Gives the current time in twelve international cities at the touch of a button (or rather, buttons). There’s a travel alarm and a calculator, too. My favorite feature, though, is that you can program in the current exchange rate for up to two countries—good for big-purchase bargaining or when your brain is so overloaded that math is not an option. Even though the temperature feature on mine petered out over a couple of years, I’d still recommend it. Nice price.

Instant party. Just add one roadside convenience store.

Have one custom-made for a honeymoon, dream or pet destination, and bingo! A perfect string of Sunday afternoons for your favorite map nerd.

Twofers lighten the load when you travel. Closed, this is a pillow for sleepyheads. Open, it’s a plaything for busybodies.

Every vehicle should be equipped for impromptu picnics. Stylishly equipped? Even better.

Money’s tight all around, and camping is the ultimate cheap-o vacation. This here’s a nice tent for first-timers, especially. It’s solid, well priced and comes with the ability to charge your cell phone, iPod or hook up lighting. It sets up quickly and easily from the get-go, even though it’s wired with three 12V DC outlets. Power Pack sold separately for 50 bucks, as are the sweet accessories. I like the fan/light. Nice to have a little air circulation for sleeping.

Avert meltdowns directly related to your little traveler’s tired legs—without compromising crucial bag space, no less.

In my world, a portable, streamlined way to facilitate caffeine is not extravagant. It’s essential.

I appreciate Solio because it’s green, yes, but also because it helps the independent traveler step away from the grid. Fans from a compact pod into this flower-like arrangement, featuring three solar cells. Requires roughly ten hours of direct sunlight to accumulate a full charge, which will juice your typical mobile phone at least once or power your iPod about 15 hours.

Not sure why I get so excited about interesting-looking travel cases for contact lenses, as I don’t wear them. Empathy? Love how these give the ubiquitous white cases a sleek overhaul, using color to separate left and right.