As we head into the holiday travel season, experienced travelers know that the right travel gear can make all the difference in a trip living up to (or surpassing) expectations. You’re spending thousands on airfare, lodging, car rentals and meals … so don’t let the wrong travel gear sidetrack your dream vacation. Here are some of the coolest gadgets, gizmos and accessories that might make you the happiest traveler at the airport.
Genius Pack 25'' Hardside Spinner Upright — This crush-proof luggage is infused with "genius" features. Extremely lightweight 9only 8.2 pounds) and durable, the Hardside Spinner rolls 360 degrees with eight silent-gliding spinner wheels. The interior panel is engineered with designated category compartments, permanent packing checklist to ensure you packed it all, and secluded laundry compartment to keep your dirty clothes secluded. Other features include integrated TSA friendly combination lock, gel-print handles and compression straps. Also available in 21-inch and 29-inch spinners. $188 (for the 25”); www.geniuspack.com
NapAnywhere Travel Pillow — Traveling can be a real pain in the neck … literally. For many travelers, falling asleep upright and waking up with neck discomfort happens far too often. The problem is in the pillow … or trying to nap without proper head support. Skip the dirty airline pillows and try NapAnywhere, a minimalist, head-support device developed specifically by a physician for travelers. It effectively provides head support while in a seated position. This comfortable, portable device can be used while traveling on planes, subways, trains, buses and cars as a passenger. Small and compact, it fits easily into your carry-on, backpack, laptop bag or purse. It’s also stain-resistant and can be wiped clean. A carrying pouch is included to help protect the NapAnywhere when not in use. Available in five colors: black, crimson, cobalt, cream and lime. Retails for $59 online at www.napanywhere.net.
High Altitude Flight Bag by Genius Pack — Ultimate convenient carry-on bag, great for electronics, magazines, books, tablets, smart phones and chargers. Innovative patent-pending design attaches to the seat tray in front of you to maximize space-savings and keep things from flying off the tray table during turbulence or bumpy flights. Recharge your smart phone directly from the pack when you integrate the Portable Mobile Charger. Includes removable padded shoulder strap. Slides on top of larger carry-ons for stress-free movement at airports. $58.00; www.geniuspack.com
ZeroHour XD Flashlight — Don’t get caught without a flashlight or a smart phone charger on your next trip. ZeroHour is perhaps the finest flashlight in the world, integrated with a dual USB battery backup that can charge smartphones, tablets and other USB devices. ZeroHour is a USB rechargeable flashlight featuring a 1,000 lumen LED, up to 10,000mAh of USB battery backup power, IPX8 waterproof protection and a revolutionary modular component design. Under normal conditions using 3 x 3400mAh lithium batteries, ZeroHour provides up to 24+ hours of illumination when set on low, and 6+ hours on high power. Its 1.5 amp and 2.1 amp can charge two electronic devices at once. The XD set is the top of the line package: 2 flat caps, carabiner cap and 3 x 3400mAh batteries gives you the ultimate in performance. Made in the USA. $224.99; www.zerohourxd.com
Keyport Slide — Who wants to travel with a bulky set of keys in your pocket? The new Keyport Slide 2.0 has reinvented the conventional keychain. The Slide holds up to 6 keys or inserts, yet is roughly the size of a pack of gum. The revolutionary Keyport blades replace traditional keys, fit securely in the Keyport Slide, are easily inserted and removed, and feature a one-size-fits-all head. It's compatible with most standard keys, including house keys, high-security keys, transponder-chipped auto and motorcycle keys, small mail and padlock keys, and bike lock keys. Users can customize their Slide, with useful tools like a flash drive, mini-light and bottle opener. It provides easy access to keys and tools with the slide of a thumb. Made in the USA. $29 plus accessories and inserts; www.mykeyport.com
My Air — Don’t let flu and cold germs ruin your next overseas vacation. We all know that exposure to viruses and bacteria can make us sick, but here are some things you might not know... Your nose does more than just smell - it's part of an elaborate network of sinuses that warm and humidify the air you breathe, and also acts as a filter. When not properly hydrated or protected, the nose and mouth become open gateways for germs and contaminants. This happens more often than you think, and dry tissues in the nose and throat not only make you more susceptible to germs, but also aggravate allergies, asthma & COPD. MyAir solves the problem by reducing the moisture lost in exhaled breath, and by blocking germs and allergens. It is an ultra thin mask with advanced filtration and an attractive design that will keep you looking and feeling your best. $19.99; www.myairmask.com
Luci Outdoor by MPOWERD is an inflatable solar lantern that is an outdoor enthusiast’s new best friend. With Luci’s hardy solar-powered LED glow at hand, you have a lightweight, waterproof and reliable light source for camping, boating, night hiking or any unforeseen circumstances like power outages, storms and hurricanes. Versatile Luci has three convenient settings including a high visibility emergency flashing setting. Its built-in rechargeable battery holds a charge for up to 12 hours, staying bright all night. Luci Outdoor is the same great light as Luci Original, but packaged for the outdoor enthusiast. MPOWERD is committed to transforming people’s lives and protecting the planet by making its products and solutions available and accessible the world over. $14.99; www.mpowerd.com
Brew2Go — Meet your new drinking buddy. The Brew2Go is a double-walled BPA-free SAN Acrylic plastic drink tumbler with a closeable lid that holds 16oz of beer, prevents spills, condensation and keeps the bugs out. This beer tumbler is sure to make your outdoor (and indoor) beer drinking fun, easy and safe. The “beer to go” plastic drink tumbler is perfect for tailgating, at a sporting event or concert, and also ideal for the pool where glass bottles are not allowed. The insulated dual chamber design keeps your beer colder for longer. $16.99; http://store.theproductfarm.com/
