Lie back and enjoy
There aren't any free sun loungers on the beach and you're sick of lying flat on the sand, craning your neck to read the latest Harry Potter or trying to watch the kids don't wander off too far. Cue the Back Buddy, right, an inflatable cushion that supports the top half of your body, making it really comfy to lie on the beach. The blue cushion has a waterproof base and when deflated, packs down into a neat 21 x 21 x 5cm parcel. From Travelparaphernalia (08701 203097) for £14.99.

Turn on, tune in, blow up
The new generation of inflatable pillows for neck support during long flights come complete with sound for the ultimate relaxation. Blow up the Chill Pillow, put on your headphones and choose between sounds from spring rain to the seaside for the ultimate relaxation. From Presents Direct (020 8246 4366), costs £22 and requires three AAA batteries, which are not supplied.

Coming to a screen near you
Can't be parted from your DVD on holiday? Then pack a portable one, no larger than the average James Michener saga and less than two kilos with rechargeable battery pack. Playing time is two and a half hours, which means Lord of the Rings is out but you'll be able to see the end of most other films. With both internal speakers and headphones, the player has widescreen format on the nine-inch screen. It also handles multi-region DVDs so you can get the latest film from the US before it's in cinemas over here (yes, it's legal). Get fed up of films and run your holiday snaps on it to bore fellow travellers rigid. £349 www.iwantoneofthose.com (0870 241 1066)

You decide
This is one for all those travellers who argue about which road to take, which bar to drink in or even which country to visit. Flip the yes/no coin and let it make the decision for you. The solid silver coin just 2cm across comes in its own pouch. Just don't pop it in your pocket and get it mixed up with your euros. Costs £11.99 from Itchy Feet (01225 442618)