TWO ITEMS THAT MADE OUR RECENT TRIP EASIER!

November 12, 2021

The holidays are descending upon us at record speed, it seems.

Needless to say, we could all use some joy in giving, and receiving, some unique and practical gifts. While my list isn’t as long as it usually is (we been on the road on press travel practically non-stop these days) I did want to report on two products I can highly recommend for holiday gifting.

For the photographer/Adventurer in your life

I’ve defied fashion for decades and insisted on carrying my photo bag around my waist while on my many photo excursions around the world. It just made sense, as not only my camera, but my lenses, batteries, and other accessories were safely protected within an easy reach.

I had to smile when I learned that the “fanny pack” is now finally back in style, not only for the casual traveler, but also for the roaming photographer. I can highly recommend the Hex Ranger DSLR sling for many reasons. It is lightweight with adjustable interior dividers to accommodate your equipment. It also boasts a front access organizer and even a faux-fur lined front photo/sunglasses pocket!

And come to think of it, you don’t even need to be a photographer to find a great use for this stylish waist pack. If you are using public transportation, walking through crowded streets, or traveling to foreign countries, there is no safer place for your wallet, passport, and other valuables than right there strapped to your waist (as opposed to a wallet or backpack). Trust me, we know from experience!

The Hex Ranger waist photo bag keeps your gear safe and easily accessible

As if that wasn’t enough, it also features an adjustable bottom strap to hold a tripod.

So happy about the return of the photo fanny pack, and thank you HEX, for leading the charge!

For the phone user who always needs a charge

If you are a person who needs to recharge your phone often, you may as well do it in style!

The Chargella wristlet is perfect for a night out, as well as for travel.

The new CHARGELLA “Carry-All” wristlet brings new meaning to the term “smart design.” It is not only quite fashionable, but boasts a built-in wireless charging power bank that will fit just about any phone with its interchangeable plugs. As an added bonus, you can carry all your essentials with its RFID protected wallet, and the front expands with room for your keys and cosmetics. This functional fashion accessorty is perfect for travel, or just a night out!

I packed it on a lengthy press trip recently and was so glad I did! My phone recharged without a glitch and I was back on line again to read emails, use Google maps, and take phone photos of the scenery….whew!

TRAVELING SOON? NEED A GIFT FOR MOM?

April 22, 2021

IT’S IN THE BAG

Those of you who follow my travel item “favorites” blog will know that I’ve been a fan of the SOLO NEW YORK lines of luggage and bags for many reasons. First and foremost, these bags are produced from recycled materials such as 100% ocean-bound plastic bottles (hard to believe, but true).

The icing on the cake is that each piece is stylish, super well-constructed, and designed with the traveler in mind.

If you travel for business, I can’t think of a better product than Solo’s underseater rolling briefcase. The organization options are many. It’s so surprising what you can fit in this bag, including a 15.6” laptop! Two front zippered pockets hold other essentials, and an interior organizer holds so much more.

This versatile bag is also made from recycled plastic bottles and glides through the airport on precision wheels making your jaunt between gates a breeze.

The MyCHELLE line of cosmetics has always been on the top of my list of favorite skin care products and I was delighted to hear about the launch of the Hydrate Collection, a line that features hyaluronic acid, an ingredient known to add hydration to thirsty, dry skin. I had the opportunity to test out some of the products in this new line and can attest to the fact that each played a significant role in bringing back life to my dull and dehydrated skin.

The Ultra Hyaluronic Eye Gel definitely brightened my day, as well as my eyes, when I saw what a difference it made in eliminating those fine wrinkles that inevitably pop up during a dry winter. The Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum, together with the Cream, gave my face a healthy glow, thanks to natural ingredients such as green caffeine and blue lotus extract. Before sleep, I apply the line’s Deep Repair Cream, infused with rosehip and black currant oils that work their magic overnight.

My Mom definitely would have approved!

Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.

I also hope you enjoy this AD FREE experience on my site!

JOANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS IN THESE EVER-CHANGING TIMES

August 9, 2020

Even though most pleasure travel has been temporarily put on hold, we should use these quiet days to think about when travel opens up in the future (and it will)! It’s time to give some thought of what you are going to pack in your (hopefully) carry-on-only bag to make your adventures in post-Covid times worry-free.

TRAVEL LIGHT—MY FAVORITE MANTRA

Care-free travel clothes….no kidding!

We’ve reported on the amazing sweat-wicking and anti-bacterial travel clothing items offered by Unbound Merino in past columns. Famous for their cutting-edge t-shirts, briefs and socks, they have come up with a button-down shirt that will make travel for the business man (as well as the leisure traveler who may need to dress up a bit during a trip) a heck of a lot easier. This classic shirt is not only lightweight and breathable, it is odor-and wrinkle resistant, dries quickly, and is perfect for packing light. Looking good (for weeks on end with just a carry-on in tow) has never been easier.

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And there’s more….Just in time for the road trips we all will be taking over the next months, this innovative company has introduced its Essential Shorts line. These are the only pair of shorts you’ll need for warmer weather-anytime, anywhere- keeping you cool and comfortable in even the hottest and most humid of climates. And as an added bonus, they are amazingly elegant to boot! So whether you are trekking over hill and dale, or sipping a cocktail on the beach in a more formal environment, these shorts will adapt to any occasion.

The Perfect Travel Pant

Whether you are cramped in an economy seat on a long flight, or on an hours long road trip, you definitely have to wear non-binding clothing to keep you comfortable. For years I’ve been on the quest for a travel pant that not only looks stylish, but doesn’t constrict. I can highly recommend the JJwinks Cloud 9 legging for doing just that! I especially love the 4” wide non-binding waistband, with no annoying drawstring or scratchy elastic. The material is buttery soft, but still very elegant. Match it with an equally comfortable JJ top—and even with a custom face mask that comes in a super soft, coordinating fabric.

Chic, safe and comfortable is the way to go in 2020.

It’s a Wrap

The DEMDACO website, which offers some lovely and diverse gift-giving options, features a colorful, super light-weight kimono scarf which is perfect for carry on travel.. This scarf will not only serve as a wrap to spice up an outfit, but can also be used as a striking pool/beach cover-up. Easily washed and air dried, this wrap does double duty if you need to conserve luggage space, especially if you use carry-on only.

TIP: If you are looking for a gift to make a loved one happy, especially in these trying times, this site specializes in thoughtful and unique gifts for all ages.

STAYING SAFE

TAKE YOUR TEMP

It’s a new reality out there, and you, as I, would never have thought that a fever thermometer would be your new best travel friend. But it definitely is.

I can highly recommend the TruMed Infared Thermometer, especially if you are planning a trip anywhere in the near future. You just need to turn it on, aim it an inch away from your forehead, and an infrared laser sensor will immediately measure and deliver your temperature. We all know how critical temperature readings are in our current scenario, so this no-touch devise will definitely serve you and your family well.

NO MORE FOGGY DAYS

Leave it up to Cabeau (one of my favorite comfort travel accessory companies and inventors of some of the best pillows for air travel in my experience) to come up with Cabeau Tape, a solution to some of the annoying problems of wearing a mask (which of course we all MUST do to keep safe). This ingenious tape prevents eyeglasses from fogging, seals gaps in ill-fitting masks, and helps keeps masks on wriggly children.

A “KEY” TO GOOD HEALTH

With a change in our new world of hygienic cleaning habits, the Clean Key by Key Smart should definitely be attached to your key chain to travel whereever you go. It’s great for opening public doors, at store checkouts, ATMs, credit card touchscreens, and the ever contaminated door handles we encounter along our travels, especially in public restrooms. The device also includes a free, retractable carabinier. Stay safe!

FROM SUITCASE TO SOCKS, and everything in between...MY LATEST TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

February 2, 2020

IT’S IN THE BAG

As photo journalists, my husband and I have to cart quite a bit of gear to “get the picture,” and we learned over the years we could only survive by limiting our luggage to one backpack and one carry on each. I’m always on the search for the perfect bag to hold my clothing and travel items, sometimes for up to a month of travel, but always have had to sacrifice style for practicality.

