Spring Travel Enhancements
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Whether you’re planning to travel for business or if you intend to spend your spring break reprieve sightseeing, hiking trails, soaking up the sun or tucked in a cushy hotel bed binge-watching your favorite TV series, it’s safe to say the least pleasurable part of your journey will be getting to—and then home from—your vacation destination. Whether traversing by land, air or sea, here are a few spring travel enhancements that’ll make the experience of getting from point A to point B easier…or just more enjoyable.
TomTom GO 500 Navigation System (www.TomTom.com) – $199.99
For road trippers, the redesigned TomTom GO will put you in control of your drive, allowing you to make the smartest driving decisions by knowing precisely what is going on around you and what lies ahead. When you purchase the TomTom GO 500, you are provided with lifetime TomTom Traffic, with a total road network that comprises highways, major roads, secondary and residential roads. Only TomTom Traffic covers 99.9% of all road types, helping you avoid those annoying jams. The TomTom GO 500 pinpoints exactly where delays start and end so you always know the fastest route. With 3D maps, you can also see buildings and landmarks in a stunning three dimensional view, to help assure you know exactly where you are. In addition, interactive maps allows you to zoom in and out and explore the map with your fingertips. Just tap on the map and you’re on your way.
Hinge Wireless Headphones (www.PolkAudio.com) – $199.95
When traveling, headphones are needed for multiple reasons—watching video media, listening to music or other audio, or simply silencing the unwelcome atmospheric noise that surrounds. Here’s a product that’ll not only let you use headphones wirelessly, but look stylish all the while: Hinge Wireless headphones. Brought to market by Polk—a high-performance audio brand with over a 40-year legacy in sound and engineering expertise, the Hinge Wireless headphones uniquely combine a vintage design with modern technology to enhance the listening experience. Other than looking really cool, these headphones provide wireless convenience via Bluetooth connectivity as well as Polk Optimized Electro-acoustic Tuning that improves audio balance, depth, quality and overall sound performance. Their easy foldable design makes the Hinge Wireless headphones easy to fit in any carry on. Additional features include Dynamic Balance plus POET system design, 12 hour rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, and three color options: blue, black and camel.
Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headphones with Microphone (www.GearForKidz.com) – $29.99
Hip headphones are not just reserved for teens and adults! The Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headset Headphones with Boom Microphone also provide an exceptional audio experience for younger kids—with voice interactivity to boot! Building on the success of its original award-winning KidzControl Volume Limit Headphones, the Kidz Gear Deluxe Stereo Headset Headphones now feature a flexible boom microphone that clearly picks up omnidirectional sound, making them ideal for a child’s language studies—quite useful if your vacation plans will take you to foreign lands. Of course, this mic feature is also great for audio/verbal test-taking at school and at home. These headphones are compatible with all devices that use a 3.5mm (1/8”) audio jack and support microphone use, including iPhones, iPads, Kindles, Nooks, Android smartphones and tablets, computers and Chromebooks. Perfect for audio entertainment, and educational apps and software, the Kidz Gear headphones have many helpful uses while traveling including YouTube video creation, Skype phone calls, entertainment, keeping up with studies/lessons and more.
DUBS Acoustic Filter Earplugs (www.GetDubs.com) – $25
Why might you need effective earplugs while travelling? Oh let me count the ways…! DUBS Acoustic Filters are stylish, high-design earplugs that utilize advanced acoustical physics to reinvent hearing protection. By leveraging the way the ear processes sound, the DUBS accomplish two goals simultaneously: lowering sound by roughly 12 decibels and preserving audio fidelity. Whether for adults traveling via noisy planes and trains, anyone attending music festivals or those who simply want to sleep peacefully, the DUBS are essential audio gear for travel this season and beyond. Unlike awkward foam earplugs, the DUBS’ unique form factor allows them to be worn comfortably and to sit flush against the ear. What’s more, DUBS are reusable, and come with a convenient, portable case to go with you everywhere.
Master Lock TSA-Accepted Luggage Locks (www.MasterLock.com) – $9.21 – $12.93
Master Lock model 4692D and 4688D TSA-Accepted Luggage Locks provide durability and security when traveling to ensure belongings remain safe without the risk of forceful baggage inspections, which can cause damage. With these Master Lock TSA-Accepted Luggage Locks, screeners can easily open, inspect and relock luggage, securing your personal belongings without damaging the lock or the suitcase. These locks feature a three dial combination for keyless security and convenience, and have an easy-to-set and reset numeric combination. The 4692D has a 1-1/4 inch (32mm) wide durable metal body with leatherette cover while the 4688D features a matching lock and cable to coordinate with popular baggage colors and simplify baggage identification on the carousel.
