TrustyPony

“Off the Beaten Path” by Reader’s Digest (revised)

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:47:56 +0000

Start your engines—it’s summer road trip season. To help: This big, ol’ hardcover glossy-photo book packed with lesser-known travel inspiration throughout the country. It’s organized by state and includes often budget-friendly destinations such as small towns, museums and the state parks that tend to get less foot traffic. While it offers plenty of practical info, “Off the Beaten Path” is also a nice, hefty book to just flip through and dream. This is the third edition, including over 200 new listings, over 300 new photos, updated maps, expanded amenities for each site and seasonal events for each state. Travel on.

100% Silk Travel Pillowcase by DesignGo

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:32:04 +0000

To cover hotel pillows, or to stuff with your sweatshirt for a swanky impromptu pillow in train, plane or auto.

Bahia Toiletry Case by Malcolm Fontier

Berit Thorkelson — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:15:59 +0000

Design-minded plastic-lined dopp kit with a smart separate plastic slot for your toothbrush and a removable zippered pocket to toss into your day pack. Bonus: Get a free mojito travel wallet with any MF purchase on their website. (While supplies last.)

Sleeper Hoodie by Burton

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:45:35 +0000

It looks like your basic hoodie, yet, it’s built specifically for travel comfort with features including a removable inflatable neck pillow, stash pocket with ear plugs, zippered internal passport/ticket pocket and a light shield built into the hood. Genius.

“This Is” retro-reprint kids’ travel book series by M. Sasek

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:25:32 +0000

Check out the world’s largest cities as depicted by Czech artist Miroslav Sasek back in the ’60s. Footnotes bring things up to date.

(¡Gracias, Chrissy at GussiedUp!)

Also: Congrats to Janice, Pam and Lisa, who won HazelMail 12-packs. Happy postcard-sending, ladies!

Lady Lindy Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag by Bobarra

Berit Thorkelson — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:04:37 +0000

Familiar with checkpoint-friendly laptop bags? They’re bags designed in a way that allows them go through airport security while your laptop remains inside—no more removing the computer and placing it in a separate bin. We can all appreciate reduced airport hassle, right? Options for this style of bag started out pretty business-oriented, and then along came this pretty thing. Pretty, but hard-working, with built-in helpers including interior pockets, key holder and an attached clear quart-sized bag for your similarly checkpoint-friendly mini toiletries.

Giveaway! HazelMail personalized postcard 12-pack

Berit Thorkelson — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:01:41 +0000

Remember postcards? What a perfect mix of cheap souvenir, thoughtful hello and hand-delivered trip inspiration. HazelMail’s bringing ‘em back, 2000s style, with a website that lets you upload your own digital photo and type in a personal message. The site then turns your info into a physical postcard and it mails for you. The service costs $1.50 per card, including postage to anywhere in the world, but HazelMail recently introduced “HazelBucks,” bundles of 12 postcard credits for 12 bucks. (That’s a 33% savings per card.) To celebrate, HazelMail’s giving 12-pack bundles away to five TrustyPony readers. Comment on this post to win—see specifics below.

Win one of five HazelMail HazelBucks 12-packs by leaving a comment below before 6 PM CST this Monday, May 18th. Anonymous comments and those without a valid email address will be disqualified. The winners will be chosen at random, then contacted via email. If I don’t hear from a winner within five days, a new one will be chosen. Please enter/comment only once. Good luck!

To-Go Water RePEaT Travel Utensil Set

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:59:06 +0000

Out for sushi with some friends the other night and Yuko whipped out this bamboo utensil set. “I’m saving a tree,” she said, forgoing the disposable paper-wrapped wooden chopsticks in favor of her personal re-usable pair. Great for skipping to-go plasticware on the road, too.

Lapsac good-looking ladies’ laptop bag by Nanda Home

Berit Thorkelson — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:58:29 +0000

Why oh why must laptop bags be black and businessey? This is one welcome exception, coming in four different color-design combos, none of them black. It also happens to be machine washable, reasonably priced and outfitted with a waterproof nylon interior with smart zippers and slots. You’re welcome.

ikimono 110 camera

Berit Thorkelson — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:35:41 +0000

Palm-sized mini-cameras that snap into a cartridge of 110 film, which you probably remember if you were around in the ’70s. (Comes with one roll. Refill two-packs cost $8.) Decorated with cute little creatures including a tadpole, a squirrel or a hedgehog. Of course it’s from Japan.