(MONEY Magazine) – Ski helmets

Just a few years ago, virtually no one wore helmets on the slopes. Today about 10% of skiers and snowboarders do. Why the change? Partly it's consumers' growing concern with safety, partly manufacturers' success in making helmets that are lighter (as little as 15 ounces), more comfortable (with advanced ventilation systems) and better looking. Rules at popular ski resorts are also having an effect. Both Aspen and Crested Butte now require ski-schoolers 12 and under to wear helmets. And at Vail Resorts, be prepared to sign a waiver if your kid does not wear one while taking a lesson. Like bike helmets, ski helmets come in a range of prices--from $60 for a kid's size to $200 or more for an adult's--but a bigger price tag doesn't necessarily mean more protection. So look for one of the three safety certifications--CEN (Common European Norm), ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) or Snell, a nonprofit that researches helmet safety. Both Boeri's Axis Carbon helmet and Briko's Forerunner are CEN- and ASTM-certified and retail for around $130.

Peek-a-boo

The latest in baby gadgetry packages a small black-and-white monitor and a camera with an infrared light that lets you see (as well as hear) Junior in the dark. Both the Safety 1st Child View Monitor and Television ($150) and Avcom's Wireless Baby Monitor ($199 at www.avcomwireless.com)--which lets you add three more cameras ($99 apiece)--are easy to set up, with good visuals and audio. Microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause interference.

Down south

While frost arrives in much of North America, it's spring in Australia and New Zealand. Just in time, Air New Zealand, a United Airlines partner, is offering round-trip air fare from Los Angeles and 12 nights at three-star hotels for $1,799 per person through Dec. 5. The package includes three nights in Sydney, three nights in either Melbourne or Brisbane, and six nights on New Zealand's North Island, where parts of The Fellowship of the Ring were filmed. You'll have a rental car to explore the island's subtropical forest, thermal geysers and Maori culture. Rates assume a Monday to Wednesday departure and double occupancy. Call 800-329-0919 or go to www.visitsouthpacific.com.

Two for one

Lufthansa has a deal on companion tickets to more than 100 European cities, with departures through Jan. 31 (except Dec. 15 to Jan. 5). Sample fares: New York to Munich, $643.86 for two (vs. $432 per person, the best price in early October); Chicago to Brussels, $828.66 (vs. $526 each); and Los Angeles to Moscow, $1,113.36 (vs. $843 each). Ticketing and reservations must be done by Jan. 10--21-day advance ticket purchase is required--and travel must be completed by March 31. Call 800-645-3880 for information or booking.