We seem to be spending more time at airports, and on planes, trains, buses and ships today. Don’t you like to be comfortable when you’re traveling? There are many companies that have addressed this problem, and have designed products especially made with our comfort in mind! The most popular item has to be the travel pillow. While different seats are designed with different degrees of comfort, the travel pillow has to be the most necessary item. Especially on long trips, you can get very uncomfortable with neck and shoulder aches. My favorite travel pillow is made of memory foam. These adjust to your body’s heat and weight and remember it’s shape. They support the head and neck best, and are great for relaxing. The best ones have a removable, washable cover. These can also be compressed small so as not to take up too much room in your carry on luggage. Second choice would be one of the blow up travel pillows. These inflate and depress easily. They pack into a small travel pouch taking up little room in your over-stuffed carry on luggage. They also offer a cloud soft cushion to cradle your neck and head. The soft flocked vinyl is the most comfortable version. There’s also an inflatable lower back support pillow to go along with your neck pillow. These also come with a handy travel pouch. Additionally, there are microbeaded pillows that can be used for neck or back support. These unfortunately take more room and do not compress as easily. Fold-up travel blankets also offer comfort on long trips. Blankets are not always available or there are not always enough to go around. Comfort eye shades will reduce light and are comfortable to wear if you wish to sleep. Ear plugs would also be handy to reduce sound. The most comfortable models are foam covered and take up little room in your carry on luggage. If you experience ear discomfort on planes, consider Earplanes. These are safe, soft and disposable. They relieve air pressure, and also, as a plus, reduce harsh noise. They are made of soft hypoallergenic silicone and reduce noise by 20 decibels. There are children’s versions as well as adult versions. Many travelers swear by Travelsox. These offer superior comfort for airline trips. They give gradual compression which helps to stimulate blood flow and reduce swelling on long flights, car or train rides. They look like ordinary socks and they feel great. Now, grab a good book, bring along some snacks, and your set to travel in comfort!
March 30th, 2008
It’s no fun losing your passport or your money when you are traveling and away from home. Many companies have addressed the need for security while traveling. You never want to leave your valuables in your luggage. There’s a huge array of travel money belts. These come in models designed to wear under your clothing, and out of sight. There are versions that go around the waist, around the neck, around the shoulder, and around the leg. They are available in lightweight nylon, or very thin silk. Many have a comfort backing, comfortable against your skin. Besides holding your money, they will hold your passport, some credit cards, return ticket, etc. There are also models that clip to your waistband, or loop around a belt, and then back under your slacks. The newest version on the market is socks with a pocket. Called Zip It Gear, these socks have a zippered pocket where you can tuck your passport and extra money, etc. They are machine washable and look like ordinary socks. Xubaz Cargo Neckwear makes something that looks like a scarf, but is a supremely functional travel garment with six hidden pockets to carry a variety of essential items, including your passport and money. Additionally two straps secure the scarf to your waistband. Security vests have been popular for sometime. A very practical version is made by Zip It Gear. This is an all-season vest made of lightweight fleece with security pockets that will hold your essentials. AND this vest when turned inside out becomes a cozy fleece travel pillow. It also has an electronics pocket with a pass-through channel for earphones and headsets. Because travel is always evolving, there are new security products designed to protect us. The RFID blocking passport case by Travelon will block unauthorized RFID readers from stealing your information. New U.S. passports and many credit cards contain a radio frequency ID chip. This RFID blocking case will block unauthorized RFID readers and is available in fabric or leather. A newer lightweight portable security alarm for hotel and motel doors will sound an alarm if unit vibrates (door is opened or attempted to open.) You just need to hang this handy item on the inside door handle. Pacsafe also has introduced some anti-theft accessories. These keep you valuables secure even when you’re on the go with slash-proof and snatch-proof straps and tamper-proof zippers. You don’t expect to be at risk during your travels, but it often doesn’t hurt to insure the safety of valuables and practice some security when away from home. You will most likely meet wonderful, new people but you don’t want to ruin your trip by losing your valuables.
March 30th, 2008
