Travel Toy(s)!

For those of us who live in cell phone coverage no-man’s-land, Apple's ridiculous contract with AT&T stinks. :( No iPhone for us. :( (Although, I will say that I did not necessarily miss it until I discovered my new toy. Suddenly, I’m irrationally angry at Apple for this decision).

So, what’s the next best thing? An iPod Touch.

Oh, how I love thee, so, iPod Touch. ;) Your applications to travel are endless, and that makes for a very happy travel addict. Your WiFi capabilities, your ability to turn into a compact portable DVD player (without, you know the dvd’s), your handy little translation and currency converter applications, your downloadable Frommer's Guides, your trusty little weather forecaster, your MP3 capabilities, your ability to map my location—oh, how you make me swoon. I do not doubt that your utility will well exceed the $220 I spent on you.

And, since I needed something to protect you from the harsh realities of the outside world (and because every girl needs a fabulous pink dress!), my precious, I have purchased this super adorable case for you (also available for iPhones) from Etsy seller, Oh My Guiles!...

And so I do not sell your sound capabilities short (and hear the family of bouncing/screaming children that are inevitably seated right in front of, behind me, or right next to me), I’ve purchased these beauties.

I can’t wait until my next trip to utilize you to your full potential.

Must have!

How adorable are these? I'm in love. :)

"Oh, the Places You'll Sew" stitching postcards--Chart your route with a needle and thread, then send them to friends and loved ones. Other uses?-- fantastic wall décor, a great trip announcement, moving announcement, or invitation. :)

Adorable.

$5 each from Uncommon Goods.

Heck of a Deal...

Flight001's Pass/Doc set (document holder and passport cover) is on clearance for $9.99. And, if you use coupon code: FLIGHT001THX, your shipping will be free, too! Trust me--you cannot beat this deal!

I've had the document holder for years, and love it--it's durable, convenient, and its bright coloring makes it easy to find. When I saw that it was on sale, I jumped on the opportunity to replace my lime green model with a fresh pink one. :) It arrived today, and I couldn't be more pleased!

Jet Set Essentials

Enjoy free shipping today only at one of my favorite travel stores--Flight001! Use code JULY208.

Vitamin E Makeup Remover Wipes from LA Fresh. Package contains 6 individually-wrapped towelettes. Alcohol-free. $7.00

Dental Refresher finger mitts from LA Fresh. Package contains 6 individually-wrapped mitts. Each mitt is pre-moistened and leaves your teeth and mouth feeling fresh. $7.00

On The Go Kit from Urban Aid is the perfect quick fix for the little things that happens away from home. Includes mini emery board, 2 dental flossers, sewing kit, hair band, 2 adhesive bandages, and a stain treating towelette. Packaged in a metal tin. $10.00

Compact and convenient Anti-bacterial Paper Soap single-use soap sheets. Just add water to dissolve. Perfect when traveling for washing your hands and face. Contains 30 sheets. $6.00

Herban Essentials towelettes are made from pure essential oils, which makes them smell amazing, as well as naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. Can be used to reduce stress, insect repellent, remove makeup, and disinfect minor burns and scrapes. Mix of lemon, lavender and eucalyptus scents - individually packaged. $15.00

While we're talking Earth Day....

I came across a great eco-friendly product the other day that I thought would also translate well to travel. In fact, I may be picking up one of these for an upcoming trip where packing space is a real concern.

This, my friends, is the Flip & Tumble. It was originally designed as an eco-friendly, reusable grocery bag, but I think it would make a great, all purpose or emergency tote! Possible uses? Laundry, a beach bag, carrying extra souvenir purchases, transporting toiletries, an extra carry-on, etc etc etc...

What's so great about this bag? It's made to fold into a teeny, tiny, little ball.

See?

Additionally, it's actually quite reasonably priced. At $12 and a variety of fun colors, you really can't go wrong! And hey--you could even use it for its orginal intended purpose, waste-reducing grocery shopping, and help the environment while you're at it!

Mrs. Clean

Making a long trek? Overnight flight? Want to be able to wash your face or clean up unexpected spills?

Check out this clever little packing item--Go Towels.

These little 2-inch disks expand into 20 inch bamboo (read: Green) towels.

You can purchase a single Go Towel for $2 or a pack of 10 for $13.

http://www.flight001.com/store/trip.htm?itemid=2253&view=all&sid=509

Fine, I give in...

