TWO ITEMS THAT MADE OUR RECENT TRIP EASIER!

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?

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.

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Joanne's Product Reviews for Travel and Comfort

Even though most pleasure travel has been temporarily put on hold, it’s time to give some thought of what you are going to pack in your carry-on-only bag to make your adventures in post-Covid times worry-free.

I also hope you enjoy this website, intentionally FREE OF ADS, for a relaxing and undisturbed viewing experience.

IF THE SHOE FITS

Walk on Air—In Recycled Plastics

You’ve got to love a shoe manufacturer whose goal is to create every shoe from recycled materials. That being said, when those shoes turn out to be the most comfortable pair you’ve ever owned, that makes this recommendation even more meaningful.

This was the experience my husband reported when he slipped into his pair of The Jamie, one of several styles offered by the innovative company THIRD MIND. As frequent travelers who pack carry-on only to tour the world, shoes are perhaps the most important part of our wardrobe. This attractive shoe looks good enough to wear for business or formal occasions and is comfortable enough to trek through the cobblestone streets of Europe.

Did I mention these shoes are extremely lightweight, eliminate odors, and save roughly 20 water bottles from going into landfills and waterways? To boot, the soles are made with 30% recycled rubber from tires!

When my husband says he feels as if he is “walking on air” in these shoes, he means it! The company has plans to launch a women’s collection, and I will be first in line to seek out my ultimate shoe fetish—an attractive dress shoe that fits like a sneaker and allows me to roam the world all day in style and comfort.

Third Mind’s philosophy and tagline, using recycled parts to help knit the world whole—step by step, says it all.

Slip into a Socially-Conscious Slipper

Since we are on the subject of socially conscious shoe companies—and winter will be at our doorstep before we know it—you might want to consider the NAUSENI natural wool and leather collection of slippers. The company was created to help employ women in Nepal with handcrafting slippers inspired by their cultural heritage.

These slippers are unisex and ladies may have to step down a size for a perfect fit. Consult their website for more information on picking the correct size for your foot. These comfortable slippers will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and every step you take in them will help hardworking women in under-developed countries.

ON THE ROAD

THE CABEAU PILLOW STANDS THE TEST OF TIME

After well more than ten years of carting my faithful CABEAU inflatable pillow around the world on our press travels, I thought it might be time to upgrade to a newer model.  I selected the Air Evolution pillow and I can’t recommend it enough.

As with my older model, I was able to put the pillow in my purse, as it compressed to fit inside a small travel case. This new model has an additional benefit—it allows me to adjust for a perfect 360 degree support and the lightweight inflatable air core allows you to inflate or deflate to your perfect level of firmness. A welcome new “one breath” valve on the pillow allows for an almost instant inflation, eliminating the need for multiple breaths to inflate. And there’s even a convenient media pouch that holds your phone or MP3 player for hands-free listening!

Since we only travel carry-on only with restricted luggage space, this is the best option for our needs. That being said, if you are planning a road trip (which we are soon) or don’t mind carting a bit larger bag with you, the Evolution S3 is the way to go. This mother of travel pillows offers a tremendous support, which is why the company offers a “no neck pain” guarantee. It even straps to airline seat wings to prevent your head from falling forward.

PERFECT HEADPHONES FOR MANY OCCASIONS

It’s not often you find an item that is both perfect for travel as well as for home use. Well, we found it in the SleepPhones® Wireless headband.

There was nothing more annoying when we were traveling by plane than to have to cart bulky over-the-ear headphones in our carry-on. So when we discovered these compact headbands, we knew we had found the perfect travel accessory. We can easily slip them into a pocket or purse and enjoy exceptional audio throughout our long flights (they even double as eyeshades to block out ambient light)..

An added bonus is that they are perfect for sleeping at home, too. They lull you off to La-La Land and without annoying buds in your ears. While I don’t usually wear earphones at night, I am so delighted that I no longer hear the residual noise my husband’s in-ear headphones produced any longer. Blissful sleep for me, too!

They come in both wireless and wired options and offer a one-year warranty.



