♥ 'Body-Friendly' Luggage: As anyone who has hauled heavy or bulky luggage across several concourses can attest, you can easily hurt your shoulder, arm, and back even with rolling-style luggage. Problems result from the way we hold and grip the handle, which can cause stress and strain as well as neck, shoulder, and posture problems. To the rescue comes TravelPro. Its Platinum 3 line offers a unique ProGrip™ feature (left) that's been endorsed by the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA), the largest state association in the world.

After testing the ProGrip™, the FCA noted that it "...reduces excessive stress on the spine, neck, shoulders, and wrist." My own less-than-scientific testing of a 22-inch Rollaboard® Suiter also demonstrated that a heavy load doesn't have to leave you with aching hands and arms. (My test included several test runs on the streets of Manhattan, which are infinitely more challenging than what you're likely to encounter as you traverse a parking lot or airport.) TravelPro's online demo shows you exactly how to hold and adjust the ProGrip™ handle to ensure that your wrist is properly positioned for maximum ease and comfort.◄

♥ Wireless Cell-Phone Headset: Avoid neck and shoulder problems, protect yourself from possible exposure to radiation, and keep your hands free to drive, eat, or gesture without endangering yourself—or anyone else. A wireless headset lets you talk even if your cell phone is stashed in a handbag or briefcase as far as 30 feet away. Motorola's HS-810 Bluetooth wireless headset ($120) is compatible with other non-Motorola Bluetooth enabled devices including cellular phones and PDAs. Men’s Health magazine raves about “The Boom” headset, a unit whose noise-canceling capabilities have been vetted on what may be one of the noisiest places on the planet—Wall Street’s trading floors. Resources: Headsets.com, 800-450-7686◄

♥ Comfortable Walking Shoes: Daily walks are more enjoyable (and more likely to become a regular activity) when your feet are comfortable. About.com guide Wendy Baumgardener offers shoe selection and fit tips, reviews, and info on everything you need to know before you buy. Resources/Info: Adventure Sports Online; the Walker's Warehouse◄

TOP
 

HEALTHY 'INVESTMENTS'

♥ A Session With a Nutritionist: Yes, there are some terrific books on healthy eating, but a trained nutritionist can review your health history and special needs and formulate a personal dietary plan. Many will go to your home and review your food inventory and make suggestions. TIP: Make sure you find someone who is well-versed in contemporary diets and who does not advocate (or sell) any specific eating plan. A good nutritionist may be even harder to find than a personal trainer. (Check with a naturopath or the local health food store for leads; most physicians don't have referrals but you can ask.) But a consultation can really jump-start your efforts to maintain your health, improve your energy and fitness levels, and protect you from future health problems. Find a registered dietitian at the ADA (American Dietetic Association) site.◄

♥ A Healthcare Financial Services Advisor/Advocate (See Stress Relief and Relaxation, below)

♥ Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance: No matter where you travel, it may be the single best investment you make in your on-the-road healthcare. Resources: MedJet Assistance (Check out the 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 up to $50,000 cash advance for medical emergencies.); SOS International◄

♥ Membership in JoeSentMe.com, the uber-Web site for business travelers. A lot of unnecessary travel stress and strife comes from being unaware or unprepared for the daily chaos of a road warrior's life. Editor, publisher, and consumer travel advocate, Joe Brancatelli expertly guides you through the landmine of contemporary air and road travel. His weekly news, columns, deals, and features keep you abreast of everything you need to preserve your rights and your sanity and enjoy a better quality of life on the road. Joe's got the backstory and insider tips you won't find anywhere else. More than that, he's not afraid to speak out against travel vendors who fail to meet their responsibilities.  Membership also includes special deals and perks.◄

♥ Spas with Medical and Wellness Evaluation Programs: There's more to spas than relaxation and mindless pampering. Many now offer medical/wellness programs that combine both traditional and alternative medicine and that emphasize preventive action. These programs are supervised or administered by medical professionals who provide health evaluations and checkups, diagnostic testing, preventive care, cosmetic procedures, or a combination of these services.◄

♥ Personal Relationships: The Wellness Concierge^® loves "stuff," but I believe that the heart of health rests in our attitude and beliefs, and, most importantly in our relationships. Spending time with those we love and care for has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and generally increase our sense of well-being and satisfaction. And the presence and ongoing support of friends and other loved ones has been known to improve the outcome of  medical treatment for the chronic and seriously ill. When we talk about presents, we're really talking about "being present" for ourselves and others. That's the "presence" that matters. All else pales in comparison.◄

