Healthy Gifts for Road Warriors

♥ Emergency Medical Evacuation Service: Peace of mind for less than a $1 a day. MedJet Assistance (Check out the new Plus Program features: secure online storage and maintenance of personal medical information; real-time trip intelligence; free international cell phone use for first week of travel; and a cash advance, up to $50,000, for medical emergencies.)

♥ Bose QuietComfort2 Noise-Canceling  Headphones: It's time to ditch those cheap earplugs. Whether you're sound-sensitive or just want to shut out distractions so you can sleep or work, put these on and you're in your own world. (Want to learn more about noise-reduction headphones? Read David Rowell's, The Travel Insider, detailed series of articles, including his review of the Bose QuietComfort and QuietComfort2 headphones.) $299 with free Bose CD Player when ordered by January 31, 2005; 800-491-2673

♥ Cashmere Travel Set: RedEnvelope.com specializes in luxe items like this three-piece set: silk-lined eye mask, suede-soled slippers, and a 100% cashmere throw. $245, $250 with monogram, #$156859

♥ Men's Leather Slippers: Is there anything as luxurious as a pair of soft, leather slip-ons for the plane or hotel room? Pair FrontGate's $129 Italian-made slippers with cashmere socks for the ultimate in comfort.

♥ Women's Cashmere Loungewear: Sure, you could loll around your hotel room in jeans and a t-shirt or an old pair of sweats or pjs. But throwing on a matching cashmere tunic and drawstring pants can turn even a stay in a modest hotel into a more luxe experience (especially on cold winter nights), $349. Want to go whole hog? Consider the coordinating cashmere robe; $389. FrontGate.com; 800-626-6488

♥ Have the Spa Come to You: No time to visit a spa? MobileSpa.com offers a variety of spa services that they'll deliver to your hotel room.

♥ Holistic Holiday at Sea Cruise: Voyage to Well-Being II, February 27 to March 6, 2005. Want to embrace healthier living? Consider this health-and-wellness oriented getaway vacation cruise that includes an at-sea seminar.

♥ iPod, MP3 Player, Portable DVD Player: Life on the road is not all about work. Sometimes, you need a mind-altering diversion. Transcon and international flyers won't have to rely on the sometimes scanty offerings of air carriers when they tote their own entertainment "centers." Worried about weight? Many portable DVD players are much lighter than many hardcover bestsellers (even when you throw in a couple of your fave DVDs). The best MP3 players are sleek and lightweight given the huge inventory of music they store for instant access. Admit it: You don't even have to be a kid or a music lover to covet an iPod!

♥ Electronic Crossword Puzzles: In search of a mentally challenging diversion? You won't need a newspaper, pen, or pencil to access New York Times crossword puzzles with a deluxe electronic handheld model ($99, C422386; Brookstone, 800-351-7222)

♥ Gamble on the Go: Prefer electronic games of chance? Brookstone has an assortment of handhelds for blackjack and poker (draw poker and Texas Hold 'Em) as well as touchscreen chess and bridge. $25 and up; 800-351-7222

♥ Golf on the Fly: Desperate for a "game"? Want to mentally practice? Consider Brookstone's Double Screen Talking Golf electronic game. ($30, C411553). Includes "authentic bird and country club noises," a feature that your seatmates may not find quite so amusing.

TOP

FIT & FUN

♥ Jump Into Fitness Set: Can't get into traditional aerobic exercises? Jump rope instead. This Barnes & Noble exclusive features an instructional DVD, work-out book, and deluxe jump rope. $14.95; bn.com

♥ Thera-Band Stability Trainer and Flex Bars: At a bit over a foot long and an inch high, you may not always have room for the Stability Trainer (oval-shaped, ridged foam pads in firm, soft, and extra-soft; $34 SRP). But if you're determined to stay fit, improve your sports performance (think golf, tennis, or soccer), or need to work on posture and balance, this versatile piece of equipment is worth toting along. (Note to hotel managers: Could you add these to the list of fitness amenities we'd like to see offered in every hotel?) The illustrated instruction manual, with exercises broken out by sport and part of the body being worked, makes it easy to quick-start your workout. The trainers can be used alone or in combination with a resistance band.