ORGANIC SKIN CARE FROM NZ

I’m always on the look-out for natural products to keep my complexion glowing when I am on the road covering visitor destinations around the world. That is why I can highly recommend the New Zealand-based line of  Aú Natural Skinfood  products I used on a recent road trip. Organic, non-toxic, cruelty-free products are the only ones that touch my face, so I was excited to review this line.

We all know hand sanitizers will be with us for years to come, and I can safely say the company’s Defend moisturizing gel sanitizer is one of the most gentle, thanks to its base of Manuka honey and aloe vera. Their Manuka honey hand cream also helps moisturize those hands chapped from constant washing and their lip balm does a wonderful job, too. My absolute favorite is their mineral powder “On the Go” Brush on Foundation with SPF 25 sunscreen protection. Just a quick sweep and my skin looks flawless—the perfect alternative to a compact.

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.

JOANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS IN THESE EVER-CHANGING TIMES

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.

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!

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.

JOANNE'S TRAVEL TIPS, SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

MICHAELANGELO WOULD HAVE LOVED THIS PHONE CHARGER

I must admit, I am a lover of all things Italian…from cuisine to clothing to home décor.

I probably speak for many of us who are really tired of having black plastic devices litter our desks, with no regard for aesthetics and design. That’s why my eyes lit up when I learned about Eggtronic’s wireless charging stones, made out of handcrafted Italian marble. The high-powered chargers work with all Qi-enabled devices and provide fast charging up to 10W for compatible devices.

I selected a classic white marble charger, but they also come in black marble, travertine, lava and sandstone. True to its promise, my Samsung Note 9 charged quickly (even through a leather case) and without a glitch.

If you need a touch of class to embellish your desktop, this is definitely the way to go. They make practical and unique gifts, too.

GOING SOLO

…well, maybe not literally, as I usually travel with my husband and fellow photographer, Tony.

What I am referring to is the company, SOLO NEW YORK, which makes affordable and stylish bags for everyone (which gets them consistent top-rated reviews on Amazon.com).

Just to clarify, I never leave home on travel with anything but a backpack and carry-on roller (read my article on Traveling Carry-On Only to see why).  That being said, it stands to reason that the backpack has to be stylish, as well as practical, to cover both business and travel needs.

This Parker Hybrid Tote exceeded my expectations.  It looks like a designer bag, with its sleek form, gold zippers, and lovely black fabric. But where this bag really shines is its versatility, especially for someone on the go. I can’t travel anywhere without my  15.6” laptop and it slides perfectly into its own compartment in this tote. I’m also able to accommodate my huge make up bag, cell phone, reading glasses, and much more in the many convenient compartments this backpack offers.

AND, it is super comfortable with its fully padded back and shoulder straps. It even features a back strap to slide over your luggage handle to make your sprints through the airport and along city sidewalks so much easier.

Going SOLO was never so much fun!

NAILIN’ IT

Although I love the look of well-manicured nails, I am also very conscious about the purity of any cosmetic I use. Up until now, I’ve found it difficult to find chemical-free nail polish (let alone sealer and remover), so I’ve pretty much given up on having lovely manicured nails.

Then I learned about the SOPHi line of nail products—and was immediately sold. Free of all harsh chemicals, the water-based formula leaves nails healthy and doesn’t cause them to yellow or become brittle. As an added plus, SOPHi is vegan and cruelty free.

The system is easy to follow. First apply the primer and sealer, then 2 to 3 coats of nail polish (they have a wide spectrum of cool colors to choose from) followed by a shine topcoat and another coat of primer and sealer for extended wear. Blow dry on warm between applications—and enjoy a manicure that looks as if you just emerged from a high-end salon.

The product is endorsed by EWG (Environmental Working Group), which for years has been my source of information about the toxicity of not only cosmetics, but cleaning products we use and the food we consume in our daily lives.

MYCHELLE, MYCHOICE

And while we’re on the subject of cosmetics that rank high on EWG’s purity list, I should mention one of my favorite rejuvenating treatments, MyChelle’s G2 Instant Firming serum. I can see it plump up my skin almost immediately, especially after a long plane trip or working all day on the computer.  It contains wholesome ingredients such as Goji berries and fermented pomegranate extract that seem to do the trick, with no parabens or any other toxic ingredients.

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.