Category: Travel Accessories

Do you find yourself lonely on the road? Have difficulty falling asleep in a strange bed without your spouse or partner? I know that I always feel a sense of loss when I’m on my own. Well in Britain they’ve come up with a solution. According to USA Today TravelLodge is providing lonely travelers with Cuddillows, 2 foot pillows they can cuddle up to during the night. I know this may sound a little weird, but I think it’s a great idea. I’m interested to see if U.S. hotels will follow suit.

Ever wished for a hands-free option for your water bottle? I have. Once I’ve passed through TSA and bought my water, I’m often fumbling at the gate for my boarding pass and transferring things from hand to hand. Well no more. I found a cool bottled water caddy at Spoon Sisters. It attaches to a carabiner that hangs off your purse or laptop bag. It comes in 4 colors for those of you who like options. Just snap it under your cap and you’re good to go!

I usually try not to repeat my ideas for accessories, but last week I had a great suggestion from Elizabeth that I’d like to share. When I posted on the great little magnetic picture frames for sale at Pottery Barn, she came back with a recommendation for digital picture keychains. A bit of research turned up a model on Amazon.com that holds 56 photos. Way cool for those of you traveling far from friends and family and at under $30 a bargain as well. Thanks Elizabeth!

The worst part about business travel is being away from friends and family. There is no lonelier place on earth than a hotel room you occupy alone. So why not travel with photos? I know it’s a hassle, you have to pack and unpack them and, yes they can be unwieldy. However, Pottery Barn had a great stocking stuffer this year. A small red magnetic picture frame just large enough for 2 photos. It’s compact, brightly colored and will remind you what wonderful people await you back home. Best part, it’s probably on sale.

If you’ve ever left your cell phone or iPod behind in a hotel room, this one is for you. XXD has created a cradle for charging your electronics. You fold it together and plug it into the wall. It looks like some super mod Swedish design, all white outside and brightly colored within. This clever solution then “holds” your phone/iPod/digital camera while it charges, so no more leaving it on the floor or by the phone. When it’s time to check out you just unplug, unfold and go.

Still looking for a way to set your bag apart in the masses and masses of plain black suitcases coming down the luggage chute? United.com offers a super grabber. It’s a brightly colored wraparound for your luggage handle. Your contact information goes on the inside so if you and your bag are separated it will find you eventually. Would make a great stocking stuffer for your favorite traveler.

American Airlines is running a holiday shopping promotion that allows you to purchase either the Bose QC3 or QC2 noise cancelling headphones and get credited $4 for every $1 spent. These are the ubiquitous headphones you see on all the guys up in business class. Said to the best the in the industry, I haven’t tried them myself, but I know that Bose makes quality speakers so I have high hopes. Compact and easy to carry they fold flat and fit easily in your carry on. I’d definitely advise you to check it out.

Okay you all are going to think I am totally obsessed with luggage tags, and that would be true. But I just had to share this idea with you. The holidays are fast approaching, and I’m always on the look out for unique and personal gifts. When I found monogrammed luggage tags from finestationary.com, I just knew they’d be a hit. They would add such a touch of class to my basic black bag. I’m definitely asking Santa for a set this Christmas!

If you’re toting home an overstuffed suitcase this holiday season, here’s a great idea. Buy a personalized luggage strap. For just $11.99 (plus tax and shipping) you can have your name embroidered on a nylon strap. They come in red, yellow, blue, green or hot pink. Think how much easier it will be spotting your bag coming down the baggage chute this year!

If you’re like me you normally travel with a bottle of water. For many years now you’ve had to purchase your water at the airport after clearing TSA security. Well if you’re tired of shelling out $3.00 per bottle, try the Platy Bottle. It’s a plastic sack that folds flat in your carry on bag. Just fill it up at the nearest water fountain once your on your concourse and you’ve got enough water to get you through your flight. When you arrive at your destination, just drain and collapse the bottle to pack for the trip home.

It will help keep thousands of plastic water bottles out of landfills and save you money too!