Ahnu Footwear (www.Ahnu.com) – $80 – $130
To describe Ahnu Footwear is simple: relaxed comfort. While the company carries a variety of shoe designs, I feel that two are perfect for a spring break escape: flip flops and sneakers. Ahnu’s Simeon in Olive Night design is more than just the average thong sandal. This super-comfortable men’s flip flop is crafted to give underfoot support and cushioning all throughout the day. Fashioned from tumbled nubuck and soft suede and with an EVA footbed, this laid back sandal adds interior ease and shock absorbing durability for any casual adventure. For ladies who want to hit the trail, Ahnu’s Sugarpine WP is an athletic shoe-inspired waterproof hiker, offering eye-catching style and performance for the outdoor enthusiast. Its waterproof-breathable technology keeps your feet dry, while “Vibram” rubber outsoles offer superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces. All of this is combined with Numentum Hike technology for neutral positioning as well as EVA midsole construction for a lightweight feel and sleek styling. Also fashion forward, Ahnu’s Sugarpine may change the way you think about outdoor footwear.
Luxe Me Now Slides (www.LMNOnline.com) – $115 – $178
On the other end of the shoe spectrum, here is a line of uber chic, super comfy luxury slides that will take you from the bedroom to the airport and every latte stop in between. If you’re like me and hate walking barefoot in hotel rooms and bathrooms, these sophisticated slippers—designs for which are replete with luxurious fabrics such as velvet and satin and some even adorned with tassels and faux jewels–will make you feel pretty and pampered since each pair of Luxe Me Now slides boasts memory foam foot beds. So stylish are these slides, they are superb for running quick errands, travel and just lounging about. Luxe Me Now slides are reportedly “a fave” of some of fashion’s biggest influencers like Drew Ginsberg of Dylan Lex.
EMME Toiiletry Bag (www.EmmeBag.com) – $49.99
I’m told the EMME Bag was created to fill a need for the “perfect” toiletry and cosmetic bag designed especially for frequent travelers who want to stay organized. This the EMME Bag certainly accomplishes, with a design that effectively maximizes what you can take on a trip in one single bag AND easily find everything you need. The optimized design of this bag makes frequent travel much simpler, including getting through airport security. The three panel design allows you (or security personnel) to clearly see where all items reside, while at the same time keeping them fresh and clean. Created with premium quality materials, the EMME bag is also fabricated to last a very long time.
LulyBoo Baby Lounge/Backpack (www.LulyBoo.com) – $64.99
Whimsical and fun, the LulyBoo Baby Lounge gives your baby a safe, comfortable and familiar place to play, sleep and be toted around pretty much anywhere. Portable and lightweight, LulyBoo weighs only four pounds and converts to a backpack in seconds. It features stylish cotton fabric that surrounds a flexible foam interior. A waterproof underpad prevents messes from spreading while the removable cover makes machine washing quick and easy. This lounge is recommended for babies up to 15 lbs. (6.8 kg) or until baby can push up or roll over unassisted. LulyBoo offers an entire collection of products designed for parents on the go to keep baby happy, cozy and safe.
Rove ‘Diamond Collection’ Beverage Bottles (www.RoveLiving.com) – $7.99 – $14.99
Rove is a new mobile lifestyle brand with products that make life easier for today’s on-the-move generation. They now offer a premier Diamond Collection—a coordinating, thoughtfully created line of chic and portable beverage bottles. The line includes a variety of handy designs, including a 22-ounce single-wall Tritan sports bottle with a one-touch lock lid and a built in infuser; an 18-ounce double-wall Tritan bottle with one-touch lock lid; a 24-ounce stainless steel cup with a click lid; and an 18-ounce vacuum-sealed stainless steel bottle a with a one-touch lock lid. All of the bottles come in red or metallic-hued titanium. All of Rove’s high quality reusable hydration products give you trendsetting style, ease of use, high functionality, and eco-friendliness in line with modern sensibilities.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided at no cost and/or arranged to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way as per the disclosure policy on our “Legal” page***