by Pat Perry for suntimes.com
Toothpaste that won’t get tossed by the TSA. High-tech passport holders to protect your identity. Lighter weight luggage.
These are a few of the innovative products that were on display at the recent 2011 Travel Goods Show at McCormick Place, where 200-plus exhibitors touted their wares to retailers.
This annual showcase of items aimed at those on the go featured a slew of new gizmos — some so new, they’re not yet on store shelves or websites.
The improving economy translated into more interest in luxury goods than in previous years. In comic contrast: seemingly zillions of products aimed at thwarting bed bugs.
Here’s a look at some of the standouts.
Pat Terry is a locally based free-lance writer.
Beating baggage fees
Heys USA builds a touch-screen scale into the handle of business cases and carry-ons in its new Intus Collection. When the bag’s actual weight — quickly converted to pounds or kilograms — is reached, the screen displays the results electronically. Carry-ons start at $250. Online soon, heysusa.com.
† Don’t want to shell out $7 for a bad airplane sandwich? Bring your own grub with Boleo’s Good to Go Lunch Set, combining insulated lunch bag, attached bottle clip and strap. Slip it over the handle of wheeled luggage — it’s not considered an extra bag. Convenient, too, on Amtrak or Megabus. Launches shortly, boleo.com, $25.
† The “ultimate fanny pack” is a bandolier-like strap from Runnur that slings diagonally across your torso, holding a phone, sunglasses, credit cards, airplane/train/bus ticket, water bottle, camera and snacks. A carabineer lets you clip on your extras; $39, gorunnur.com.
Keeping clean
† Contaminated water can ruin any trip, from volunteering overseas with Habitat for Humanity to backpacking in southern Indiana. Hydro-Photon’s SteriPEN Freedom is a hand-held...Read full article
