If you’re heading to Africa on that once-in-a-lifetime safari, then you should make sure you have suitable luggage for your trip.

A hard suitcase is not recommended as you’re likely to be using all manner of transport – from light aircraft to Land Rover and Landcruiser safari vehicles – between destinations. In such cases, a soft bag is preferable that you can access more easily, fit into smaller spaces, and looks less “citified”.

Of course, there are numerous choices when it comes to choosing a softer bag to carry your luggage, but again, for travel in Africa, you do need something that’s tough and durable.

Choice of color is also important, but not critical. It’s just that earthy, neutral tones fit in better and blend with the colors of the African bush than do bright primary colors like red or blue.

If you see photos from yesteryear of the old Africa Hands and hunters like Ernest Hemingway, they opted for durable canvas luggage on their forays into Africa. They obviously knew something, so it’s a good idea to follow their example and find the modern equivalent – a tough, sturdy yet good-looking canvas and leather safari bag.

There’s a small, family-owned business in South Africa that manufactures a fine range of canvas luggage, made from hard-wearing rip-stop canvas and finished in genuine leather and brass fittings, as in the example below:

The company that makes the luggage, Dirt Road Traders, also produces a range of safari clothing that’s favored by many of Southern Africa’s leading safari companies, not only for their safari guides and field staff, but also for their management and front-of house staff.

To find out more and see the full range of canvas and leather luggage and the safari clothing, visit their website, Dirt Road Traders.

This new selection of 2012 Travel Calendars, including wall calendars, desk calendars, and poster calendars, features colorful and eye-catching photography and art showcasing iconic travel landmarks around the world. For those who enjoy travel or are simply fascinated by our planet, a travel calendar makes the perfect gift as it will be used for a full 12 months, is visually pleasing and, best of all, is inexpensive.

For the full selection of 2012 calendars now available for ordering online, see the Calendars page.

From dedicated petrolheads to those who simply appreciate fine automobiles and classic cars, our 2012 Car Calendars will be much admired and appreciated. If you’re needing a practical but inexpensive gift for someone who loves cars, look no further!

The range of wall calendars, desk calendars, and poster calendars, showcase a mix of auto classics, covering Super Cars, Dream Cars, European classics from Porsche and Ferrari to VW Beetles and the Mini, Concept Cars and all-American favorites like the Corvette and Mustang, plus muscle cars and hot rods.

For the full selection of 2012 calendars now available for ordering online, see the Calendars page.

When sifting through the huge range of digital cameras on the market and trying to choose the most suitable model for your travel needs, there are three important factors to consider:

1. Type of Travel — are you going on an organized tour, self-driving or backpacking?

2. Nature of Trip — is it a relaxing holiday at a beach resort, or serious sightseeing entailing a lot of walking?

3. Your Interests — are you fascinated by archeology or architecture, ancient or modern, interiors or exteriors?

These considerations are all important and can help guide you in the right direction, as will a map or guidebook help you on your travels. See Choosing a Digital Camera for Travel for more details and recommended cameras.