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!

JOANNE'S LEADS TO SOME GREAT BAGS

December 9, 2020

IT’S IN THE BAG!

While I usually add a variety of favorite items to my monthly product reviews, today I’d like to highlight three bags that made quite an impression on me this month. Each fills a different need, and I hope you enjoy reading my take on these innovative items.

BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED ROLLER LUGGAGE MADE FROM RECYCLED WATER BOTTLES—

YES, REALLY!

I’ve written about many a carry-on roller (the only luggage we use on our press trips), but I don’t think I ever wrote about a piece of luggage that was produced out of 100% ocean-bound plastic bottles. Well that’s just what the Solo New York company developed recently, with their launch of the Re-Treat Carry On.

If a product can be produced from recycled materials, it gets an “A+” in my book. That being said, this roller has everything its competition offers, so why not help save the planet while treating yourself to an exceptional piece of luggage?

The bag boasts a water resistant coating as well as internal and external pockets. It meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines. It’s one of those bags that offers a variety of organizational options together with ample space for clothing and cosmetics.

I can’t wait to take it on our next press trip, which will hopefully be soon.

BTW: You can rest assured you are getting a quality product. The Solo New York company was founded in 1940, and as per their promise, they combine a commitment to craftsmanship with a flair for modern innovation.

COOL NEW TWIST ON THE VENERABLE FANNY PACK

While we are on the subject of bags, I can’t say enough good things about the shortyLOVE Arcade. I so love how this company embraced the tried-and-true fanny pack and gave it a modern twist!

This beautifully designed bag can serve as not only a belt pack, but can also double as a cross body sling. It sports two exterior zip pockets, one in front and one close to the body.

I love taking it on my bike trips and walks through my neighborhood, as it keeps small essentials handy, such as my phone, wallet, earbuds, and lip gloss, for example.

And when we are all ready to travel again, this will serve as an excellent theft-resistant bag. Trust me, the vintage fanny-pack is still the best protection against theft while traveling and I am so happy it has re-surged again in style, thanks to shortyLOVE.

IN VINO VERITAS

Looking for the perfect gift for the wine lover? You’ll definitely make a hit by gifting a PortoVino wine purse that not only looks attractive, but will discreetly hold your favorite vintage and easily pour from the spout wherever you go.

PortoVino’s bags are super stylish, crafted from gorgeous vegan leather, and are spacious enough to hold all your essentials—in addition to up to two bottles of wine (or other beverage) to sip discreetly while on the go.

The secret zippered compartment is designed for storing your beverage pouch, where you can keep your drinks chilled and hidden. We used this on a recent road trips through the California wine country, where we were able to enjoy our picnic lunch in the vineyards and keep our wine cool and available as we dined al fresco.

It’s a great idea to be able to bring your own drinks along on outings. Besides wine, it can hold your beverage of choice, such as beer, mixed drinks, juice, and water. A designer flap on the back of the bag hides the pouring spouts until you are ready to use it.

In addition to their classic wine purse, PortoVino offers a full line of gorgeous bags that pour your favorite drink on the go for both men and women. Check out their line for a truly unique gift for friends, family or yourself!

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 TRAVEL TIPS, FOR FUTURE TRAVEL OR TO ENJOY NOW

April 13, 2020

BACKPACK IN STYLE

For those of you who have followed my “packing light” travel tips over the years, you’ll notice that a backpack is a mandatory part of my traveling arsenal. Unfortunately, I had to resign myself to not making a fashion statement as I traveled around the world on my press trip adventures.

Well, not until I discovered the chic London Backpack, by The Casery. Now I can finally travel in style, at least where my backpack is concerned.

It’s hard to make a large backpack look chic, but the London Backpack definitely does a great job. In addition to providing ample room for everything from my laptop computer and cell phone to my bulging make-up bag, I love the stunning rose gold hardware and zippers (what a classy touch) and sleek style. It even keeps my identity safe with RFID-block lining!

As a welcome extra, it has a travel-friendly sleeve on the back so you can slip the pack over your roller bag handles, making that oh-so-common airport sprint so much easier.

Did I mention it is constructed of beautiful vegan leather, available in black, grey and pink. Here’s to practicality and style in one handy pack!

THE BEAUTY IN WATERCRESS

One of my favorite salad toppings, when I can get it, is watercress.

That being said, it shouldn’t have surprised me when I learned about a new beauty product that actually uses its powerful anti-oxidant properties to develop a “Superfood Beauty Oil” with the catchy name, “Sacred Mama.”

Frequent and long travel in the dry air of airplanes, plus a pretty cold winter even here in Southern California, definitely took its toll on my complexion these past months. I am very particular about what I eat, as well as what I put on my skin, so any beauty product I buy has to be pure and free of chemicals.

When I read the ingredients on the label of Sacred Mama, I was sold. The oil combines 17 natural and organic plant-powered ingredients chock full of vitamins, enzymes and natural oils. Watercress has been known to promote the production of Type III collagen, so important in recharging one’s skin for a smooth and youthful appearance. Already after just a few weeks of daily use (4-6 drops), I’ve noticed a definite improvement. It has a wonderful aroma, too, which one would expect from all those natural oils.

As my mother wisely said, “You are what you eat.” How surprised she would be to learn the same principle applies to your daily cosmetic regime!

MY FAVORITE WATER BOTTLE FOR TRAVEL

We’ve all seen those disturbing photos of the mounds of plastic that pollute huge expanses of our oceans, which is why my family and I try to avoid all items that may end up in a landfill, or, most distressingly, in our waters.

My car trunk has an entire case filled with reusable bags of all shapes and sizes, and I’ve not asked for a plastic bag in a store for well on ten years now.

So why would I carry, and throw away, a plastic water bottle?

I don’t.

HDW-25oz-Exp-_-Coll-Cap-Plum_2x2_2887d646-dda3-4a1f-8c42-fd871532d3d0_600x.jpg

I take a Hydaway bottle wherever I travel. First of all, it is collapsible, which means it conveniently fits in my pocket when I am going through security. Then I just take it to one of the many water stations most airports offer and fill it to the brim. When we are trekking through countries and cities on our press tours, I attach it to my back pack with a carabiner so I always have my water supply available.

As an added note, these collapsible bottles are BPA-free, taste-free, odor-free, and dishwasher safe. Do your health—and our world—some good and make this handy bottle your best friend.

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).