Even though most pleasure travel has been temporarily put on hold, it’s time to give some thought of what you are going to pack in your carry-on-only bag to make your adventures in post-Covid times worry-free.
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IF THE SHOE FITS
Walk on Air—In Recycled Plastics
You’ve got to love a shoe manufacturer whose goal is to create every shoe from recycled materials. That being said, when those shoes turn out to be the most comfortable pair you’ve ever owned, that makes this recommendation even more meaningful.
This was the experience my husband reported when he slipped into his pair of The Jamie, one of several styles offered by the innovative company THIRD MIND. As frequent travelers who pack carry-on only to tour the world, shoes are perhaps the most important part of our wardrobe. This attractive shoe looks good enough to wear for business or formal occasions and is comfortable enough to trek through the cobblestone streets of Europe.
Did I mention these shoes are extremely lightweight, eliminate odors, and save roughly 20 water bottles from going into landfills and waterways? To boot, the soles are made with 30% recycled rubber from tires!
When my husband says he feels as if he is “walking on air” in these shoes, he means it! The company has plans to launch a women’s collection, and I will be first in line to seek out my ultimate shoe fetish—an attractive dress shoe that fits like a sneaker and allows me to roam the world all day in style and comfort.
Third Mind’s philosophy and tagline, using recycled parts to help knit the world whole—step by step, says it all.
Slip into a Socially-Conscious Slipper
Since we are on the subject of socially conscious shoe companies—and winter will be at our doorstep before we know it—you might want to consider the NAUSENI natural wool and leather collection of slippers. The company was created to help employ women in Nepal with handcrafting slippers inspired by their cultural heritage.
These slippers are unisex and ladies may have to step down a size for a perfect fit. Consult their website for more information on picking the correct size for your foot. These comfortable slippers will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, and every step you take in them will help hardworking women in under-developed countries.
ON THE ROAD
THE CABEAU PILLOW STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
After well more than ten years of carting my faithful CABEAU inflatable pillow around the world on our press travels, I thought it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. I selected the Air Evolution pillow and I can’t recommend it enough.
As with my older model, I was able to put the pillow in my purse, as it compressed to fit inside a small travel case. This new model has an additional benefit—it allows me to adjust for a perfect 360 degree support and the lightweight inflatable air core allows you to inflate or deflate to your perfect level of firmness. A welcome new “one breath” valve on the pillow allows for an almost instant inflation, eliminating the need for multiple breaths to inflate. And there’s even a convenient media pouch that holds your phone or MP3 player for hands-free listening!
Since we only travel carry-on only with restricted luggage space, this is the best option for our needs. That being said, if you are planning a road trip (which we are soon) or don’t mind carting a bit larger bag with you, the Evolution S3 is the way to go. This mother of travel pillows offers a tremendous support, which is why the company offers a “no neck pain” guarantee. It even straps to airline seat wings to prevent your head from falling forward.
PERFECT HEADPHONES FOR MANY OCCASIONS
It’s not often you find an item that is both perfect for travel as well as for home use. Well, we found it in the SleepPhones® Wireless headband.
There was nothing more annoying when we were traveling by plane than to have to cart bulky over-the-ear headphones in our carry-on. So when we discovered these compact headbands, we knew we had found the perfect travel accessory. We can easily slip them into a pocket or purse and enjoy exceptional audio throughout our long flights (they even double as eyeshades to block out ambient light)..
An added bonus is that they are perfect for sleeping at home, too. They lull you off to La-La Land and without annoying buds in your ears. While I don’t usually wear earphones at night, I am so delighted that I no longer hear the residual noise my husband’s in-ear headphones produced any longer. Blissful sleep for me, too!
They come in both wireless and wired options and offer a one-year warranty.
ORGANIC SKIN CARE FROM NZ
I’m always on the look-out for natural products to keep my complexion glowing when I am on the road covering visitor destinations around the world. That is why I can highly recommend the New Zealand-based line of Aú Natural Skinfood products I used on a recent road trip. Organic, non-toxic, cruelty-free products are the only ones that touch my face, so I was excited to review this line.
We all know hand sanitizers will be with us for years to come, and I can safely say the company’s Defend moisturizing gel sanitizer is one of the most gentle, thanks to its base of Manuka honey and aloe vera. Their Manuka honey hand cream also helps moisturize those hands chapped from constant washing and their lip balm does a wonderful job, too. My absolute favorite is their mineral powder “On the Go” Brush on Foundation with SPF 25 sunscreen protection. Just a quick sweep and my skin looks flawless—the perfect alternative to a compact.
Disclaimer: Please note that the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own and will not receive any future compensation based on sales arising from my recommendations. My goal is to share my favorite travel tips with my followers, in an effort to improve the travel experience for us all.