The ridged, rubber Flex Bars, which vary in weight and diameter by resistance level (from 10 to 25 lbs.) are terrific for relieving the aches and strains of regular computer use and carrying luggage, packages, and other items. Your wrists, forearms, and hands (not to mention pectoral muscles!) are strengthened and relaxed via various exercises that are detailed in the accompanying instruction manual. FYI: You can also use the Flex Bars to de-stress and un-kink your fingers, neck, and feet!

Both items are available at FW Online or contact Thera-Band for availability: 800-321-2135 (U.S.A. only); 330-633-8460 (outside the U.S.A.); e-mail: information@thera-band.com
 

♥ Mat-A-Line Posture System Work-Out Mat: Need help staying properly aligned when doing pilates, yoga, or strength training? This mat has a stamped grid that lets you move your body correctly and prevent injuries. $25.45; 888-556-7464

♥ Portable Gym in a Bag: Serious about working out on the road? A mesh tote bag includes just about everything you need to firm, stretch, and tone on the go: 2 Resistance Tubes (1Medium, 1 Heavy); 2 Handles; Ankle Strap; Door Attachment;
Jump Rope; Hand Grip; Exercise Chart. $24.99

♥ Remote-Control Fitness: Hotel Room, On-Demand Fitness Videos Need some inspiration, motivation, and guidance to get yourself moving? No available gym or fitness equipment? Turn on the TV and scan the preview channels to sample the new custom workouts available from the Zone Workout Series (available in hotels and cruise ships served by On Command; Hospitality Network; KoolConnect Technologies; LodgeNet (FitnessSuite); NXTV; and Insystcom) and  from Fitness Suite (a variety of themed workouts led by featured instructors available in hotels that offer LodgeNet programming; check for listings in the 'TV Unlimited' onscreen menu.).

For less than the price of a fancy drink or specialty coffee, travelers can spend 20 to 45 minutes getting fit in the privacy of their hotel room, with no special equipment or clothing required.

FYI: Neither the hotels nor the programming providers make it possible for you to prepay or purchase a gift certificate for the videos (or other TV programming options), so you'll have to give your giftee an IOU to reimburse them for their OOP expenses.

♥ Women's Night Runner Vest: Athleta's mesh vest is a lightweight and easily packed outer garment that can keep you safe when you head out to walk, jog, or run on winter nights or dreary, dark mornings. Slip the vest on over a jacket, sweater, or shirt/top to ensure that drivers, bikers, and others sharing the road can see you. Features two horizontal reflective stripes (front and back) for 360 degree reflectivity; a quick-release buckle system for easy adjustability; and a sewn-in medical ID tag. $19; 888-322-5515

TOP

DRIVING COMFORT & SAFETY

♥ Headrest-Mounted Cell Phone Speaker/Microphone: Hate wearing a headset? Attach this unit to your headrest and you can talk without risking your (or anyone else's) safety. Noise-suppression feature reduces background sound. $99, C339077; Brookstone, 800-351-7222

♥ Therapeutic Gel Seat Cushion: Long trips need not leave you stiff, achy, or in pain. Washable cushion, cover. (Could also be used on some airline seats.) $59.95, C345785; Brookstone, 800-351-7222, catalog/Web only.

