I am not one to spend a lot of money on a suitcase. They get thrown around, are placed on dirty belts and racks and pricey pieces can attract thieves. Still, I have to admit that I am loving the new Britto Collection from Heys. The bags are like works of art and their hard-shelled exteriors look quite durable. I’m feeling tempted!

From $200 heysusa.com

There are a lot of different luggage tags on the market these days, but I think these Bag Buddies are particularly cute. ID info is listed on the buddy’s tummy and Velcro straps attach him to any bag. They are perfect to get kids excited about travelling and great to make luggage stand out on a conveyor belt. They are also machine washable so you can easily clean them after getting dragged around germ filled airports and hotels. Bag Buddies come in five different animal varieties so you can collect them all and take a different buddy on every trip!

$7.85 Magellan’s

I can’t travel without my iPod but no matter how I pack or wrap them, my earphones are always a mess when they come out of my bag. These retractable earphones keep your cord knot and tangle free!

$14.85 Magellan’s

Just in time for the holidays, this hand-blown glass suitcase ornament makes a great gift for a traveler in your life or for yourself!

$9.85 Magellan’s

If you travel with children you know how easy it is for them to wander off and get lost. The Giggle Bug Tracker can help you locate them quickly. A ladybug clip on the child’s shirt or pants starts beeping when you hit the button on a small remote that attaches to your keys. It works from 100 feet away and comes in three colors.

2 for $19.95 Giggle Bug

I come across many cool travel bags but here is one especially for your laptop. Not only will it look cute going through security at the airport, but it will also remind you of past and future adventures every time you look at it back at home.

$39.99 Pop Deluxe

Hard to believe in these economic times, but there’s a new travel magazine on newsstands called AFAR. The company is targeting experienced travelers looking to immerse themselves in world cultures and the premier issue is out this month. I found it to be a bit cluttered but I’m always happy to see new products for travelers so I’ll probably give it a try for a year.

$19.95/one year subscription AFAR

I’ll admit that I’m a germaphobe, but these airplane seat covers are a bit much, even for me. Not only does this kit come with covers for the seat, it also includes armrest and tray table covers and a disinfectant wipe. If it makes you feel better, why not? I would expect some strange looks from fellow passengers though. They come in disposable and reusable/machine washable versions.

$14.95-$25.95 Kehei Traveler

There’s nothing pleasant about a dry, stuffy hotel room, especially after getting off of a dry, stuffy airplane. Years ago, I traveled with a friend who brought a humidifier that took up half his suitcase just to avoid this situation! Fortunately, it’s a lot easier today with the Air-O-Swiss Travel Humidifier. It’s as tiny as a camera charger and works with a regular water bottle. It also comes with a travel case and a voltage converter for use in Europe.

$59.99 Air-O-Swiss

A lot of people carry smart phones or video enabled mp3 players when they travel to watch downloaded movies during a flight. Holding the player for hours can be uncomfortable and propping it up on an unstable, dirty tray table isn’t much better. The iFlyz is perfect because it clips onto the aforementioned tray and uses a suction cup to secure the player in a steady position for comfortable viewing. It’s also easy to travel with and affordable!

$29.95 iFlyz.com