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Travel

Gear & Gadgets

Some helpful travel tools.

By JUDI DASH
Published November 26, 2006


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No pain in the neck

The IZON In-Car Massager is a vibrating neck rest, covered in a soft spongy nylon that mounts onto the vehicle headrest via a detachable strap, and is powered by the car's accessory charger. The IZON does not actually massage, since it performs no kneading motions, but the vibration can soothe tension.

IZON In-Car Massager is $29.95; toll-free 1-800-439-9169; www.izon-therapy.com.

Pampering your pooch

Your dog Scout may not mind being relegated to the back of the car once she settles into the swank Hammock Seat Cover from Bowsers Pet Products. Covered in a soft nylon velvet, the bottom cushion has velvety flaps that attach to the front and back seat headrests, making a hammock. The dog can laze against his seat back and sprawl out over what would have been the gap between the front and back seats.

Dog Hammock Seat Cover is about $200. Bowsers Pet Products: toll-free 1-877-269-7377; www.bowsers.com.

Getting from here to there

For directions anywhere in the United States and Canada, Microsoft's Streets & Trips mapping and travel planning software program is one of the most reliable on the market. The program includes 1.2-million points of interest, from gas stations to restaurants, hotels, ATMs and parks, that can incorporated into a personalized driving guide, complete with color maps and turn-by-turn directions.

Streets & Trips 2007 with GPS is $129; Toll-free 1-800-426-9400; www.microsoft.com/streets.

Battery in a pinch

Freeplay Energy has developed a people-powered car battery charger. The hefty 19-pound FreeCharge Weza is a 12-volt battery and generator that can provide enough power to jump-start a vehicle using a simple step treadle. The battery also can be used to charge electronic items such as cell phones and laptops.

FreeCharge Weza is $269. Call toll-free 1-866-697-7529; www.freeplayenergy.com.

Judi Dash is a freelance writer in Beechwood, Ohio.

[Last modified November 24, 2006, 12:00:09]


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