We also like the Aquapac waterproof camera case, which comes in two sizes. Although similar to the folding wallet, it has one clear side, made of Lenzflex material, for underwater photography. Its price ranges from $20 to $33.

We like this picnic set from En-Route ($34.95) so much, we'd consider keeping it in the car for weekend road trips. Then all you need is to stop by a deli for a little cheese, bread and wine. This high-quality set for two comes with heavy plastic wine glasses, a plastic cutting board, red tablecloth and napkins, salt and pepper shakers, real silverware and a corkscrew. Its knives, including a serrated bread knife, mean it's not a carry-on item for air travel.

We're making an exception to going light to include the combo curling-straightening iron for travelers who need more than a hair dryer to be ready for the day or night. This one from Conair comes with dual voltage for trips to Europe (avoiding the need for a heavy voltage converter, but you still need a plug adaptor), $24.95.

There are many choices for packing jewelry (including the ever-practical Ziploc baggies). We like the compact organization of the Baggallini jewelry square ($12.95). It comes in red, black or purple and measures 4 by 5 inches, just right for taking along glittery bits for dress-up nights. Little pockets hold small earrings, a finger-size roll holds rings, and two zip pouches hold necklaces.

OK, we said we were skipping the obvious hot-ticket items like iPods and GPS. But if there's a teen in your household who gets bored in the car, bored in the hotel room, bored on the plane, you'll score big points - and put a guaranteed smile on his or her face - by springing for a PlayStation Portable.

Yes, it costs $250, but this oh-so-cool hand-held device with wireless Internet, video and digital playback will make your eyes pop and put your brain on overdrive as you figure out how to use it to its full potential. The bright, 4.3-inch LCD screen can be used to play games, view digital slide shows (via a USB port) or watch movies. It also plays MP3 files encoded onto a Memory Stick Duo.

* Bushtracks Expeditions of Healdsburg is planning a family safari adventure for June 28-July 8. The first-class itinerary explores South Africa, Zambia and Botswana by private air charter. Trip limited to 40. (Suggested minimum age 6.) Cost is $11,980 per adult, double occupancy; (707) 433-4492 or www.bushtracks.com .

* Nothing sounds more divine to a working mother than a few days away at a spa. There are many choices. For velvet indulgence, there is the Girl's Getaway package at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for $469 a night, based on single occupancy. It includes accommodation, $110 spa credit and spa lunch; (800) 441-1414 or www.fairmont.com/sonoma . The Inn also has a three-day Speed and Spa package for $3,595, double occupancy. It includes formula racing at the Jim Russell Racing School and spa treatments or golf; (800) 733-0345.

* Many travel agencies, including Myths & Mountains at Incline Village (800-670-6984) and Davisville Travel (916-448-1951) will create a gift certificate for any amount that can be applied to any trip the lucky receiver wants to book.

* Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley has a Land Rover driving school adventure that includes two nights, a two-hour lesson and two-hour adventure on the off-road trails for $1,490, based on double occupancy; (831) 620-8854 or www.quaillodge.com .

* Ultimate experiences include a ride at Mach 2.5 in a MiG-25 for $21,000 or a two-week expedition, complete with submarine descent, to the Titanic for $36,650. Details at www.extravagift.com .

* One irresistible and practical item is a pinch light, perfect for reading a map or finding a keyhole in the dark. There are many sizes and styles. We like the little square ones decorated with penguins or frogs ($2.95).

* The small door alarm with a big scream may calm a nervous traveler in a strange hotel. One model comes from Austin House ($9.95). It's designed to hang from a doorknob and scream at any movement.

* Luggage tags come in all sizes and styles. A good choice is one in a bright color with the personal information concealed, such as the lime green and bright yellow ones from www.magellans.com ($7.85 for two).

* Reading lights and flashlights are a must on every trip, especially to the Third World, where 25-watt bulbs and power failures are not unusual. Among the oodles of choices is a lightweight compact from Austin House ($9.95) that opens with the surreal lifting of an articulated arm. It clips to your book or menu and offers enough light for brief spells of reading.

The Princeton Blast flashlight ($11.95, with batteries), twists on and shines enough light to get you down the hall when the power's out or find an address on a dark street. It's small and light.

* Most of the many travel journals are just books with blank pages, but one choice stands out like a giraffe. It's the "African Safari Journal" by Mark Nolting (Global Travel Publishers, $16.95/softcover, 288 pages). Nolting, an expert on Africa, gives travelers enough info for several books. There are illustrated animal and plant guides, phonetic phrase lists in several languages, maps, charts on weather and tips for planning a safari. And, of course, plenty of room to record memories. It's available at Holloway Travel Outfitters.

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