Travel Gadgets | Simplify Your Travel
Our family travels a lot. We love it when we have the opportunity to just get away and have fun. For some traveling can mean a whole lot more than just getting away. It can mean the hassle of packing, crowded airports, and jet lag. I wanted to write something to let you all know of some of our family’s top 10 travel gadgets that can make your travel life simpler. These are not in any order of importance because they are all important!
Number 1 / Luggage Scale:
This luggage scale made by Newacalox has saved us so much time and headaches. We use it to make sure we have not gone over the usual 50 lb limit that the airlines place on the luggage weight restriction. If you want to save yourself the embarrassment of unpacking your luggage in public and having to transfer some of your stuff to another luggage or carry on, then you NEED this! It will also save you time. The airline will still weigh your luggage, but at least you have the piece of mind of knowing how much it will weigh and save you extra fees.
Number 2 / Laptop:
I know you can use your phone for a lot of things nowadays, but having a laptop when you travel whether it’s for business or pleasure, is a must. We take this awesome Toshiba laptop everywhere because we all like to see and plan out what we’re going to be doing as far as attractions, restaurants, etc. It’s kind of hard to do that on one phone. I also blog, of course! This is a simple to use laptop, especially if you’re not as tech savvy as I am. Therefore, simplifying your travel.
Number 3 / Toiletry Bag:
This is usually not the first thing you think of when you hear about having a “necessary” travel gadget. However, this is ProCase toiletry bag is very useful in a few ways. We have used a clear see-through toiletry bag for all of our travels, especially when traveling internationally. We use it for just the liquids. It’s convenient to have all the liquids in one place and be able to take it out at airport security. I do not like to put any liquids in our checked bags just in case they open and spread all over our clothing. Those bags are not being handled with love! Just make sure that you remember to keep those liquids under 3 oz or you will end up throwing them away.
Number 4 / Neck Pillow:
I don’t know about you, but when I travel I like to be comfortable. This entire article is about simplifying your travel, so why not be comfortable? I think the words simplify and comfort are synonymous. This Travelmate neck pillow is amazing! This is not your ordinary neck pillow. You know how some neck pillows are just too clunky? This one has an adjustable thickness to customize your comfort! Our youngest son, especially, loves to travel with his neck pillow. Honestly, that’s the first thing he thinks of when we say we’re going on vacation. On a long flight? Don’t pack it in your checked bag. Take it in your hand or pack it in your carry on. It will come in handy!
Number 5 / Camera:
My husband decided to purchase this Canon EOS Rebel T6 Camera after the many times I complained about what a bad photographer I am. I’m really not the best photographer. However, after having this camera, I like to think I am. In reality, the camera does most of the work. I just point, zoom in/out, and shoot. As I said, I’m all about everything being simple, so voila! This camera does just that. My husband, on the other hand, is a great photographer so I give him credit for a lot of my blog photos.
Number 6 / Backpack:
This is THE best backpack! I say this because this Under Armour backpack has lasted us for years. Normally you purchase a backpack that you think is decent for your kids to take to school and then you come to find out that their backpack hasn’t even lasted half the school year. Well, this one has been to school, Europe, Central America, Canada, Hawaii, on road trips throughout the U.S. and beyond! No joke! This is a sturdy backpack with great strap support and a padded back. It has many zipper compartments to store every size of anything you want. It also has 2 drink holders, one on each side of the backpack which we absolutely love. We have a red one because red is my favorite color. However, they have many different colors to choose from. At times, we have made this our only carry on because it is very roomy. This may not be the cheapest price, but it is an investment that is well worth it and you won’t have to buy another one for a very long time!
Number 7 / First Aid Kit:
Having a first aid kit is crucial. You never know when you’re going to need one and if you have children, you really never know when you’re going to need one. You’ve heard the old adage: It’s best to have one and not need it than to not have one and need it. Especially if you take adventurous trips or are outdoors a lot, it’s a great idea to have one. Since I like to keep it simple, all you need is really an inexpensive one that does the essentials. This first aid kit by Johnson & Johnson has everything you need for a “just in case” moment.
Number 8 / Noise Canceling Headphones:
These Sony noise canceling headphones that retail about $32.00 are wonderful to have while traveling because you can tune out the business of the world and listen to your favorite music, audio books, or just hear pure quiet. I love children because I have two of my own, but on the plane when you have a crying baby and all you want is to sleep, these come in handy. These paired with the neck pillow I mention above make a great combination! You might look like a space creature with both on, but at least you’re comfortable. These really do block out all the noise. I should know because my kids this time really do tune me out when they wear them.
Number 9 / Travel Mug:
Not only does our son use this for his P.E. class at school, but we also use it when we travel. I was searching and searching and wasted so much money trying to get a real leak proof and heavy duty drinking mug. Countless times our son would come home with wet books because his drink spilled all over his backpack. That all stopped when I found this Bubba brand insulated stainless steel travel mug. It keeps cold or hot drinks at the right temperature. It has a good grip and fits most car cup holders for when you’re renting a car while traveling. Therefore, it’s versatile that it fits in the backpack drink holders and in the car! And best of all, it is BPA-free!
And then there is #
Number 10 / Lipstick:
Yes, you read this right. Lipstick. Ladies, this is for you. You know when you’ve been traveling and you just feel blah, especially when you’ve been on a plane for over 2 hours? Just put on a little lipstick, Mac lipstick, to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. The best lipstick I have ever worn is made by Mac. It is the best because the colors are vibrant and it lasts a long time on your lips no matter if you’ve been drinking or eating. Also, a little goes a long way, therefore making this lipstick last you twice as long as any other brand lipstick. My favorite is pictured here. It is the Mac Flat Out Fabulous fuchsia matte color. This color looks good on all skin types and looks superb! It is on the high side of the price tag, but that’s because it is fantastic quality and lasts a very long time on and off your lips.
Final Tip:
I hope you have found these travel gadget tips useful and if you do purchase any of these or have used any of these in the past, please comment below and let me know how it was for you. I would love to hear from your experiences!
