Here are four things that will make your next trip better…plus one thing every traveler needs.
I’m all about things that make travel easier, less costly, and more fun—in a word, better. Here are four recent purchases that do it for me, plus the one item every traveler needs.
Four things you may want…
I like to take a hat when I travel—yes, they can be a pain to carry, but I’m a fan of sun protection and I like the bit of snap they add to an outfit. This Lanzom Women Wide Brim Straw Panama is aces on both fronts: stylish and easy to pack.
It’s also inexpensive—a must for me, for I tend to lose my chapeau with alarming regularity (overboard at least four times; camel-chomped in Marrakesh, Morocco).
The chic, lightweight Lanzom topper will look good with everything from dresses to jeans. (There are 25 color combos to choose from; I went for the classic beige with black band, although the navy-band-on-white is calling my name. ) It’s certified as UPF 50+, meaning it will protect your face from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Best of all, it’s designed to fold and roll up, making it easy to pack in any suitcase or carryon, and features a hidden drawstring that can be adjusted so it fits perfectly.
2. Levi’s Women’s Lightweight Parachute Cotton Military Jacket ($60-$90)
I’m always on the lookout for a good travel jacket. This one has a super-flattering fit (thanks to the drawstring waist), is all-cotton, and looks good casual or can go more dressy with the right pants and shoes. Lots of useful pockets make it great for carrying stuff on the plane.
It’s available in seventeen colors, from pale pink and dull gold to two camo prints and lots of earth tones. I lost my mind and went for the Cabernet Leopard, although the Army Green with Patches was tempting.
- Mossio Shoe Bag ($15)
Some people take only one pair of shoes on a trip.
I am not one of them.
This bag holds not one, not two, but THREE pairs. (The main compartment fits up to size 13 shoes or heels; the other two compartments hold flats or sandals.) This means I’ll be able to choose from among trainers, flip flops, dressy heels or flats, and whatever pair I’m wearing onto the plane while on the road.
The bag is waterproof, fits into my rollaboard, and comes in 9 colors and prints. (Continuing the leopard theme, check out this pink; the impractical white cactus is also very cute.)
This bag isn’t just for travel: My niece who lives in a small apartment in NYC bought several of them to store her shoes in her closet.
4. Intex Explorer K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak ($190)
Roadtripping? Take one of these inflatable kayaks along. I’ve paddled everything from surfski in Australia and outrigger canoe in Hawaii to kayak in Spain and canoe in Canada. For an under-$200 inflatable, this one is pretty great.
Made for lakes and mild rivers, it has adjustable/removable seats (the backrests are a big plus), an inflatable I-beam for rigidity, and a removable skeg for directional stability. (Note: Remove the skeg if you’re running a river. Trust me.) It comes in bright, visible-in-the-middle-of-the-lake yellow (alas, no leopard).
A carry bag, two paddles (pretty good quality), patch kit, and a (very fast) pump are included.
Husband and I had a blast paddling ours last weekend. Easy to inflate and carry (no wrestling a hard craft onto a roof rack!), the boat was comfortable, sufficiently speedy, and steered well. When we jumped into the water to cool off, getting back in was no problem. Later we took out the seats, sat in the well facing each other, and just drifted across the lake—bliss.
If you want the kayak experience at a fraction of the cost and hassle, the Explorere K2 is the way to go.
…and one thing you need:
You’ve received your jab—great! So how to keep your Vaccination card safe, whether you’re carrying it around town or while traveling?
You may want to hold off on laminating your card, as this could prevent you from updating it with booster shot or other info. (Note: Don’t forget to take a photo of it as a digital record; also makes replacement easier in the event you lose it.)
A wide variety of vaccine card holders (similar to those plastic covers you can use for an ID or badge) have popped up on Amazon. Here are three top-rated options that are of decent quality and the right size (I cut off the top part with the holes so it fits into my wallet more easily).
Kaptron CDC Vaccination Card Holder ($7 for five)
Rideiwake CDC Vaccination Card Protector ($4 for three)
Heavy Duty Vaccine Card Protector ($5)
Buy one of these—or another one like ‘em—right now, especially if you’re traveling!
Twist’s Take: Hat, jacket, shoe bag, inflatable kayak—you may not need ‘em, but they’re sure nice to have. This, though, is a must: a protective holder for your vax card.