♥ Obus Forme Therapeutic Seat and Back Support: If you're spending hours behind the wheel or already have back problems, consider these padded seat ($59.95, C412932) and back support ($79.95, C412940) units. Seat includes adjustable lumber support. Brookstone, 800-351-7222

♥ Flashing, Collapsible, Roadside Emergency Cone: With a built-in flasher (uses three AAA batteries, included), this orange-colored nylon/polyester cone is a must-have for those who frequently drive between dusk and early daylight. The 16" high unit collapses to 2" thick for easy storage. $24.85, AA523; Magellan's, 800-962-4943

♥ Ice Scraper and Lock De-Icer: RedEnvelope.com's sleek offerings will make cold-weather driving a lot less daunting particularly in the early hours of the morning. The key-chain size, battery-operated de-icer ($10) and car-lighter operated scraper ($18) will get you off to a fast start when the temperature plummets.

TOP

PAMPER YOURSELF

Little Luxuries & Treats

Chocolate Delights: Research has shown that eating ultra-dark chocolate (in moderation) is good for your heart. That's not a license for nonstop noshing but you can now include some of the quality, super-dark delights with your daily handful of nuts for a healthy treat. If you really want to reap the benefits, however, think upscale and dark, dark, dark.

♥ Teuscher Dark Champagne Truffles: This indescribably delicious variant on the famed specialty truffles is all dark chocolate dusted with cocoa powder. (FYI: You're assured of freshness since they're flown in daily from Europe.) 8 ounces (about 16 pieces), $32; 800-554-0924

♥ Looking for something intriguing—but less pricey? Edible essential oils are found in world-renowned chocolatier Jacques Torres' "Sensory Therapy" Chocolate Bars. The super-dark, Origins-produced, aromatherapy-inspired bars ($5 each) were created to help you sleep (mandarin/lemon/chamomile); de-stress (sweet orange/grapefruit/juniper); get energized (ginger/black pepper/bay/spruce); aid digestion (peppermint/Basil/Cardamom); boost your well-being (lemon/clove/thyme);
and "brighten your spirits" (laurel bay/ palmarosa/cinnamon bark). Origins retail stores.

♥ Love chocolate but prefer not to eat it? Origins' new Cocoa Therapy skin treatment products deliver the intoxicating smell of aromatic Theobroma Cocoa (and an equally fragrant hint of vanilla, ginger and orange) without the calories. Want some real comfort on the road? You could opt for one of the more "conventional" products (body butter, body-buffer scrub, body soap bar, or Instant Chocolate Fix Pulse-Point Roll-On Therapy). But if you want to soothe away muscle aches and tension, drape yourself in the heated body wrap (You can also use it chilled.) $35 (I dare you to read the Origins' Web site copy and not want to rush out to rent the Chocolat DVD or hurl your nose into a real, European-style chocolaterie!)

♥ L'Occitane offfers a variety of downsized, travel-inspired gift sets including the Tired Traveler Kit (shower gel, cream gel for tired legs, and effervescent sugar cube in a cotton drawstring bag). $10, #990565; 800-357-8028
 

♥ Portable Milk Frother: Don't have access to (or time for a trip to) a retail specialty coffee emporium? Not to worry. With one of these battery-operated units and some microwave-heated milk you can turn hotel-room coffee into a more palate-pleasing latte or cappuccino. A friend gave me one of these several years ago and it's one of those little items that delivers so much pleasure you can't imagine how you lived without one. $25; Brookstone, 800-351-7222

♥ Leather Accordion-Style Compact Picture Album: Shift your loved one's pix (1 1/2 by 2 inches) from your wallet to this elegant holder. You'll be able to display six in your hotel room, or whip them out for a stylish show-and-tell with fellow travelers. $28, 156877; RedEnvelope.com

♥ Olbas Inhaler: A lifesaver when you wake up in the middle of night (or anytime) with a stuffed-up nose that makes it hard to breathe. Works faster than a decongestant tablet and its natural ingredients (Menthol, Oils of Peppermint, Cajeput, and Eucalyptol) make it a lot safer for regular use than those sometimes habit-forming, chemical-filled nasal sprays. (Note: Inhaler is effective for three months after first usage.)