♥ Personal "Time Card" I.O.U.s: Let's be honest. We should not have to formalize our commitment to spending time with each other, even if we are not home as much as our friends and family would like. But we're human and sometimes it doesn't hurt to have a tangible sign of our promises that helps demonstrate our good faith. DSIX Design (412-281-4356) has come up with a very clever, contemporary take on the classic I.O.U. note. The four slim card designs "promise" 1 weekend, 1 evening, 1 day, or 1 hour of our time for the giftee. If you're smart, you'll let your loved ones plan every minute of how you'll spend the time with them.◄

♥ A Family Health Library: Give one (or more) book(s) to start an ongoing reference library. Here's my starter-kit for an at-home general health/wellness library—books you should have on hand before you really need them:

♥ An Inflatable Punching Bag: Forget deep breathing, tai chi, and massages. Sometimes, the only thing that will do is a good punch. Instead of striking out at someone else, why not vent your frustration and anger at a "safer" target such as the "Power Tower" Inflatable Punching Bag (left)? (It also works if you prefer to kick box.) The five-foot-two-inch unit folds flat and includes a refillable, water-weighted base and foot pump for quick inflation.◄

♥ A Healthcare Financial Services Advisor/Advocate: You and your family could have terrific health insurance and still find yourself struggling to navigate your policy to get the coverage and care you expect and need. Enter a new breed of financial advisors, led by professionals such as Lan Lievense, the founder of Healthcare Financial Services. A seasoned financial exec in the healthcare industry, Lan knows the ins and outs of today's complex healthcare system. More importantly, he can save you time, money, and your sanity. His services are especially helpful for today's blended and extended families where you may be juggling multiple insurers and/or complicated coverage. My advice: Don't wait to consult Lan until you're desperate. Make him part of your regular financial advisory team. 805-389-1750◄

♥ Sensi Reflexology Sandals: When you need a foot massage but can't get one, slip on these. The soles have embedded "massage bubbles" that gently stimulate pressure points on your soles. Women's whole shoe sizes. $24.95; 800-889-9950◄

♥ 'Luggage-Free' Flying: Want to really pamper a favored traveler and provide some serious stress relief? Give them the gift of luggage-free air travel. Services such as luggagefree.com and SportsExpress.com will pick up luggage before departure and deliver it straight to a hotel or other destination. Imagine: No waiting to check in luggage or retrieve it at the baggage claim.◄

♥  Airplane Yoga: Your Emergency Safety Manual for Relieving In-Flight Stress

 Illustrated movements demonstrate how to de-stress in flight.◄

♥  Shiatsu Fitness Ball: This exercise ball with massaging nodules does double duty as a relaxing body massager.◄

♥ Aveda's Atmosphere Aroma Candle (Spicy Pine Pure-Fume™ aroma); Bring the outdoors to you when you're locked in a stuffy hotel room.($20)◄

♥ Hinoki Shower Gel Can't get to the magical Ten Thousand Waves Spa at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Santa Fe, New Mexico? Slather on this fresh and woodsy pinon and juniper-inspired scented gel and you'll feel like you've been transported to one of their outdoor hot tubs. $12.50; 877-989-4104◄

♥  E-Z-FLIGHT In-Flight Relaxation & Stress-Reduction CD:

TOP
 

FITNESS/EXERCISE

♥ Reflective Outdoor Clothing and Illumination Strips. It's amazing how many folks walk, jog, or bicycle on dimly lit or dark roads without the protection of reflective clothing or clothing with reflective strips that can be seen by motorists, bikers, and others who might accidentally hit someone they can't see. Resources: Glow Dog; illumiNite (800-497-6171)◄

♥ Pedometer: It feels like you're walking miles and miles each day. But you may not be hitting the recommended minimum 10,000 steps a day that can help keep you fit and healthy. Chose a "plain-vanilla" or feature-rich model, clip on, and go! Howard Luggage offers a Bally Total Fitness model with a "talking" calorie counter. Got a golfer on your list? Check out the Par Master Golf Pedometer that pairs an electronic scorecard and step counter.◄

