By Lylah M. Alphonse, Globe staff, 10/28/01

For US-based travelers going abroad, Nextel Worldwide offers a cellular phone rental program. With 24 hours notice, the company will deliver an i2000plus phone, speakerphone, two batteries, a battery charger, four international power adapters, and access to an all-digital cellular network accessible from more than 80 countries. No more figuring out local phone systems or using phone cards, no more hunting for foreign currency or trying to translate for operators. You pay one flat rate per minute for all incoming and outgoing calls (the rate depends on the country you're in). Rental rates vary, and contracts are available by the day, week, or month. Telephone 800-754-6905 for more information.

Keep your clothes fresh on long trips by tucking a sheet of Crabtree & Evelyn's scented drawer paper into your suitcase. The newest fragrance line, Azzemour, is a mixture of spices and florals. Sandalwood, bergamot, and cloves, anyone? The 7-by -11-inch sheets of richly patterned, heavy paper cost $18 for a package of eight and are available at Crabtree & Evelyn stores and online at www.crabtree-evelyn.com.

Your CDs will be secure in these sleek shells. Heat-resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, each CD case holds up to 20 compact discs, DVDs, or CD-ROMS. Only 6 1/2 inches across and 1 1/2 inches deep, it comes in yellow, green, blue, purple, red, or black for $24.99 in the Chef's Ingenuity catalog. Also available by telephone, 888-944-9888, or online at www.chefscatalog.com.