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

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

Colgate has released a new disposable toothbrush called the Colgate Wisp. It’s a flat, 3 1/2 inch brush with a bead of toothpaste built in and a pick on the end. The Wisp comes in three flavors, works without water and can be purchased in packs of 4 for around $3.00 or 16 for around $9.00. You can find them in most grocery stores or pharmacies on and offline.

For more information on the Wisp and a coupon, check out Colgate’s website linked below.

Colgate Wisp

Now you can download Frommers travel guides for use on your iPhone or iPod Touch. They include all the information and maps available in the books and are stored locally so you can access them even when you can’t get online. Guides for New York, San Francisco, London and Paris are currently available with more expected later this year. They are priced at $9.99 each and can be found in the App Store section on iTunes.

As people become more environmentally conscious, they look for greener ways to live and travel is no exception. Fodor’s, one of the largest publishers of travel guides, has taken notice of the trend and put together a new title called “Green Travel: The World’s Best Eco-Lodges & Earth-Friendly Hotels”. The book features independent reviews of 100 eco-friendly hotels across the globe and will hit stores on April 29th.

$14.93 Amazon

Throw a few miniTissues in your bag next time you travel and you’ll always have a clean cloth close at hand. They are hydraulically compressed into tiny portable pellets but just add water and unfold a full sized tissue! They come in packages of 96, 192 and 500 but are individually wrapped so they stay clean and fresh. They are 100% natural, lint and chemical free, biodegradable and easy to carry without sacrificing precious space.

$13.95-$29.95 miniTissues

Source: DailyCandy

If you like the book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, the author has just released another version featuring 1,000 travel spots in the USA and Canada only. Pick it up and hit the road!

$13.57 Amazon.com

Avis has simplified the car rental. With WeDriveU, customers are met by an Avis representative at their airline’s baggage claim and given keys to their rental immediately. A rep will also meet you curbside to facilitate an easy return.

In ten key U.S. markets: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., chauffeurs are available. For $30/hour plus a 15% service charge, with a three hour minimum they will take you anywhere within a 60 mile radius of your chosen city.

To qualify, you need to become an Avis Preferred member which is accomplished quickly online and is free of charge.

WeDriveU

Source: Global Traveler

Sanyo has created the world’s first waterproof consumer camcorder and it’s getting good reviews. The Xacti E1 can capture both video and 6 megapixel still images up to 5 feet underwater for 30 minutes. It’s pocket sized, easy to operate and works with both PC and Mac computers. It’s perfect for capturing some footage of a snorkeling or diving trip and it also works just as well on dry land.

$449.88 Amazon

Source: Hemispheres

X-Socks has created two models of sock designed with the needs of travellers in mind. The Travel Comfort sock is light and comfortable. It features an advanced “air-conditioning channel” which keeps feet dry and well ventilated. For long flights, the AirTravel sock has all of the above plus a “smart compression” feature to promote circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis. They cost $28 and $34, respectively, and come with a 2 year guarantee.

FYI-the photo is just colored to show special features. The actual socks are solid black.

X-Socks

Source: Hemispheres