Exaclair has been kind enough to support our travel habits (and the Izuno Travel Giveaway) by supplying us with a variety of very cool journals. The above journals along with numerous other travel items will be given away on August 8th, 2009 to anybody who has left a comment on the site or sent me their name via email. REMINDER: It is not too late to enter!
The number of sites trying to get in with the travel community is always growing. It seems everybody and their friends have an idea for the next big Facebook of Travel. Well Baraaza is no exception. They use locals to hopefully, post good travel information activities and sports. Good luck to them. I’ve always liked the idea of using natives to get information, as they know the place better than a travel writer ever could. But the challenge is getting enough people to actually use it. The site is still in beta, and you can tell by the limited amount of information they have available, however they are doing some contests you might be interested in. It also would be worth a quick look if you are going to a spot you’ve been before and are looking for something a little different.
Brunton FlipSticks are made for campers and backpackers. However, anything that packs down smaller works for travellers as well. At $32.80, they seem overpriced, but hey, if you are a tight packer, every little bit helps I suppose. And if I were going to the far east, they would probably come in useful and be a conversation starter at the least.
Want to win a DVD, Backpack, Travel Hammock, and Travel Tee? You can. We are holding a giveaway for anyone who emails [email protected] or posts a comment on this site. The giveaway will be on August 8th, 2009. In our little but growing prize pack is a black daypack, a travel hammock, a DVD of a Map for Saturday, a Hostel Bookers tee shirt, and Izuno Travel Tee Shirt, 3 Quo Vadis Travel Journals, and 10 Izuno Travel Buttons. The emails will not be used for newsletters (we don’t send out e-news…that’s what the site is for) or spamming purposes. So write us and tell us why you want to win!
If you’re pack has a little extra room, I think any of these items would be a good addition to your packing list. So, here is the rundown:
1. Athletic Tape: A staple in any bag I pack for just about any trip. The versatility is endless, and of course it’s good for injuries. Just wad up a facial tissue or t.p., strap on the tape and you’ve got a band-aid. I’ve had to do that more than once.
2. Design Go LED Slimlight: More than having a bright LED for those dark hostels at 2:00 in the morning, it folds up or can be clamped on a book. Actually Design Go has some very travel friendly products that are worth a look.
3. Spoon Sisters Travel Towel: About the size of a dime, all you need to do is add water and you can have an instant towel. Maybe not a necessity, but they’re so small, it’s worth it’s weight.
4. Marmot Precip Travel Jacket: Probably one of the best water proof and lightweight jackets you can get. If you’re heading to foggy town, pack for wet weather so you’re not stuck at the hostel all day.
5. Creative Travel Sound Portable Speakers: I’ve done some research on portable speakers for a while, and for sound and size, Creative is going to have your best option. Unfortunately at the time of this post, they are sold out. Speakers are great for watching that illegal copy of ‘Apocalypto’ on the laptop with your mates.
6. Rick Steve’s Travel Wash: Sure Rick is a dork, but he’s probably more well travelled than you and I combined. So I’m sure he knows his stuff when it comes to sink laundry. This is designed to be low on suds for easy rinse and gentle on the body.
7. Muji’s World Travel Plug Adapter: If you don’t already have plug adapters, this wouldn’t be a bad option, as it is all one piece and designed to cover 150 countries electric standards. I like just about anything from Muji…good store.
8. Ohso Tooth Brush: A very cool product that takes a normal everyday item and turns it into something better when used for travelling. This is not just a toothbrush where the handle is used for the carrying case. This actually holds toothpaste and packs down at the same time…genius. Price isn’t unreasonable either.
9. Havainas Sandals: These aren’t only good for the beach, they’re good for hostel showers. Havainas actually grip just as good when they are wet…that’s why they made the list.
10. Sigg Water Bottle: I’ve posted about Sigg for a while now. They’re the new nalgene…and I’m sure they’ll be replaced someday as well, our society is very ‘pop’ when it comes to drinking water.
Thought I might give a post to a worthy organization. Instead of trying to explain it in my words…here is what Fair Trade has to say: “The Fair Trade Certified™ Label guarantees consumers that strict economic, social and environmental criteria were met in the production and trade of an agricultural product.”
It’s good to see a non profit like this attempt to infiltrate corporations like Wal-Mart with a legit product where the money doesn’t pay for ties and suits but rather goes directly to the creator. Downfall…it seems they are just getting started and don’t offer a whole lot more than coffee’s, bagels, & ice cream. Still, anyone trying to stick it to the man is good by me.
