Destinations Where they went Travel gear Student travel Sensible traveler
Beating those cold, dark days
By Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe Staff, 01/19/02
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Destinations Where they went Travel gear Student travel Sensible traveler
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Winter came to New England earlier than usual, bringing lovers of the outdoors extra opportunities to relish snow-capped sights. Tubbs snowshoes can add to the fun. Made of lightweight, nonanodized, aircraft-grade aluminum, the frames are strong, and the adult sizes sport toe and heel crampons for extra traction. The straps wrap completely around the foot and are easy to adjust, even if you're wearing mittens. They cost $69 for a child-size set, $159-$179 for adult size, and are available through the Orvis catalog (telephone 800-541-3541), at REI, L.L. Bean, and Eastern Mountain Sports stores, and online at www.orvis.com; www.rei.com; www.llbean.com; and www.ems.com.
Just enough night light
The Limelite night light features a thin, electroluminescent material that stays cool so little fingers won't get burned, and casts a pale blue-green light similar to the "Indiglo'' light in some Timex watches. The long-lasting material consumes only a tiny amount of energy – 1/100th of the power needed to operate a standard 7-watt night light bulb – and it's flat and flexible, making it the perfect hotel-room companion. The lights are available in kid-friendly designs, decorated with happy faces, teddy bears, or moons and stars, and cost $4 to $6 each. Standard Limelite units are available at many Walgreens and Home Depot stores or online at www.walgreens.com; www.123safe.com; and www.efi.org/products/lighting/euro.html. Decorated versions may be found online at online.wmeco.com/smartliving/dept.asp?dept–id=14, and www.bbventures.com/acu/lightbulbnightlight.asp.
Ground yourself in something warm
Acorn's slipper-socks have been issued to US space shuttle astronauts since 1982, but they are also great for keeping earthbound feet warm in a hotel room or during more ordinary air travel. The foam mid-soles and the leather outer soles provide extra layers between your feet and any cold, hard floor, and the gray wool yarn sock is wonderfully cozy. Available in men's and women's sizes, they cost about $29 a pair and are available at REI stores; from the Hammacher-Schlemmer catalog (800-543-3366) and the Plow and Hearth catalog (800-627-1712); and online at www.hammacher.com; www.allsportsocks.com/acslipsoc.html; www.hanksclothing.com/acornslippersock.htm; www.plowhearth.com; and www.rei.com.