♥ Jump Rope: Go traditional or opt for a souped-up digital version, either way, you'll burn fat and help build bones. Tanita’s HealthyJump, a battery-operated, adjustable 10-foot "smart" jump rope counts calories as well as the number of jumps up to 9,999!. QuickMedical, 888 345-4858, 425 831-5963.  Aside from the fun factor, jumping rope is a great cardio workout you can do anywhere.◄

♥ The Original Body Stick: Aching after a workout? (Blame the lactic acid in your muscles.) Reach for the Stick and roll it over your aching calves, glutes, quads, and hamstrings for almost-instant relief from lactic-acid buildup. Warning: Although the rolling-pin like stick is packable, it may look like a weapon to anyone not familiar with its usage. Take a brochure with you.◄

♥ Gaiam's TriCord Total Body Workout Kit: Includes two padded TriCord handles, three interchangeable TriCord bands of varying resistance, and a 40-minute Total Body Workout  video. Empty the box and begin a non-impact, aerobic workout that tones and strengthens muscles without stressing joints. $39.95; 800-889-9950◄
 

Workout/Fitness Videos/DVDs

♥ Crunch Cardio Salsa (VHS/DVD): If you love aerobic dancing and a Latin beat, this 40-minute workout is for you. The instructor demonstrates individual salsa, meringue, samba, and cha-cha steps and advances to fast-moving combinations.◄

♥ Scott Cole's Discover Tai Chi AM & PM Workout DVD: The slow, methodical movements of Tai Chi can help you calm down and de-stress even as you tone your body and mind. The AM program revs you up while the evening segment helps you wind down from your day.◄

TOP

 

COMFORT ON THE GO

♥ Casual Shoes: If you’re a casual dresser on the road, consider the selection of slip-on walking shoes and clogs for men and women from Everest News.◄

♥ Dream Sack's Pocket and Travel-Size Pillowcases: These all-silk pillowcases are a sanitary, soothing, and elegant alternative to in-flight and hotel-room offerings. The Airplane Comfort Set includes a pillowcase, eyeshades, and a blanket.◄

♥ Flight 001's Aeropak: The travel retailer has thoughtfully packaged a bunch of comfort aids (travel slippers, earplugs, inflatable neck rest, eye mask, and mints) in a reusable, water- bag. 877-354-4481;$22◄

♥ PaperBack LightWedge: This paperback-size lighted acrylic panel (It slides onto the side of a page.) lets you read without an overhead light. Local retailers; $24.99◄

♥ Cashmere Socks When your feet are cold, you can lose sleep. Warm them up with a pair of soft-as-butter luxe foot warmers. (You deserve better than the ratty gym socks most of us throw on at night.)◄

♥ Women's Sherpa Slippers (With Aromatherapy Spray) and Mens/Women's Aussie Slip-on Sheepskin Slippers (With Removable Insoles). Yes, you could pad around your hotel room or the plane in your shoes or socks. (But think about what's been on the floors in both places.) Or you could opt for more comfortable footwear. Women's Sherpa slippers available from Subtle Tones, 310-576-0504◄

♥ A lightweight cotton, linen, or silk kimono-style robe. Those plush terrycloth robes that upscale hotels offer are great. But, honestly, how many of us are regularly enjoying such perks?◄

♥  A silk, cashmere, or wool jersey shawl/wrap. No matter where she travels, a woman is likely to encounter unwelcome drafts, chilly rooms and cabins, and colder-than-expected weather. Splurge for the best you can afford in a classic color or pattern and your road warrior will think fondly of you each time she whips it out.◄

It is amazing how small things can increase your level of comfort—or discomfort. Here are some small, easy-to-pack take-along items that can quickly improve you days and nights.

