AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Smart Travel Products

MAKING YOUR PACKING LIFE EASIER

One thing this pandemic time has given me is the opportunity to research products for you that make traveling easier, better and more sustainable. The first thing I do when packing is lay everything out that I would like to take. Then I start going through it with a practiced eye and ask myself if I really need that particular item.

With extra weight and/or baggage getting more expensive all the time it pays to make sure you need everything you pack and it takes up as little space as possible. Todays post will center around smart products and hacks that will change your packing life for the better. Let’s get to it…

• FOLDABLE YOGA MATS

Personally I would not take up precious case space with exercise equipment but those who swear by yoga and meditation say it’s a must for the start of their day even when on vay-kay. If that’s the case for you then foldable mats are the way to go.

I’ve got three of my favorites here for you. The first is by Gaiam and not only folds into a lightweight 10x12 pack in it’s own carrying case but also offers pretty style and color for the ladies.

It is made from a non-toxic PVC material with a sticky texture to give you stable footing on the go. It unfolds into a good length of 68”Lx24”Wx2mm thick to give you the perfect landing spot for your work out.

Want a colorful solid choice? Avoalre is a great selection for the man in your life with a spiffy blue color and non slip surface on both sides. It weighs just 1.76 pounds and folds up into its own sack to a 9x12 newspaper size pack.

An eco friendly material is totally cleanable with soap and water keeping it looking new as the day you got it. Unfolds to a 66”Lx24”W and a 1/5” thickness; not too thick or thin these mats are a favorite of travelers.

Kuyou can please the taller folks in your group. While it folds into a 6x9 carrying case it also unfolds to a luxury 71”Lx26”W with a 1/16” thickness. It comes with a 96” stretch band strap too. Made with a recyclable material it is a suede finish on the top for comfort and no slip surface.

The back is a non skid rubber making it machine washable. Lines on the front provide you with a centering dot as well as guides for feet and hand placement for some of the most popular yoga moves. This little package provides a big lush punch and all are affordable choices ranging in price from $19-26. So get your yoga groove on!

• JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC

In thinking about traveling sustainably I have been looking at companies offering smaller group tours with responsible ethical choices in the places they visit, the products they use and the places they eat and drink. Two I have found and can recommend are G Adventures and Intrepid Traveler.

The founders of these groups are committed to helping the effects of over tourism in popular spots around the world. While I try not to be the ugly American I admit I never thought much about the footprint I left behind in the countries I visited.

When I did start to examine it I was a little horrified to think of all the plastic water bottles, straws and coffee cups I have left behind not to mention take out food containers, plastic wrap and garbage bags. And now women can even think about their feminine products which saves an enormous amount of plastic, paper and cardboard.

We all know we are going to need water on any trip we take to stay hydrated especially when flying. The Hydaway bottle offers an alternative to all the plastic ones you could buy along the way. A 25 ounce serving size, it collapses into a 1” thick diameter disc that can be placed in its own container and that can clip to luggage or a belt loop.

It comes in 12 different color combos, has a carry handle and a drinking straw that folds up and down. While it does come with a $40 price tag it doesn’t take long to pay for itself especially with airport prices.

Flyby is my call for best most compact reusable straw. Telescopic action makes it great for any size cup from 12-40 ounce. The straw packs into its own container that is 1/2” round by 6” length including the clip for ease of use.

Made from stainless steel it is durable and can be used for hot or cold beverages. A special brush is included in the container to clean it when needed. It comes in 11 fun color combinations for a super affordable price of just $6. Who knew?

What’s the answer to all those plastic, paper and cardboard cups that seem so popular at coffee shops and take aways around the world? Perhaps Me.fan collapsible beverage cups. The super design and beautiful style and color make them the perfect choice.

Made from food grade silicone with a stainless rim, cover and carry handle, it offers a graduated serving size up to 9.22 ounces. It collapses into a 3.74” round disc that is only .59” thick and comes in a set of 4 soft colors. Clip one onto your bag, pop in you bag or purse or perfect for backpacks and camping. Brilliant!

Whether you wear pads or use tampons I think every woman knows just how much trash comes from the products for monthly cycles. Enter Talisi reusable menstrual cups. Made using soft silicone in different sizes, you can count on 12 hours of reliable protection. Think about how many pads and tampons that replaces for just a minute amma right?

Watch the video to learn how to insert easily and the small handle provides easy string-less ability to pull out, discard and clean for next use. The reviews on this brand are over the moon for a high number of women. The small package takes up a lot less space in a ladies case then a box of tampons or pack of pads too. This will make traveling while on your period a lot easier to manage.

• IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BAG

I happen to be a BIG fan of the products of Patagonia. I think they have some of the best travel products on the market and I notice that the guys seem to be the most enthusiastic about their offerings. They make a lot of great bags, backpacks, totes and more.

The most brilliant is their line of duffel bags called the Black Hole. This bag is made from 100% recycled material inside and out. It is workhorse that comes in 4 different sizes and 9 different colors making it the go to bag for a camping trip, a weekender or a well organized longer trip.

Don’t want to carry it around then the design of the straps allows you to turn it into an easy backpack to walk through airports and train stations. This bag also folds down into a small package that will fit in any side pocket of your bag to be utilized when you come back with all the goodies you bought. At affordable price points this just may be the last bag you buy.

• FASHION, EASE AND COMFORT TOGETHER

Ok since I am a woman I always look at more products for them sometimes then men but men have always had the easier time when it comes to dressing and packing. They can get by with less including shoes that take up so much room in a bag.

I also look for products that help you in the cold weather of winter when trying to pack heavier coats and clothing can be the hardest. I have two super finds for you ladies.

Northface is making a winter jacket that will keep you warm and looking pretty cool while being foldable into a case the size of a makeup bag and tucked into any luggage pocket when not needed. Offered in 11 colors and sizes from extra small to 3XL, this Thermoball Eco Jacket is made from 100% recycled lightweight material that keeps you warm and stylish at the same time. Hint: they do offer mens as well.

Put that with a pretty in pink ballet flat and you will be totally comfortable from the airport to the board room when traveling for business. Flitflop has a soft leather shoe with a comfort cushion and design that will also allow you to roll them when packing in your bag. You can pick from 9 different colors and combinations and at a $40 price point why not get several?

• CONCLUSION

As you can see there are some wonderful products out there that make sustainable, eco friendly products that are brilliant when coming to packing what you need in the least amount of space. I think they are all affordable and are products worth your attention. Check them out today and start planning your next trip.

If you enjoyed what you read you might also enjoy other posts under Explore the World. Hey, you don’t have to be a stranger here. The tribe always wants input from anyone on tips and hacks that will make our travel life easier. Do share! Until then…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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