1. Built NY Laptop Portfolio Case ($70—$80)
Carrying a laptop around can be a hassle. But our online editor, Gayle K. Christopher, totes her Dell in sleek, coastal style. “The Built NY Laptop Portfolio Case is made of cushy, neoprene scuba-suit material,” Gayle says. “It protects my laptop beautifully and gives me the feeling of being near the ocean—no matter where I am.” Call 212/227-2044 or visit builtny.com.
2. Travel Toothbrush ($20)
Gayle, an outdoor enthusiast, looks for products that make the transition from trail to travel. Her must-have accessory for backpack or carry-on is the space-age Travel Toothbrush. “I can fill the handle with my favorite toothpaste rather than settling for the stuff I can find in an airline-approved quantity,” Gayle says. “This may be overkill for a toothbrush, but I love the 007 gadget-like quality.” Call 800/458-4438 or visit sahalie.com.
3. MOTORAZR2 V9m for Verizon ($250)
When it comes to cell phones, our world-traveling executive editor, James Schwartz, needs international service. "I'm a total convert," says James about his Motorola RAZR2 V9m. "Having a quad-band phone that works worldwide makes every part of travel easier. I can call ahead when I'm running late for dinner, phone my airline to change flight reservations—even check with the pet sitter to make sure my dog is faring well in my absence. A luxury? No way. My cell phone is a travel essential." Call 866/289-6686 or visit www.store.motorola.com.
4. QuietComfort 3 Acoustic Noise Canceling headphones ($349)
Maybe it was the cross-country flight when James was seated in row 27, directly in front of the 2-year-old twins in row 28. Or, it could have been the time he was surrounded by the high school hockey team while his plane was stranded for six hours on the runway. “One of those aural adventures convinced me to spring for noise-canceling headphones—and they’re worth every penny,” James says. “Colicky infants? I don’t hear them. Boisterous athletes? Haven’t noticed. These days I sit down, buckle up, and drift away into silent bliss.” Call 800/999-2673 or visit bose.com.
Also worth trying, audio-technica’s ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones. Call 330/686-2600 for dealer information or visit audio-technica.com.
5. The Extra-Roomy Opening DreamSack ($75)
Managing editor Vicki Weathers requires a DreamSack to get her beauty sleep on the road. “I just like to have something between me and the last person who was on those hotel sheets,” Vicki says. Sleeping in a sea of 100-percent silk is great, but not worrying about turndown service is priceless. Call 800/670-7661 or visit dreamsack.com.
