, try to avoid traveling at peak times. If you can actually drive on the holiday itself, you may end up having the road to yourself.

In terms of getting your car road ready, Autotrader* has a number of important tips to get to your destination safe and satisfied.

1. Before you go, check the oil, other fluids and tire pressure. If you can't do it yourself, bring your car to a dealer for a pre-holiday check-up.

2. Keep the kids happy and quiet on road trips. Plan ample stops, bring along healthy snacks and load up devices with movies and games to keep kids occupied.

3. Have patience. Allow yourself plenty of time. During the holidays, traffic and bad weather can slow you down. So, be prepared...and have your GPS available to opt for alternate routes.

Driving slowly and having the proper tire pressure will save on fuel costs. But if you want to reduce your fuel fee to $0, go electric. For shorter holiday trips, an electric vehicle like the Kia Soul EV* is a great money saver. The car itself--which has been named a Motorweek Best Eco-Friendly Vehicle--is very affordable--and, of course, you never have to pay for gas. Plus, you can charge it at home. Another nifty feature--using the Kia Soul smartphone app, you can actually warm up your car before you hit the road.

Even if you are visiting family or close friends, sometimes it's nice to have a place of your own to escape to at day's end. Particularly if you are traveling with kids, look for hotels with spacious accommodations. Embassy Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton both offer rooms with separate sleeping and living areas. Both brands offer a lot of value-added extras as well. Embassy Suites* has a nightly social hour with snacks. Even better, it serves up free cooked-to-order breakfasts, which can save a family a ton of dough. Meantime, Homewood Suites by Hilton* have fully-equipped kitchens, and complimentary grocery shopping services. Cooking in can save big money on food costs while traveling. Plus, having the in-room kitchen lets you bring something homemade to holiday feasts.

Even if you find a comfortable room with a cozy bed, getting a good night's sleep on the road can be challenging. You're in unfamiliar territory, plus you may be amped up from eating too many holiday cookies  For those occasional bouts of sleeplessness, pack ZZZquil.* You take it and 20 minutes later, you're off to a full night of sleep. You wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the holiday activities ahead, including more cookies.

Another thing that will make you feel better--exercising. Move around as much as possible throughout your trip to work off some of those holiday pounds before they get packed on.

*Sponsored content part of satellite media tour.

*An example of how to pivot in order to include a client as the interview is closing.