thePULSEBy Merilee Kern
This year’s summer travel season ushers in yet another impressive assortment of innovative gadgets and cleverly designed gear that makes it easier to get from point A to point B ~ and more enjoyable when you are there. Here’s a roundup of some of my personal faves, sure to make you joyful while you jet set.
Slingbox
Never miss an episode of your favorite TV program again! With a Slingbox connected to a home cable box, families, businessmen, students and all other TV-loving travelers can stay connected to wherever home is and take their full television viewing experience on the go. This incredible device turns a laptop, tablet or smartphone into a portable television, ensuring you have unencumbered access to your personal entertainment. There are no monthly subscription fees or geographic boundaries. Wherever you have an Internet connection, Slingbox will deliver your favorite live local sports, TV shows, local news, on-demand and DVR content to the device of your choice. $99.99-$299.99, Slingbox.com.
Chloe Dao Carry-on Luggage Set
This Chloe Dao Carry-on Trolley and Satchel two-piece set will let you travel with fabulous form and function. Designed by Project Runway winner Chloe Dao, this dynamic luggage duo will ensure you have those essentials neat and organized for those shorter jaunts that don’t require large checked baggage. The trolley fits most overhead compartments and features inline skate wheels, ergonomic telescoping handle, 2-inch expansion zipper and a lightweight design. The matching laptop satchel features Dao’s signature exterior “kangaroo” organizer pockets, 14-inch handle drop for maximum comfort, plenty of interior pockets and fits most 15-inch laptops. $159.99, store.nuo-tech.com.
Travlpro Crew 9 Rolling Tote
Crew 9 is Travelpro’s super collection of premium luggage that includes rollaboards, totes and spinners. The long-standing baggage choice of flight crews and frequent travelers, the latest Crew collection is a leap forward in innovation, lightweight durability and effortless mobility. The rolling tote features the iconic PowerScope extension handle, which minimizes wobble and maximizes durability. The contour grip on spinners provides comfort and easy maneuverability. The rolling tote has been designed specifically for the frequent business and leisure traveler with performance features that work smartly together to make every aspect of the trip easier. $125.99, TravelPro.com.
hipKey
Wouldn’t it be nice to keep track of your luggage while it’s en route or find it quickly if it gets misplaced? Now you can! HipKey is a small, crescent-shaped, app-enabled tracking accessory that attaches to any of your valuable items, such as luggage, handbags, keys, a child, etc. Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, the device connects wirelessly to an iPhone (4S or 5) or an iPad (third or fourth generation or mini), using an application that provides four unique modes for keeping track of your valuables: Find Me Mode, Motion Mode, Alarm Mode and Child Mode. The device has a range of up to 50 meters, and once outside that range (or when the device detects motion), a 90-decibal alarm is sounded and accompanied by a clear vibration. The small compact design is durable and makes the hipKey easy to carry. $89.99, Store.Apple.com.
PortaPocket Hands-Free Carrying Case
Fashion-savvy solutions for safety and convenience bring you peace of mind and confidence while you go about your day. One of these is the super-comfy, versatile and stylish problem-solver known as the PortaPocket Carrying case. Now, you can lose the worry, not your stuff, plus you can wear this posh pocket on its own or with a chic purse or bag. To keep your personal belongings safe and accessible, these carrying cases can be wrapped around a thigh, calf, ankle, arm or waist. They are easily detachable, interchangeable and easy to use as well as moisture- and sweat-resistant. The carrying cases are big enough to fit items like your identification card, credit/debit cards, keys, cell phones, lipstick, tampons, iPods, cameras, passports, medical devices and more. $25-$35, PortaPocket.com.
Solano 3300 XtraLite Dryer
Traveling light is key for a hassle-free experience, and that includes having all your beauty style aids at hand without being weighed down with bulky equipment. Perfect for a carry on, the Solano 3300 XtraLite Dryer is as light as a water bottle but packs a whopping 1,800 watts of high-performance power. Tourmaline adds shine, smoothes hair and minimizes flyaways. Now, you’ll save room in your baggage for those fabulous fashion finds and souvenirs you’ve collected on your trip. $159, Ulta.com.
“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events and notable products and services. Follow her on Twitter @LuxeListEditor and Facebook at facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