♥ ThermaCare Heat Wraps: Just about any road warrior could use these, but if yours is an athlete or an aging (sigh) boomer, they're a must-pack item. These disposable, air-activated heat wraps (available in different configurations and sizes) provide eight hours of warm relief for tense, achy, or sore bodies (think aching neck, lower back, for example). Available in the pain medication sections in grocery, supermarket, and drug stores.◄

♥ Handwarmers: Keeping your hands warm can help you better weather exposure to the cold and prevent serious health problems such as compromised circulation. Crazy Creek's Crazy ThermaBand® (worn under gloves) wraps around your wrist and offers warmth via a disposable Crazy HotPad enclosed in a fleece pocket. The replaceable HotPad is air-activated and maintains an average temperature of 135°F for up to 8 hours. ($6.99) ◄

♥ Earbags: If you hate earmuffs and hats almost as much as you hate cold ears, check out these bandless, Swedish design ear warmers (They snap on over the tops of your ears.). Three sizes; assorted colors and designs in fleece and sleek black suede. $12.50 to $16; 888-327-2241◄

♥ Wahl's Infrared Heat Massager (WAH 4133): Massage and heat can help calm the body, while relieving pain and stress from tight, tense body parts. This lightweight, compact handheld unit pairs infrared heat with vibrating massage for quick relief and de-tensing.($24.95)◄

♥ Batherapy Mineral Bath  You're achy; you're sore; you think you're getting the flu. Turn on the hot water, add, and soak in the tub. (There's also foot therapy mineral salts and balm when your feet need the most pampering.) Available in small packets at drug, health food stores.◄

♥ Origins offers two ways to thaw out, ease muscle tension, and warm up from the cold:

• Ginger Hand Cozys: Microwaveable, scented hand-warmers ($18.00)

• Ginger Hug Body Wrap Toss it over your shoulders or other sore body parts after heating in the microwave (or chilling in a freezer or refrigerator). ($35)◄

♥ No Puffery™Cooling Eye Mask: Banish puffy, baggy, tired "morning eyes" with a cooling application of Origins eye remedy. ($20.00)◄

TOP
 

SOUND SLEEP, NAPS

Sleep is vital for our health and well-being. But getting a night's worth of solid sleep is perhaps the greatest challenge to a life on the road. Barring a serious health problem such as sleep apnea, which requires proper diagnosis and treatment, it's possible to find many products that can promote sleep via improved comfort, pain relief, or aromatherapy features. Their efficacy is highly personal, but even the most useful are no substitute for following the sleep basics.

♥ Origins' Angel Hug Neck Pillow: For many folks, getting a good night's rest (or even a nap) is linked to how comfortably they can position their neck. This microwavable, scent-infused (aromatic and relaxing peppermint, rosemary, and chamomile) curved pillow provides support and relief for stiff, tight necks $33.50◄

♥ Badger's Sleep Balm: Smooth on your temples, under your nostrils. Breathe in and snooze. $7.50; health food stores◄

♥ Somnea Sleep Aids: Fruits & Passions' sleep line includes candles, pressure point balm, bedding and pillow mists, and bedding powder. 800-276-9952◄

♥ Quiet Nite Natural Sleep Products: Travelers and non-travelers alike tout the benefits of Quiet Nite's all-natural sleep products—a welcome respite from addictive prescription sleep aids.

Quiet Nite's CEO and creative director, Alana Dyanne, developed the proprietary Quiet Nite Crème formulation of botanical extracts, organic essential oils, and homeopathics that are blended into an all-natural seaweed gel base for quick absorption via a roll-on applicator.

Its unique method of topical application combines ancient principles of homeopathy, herbal therapy, holistic aromatherapy, and Chinese acupressure techniques. This induces deep relaxation and promotes restful sleep. ◄

♥  Jetlog 24X7 Power Napping Module: Do you love napping but have great difficulty timing and waking up from them? check out this Handspring PDA module. The online demo explains the technology that monitors and prompts you to wake up from a too lengthy nap. (At $100, it isn't inexpensive but if you can't manage to wake up, unprompted, any other way, it's a unique solution.)◄

TOP
 

DVT-PREVENTION:

♥ The LymGym Leg Exerciser:  An inflatable, in-flight leg exerciser. Approved by the Aviation Health Institute as an effective way to reduce the risk of DVT (deep-vein thrombosis). Can help reduce leg swelling and discomfort from prolonged sitting while flying or driving.◄

♥ Top-of-the-Line, Specially Designed Compression Socks: They aren't as sexy or stylish as cashmere socks, but then cashmere can't save your life. With a compression rate in excess of 20mmHG at the ankle and reducing to the knee, they can prevent tired, swollen legs as well as help thwart blood clots.

