Great travel gear makes packing more convenient, the journey more comfortable and passengers less stressed; it can even elevate your experience during your stay. Upgrade your vacation with these must-have products (and technology) that go the extra mile.
PHOTO: © BRIGGS & RILEY
BRIGGS & RILEY ESSENTIAL CARRY-ON SPINNER
Chock-full of features, this suitcase is up for both short jaunts and around-the-world adventures. Inside, one-touch CX expansion gives you more room at the touch of a button, a tri-fold garment folder and garment panels prevent wrinkles, and mesh lid zip pockets keep accessories accessible. Outside, the aircraft-grade aluminum telescoping handle, shock-absorbing 360-degree spinner wheels and corner-guard protection are built to last; and thoughtful details include dedicated pockets for phones and passports. $699.
briggs-riley.com
PhOTOS: © BASMARY
BASMARY CLOTH INFLATABLE POOL HAMMOCK
Tired of buying overpriced, poor-quality floats on every beach vacation, only to have them barely last the entire week? Tote along this inflatable hammock on your next all- inclusive tropical trip for hours of fun in the sun. The mesh fabric center comfortably suspends you in the water while the buoyant pillows support your neck and legs. Designed for water lovers aged 15 and up, the float deflates to fit into its carrying case. $31.99.
basmary.com
PHOTO: © HONEYDEW SLEEP
HONEYDEW SLEEP SCRUMPTIOUS TRAVEL PILLOW
Lumpy or flat hotel pillows don’t make for a restful night’s sleep, leaving you sore and salty instead of ready to tackle the city’s sights. This cloud-like yet dense pillow, designed especially for a side sleeper’s spinal alignment, is the answer. Its curve and shoulder cutout support neck and shoulders, and the copper-infused foam fill is naturally antibacterial and can be removed or added depending on your plump preference. It also works in transit and comes with a carrying case. From $99.
honeydewsleep.com
© BEE & YOU
BEE&YOU SUNSCREEN
If you are headed to swim with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands or snorkel with reef sharks in Bora Bora, you’ll need toiletries that won’t hurt the region’s delicate ecosystem. These natural mineral sunscreens made with non-nano mineral zinc oxide are coral reef-safe and free from harmful chemicals, and they won’t leave white residue. Anatolian propolis (a rich bee product) protects, Vitamin E prevents sunburn spots, and shea butter and jojoba oil keep skin smooth. $11.99–18.99.
beeandyou.com
© SOLO
SOLO LEROY ROLLING DUFFEL
For those trips where a suitcase is unwieldy but a regular tote bag might be too small or heavy, this rolling duffel offers the perfect compromise. It meets the carry-on requirements for most major airlines and has two front zippered pockets and a separate shoe/ laundry compartment. The shoulder straps are comfortable, but the push-button telescoping handle system and easy-glide wheels make heavier packing effortless. It’ll quickly become your go-to weekender. $141.99.
solo-ny.com
PHOTO: © MOXXIE STYLE
MOZZIE STYLE MOSQUITO NET CLOTHING
Are mosquitos keeping you from enjoying your beachfront balcony, campsite or cabin deck at dusk? Rather than douse yourself with toxic chemicals or light all-but- useless citronella candles, try this mesh clothing that works just like a wearable screen. The line includes jackets, pants and blankets made of a super-lightweight, insecticide- free recycled polyester mesh fabric that will keep the bugs at bay. $28.99–42.99.
mozziestyle.com
© SOUND OF SLEEP
LECTROFAN MICRO2
If paper-thin walls or a room a little too close to the resort disco are keeping you awake, this little- but-mighty piece of technology will be a lifesaver. The all-in-one sleep sound machine and portable Bluetooth rotating speaker can pair with your smartphone for streaming a relaxing spa-like playlist. Or pump out one of five digital fan sounds; four variations of white, pink and brown noise; and two ocean surf sounds. $34.95.
soundofsleep.com
© POKE A DOT ORGANIZER
POKE A DOT ORGANIZER
From Bluetooth speakers and phone chargers to point-and-shoot cameras and extra lenses, travelers pack a lot of technology these days. Keep it all tidy and in one place with this organizer. The rigid box with a lid has rows of holes along the bottom into which eight included plastic dividers can be configured horizontally, vertically or diagonally. It’s also perfect for beauty junkies to keep brushes, makeup and hair products at the ready. $19.95.
pokeadotorganizer.com
PHOTO: © ALLTRAILS
ALLTRAILS APP
When you find yourself away from home with some time to take a hike but don’t know where to start, this app will show you the top trails, no matter your location. Filter by distance, difficulty, length, elevation, traffic or rating; or seek out spots that have waterfalls, lakes, views or are suitable for kids, dogs or wheelchairs. User reviews and photos tell (and show) exactly what to expect. GPS-based navigation ensures you don’t get lost, and a download feature on the premium version proves helpful in remote areas with poor cell signal. Regular version free; premium version $35.99/year.
alltrails.com/mobile
FLIGHTAWARE APP
Plane nerds geek out at this app, which provides real-time flight tracking details including the airline, aircraft, flight number, origin, destination, altitude, ground speed, and departure and arrival times. It’s a must if you are sweating it out on the plane wondering if you are going to just make — or just miss — that close connection, or if you are picking up someone at the airport. It’s also great fun to armchair travel and daydream you’re on that flight to Fiji. Free.
flightaware.com/mobile
DAYUSE APP
There is nothing worse than getting to your hotel after a long-haul overnight flight and finding out your room won’t be ready for another few hours or more. Rather than stumble around a city jet-lagged, book a hotel accommodation for a few hours for up to 75 percent off an overnight rate. With more than 7,000 hotels in 25 countries, you’re bound to find a place to rest, and you can cancel for free up until the last minute. Free.
dayuse.com
REBTEL
Rather than relying on WiFi to make a call or buying a local SIM card when overseas, download this helpful app. It connects your cellphone to local phone lines in 51 countries so you can make that restaurant reservation when you are out and about or call to check on the family at home without worrying about hefty per-minute charges. Price varies according to calls.
rebtel.com
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