NEW YORK - Now that airlines are charging hefty fees for luggage – some are even starting to charge for carry-on bags – it’s important to pack wisely and keep weight to a minimum. So here’s some well thought out items that should lighten your load:
TwoAlity, the rain boots for every outfit: When it comes to rain and outdoor boots, she can change as much as she wants with a pair from TwoAlity as featured in Bobbie’s Buzz on The TODAY Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda. All she needs to buy is one pair of rubber boots and change out multiple liners or inserts in prints and colours that pop.
Starting price: $69.99 / http://www.thetwoalitystore.com.
The Wallet Case: The multifunctional Wallet Case, right, offers protection combined with sleek luxury and a dash of do gooder karma. Fit your cards, credentials, cash and phone in a protective and attractive case. The Wallet Case features a fashionable snap-on closure system to ensure the case is securely closed. And remember, when you buy a ShareBrands Wallet Case, 25 per cent of the sale price goes to one of their social causes.
Cost: $30 / http://www.ShareBrands.org.
Pocket Poppet: The Pocket Poppet is a fashionable open drape front cardigan that is created to fold into its own attached pouch. That pouch also works as a third hand in holding important documents in an easily accessible location while going through security. The adaptable design translates to any type of event, activity, or errand for the ultimate in style mileage!
Cost: $99 (all prices U.S.) / http://www.thepocketpoppet.com
WooBamboo “Sprout” – Eco-friendly toothbrush: WooBamboo brushes utilize organically grown moso bamboo, which is grown naturally, without any added chemicals or pesticides of any kind, and they are coated in a completely natural wax to keep it silky and dry. You can literally recycle the bristles. Plus, bamboo is naturally antimicrobial – a bonus when travelling.
Cost: $4.95 / http://www.woobamboo.com.
Cap-Sac: The Fanny Pack for Your Head: Cap-sac offers baseball caps for adults and kids and visors with a zippered closure to hold all of your necessities, leaving you hands free for fun. Cap-sacs also fold up to fit in a pocket or purse. All Cap-sacs have a comfortable Velcro closure and are made from a soft nylon. One size fits most.
Starting price $14.99 / http://www.cap-sac.com
UWater: UWater offers the world’s smallest action audio gear that goes from sand to surf. Designed to go anywhere, the very lightweight UWater G5 is a 4GB 100 per cent waterproof MP3/FM player that can be attached to goggles, a headband, armband, swimsuit, wetsuit or belt so that you can play your favourite songs or listen to audio books while out enjoying water sports.
Cost: $60 / http://www.gearedtobefit.com
Hood To Go: Hood To Go will protect you from a sudden downpour and keep your hair dry and looking good. It’s a water resistant microfiber hood attached to a mini vest that just slips over your arms and is easily worn under any jacket or over a shirt, adding no bulk. Each one comes packaged in a little black pouch that you can easily toss into a purse or tuck into a pocket.
Cost: $20 / http://www.hoodtogo.com
NapAnwhere: The NapAnywhere is a portable head-support pillow developed specifically by a physician for frequent travellers. This comfortable, portable device can be used effectively while travelling on planes, subways, trains, buses and cars as a passenger. Small and compact, it fits easily into your carry-on, backpack, laptop bag or purse. The NapAnywhere is available in three colours.
Cost: $59 / http://napanywhere.net/
Halo Belt 2.0: Whether you’re skiing, running, cycling or participating in any other sport while travelling, the Halo Belt is an easily packable device that could save your life. The Halo Belt was created to let you be seen in low visibility situations. It works by using a combination of 3M super reflectives and a custom designed fiber optic system. The belt recharges in two hours via USB and provides 36 hours of use in flash mode. http://www.halobelt.com
Vintage TRADITION: For all skin conditions including: dry, chapped, calloused, cracked, sun-damaged skin, rashes, burning, itching and wrinkles. Simply rub into the problem area and remember, a little goes a long way. It does not result in a greasy look or feel because it is readily absorbed as nourishment.
Cost: Starts at $19.95 / http://www.vintagetradition.com
About the Author
As President and CEO of Tour East Group, Annie has revolutionized Tour East's approach to business, investing in new technology that has allowed the company to expand its footprint, not just in Canada, but globally. Annie's vision resulted in Tour East Group becoming one of the first Canadian travel companies to expand into the travel fulfillment services sector.