Available from UK suppliers (VeinGuard.com, TravelSafeSocks.com) and U.S. catalog suppliers such as Magellan's and Christine Columbus. You can also order from TravelSox, which takes phone, fax, and online orders.◄

♥ Stylish Medical ID Jewelry: Lauren's Hope Medical ID Bracelets and jewelry for men and women are a fun twist on traditional medical IDs. "Safety with Style" is the firm's apt motto. 800-360-8680◄

♥ Auto Safety Duffel Bag Kit: Anyone who regularly  travels by car needs an emergency kit. Pep Boys' "Justin Case" Deluxe Auto Safety Duffel includes jumper cables, flashlight, flares, and more. Security World's version includes apparel items, first-aid kit, and roadside signs.◄ 

There are tons of on- and offline merchants selling a wide range of delectable offerings. (Read Joel Ann Rea's terrific primer on the season's best offerings in her Eat@Joe's column, "Food That Follows You Home.")  But most are high-calorie, high-fat, high-carb, high-salt, and/or high-sugar items. If you're thinking of gifting someone with one or more of these, consider the giftee and the message you are sending.

There's nothing wrong with nibbling and sampling champagne chocolate truffles (Teuscher's are still the best.), cheesecake, barbecued meats, smoked salmon, and caviar, for example. But let's be honest, most of us will just pig out on such treats, downing the whole gift unless we're forced to share. Most road warriors have a tough time staying healthy and fit. You don't need to be the one to put more temptation in front of them.

So instead of the obvious suspects, make quick trip to a health food store (or the health food section of larger supermarkets) and put together your own custom gift pack. Make sure you check labels. (You want low-calorie, low-sodium, low-sugar, and moderate carb-count items. Everything, especially snacks such as crackers and chips, should be trans-fat free. And yes, there are tasty items that meet that meet these requirements.) Some packable items to look for: power bars; dried fruit; low-carb faves such as Mama Wisa's Little Scoops cookies and Atkins Endulge Water Crisp Bar (chocolate); and bottled and packaged beverages

Can’t wean loved ones away from fast-food chains? Help them learn what to eat and what to avoid. Restaurant Confidential provides nutritional breakouts for the menus of the nation's top fast-food purveyors and national restaurant chains.

♥ Yummy Organic Food (and Wine): Lovers of field-fresh organic food (produced by farmers along California's Central Coast) will enjoy one of Diamond Organics sampler gift baskets. The contents can be enjoyed at home or easily toted on an upcoming trip. FYI: Jasch and Kathleen Hamilton, the founders of this terrific, 12-year-old company, guarantee "overnight delivery to every address in America." Info/Orders: 888-674-2642; fax, 888-888-6777◄

♥ Green Tea: In case you've missed the news, green tea is really good for you (much better and safer for you than blood-pressure raising coffee). Among its many reported health benefits: It's full of antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of a heart attack; it can lower your risk of breast cancer; and it may prevent gum disease and cavities.

Sample until you find what you love. You may not be able to loll over a cup on the road, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't stash some some for in-room brewing and savoring. (Take along a hot coil; heating water in a coffeemaker will taint the brew.) Resources: T Salon, Tealuxe, The Republic of Tea.

Need a less pricey, more widely available and palatable introduction to the world of green teas? Try Bigelows Green Tea with Lemon, available in supermarkets and food stores. The foil-packed teabags travel well and the lightly scented brew is neither overbearing nor bland.◄

♥ Organic Herbal Teas: The New Age Health Spa offers five, 4- to 6-ounce canisters of complex blends such as: Jiva (chocolate, vanilla, rooibos, almond pieces, mint, and yogurt); Ananda (Chai tea blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and rooibos); and Sattvic (blood orange, pear, caffeinated green tea, rosehips, and hibiscus). $12.99; 800-682-4348, X112◄

♥ Gourmet Peanut Butter: Now that even nutritionists suggest eating a modest amount of nuts each day, are we surprised that Jif and Skippy have given way to the likes of Praline, Spicy Southwestern, Deep Chocolate, and Thai Ginger and Red Pepper peanut butter? The kicker (beyond the taste): These foodie faves contain as much as 20 percent less fat than commercial brands.◄

♥ Blood Oranges: Want to up your vitamin C? Drink OJ daily. Better yet, opt for a fresh orange with its healthy pulp and lower sugar content. Now, there are oranges and then there are Sicilian blood red oranges from Italy. They're a seasonal treat that you'll pine for when they're unavailable. Volcano Oranges® offer three varieties from January through May. Volcano Oranges. 800-588-0151◄
 

