The latest catalog from Magellan’s just came in, so I had to stop work, make a coffee and set aside some time to peruse the latest offerings – despite the fact that I probably have one of each thing in the catalog already!
Here’s a neat little story that I found on Facebook about how Magellan’s travel gear and their catalog got started:
Magellan’s was founded by two travel professionals to provide a single source of unique and useful travel products, supported by well trained travel gear specialists, and backed by a complete 100% guarantee of satisfaction.
While working for Pan Am Airways, John and Gloria McManus traveled extensively around the world and were frustrated by the inadequate supply of travel products available to consumers. In 1989 they created Magellan’s catalog, starting with a 32 page black and white catalog of hard-to-find travel products. John’s no-nonsense, detailed descriptions of each item made it clear how each addressed a travel problem, from overseas electrical adaptors to third world health and hygiene.
The catalog had inauspicious beginnings from their kitchen table, but the concept took hold, travelers took notice, and sales grew rapidly, prompting a move to larger space, first in a Quonset hut down by the beach, and then to the former Arlington hotel garage that houses the business today, just off State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.
What started with two consummate travelers now employs nearly 100. We still provide hands-on training for our staff on every item in our catalog, stores, and website. From comfort pillows and travel blankets to water purification and insect protection to selecting the best moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant travel clothing, we’re prepared to meet your needs.
Do you shop at Magellan’s or get their catalog? Do you have a favorite piece of travel gear that you’ve purchased from them?
Please leave a comment and tell us what is so special about that particular item and how it has served you on your travels.
My personal favorite the memory foam pillow (just like the one I use at home, just smaller).
Made from the same hypoallergenic memory foam as full-sized therapeutic pillows, this travel pillow has a contoured design that lets you roll it into its compact case to use in-flight as a lumbar or neck pillow. And in your hotel room, you can use it full size in place of uncomfortable bed pillows that can cause neck strain. Cover is made of soft, machine washable microsuede. (11 3/4 x 10 x 4″; 10 x 5″ in case; 19 oz)
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