{"id":131345,"date":"2017-11-15T02:40:28","date_gmt":"2017-11-15T07:40:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=131345"},"modified":"2017-11-15T02:40:28","modified_gmt":"2017-11-15T07:40:28","slug":"gadgets-comfort-luggage-a-gift-guide-for-travellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2017\/11\/15\/gadgets-comfort-luggage-a-gift-guide-for-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Gadgets, comfort, luggage: A gift guide for travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"(Pexels<\/a>
What gadgets, tools and comfort items are essential? (Pexels photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NEW YORK — What’s in your bag when you take a trip? What gadgets, tools and comfort items are essential?<\/p>\n

The Associated Press crowdsourced that question on a Facebook thread as fodder for a holiday gift guide for travellers. We heard from folks around the world, from millennials to retirees, from frequent-flying business travellers to once-in-a-while vacationers. Here are their recommendations, plus a few of our favourites.<\/p>\n

GADGETS<\/p>\n

–A universal travel adapter that converts electric current around the world. The travel store Flight 001 has a \u201c5-in-1\u201d colour-coded adapter , $35.<\/p>\n

–Portable chargers to keep devices running on the road. Anker’s PowerCore 26800 , $48, can charge an iPhone more than six times. For hikers and beach bums, Anker’s PowerPort Solar Lite , $51, was deemed the best solar charger by The New York Times’ Wirecutter product-testing company.<\/p>\n

–The Tile, $35, to keep track of belongings. Attach the Tile to an object like keys or bags, or tuck it inside a passport case or wallet, and you can locate the item with Bluetooth technology. For outdoor gear, try Tile Sport.<\/p>\n

–Tiny Bluetooth speakers, like the $28 Oontz , to fill a hotel room or vacation rental with music.<\/p>\n

–Power strip or cube tap (a cube-shaped adapter with multiple outlets) to charge multiple devices in hotel rooms and airports.<\/p>\n

–Headlamp for hiking, reading and crafting. Or the mini Lumio lamp and battery pack, which opens and closes like a book, $150.<\/p>\n

PACKING AND LUGGAGE<\/p>\n

–Compression storage bags so packed clothes take up less room. No vacuum needed for Roomier Life Roll-Up Space Saver Bags , $16 on Amazon: The air is expelled through an opening when they’re rolled up.<\/p>\n

–Packing cubes and ultralight nylon packing bags for organizing. Flight 001’s Spacepak bags , $42 and up, have dual compartments to separate dirty and clean clothes, and also have air vents for compression.<\/p>\n

–Hand-held scale for weighing bags.<\/p>\n

–Colorful luggage tags.<\/p>\n

–Luggage. For inexpensive and serviceable, Target and Costco; sturdy and sensible, L.L. Bean; stylish, upscale and durable, Tumi. For organized hipsters, the $220 Nomatic backpack\/duffel bag . For day bags, Bagallini, LeSportsac and REI’s $33 compressible Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack . For high-tech, Bluesmart smart luggage includes a built-in weight scale, a GPS tracking device, a battery to charge a phone and laptop, and autolock activated by cellphone.<\/p>\n

SLEEP<\/p>\n

–Travel pillow. The new trtl travel pillow looks like a neck wrap rather than the traditional U-shape. It supports the head and neck with a system of ribs inside a soft fleece, $30.<\/p>\n

–Ear plugs and contoured sleep masks that don’t crush eyelids and lashes.<\/p>\n

–Bose noise-cancelling headphones : expensive at around $350, but the brand of choice for frequent flyers.<\/p>\n

–White noise machines like LectroFan , $35.<\/p>\n

COMFORT, HYGIENE, BEAUTY AND FITNESS<\/p>\n

–Travel-size toiletries: toothpaste, sunscreen, deodorant, mouthwash, lotion, antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, perfume, tissues. Gift a Birchbox subscription for $10 a month and the recipient will get five samples of personal care and beauty products per delivery for hair, skin and style, all in TSA-compliant sizes for carry-on liquids and gels not exceeding 3.4 ounces.<\/p>\n

–Toiletry bag that can be hung up upon arrival.<\/p>\n

–Tennis ball-size T Spheres , aromatherapy-massage balls, can be heated or frozen, $35.<\/p>\n

–Soaragami armrest divider , $30. Have fun explaining it to the stranger on the plane sitting next to you in coach.<\/p>\n

–Travel yoga mats.<\/p>\n

–Inflatable Ten Toes stand-up paddleboard, $500 and up.<\/p>\n

–Bike helmets that fold flat. Morpher helmets are certified safe in the United States and Canada by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, $149.<\/p>\n

PRACTICAL AND FUN<\/p>\n

–To make a hotel room or vacation rental homey, a flat-folding mesh laundry hamper; plastic, fold-out flower vase and 2-cup travel kettle for boiling water.<\/p>\n

–For cocktails on the road, Flight 001 sells a $65 mini-bar kit with tiny glass bottles, metal flasks, stir spoon, funnel and recipe booklet. The vials are sized to be TSA-compliant, but remember that it’s not legal to drink your own booze on an airplane.<\/p>\n

–Rain ponchos that fold into tiny flat squares.<\/p>\n

–Disposable underwear.<\/p>\n

–Pashmina or cotton print scarf, for warmth, modesty or even as a picnic or beach blanket.<\/p>\n

GIFT CARDS ETC.<\/p>\n

–Surprise someone in a destination with a bottle of Champagne or flowers in their room, helicopter tour, dinner cruise, show tickets or attractions pass.<\/p>\n

–Give air travel using the new Skyhour website or app. One Skyhour costs $60 and is worth an hour of flight time. Recipients can search for and book flights, just like they would on any booking site. More than 350 airlines participate.<\/p>\n

–For Disney fans, the Gift of Disney Vacations program can pay for an experience, ticket or entire vacation at a Disney park.<\/p>\n

–Kindle or iTunes gift card.<\/p>\n

–Priority Pass membership for airport lounges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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