♥ Restaurant Gift Cards: Diners have to choose carefully from their menus and avoid overeating (too much of even healthy food is going to pack on pounds). But a reloadable gift card from popular national chains such as Boston Market and Red Lobster is a nice gift for travelers with tight budgets or limited dining options at a destination. Pair the card with a copy of Restaurant Confidential (The Center for Science in the Public Interest), which details the healthiest menu options at the leading national restaurant chains and includes nutritional breakouts.◄

TOP
 

♥ A subscription to Prevention magazine. This easily carried and read, small-in-size but big-in-content monthly publication is a terrific one-stop source of current and relevant health info. You get a solid mix of feature stories on key issues (heart disease, weigh gain, etc..) as well as medical news, fitness strategies, healthy eating tips and recipes, and the latest vitamin/supplement/herbal remedies and alternative medicine options. The emphasis, no surprise, is on positive action—the steps you can take to safeguard your health now and as you age.

For male travelers who are already fit or really committed to change, consider a sub to Men's Health magazine.◄

♥ Luxurious Versions of Personal Care Items: Lip balm, shaving cream, hand cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes. These are just a few of the items that travelers run through like crazy. For a change, opt for more upscale and luxurious products rather than drugstore mass brands.

You can stock up on global health and wellness remedies and personal care favorites at Bigelow Chemists. The European-style Manhattan-based apothecary scours the globe for its eclectic product assortment that includes homeopathic remedies and essential oils.

Its luxe catalog and Web site make it easy for anyone to sample the likes of Strepsils Lozenges (a European bestseller); Penguin Mints (The caffeinated version offers a quick pick-up when you can't down a cup of java.); Vocal Zone Pastilles (A favorite of singers and speakers who want to keep their nose and throat clear.); Smith's Rosebud skin and lip salve; Marvis' flavorful toothpastes; and the wonderful Badger Balm product line. (414 Sixth Avenue; 800-793-5433) Other Resources: Burt's Bees, Kiehl's, Sephora, L'Occitane◄

♥ Scented Travel Candles: These small votives can freshen a dank hotel room and improve the decor and mood of any location. Resources: L'Occitane, Aveda, The Body Shop◄

♥ Mini Maglite®  2-Cell AAA Flashlight: Put it on the night table and use to light your way to the bathroom at night. Leaving lights on, or turning on overheads can disrupt your sleep. The slender model is about 5 inches and just shy of two ounces with batteries. (There's a smaller, keychain-size Solitaire model that's under four inches and is less than an ounce.)

Resources: Travel and catalog merchants offer a variety of sized-to-carry flashlights: Magellan’s (800-962-4943); Sharper Image (800-344-5555); Zelco (800 431-2486) features portable lighting with unusual shapes and sleek, contemporary design.◄

♥ 'Canned' Survival Kit: This small, sardine-tin packaged kit contains over two-dozen miscellaneous items including duct tape, matches, acetaminophen, fire starter, sugar, compass, antibiotic ointment for a variety of emergencies. The Container Store, Flight001.com◄
 

♥ Umbra's Oval Playing Cards: Liven up any card game with these sleek cards housed in a protective and colorful plastic, egg-shaped container. $4.95, stationery, gift stores; 800-387-5122 ◄

♥ Designer's Guild Colored Leather Luggage Tags: We all need more color in our lives. These $15 tags are a vibrant visual reminder to Lighten Up! ◄

♥ Medications Journal "Passport": This small journal designed like a passport lets you list meds and dosages as well as physicians and medical contact information. $3.99, The Container Store, 800-733-3532

TOP
 

FEEL BETTER: RELIEF & REMEDIES

♥ Naturopatch Eucalyptus-All Natural Patch for Coughs and Colds  These no-mess, no-muss stick-on patches are a simple-yet-effective way to counter the congestion and discomfort of a stuffed-up nose, fuzzy head, and sore throat. An "infusion of camphor, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils intensifies the purifying effects of eucalyptus essential oil" to fight coughs and colds. ($18.95 for 12 patches, Bigelow Chemists)◄