I always loved the look and durability of hard cases, but since there are significant weight restrictions on international flights, I was forced to avoid them—until I discovered Samsonite’s Voltage DLX 20” spinner. This stylish bag weighs in at a mere 6 pounds and offers a slew of features, such as its ease of maneuverability through airports and especially along the narrow aisle of a plane. The roomy interior features a large mesh bag perfect for socks and underwear, as well as a waterproof compartment that prevents toiletry leaks from ruining your clothes (which has happened to me more than once).

An added feature I appreciate (and never had in my older bags) is a USB port integrated into the TSA-approved lock panel. I know this feature will come in handy on those occasions when there are no available charging stations in an airport, which happens more often than one would think. And did I mention that this chic bag also has a cool zippered expander, always a welcome feature when you need to squeeze in a few more items for good measure?

Practicality, durability and good looks to boot—I have a feeling the Voltage will become my best friend as we traipse through the world’s travel destinations in 2020.

VIVA LA FRANCE

While this isn’t a travel item per se, since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I wanted to share the tradition my husband and I have lived by for years to celebrate that special day of love. Since we both pride ourselves on being gourmet cooks, we enjoy splurging on lobster, filet mignon, or any number of other specialty ingredients for a special occasion. So for Valentine’s Day, we whip up a feast at home to be enjoyed on our dining table, in the glow of our fireplace.

Of course, such a fine meal deserves a fine wine, and our absolute favorite is Moulin de Duhart from one of the most esteemed wineries in the world, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite). Some day we personally hope to visit the lush vineyards in Southwestern France where our favorite wine is produced (the Lafite vineyards date back to 1234!) but until then, we will savor this exquisite vintage by raising a glass to health and another year of love and happiness!

Viva l’amour.

SHIRT “TALES”

Cruising through Southern Europe in November requires careful packing, which is why I was delighted to add Unbound’s long sleeve merino crew shirt to my husband’s carry on as we sailed the Mediterranean on a recent Viking ocean cruise. This classic shirt served so many purposes during our voyage, both on and off board ship. It provided a welcome warm layer on cold, rainy days, was elegant enough to wear under a jacket at dinner, and even felt comfortable on days when the temps reached the 80s (due to its built in temperature control). It is moisture wicking, odor resistant (only needed to hand wash it a few times on our two-week trip) and doesn’t wrinkle. Despite its many attributes, this shirt is so light it packs beautifully in a small bag, taking up little space and weight -- an important consideration when you travel carry-on only.

And while we are on the subject of indispensable travel items…

SOCK IT TO ME

My husband, probably like most men, never thought twice about the socks he threw into his bag prior to a trip. That changed when a thoughtful friend gave him a gift of Blacksocks, and now he swears by these luxurious, and infinitely comfortable, socks. Headquartered in Zurich, Blacksocks was founded in 1999 with the goal of providing superior quality socks (made in Italy) on an innovative subscription service, still available to this day for those of us who consistently lose a sock and need a replacement.

Two different sock styles took him through our cruise in infinite comfort. He loved the “invisible” sneaker socks made of quality Merino wool, which kept his feet warm during cool days and cool when the temps were higher. For dinners and more formal occasions, he waxed poetic over the comfort provided by his cashmere silk socks, which he pronounced were “pure luxury” on his feet.

THE “EYES” HAVE IT

While I normally don’t write about beauty creams, as the selection out there is mind-boggling, I did have a chance to test out EyeMATRIX by Biotulin recently (which I so needed this fall, as the stress of constant travel coupled with sleepless hours in planes definitely took its toll on my skin). This company, based in Germany, claims that Biotulin is a botanical alternative to Botox and reduces dark circles and bags under the eyes.

I meticulous applied the cream each night during my long travels, and I am convinced that it did its job well. Endorsed by such notables as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Middleton, and Michele Obama, to name a few, I was happy to find an effective eye cream made purely from plants (sative seed oil and other natural ingredients).