ITMB, the ever prodigious mapmaker, has a great standout this month, Bulgaria. The map contains the usual detail of roads and cities we’ve come to expect from ITMB plus it is printed in both Cyrillic and Roman script. A must have for anyone traveling to this fascinating country. $12.95
Putumayo Presents African Reggae Though Reggae got its start in Kingston Jamaica, much of the genre, from the iconic accented upbeat to the instrumentation, has its roots deep in Africa. This Putumayo CD highlights the best of modern artists from the African continent singing upbeat Reggae themes of unity and love. $15.98
Compact, extremely functional, and lightweight At only 1½ ounces, the Life Saver has much to offer the traveler. This small gadget, 4″ x 1″ round, includes a thermometer, compass, whistle, LED light, mirror, and magnifying glass in one unit that can hang around your neck on its lanyard. Such a deal for $5.95
For those familiar with the city of light, and for those looking to escape from the first-timer cliches, Annabel Simms’ book, An Hour From Paris, is the perfect little guide. The approach is fresh: outlining off-the-beaten-path day trips from Paris which are accessible by the RER, the regional transit system. From Renaissance castles to the idyllic countryside, Impressionist palettes to boating excursions, there are many delightful discoveries in this great book. $23.95
SteriPens are great for those who travel to countries with less developed infrastructure or in the outdoors. The SteriPen, which made a previous appearance on the new/cool page, has made water treatment a breeze. By using a blast of UV light, in just 90 seconds for each litre, the SteriPen will destroy 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, exceeding EPA standards. We at the store love this product so much we have brought in two new models: the light compact Traveler and the rugged, easy to use Journey. Whichever model you choose, the SteriPen is a great way to save weight, money and the environment. $99.95
Washingtonians love to ski. Although we’re spoiled with good spots, anyone with a love for the sport is eager to search out the next great slope. Footprint’s new guide, Skiing Europe is the perfect companion for downhill aficionados. This full color guide gives you all the information you need to choose the perfect slope, resort, and cafe to warm your hands. Good for all age levels and abilities, this is a straight shooting practical guide. $29.95
We’re in Seattle right? And we do like our coffee here. Voltage Valet has just released their Quick Café II that includes nearly everything the coffee lover needs to make the perfect cup at home or on the road. This dual voltage travel coffee maker comes with an 8 ounce cup, reusable filter, travel pouch and spoon. All you need to add is your favorite coffee and water and voila you’re good to go! $39.95
The Parkrose Tote by Ellington is a handy, durable bag with enough interior and exterior pockets for easy organization but not so many that you can’t remember where you put something. This stylish nylon tote is available in black with gray accents or brown with green accents and includes a padded shoulder strap. $69.95