♥ Ionic Breeze Dashboard Ionizer: Long car trips are infinitely more pleasant sans unpleasant odors. But those awful artificially scented car fresheners are often worse than the odors you're trying to mask. Plug this ionizer into your dashboard cigarette lighter and it will freshen the air by reducing pollutants and neutralizing any ambient odors, particularly those resistant, lingering ones. Sharper Image; #SI629BLK; $39.95◄
 

♥ Philosophy's The Alchemist: Contains four essential oils in a small, take-anywhere tin. The properties of the four oils cover most of what the typical road warrior encounters: Peppermint to fight fatigue; eucalyptus for congestion; lavender for stress; and a blend for depression. $28; 800-568-3151◄

♥ Cold Elixir Bath Oil 'Bomb': The pre-packaged (and easily packed) tablet contains an aromatic mix of eucalyptus, peppermint, and menthol, as well as Epsom salts. Add to your bath, and you'll find welcome relief from aches, pains, colds, and the flu. Ooohlala of Beverly Hills; 213-489-0265◄
 

♥ Brave Soldier's Weekend Warrior Set for Men The five-piece set includes: First Aid Healing Ointment; a Brave Soldier Crash Pak with items to treat skin abrasions, cuts, and blisters; a Road Rash Treatment Guide; Solar Shield SPF 28; and Lip Defender. (Sephora, $45)◄

♥ Ah-Mend: The natural, germ-fighting ingredients (honey, chamomile, lavender, yarrow, aloe) in this soothing salve help prevent nasty infections from minor cuts, abrasions, and burns and promote faster healing. High Sierra Healing Products, 530-550-0885◄

TOP
 

PLAYTIME/SELF-DISCOVERY

♥ Portable Music Players: Anything that keeps a body moving gets high marks from the fitness experts. But it's the entertainment value that most appeals to users. Here are two new gadgets to help you pump up the volume on the road:
• The small (four inches), colorful, clip-on Torre & Tagus Autoscan FM radio (310-854-1058)
•  Nike's PSA 128 MAX MP3 player (Item 2 on the Flash gift giving section) with a capacity in excess of 7,500 songs

And if they don't already have an iPod, well, there's nothing quite like it. To complete the splurge, spring for downloadable music from Apple's iTunes Music Store.

♥ The ZVUE! Personal Video and MP3 Player (about the size of a deck of playing cards) may be the ultimate road warrior tech "toy." You can view movies, videos, TV shows, and more on its 2.5-inch color screen. At $99 for a full-motion, full-color hand held video player, I keep thinking there's a typo or some fine print tech details I've missed.◄
 

♥ Dance Lessons: Dancing, in case you've forgotten (or never tired), is fun, sexy, and healthy. It's not about perfect form or competition. It's the sheer joy of moving your body to music you love (and yea, you can burn calories, too). If you loathe those intense, competitive workout classes, opt for a class or private lesson in your favorite format: Salsa, hip-hop, tango, tap, flamenco, samba, swing, ballroom, hula—it's whatever moves you, literally. Need inspiration? Watch Shall We Dance?, Dance With Me, Strictly Ballroom, Dirty Dancing, Stomp Out Loud, Tap Dogs, and The Tango Lesson. I dare you not to move.

Would your favorite traveler prefer to dance in private? Check out the numerous instructional  videos/DVDs that feature great music and inspirational moves. Use a favorite dance as the keyword for an Amazon search, and you'll come up with multiple options.◄

♥ Inner Outings:The Diarist's Deck A quick, easy, and convenient way to start journaling your experiences and memories (which you can then share with family and friends). Each of 33 cards poses a question; the Book of Exploration suggests drawing and writing techniques to prompt your ruminations and recollections.◄

♥  Circle Journey "Idea-Starter" Journals: These marvelously fun sets include imaginatively designed blank journals, special envelopes, stickers, and labels. You supply the creative input. The idea: You share the book with others, who add their own input, mailing or handing off the journal in turn. When you're done, you have a collaborative effort that captures shared thoughts and memories. It's a great idea for anyone, but especially for road warriors who need creative ways to stay connected to the folks back home. Friends who've completed journals with their children take them everywhere they go. The Web site is terrific and includes ideas for even the most creatively challenged among us.◄

When you're a slave to the road, you take personal pampering where you can find it: In your room, at a hotel or day spa. Full-body massages are the dream of most tired, stressed-out travelers. But the average road warrior has neither the time nor the resources for such services. (But that shouldn't stop you from hinting for spa services and massages or prevent your friends from buying them for you.) The majority have to take solace in scaled-down pampering via a a variety of personal care and a products.

