I always travel with an extra bag for my dirty clothes. Usually I just bring an X-L Ziploc or Hefty bag, but this Stuffitts bag is perfect for things like smelly socks or wet swimsuits. It contains a special panel inside that wicks away moisture and is infused with a natural cedar fill to kill odors.

$29.99 ESPNshop

It’s always good to be prepared for an emergency, especially when you are taking a road trip or travelling somewhere remote. The Eton Axis Safety Hub acts as a flashlight, weather radio and cellphone charger. When the batteries run out, you can still power it by turning the hand crank on the side!

$63.88 Amazon

One of my favorite travel books is 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s not a perfect list, but it does give you a lot of great ideas for things to do all over the world. Whenever I am planning a trip, I always look up my destination in the book for suggestions. A big problem with travel books is that they quickly become outdated and this book, written in 2003, is no exception. That’s why I was thrilled to find out that Patrica Schultz has released a new, updated version. I’ve already put in an order for mine and I can’t wait to see what’s been changed and what the 200 new entries include.

$12.46 Amazon

UPDATE: My book arrived and I am loving the new edition!

Love traveling but hate planning? American Express Travel will do the work for you with their new Nextpedition program. Here’s how it works: First, you take a quiz to identify your interests and travel style. Next, you speak to a travel specialist to iron out more of your preferences like trip length and budget. Finally you receive a quote for a trip…without the details. A week before your departure, you’ll receive packing instructions, vouchers and a special electronic console which will reveal your itinerary day by day. Currently, mystery trips could send you anywhere in the U.S., Canada or Europe.

Personally, I kind of like planning but I can see the appeal. I’m not sure I could stand not knowing what I’d be doing each day but it’s definitely an interesting concept.

Nextpedition from American Express Travel

Skypak has taken the airline cart and turned it into a high end piece of furniture. The price tag is steep, but you have to admit that they do look cool and some of them are even decorated with 24 carat gold and Swarovski crystals.

From $1,830 Skypak

Travelling with kids can be challenging so anything that makes them more comfortable is a good investment. This cuddly fleece blanket folds up into a bear for cute, easy transport and the bear doubles as an inflatable pillow when it’s open.

$26.93 Amazon.com

Now you can track your bag, even during your flight, with the mobile bag tracking feature in the free Delta App. Just enter the number on your bag receipt or scan the barcode and you can track your bag in real time on your iPhone, Android or Windows phone. It will be available to Blackberry users in early 2012.

One of my favorite things to buy when I travel is Christmas ornaments. They are often delicate and require special handling so I love the idea of bringing these Precious Armor bags along to carry them home. Made of super strong, leak-proof nylon and insulated with a layer of padding, they’ll protect your breakables while they are packed in your suitcase. They also cleverly include a window so airport security can quickly identify your items if inspected.

$19.50 for set of of two – one small & one large Magellan’s

I love these cute bags made from recycled tire inner tubes. They have the look of leather without the environmental impact. In addition to bags in a variety of sizes, the company also makes wallets and belts. I personally really like the small Beetle, pictured above.

English Retreads

When I received my new passport this month with an RFID chip embedded in it, I immediately started looking for a case with an RFID shield. Pretty quickly, I realized that most of them are ugly. I know it’s just a carrier, but I don’t see why something can’t be practical and cute! Finally I found this sleek, stainless steel version made by Stewart Stand. It’s light, secure, looks great and it works for a man or woman.

$48 CSN Stores

UPDATE: I actually just took a trip with this case for the first time and I wasn’t very happy with it. When I handed my passport to an agent, he bent it when he opened it and it left a permanent crease in the book. Also, if it is held for any amount of time, it quickly gets fingerprints all over it. Given it’s lack of hardiness, I can’t recommend it.