♥ Mini Hot Water Bottles: These brightly patterned minis (5" by 3/4" by 8") are perfect for travelers who want some spot heating sans electricity. $4.99; The Container Store

♥ Jog-a-Lite Cut 'n Peel Stick-On Reflective Tape Turn any piece of clothing into an instantly visible garment when you walk, jog, or run. $5.00, 543007; 800-426-4840

♥ Disposable Soap Sheets: You'll never have to worry about clean hands with these scented, paper-thin disposable "sheets." 50 per dental-floss-like carrying case; ocean, green tea, lavender, or rose scents; $5.99; The Container Store

BOOKS

♥ City Dharma: Keeping Your Cool in the Chaos by Arthur Jeon

You don't have to know what "dharma" means to appreciate the insights and wisdom offered in this funny, informative, and mind-and-attitude-changing tome on how to deal with the challenges that are part of daily modern urban and suburban life. Jeon peppers his real-life tales with practical ways to tackle the stress and strain that are byproducts of our noisy, chaotic, aggressive, 24/7, technology-driven, over-scheduled, over-stimulated, info-overloaded lives with their daily intrigues and dramas. (And that's before you factor in TSA patdowns, cancelled flights, and the other rigors of regular air and car travel!)

You'll smile and laugh as you recognize the all-too-human behavior of yourself and your fellow citizen-travelers in chapters titled Road Rage (Dealing With Mad Max Within and Without); "Hell Is Other People" (Was Jean-Paul Sartre Right?); Moving En Masse (Public Transportation); Turn It Down (Noise Versus Sound); and "Me. Me. Me. What about Me?" (Urban Rudeness and Narcissism).

Even if you don't fully understand the philosophy and concepts behind some of the observations and suggestions, you'll still be prompted to rethink how you view what happens to you and, more importantly, how you respond. And that's the beginning of real change.

If you really want to put an end to your on-the-road anger, rage, and inappropriate behavior (or learn how to deal with others who exhibit annoying behavior), this is an essential and terrific resource.

Read an excerpt. (FYI: An author interview will be featured in an upcoming Wellness Concierge® column.)

♥ The Athletic-Minded Traveler:

Where to Work Out and Stay When Fitness Is a Priority

No time to chase down the top local fitness venues on the road? Not to worry. Author-athletes Jim Kaese and Paul Huddle have done the tough work, checking out over 2,000 possible contenders including hotel fitness centers, health clubs, YMCAs, lap pools, and running routes, and personally touring 1,100 that made the first-cut. They've narrowed the list to a series of 500 recommended venues in 78 of the top U.S. travel destinations. The 448- page book is the ultimate resource for active business and leisure travelers who can select from Gold, Silver, and Bronze hotel recommendations in three price categories. The authors' comments on the local fitness scene are particularly helpful for first-time visitors. $18.95 plus S/H from SoCalPress; 877-27-BOOKS (FYI: Author interview will be featured in an upcoming Wellness Concierge® column.)

A Wellness Concierge Favorite: Love the title. Love the book. Love that there's now a terrific (and current) resource for travelers who place a real premium on access to fitness facilities. Kudos to the team who undertook the strenuous research.

♥ In Praise of Slowness:

How A Worldwide Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honoré

A perfect read anytime, but particularly as the madness we call "The Holidays" approaches in full force. In a November 29, 2004, Newsweek profile of the author by Joseph Contreras, the writer shares how Canadian journalist Honoré had an epiphany (prompted by his first response to the "idea of a more efficient bedtime experience for his 2-year-old son" ) in Rome's Fiumicino airport (!) that led to his writing the best-seller (in four countries but not, as yet, in the speed-driven USA).

The apt, says-it-all title, alas, may turn off the very folks (and road warriors definitely are a target audience) who most need to sit down and spend a few hours heeding Honoré's admonition to embrace a less-frenetic life.

Reviews & Excerpts: Spirituality & Health magazine review and excerpt; Yes magazine review; Challenging the Cult of Speed (The Economist); The Importance of Being at Rest (SocialEdge.com)