Reflexology Foot and Hand Massage:

♥ Reflexology Socks and Gloves:  Sometimes, you just don't have time for a stress-relieving full-body or foot massage. Origins helps you take matters in hand with pressure-point patterned socks and gloves that guide you in self massage. Because a lot of physical tension and stress "resides" in our hands and feet, applying the right amount of pressure to the proper locations can produce amazing results. $6.00/pair, including a reflexology chart◄

♥ L'Occitane Cade Travel Shaving Oil and Shaving Cream: If you closed your eyes, you’d feel as if you were being groomed in an upscale European barbershop. You don’t have to be a “Metrosexual” or a “Queer Guy” to enjoy a smooth facial shave. $22, Sephora, L'Occitane◄

♥ Fresh’s Brown Sugar Body Polish Travel Packs: This exfoliating blend of pure brown sugar and fine oils smells so good you have to force yourself not to eat it. Slather on your body, rinse, and your clothes will practically slip off your oh-so-smooth skin. Five 1.75 oz packettes, $48◄
 

♥ Molton Brown's Constellation Set It would be great if every hotel included a selection of MB's rejuvenating products in their bathroom amenities. But since they don't, a travel-size assortment makes a welcome gift. This set of five therapeutic bath and shower products includes: Rejuvenating Arctic Birch Gel, Purifying Grapeseed Antioxidant Shower, Warming Eucalyptus Gel, Heavenly Ginger Lily Moisture Bath & Shower, and Seamoss Energizing Bath & Shower Therapy. $34◄
 

♥L'Occitane's Travel-Size Lavender Harvest Hand Cream Shea butter is paired with soothing lavender essential oil in this lightweight, softly scented hand cream. $8◄

TOP
 

GIFT CERTIFICATES/CARDS

There's nothing like a gift card or certificate to an on- or offline retailer who offers products and services your giftee already loves—or is keen to try. (They are also great timesavers since many merchants can deliver them almost instantaneously via e-mail, a bonus for last-minute shoppers.)

Don't forget to check the fine-print about how to purchase, delivery options (snail-mail, e-mail, or both) as well as usage/redemption instructions: Some bricks-and-mortar merchants sell certificates online but only allow them to be used for Net purchases while certificates purchased in stores can only be used in a retail unit. Other sellers allow you to buy a certificate in the store and redeem it online as well as in-store or vice versa. The most consumer-savvy allow you to buy a certificate by phone, on the Net, or in the store and let you redeem it any way you choose. Also check on "hidden" fees that are incurred when a certificate/card is not used within a certain time period. (Many incur a monthly fee for non-activity—a sum that can add up and may even render the card invalid if it exceeds the purchased denomination.)  And don't assume there is no expiration date. Even some large retail chains won't honor certificates after a fixed period, which could be as little as a few months. Most important, check the shipping policies. Although some ship outside the U.S., including foreign destinations, many merchants will not ship beyond the continental U.S.

♥ Health Food and Vitamin Stores: Forget about fast-food chain gift cards. Instead, encourage (or support) an interest in healthy food and wellness with a certificate to stores that stock healthy food products; vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies; and related fitness items. Look for national retailers (Whole Foods and The Vitamin Shoppe, for example) that have outposts across the U.S. 

You can also check retail drug store chains (or their online outposts)such as RiteAid (Its partner drugstore.com can ship to 30 countries.), CVS, and Walgreens.

• Whole Foods: 4 denominations; $10, $25,$50, $100 plus new rechargeable gift card (not available in all locations; any amount from $5 to $250); 145 stores in 26 states and Canada; Info: 888-SHOPWFM. Note: Gift cards can only be purchased in stores.◄

♥ Let 'Em Test Drive a Fitness Class: Many national fitness chains and health clubs offer one-day or one-session passes to sample their classes and facilities. Instead of rushing out and buying a membership (which may never be used) as a gift, let your giftee sample the location and its offerings to see if there's a good fit. When he/she finds a good match, you can see if the local club has reciprocal membership with clubs in the cities to which your road warrior travels most frequently.◄

♥  Sporting Good Stores: Let the giftee