Little Luxuries Make a Big Difference

While packing efficiently usually means taking only what one absolutely needs for a trip, sometimes it’s worth including a few extras you could live without but that make the experience more enjoyable. Following are some neat little indulgences. Items may be available in area stores. Price does not include shipping.

Not-so-alarming clock: Ever innovative, the folks at Sharper Image have improved on their popular small portable travel alarm clock/radio/CD with a new version that provides a choice of 20 soothing sounds to fall asleep or wake up to--from wind chimes to a babbling brook to a thunderstorm or a heartbeat.

The 9-inch by 6-inch by 1 3/4-inch-deep case also has improved built-in speakers, a TV audio band, an air temperature display and a talking time and weather function (push the “Report” button and a woman’s voice announces the time and barometric trend).

The unit comes with stereo ear buds for private listening, and operates on six AA batteries (not included). Two button-cell backup batteries are included. Weighing about 2 pounds, the radio slips easily into luggage.

CD Radio/Alarm With Sound Soother 20 (item No. SI686) is $219.95 from Sharper Image; telephone (800) 344-4444, Internet https://www.sharperimage.com.

On a fragrant note: Musical Scents is a mood enhancer in a can. Open the lid of the pretty 5-inch-diameter by 1 1/2-inch-high tin and find an aromatic candle and a CD (no CD player) with soft contemporary or classical music, certain to soothe after a day on the go. The combo comes in eight different themes with names like Balance, Clarity, Serenity and Relaxation--each with a unique CD and candle scent. (My favorite, Balance, has an orange/rosemary scented candle; the CD contains mellow passages from Bach, Chopin, Vivaldi, Dvorak, Beethoven and Brahms.) Candles have three wicks to produce a bright glow and a 25- to 30-hour burn time. The CD fits in the lid.

Musical Scents candle/CD combo is $16.99 from Earthscape Candles; tel. (888) 700-7388, https://www.earthscape.com.

Golf on the fly: Sometimes it’s impractical to take your entire golf bag on a trip, especially if tight plane connections make carry-on your preference or all you plan to do is a little putting and driving. Or perhaps you plan to rent clubs at your destination but want to take along a few favorite woods and irons. This lightweight, foam-lined nylon club case can hold up to four clubs (including an oversized driver) plus a putter. It comes with a detachable accessory bag that holds three balls, a divot repair tool, markers and up to 20 tees.

Golf Carrying Case in nylon (M30J) is $49.95; in black Leatherette (M31JVIP), $79.95, from Travel Tools; tel. (800) 586-5676, https://www.traveltools.com.

A head for slumbers: It may look like the kind of headgear Batman might wear, but the Dreamhelmet is actually an eyeshade/earmuffs/pillow combo that slips over your head, leaving your nose and mouth exposed. The idea is to shut out annoying light and sounds while cushioning your noggin for a good snooze. Available in six fabrics, from corduroy to crushed velvet and faux leopard skin. Dream on.

Dreamhelmet is $29.95 from Dream Cloud; tel. (888) 918-5630, https://www.dreamhelmet.com.

Making more scents: Why should air deodorizers be limited to home use? The Sila Auto Air Purifier/Deodorizer plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter outlet and neutralizes odors. (Yes, it really seems to work.) A pivoting arm allows the unit to be pointed in any direction. As a fun bonus, the auto purifier comes with a built-in “fragrance chamber” and absorbent pads that can be soaked with scented oils (not included) for a little aromatherapy on the road.

Sila Auto Air Purifier/Deodorizer is $19.95 (including shipping) from Lentek International; tel. (888) 353-6835; https://www.lentek.com.

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