TALK TRAVEL
"Foreign Bras" by Roberta Beach Jacobson
There's no book instructing what a woman should do when a parent dies some 2,500 miles away... More

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TRAVEL EASE
Product reviews by JSG Editor-in-Chief Ron Stern

Pelican™ Cases — With all the abuse that carry-on baggage endures, travelers wishing to protect fragile or valuable items will find Pelican™ cases are perfectly suited for any luggage. Pelican™ has been the leader in manufacturing strong, durable, and watertight cases in a variety of sizes that range from small, micro to large commercial units. Recently, I had the opportunity to review their new 1510 Carry-on case. It conforms to most airlines’ carry-on standards. The cases come with custom Pick and Pluck™ foam designed to fit around delicate items, including fragile camera gear. This one also has the option of Velcro-style open pockets to carry lenses, lights and all sorts of odds and ends. Prior to switching to Pelican™, I went through six different carry-on pieces. One after the other either fell apart, ripped or were too soft-sided to protect my equipment. Pelican™ cases are almost indestructible and come with a lifetime guarantee. In fact, their motto is You break it, we’ll replace it… forever. They are now part of my standard luggage and I won’t go anywhere without Pelican. For more information visit their website at www.pelican.com.

Lowepro® Stealth AW II — Once you have arrived at your destination, what’s the best way to see the sights and take things that you may need along the way? For journalists and camera buffs like me, there aren’t many good options. Fortunately, I discovered the Stealth AW II from Lowepro®. This company has been making carrying systems for cameras and other gear for years and is constantly adding new gear to its line. The Stealth AW II is a well-constructed backpack system that offers the best of all worlds. It comes with an all weather cover, removable laptop computer case, padded neoprene pouches that hold 2-3 lenses or camera bodies, large front pockets and even a cell phone pouch. I took this with me on assignment and subjected it to varying weather conditions. I even inadvertently banged it around. Everything stayed well protected and dry and there was more than enough room for everything I needed while on the road. Lowepro products are sold at many camera and sporting goods stores. They have something that will suit your needs and are well worth the investment to protect your valuables. I wholeheartedly recommend them. For more information, visit their website at www.lowe.com.

American Airlines Business Class Cabin — Flying on long international trips can be grueling, but for maximum comfort and amenities, consider American Airlines Business Class Cabin. Is it worth the extra cost? Having experienced a business class cabin on a recent trip to Madrid, I can say “absolutely yes.” I have flown coach hundreds of times, and I the difference is like an old episode of Seinfeld where Jerry finds himself seated next to a supermodel while they enjoy fine wines and hot fudge sundaes. Except for the supermodel, American’s service is just about as close.

The ergonomically designed seats recline to a 60-degree pitch and come with lumbar/ calf supports and adjustable footrests, making it conducive to sleep. If your toothpaste, lotions and other toiletries were confiscated at security, American provides these via a new SpAA in Flight® amenity kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and Temple Spa® aromatherapy products to keep you feeling clean and comfortable.

For entertainment they offer an in-flight theater complete with a DVD player with more than 22 movies from which to choose and Bose Quiet Comfort headphones to enjoy those movies without disturbing anyone around you.

Of course there is the food and wine. Having consulted top culinary experts in each of these fields, they offer a mouth-watering menu and a selection of 60 wines from growers all over the world. During the flight my dinner menu included an appetizer of grilled scallop, hot-smoked salmon and shrimp, accompanied by a marinated vegetable salad. My entrée of grilled fillet of beef with cherry and chocolate balsamic sauce was tender and delicious and equal to food I have been served in fine restaurants. And, to complete the dining experience, (and the Seinfeld episode) friendly staff prepared custom-made hot fudge sundaes, complete with all the trimmings.

Beginning in 2007, American will install new Next Generation Business Class Seats on its Boeing 777 fleet. Teaming with Recaro, legendary seating specialists, these seats lie flat and will feature personal in-flight entertainment systems and state-of-the art lighting.

I give American’s Business Class service my highest recommendation for its comfortable and spacious seats, fine food and wine, in-flight entertainment options and attentive staff. For more information about these and other AA services and promotions, visit www.AA.com.

Is there something you'd like reviewed? Let us know before buying a new travel item. We'll let you know if it meets JSG's standards.

PHANTASTIC PHOTOS



"Beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee" by Denise Dube

"Life on Lake Winnipesaukee" by Denise Dube

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TRAVEL TIP 1 — Latest Security Measures
by JSG Managing Web Producer Marina Farrell
Here's the latest information on the new "enhanced security measures," including what you can take on board. Please check the TSA website frequently, especially just before you leave for the airport. Information has been updated several times since August 2006.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Site: http://www.tsa.gov/

Can I Take it? This is a list of what is permitted and what is prohibited.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

"At the Airport" tips: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/arrival.shtm

TRAVEL TIP 2 — Travel Health Insurance
by JSG Managing Editor Carol Sorgen
You probably have health insurance, but what happens if you get sick or become injured while traveling, especially out of the country? Your policy may reimburse you for expenses, but there's a good chance that you'll have to pay out of pocket just to get the care you need. That can mean thousands and thousands of dollars that you may not have, or have access to, if you're ill and far from home. Consider purchasing a separate travel health insurance policy. This is not the same as trip insurance. These reasonably priced policies — mine, from American Express, costs less than $150 a year — ensure, among other things, that you don't have to pay out of pocket expenses, that you can get an English-speaking doctor if required, that you will be provided transportation home if need be, or that if you're in the hospital for longer than a certain period of time, a family member can be flown over to be with you. Thank goodness I have never had to use my policy, but I consider it as important as my other insurance policies.

Remember to check archived stories for more information. You can reach us at denise@justsaygo.com.

BOOK REVIEW by JSG LenScape Editor Keith Kellett
It’s In The Bag: The Complete Guide to Lightweight Travel
by Barbara DesChamps
Château Publishing, $11.95

Unfortunately, recent events have rendered some of the advice in this book redundant. It’s no longer possible to pack everything you need for a trip into your carry-on baggage, and skip happily past the people who think pushing a trolley right next to the carousel will get their luggage off any faster.

It’s a pity, because, before the current restrictions, some of the budget airlines here in the United Kingdom actually increased the carry on allowance, to discourage passengers from checking baggage.

But, maybe the restrictions will soon be lifted, when the advice will once more be valid. Anyway, there are other ways of traveling … bus, train, ferry or car … where lightness is the watchword.

Having been in the military, and done several multi-day hiking trips, I know the old saw It’s marvellous what you can do without when you have to carry it all the way. But, there’s still something new to be learnt here. For instance, when traveling with my wife, why carry two tubes of toothpaste just because I like blue stripes and she likes green?

There’s more to this book than simply packing bags. How to travel lightweight and not look like a tramp (sorry, women… hobo!); how not to look like a tourist; and thief-proof precautions are all addressed in the book. The suggestions may sound a little paranoid, but they’re necessary in some places.

Of course, there will be times when you have to check baggage and, although she doesn’t say so in so many words, DesChamps echoes my sentiments on this: Never check anything it would break your heart to lose.

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