Raise binoculars to your eyes and you can see everything far away as if it was right in front of you. Once you've looked through them, you want to see everything through your binoculars! They make everything closer and clearer. You won't be able to go to a sports game, a show or concert or even to the beach without them. They are now made smaller and lighter than before. Binoculars will become one of your favorite travel accessories. Pack them and you'll be looking off into the distance bringing everything so much closer. Tasco, Bushnell and Minolta are three of the most popular brands in the marketplace. There are many different features to look for when making your purchase. Coated optics will reduce light loss and glare, while giving you brighter image with less eyestrain. The soft or rubber fold-down eye cups will give eyeglass wearers a better view by allowing them to see the entire field. Boaters and those that enjoy the water will want the waterproof or fog proof models. They can withstand complete immersion in water and remain dry on the inside. The fog proof models have interior optical surfaces that won't fog due to rapid temperature changes or humidity. The waterproof models are airtight and dry-nitrogen sealed. They should not be confused with water-repellent models. The waterproof models will be corrosion resistant and buoyant, not just repelling water from the lens. Many of the binoculars come with a carry case that can attach to a belt. Others have comfortable straps so you can wear them around your neck.

Some of the binoculars have a greater close up focus capability. These are ideal for bird and insect watchers. You can see as close as seven feet. The newer binoculars are very lightweight making them ideal to pack in your lightweight luggage. They will not add measurable weight to your luggage. They now weigh in ounces rather than pounds. You can get a closer look of mountain ranges in the United States or museums in Europe. Binoculars allow you to take in all of the details from a distance. They are also the perfect accessories for hiking, fishing and hunting. Many of these binoculars are now made of magnesium to be lighter and slimmer. They are generally shockproof and rugged enough for any travel. There are models available that allow you to do more than just "look." Some of them have digital cameras built in, and you can photograph items a distance away. These are wonderful for any sporting events, or children's activities. There are also models with compasses built in, to keep you always on track when camping.

Another popular feature that has been available on opera glasses is permanent focus. This allows you to pass the binoculars from person to person, or item to item without having to change the focus. You can catch any action with clarity immediately. The focus is instantaneous and virtually at any distance. You don't have to worry about wearing any gloves, which sometimes hampers the focus usage. These make perfect corporate gifts. The company name or logo can be imprinted or silk-screened on the binoculars themselves or on the carry case. They're perfect for men or women and always appreciated. Everyone asks how to understand the magnification on binoculars. It's really easy when you know how. The first number separated by the "x" is the power of the binocular, and means the object being viewed appears to be that number of times closer than you would see without the binoculars. The larger the second number after the “x”, the more light that enters the binocular and the image will become brighter.

Also look at the len's coating when making your purchase of binoculars. A single layer is on at least one lens surface and fully coated lens are a single layer on all air-to-glass surfaces. Multiple-coated lenses are on at least one lens, while fully multi-coated means all of the air-to-glass surfaces are coated with multiple layers. This gives a brighter image due to reducing light loss and glare. You'll get better results and less eyestrain. Higher quality glass also yields brighter images and sharpness. With the right binoculars, you'll be immersed in looked at the world around you. You'll see everything clearer and you won't want to travel without them. Keep a pair in your discount luggage, at the ready to give you a close up view of wherever you're going.

Maxine Greco has been in the luggage and travel business for over 39 years. She is currently working at Village Luggage and Gifts.