1. Pocket
Peepers Reading Lens. 
This credit card-size optical lens -- this
is not a mere magnifier, Pocket Peepers CEO Jean M. Smith reminds
us -- really comes in handy for short reading tasks, including
making out the fine print on a map or the fancy curlicues on a
French menu. The lens frames are available in 22 designs, including
the American flag and purple polka dots, or can be customized to
promote a business (such as a travel agency). $9.95; www.pocketpeepers.com.
2. Tilley TM
10 Hat.
Another great topper from
Tilley, this lightweight hats wide brim and blocked crown shields
the wearers face and neck from the sun while mesh around the sides
of the crown allows for a welcome cool-down effect. Certified at
UPF 50+. $74: www.tilley.com.
3. Suunto N3
Smart Watch.
Hook up this clever timepiece with
MSN Direct (for a fee) and get the following: news updates,
weather, sports scores, stats and schedules, movie times, traffic
reports, stock updates and MSN Messenger messages. Some content,
like national news headlines, local temperature, stock indexes and
automatic time zone adjustment, is free. With MSN Direct Smart Plan
Plus 12-month subscription and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005,
$225; www.msndirect.com.
4. TomTom Go
700.
Although this door-to-door navigation
system for cars is designed to show-and-tell you the routes to
unfamiliar destinations in North America, it is so much fun to use,
you tend to turn it on and play along even when your destination is
as tried and true as grandmas house. Features include itinerary
planning, turn-by-turn voice instructions in more than 30 languages
and 50 voices and a choice of routes (quickest, shortest or
toll-avoiding). $699.95; www.tomtom.com.
5. Eagle
Creek Load Warrior LT 22. Has the carrying capacity of a
wheeled duffel but weighs far less at six-and-a-half pounds.
Another nice feature: This bag opens like a book for easy packing
and unpacking. Completing the picture are a zippered laundry chute
pocket, oversize wheels, telescoping handle, external compression
straps and top, center and bottom grips. Bag is carry-on
appropriate for most airlines. $159; www.magellans.com.