Since childhood, I've been lucky enough to grace the friendly skies with my presence on a fairly frequent basis. In the past, my typical luggage purchases have been of the standard cloth, rolling upright variety, usually in a boring shade of black. Unfortunately, though, they just don't hold up like I'd like them to--my latest set (a mid-range, highly rated set) has lasted exactly a year! That's a rather dismal shelf life, in my book.

So, on to something bigger and better. This set was a bit more of an investment, but I'm hoping it pays off. I am going with a hardsided bag praying that it will hold up a bit better than my past sets have. Suprisingly, these are pretty light weight as well. In fact, more light weight than most of the comparable cloth uprights I've been checking out! Additionally, a little known tidbit is that hardsided bags also usually have the benefit of more space due to the rounded nature of the bags--big bonus for Ashley.

Also, as I'm sure is the case with many frequent fliers, I am SO over looking for my bags as they fly passed on the luggage carousel. Lifting bags that aren't yours just to find out they aren't yours SUCKS (although, I will freely admit that my husband is usually the one doing the lifting). ;) Regardless, this time I went with something a bit more.....distinctive.



Behold:

Something tells me finding these beauties will be a bit less of an issue than my standard black uprights of the past. ;)

Attention: Those Who Got a C in French II When You REALLY Deserved a Failing Grade...

So maybe there I am speaking from personal experience here. ;) Language is NOT my thing. I struggle with it more than any other subject I've ever studied. However, that won't prevent me from travelling to non-English speaking countries. While, yes, many Europeans do speak English, knowing basic language can show an interest in the culture of the country you are visiting and common courtesy, as well as for being prepared in case of emergency.

In comes "1-Day Language." These 75-minute CD's, along with the 8 page booklets, teach "50 key words and a handful of phrases" in your desired language. And best of all, they are a steal at $10.95!

I'll be picking one up to refresh on my Spainish before my honeymoon in Playa del Carmen!

CD's are available in French, Italian, and Spainish from www.flight001.com .

http://www.flight001.com/store/category.htm?itemid=1266&sid=529&page=1

I NEEEEDDD

So, I know, like me, you've been trapped in an airport with your cell phone or ipod DOA! NOT cool. Especially NOT COOL if you're stranded by a certain airline (that shall remain nameless) and trying to call professors because you have to give a presentation that is worth 20% of your grade at a time when you are projected to STILL be stranded by said airline.

Annnyyywwway, Enter the TurboCharge and the ITurbo. TOTALLY affordable and TOTALLY useful. At $19.95 for the TurboCharge and $34.85 for the ITurbo, they are completely affordable!

http://www.magellans.com/store/Batteries___Rechargers___RechargersAR671?Args=

http://www.magellans.com/store/Batteries___Rechargers___RechargersAR456?Args=

Who Says You Can't Look Cute on an Overnight Flight?

This silk travel set by PamBee is adorable, functional, and luxurious all at the same time!

The kit includes a blanket with a suede-like lining, an eye mask, and a pouch. The pouch can be inflated and used as a pillow or used as a pillowcase for an airline pillow. Genious AND adorable!



$85 at http://www.flight001.com/

Oh, what I would have given...

for a set of these last March!

You see, on our way back from our Eastern Caribbean Cruise, after three days of being stranded by an airline that shall remain nameless (I'm still bitter), I developed what we would later find out was a severe case of Pneumonia. With it, came ear congestion, and consequently, the most painful decent I've ever experienced in my life. And, dear readers, I'm a pilot, so that should say a lot!

These earplugs are supposed to help regulate the pressure in your ears for a much more pleasant flight. I haven't tried them myself, but after last March's experience, I am thinking about picking up a pair to keep in my carry-on bag.

$10 at http://www.flight001.com/

Too Cute!

Check out these SUPER cute luggage tags and passport covers I found! They're absolutely perfect for the girly-girl who likes to hit the road (or sky)!

The luggage tags are 5.95 British Pounds or about $12 USD each and the passport covers are 6.95 British Pounds or about $14USD.

http://www.allofmyheart.co.uk/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=107

Cool Gadget!

HOW SWEET IS THIS?!

The Ambient Umbrella has a built-in computer chip that lets you know whether rain or snow is forecast by illuminating the handle in blue. Prop it up by the door, and you'll never be left without your umbrella again!

I'm picturing this as being a VERY handy tool while travelling during the rainy season!

$125 at http://www.ambientdevices.com/cat/products.html