27 Ways To Make Travel A Whole Lot Easier In 2020
They say it's all about the journey, but sometimes that journey is HARD, y'all. Let's make it a breeze!
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1. Protect your personal data with this RFID-blocking travel wallet. It has enough compartments to fit your passport, a boarding pass, several credit cards, currency, a pen, a cell phone, and more.
2. Catch some much-needed zzz's on your next trip with the Casper nap pillow. The outer layer is silky-soft for guaranteed comfort, while the inner layer is springy and dense to help keep your head cushioned (no matter where you're sleeping).
3. Scale back your travel load with this portable digital scale that'll keep your luggage in check the next time you travel. And its compact size means you can take it with you on the road!
This durable little tool has a 50 kilogram weight capacity, and is accurate to within 10 grams. It also has a clear LCD backlit screen for easy reading. It comes with a CR2032 battery, but you can get yourself more here. Warning: does not calculate calculate emotional baggage.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $13.23.
4. Wrap yourself up in this handmade Himalayan cashmere blanket that can be used as a cozy scarf, a luxe throw, or even a meditation rug. I've used this blanket in freezing airplanes, as an extra layer during chilly fall mornings, or as a full-on scarf come winter. It rolls up pretty small, so tucking it into my purse or carry-on is easy!
This super-soft blanket is handmade, so each one is slightly different and unique to you. And they're made in Kathmandu, using sustainable practices and zero child labour, so your conscience can feel as good as this blanket.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $99.99+ (available in ten colours).
5. Drift off to sleep feeling like royalty with this mulberry silk eye mask, even if you're stuck in coach. It's naturally hypoallergenic, unbelievably soft, and extremely flexible to prevent unpleasant pinching or squeezing.
6. Mend snags, rips, and lost buttons with this travel-size sewing kit. It's filled with just about everything you'd need to perform an emergency mend right there on the spot.
7. Illuminate your favourite book or your campsite cooking station with this flexible USB-powered light. It even has a dimming function, so you'll always get the precise amount of light you need.
8. Keep your luggage contained and tidy with these waterproof packing pouches. The three main ones have handy mesh tops that'll allow you to see exactly what's inside!
There are few things more frustrating than tossing all your shit around in your bag, only to learn that it was right on top to begin with. This set comes with special bags for laundry and underwear (so someone doesn't accidentally see your *ahem* dirty laundry), and a multipurpose flat zippered bag.
Get the set on Amazon Canada for $24.88 (available in three colours).
9. Relax after a long journey using this portable and waterless (!!!) essential oil diffuser that's USB powered, quiet, and ultra lightweight.
It's small enough to fit in the cupholder compartment in any vehicle, and because it doesn't use water, there's no risk of musty smells or mold. You might want to grab some essential oils to go with it. Oh, and make sure that when you're switching between scents, you give the diffuser a nice, deep clean, to avoid cross-contamination or scent dilution.
Get the diffuser on Amazon Canada for $35.99.
10. Put your feet up with this portable leg rest that'll make long-haul flights a bit more bearable. Just clip it onto the meal tray of the seat back in front of you, and prop your feet up.
Ever since I purchased this handy hammock, I've used it on every single flight. It rolls up really neat and teeny when not in use, and genuinely makes a huge difference during longer flights. Plus, it's great for anyone who finds their legs and feet swell a bit after too much time in the sky, and makes napping a lot more comfortable.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $15.99.
11. Make your next wilderness adventure about a billion times easier with this LifeStraw — it's basically magic! This portable water filters 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns (that's TINY, y'all).
12. Drown out of the chaos (and any crying babies) with these wireless Bluetooth earbuds. They'll stay put no matter how many terminals you're sprinting through, and stop you from constantly getting tangled in headphone cables.
Reviewers love how comfortable they are, especially when working out. Each charge lasts up to three hours, but popping them back into the sleek travel case gives them four more full charges — that's a total of almost 15 full hours of playback! Make sure you have a USB charger, like this one, when the case starts to hit low battery.
Get them on Amazon Canada for $69.99.
13. Keep your mane looking fabulous (no matter how many timezones you cross) with this vibrating hair straightener. The rounded ceramic plates keep from pulling or tugging hair, making this a great tool to use for straightening OR curling — less tools to pack! Plus, this tool is already dual-voltage-enabled, making it wildly travel friendly.
The vibrating feature might seem like a gimmick, but I promise you, IT'S NOT. Whenever you press the plates together, they vibrate gently to distribute heat evenly along the hair shaft without damaging your precious strands. And if that's not enough, it heats up incredibly fast (like, in seconds, you guys), so you can spend less time creating a great-looking mane and more time enjoying your travels. Plus, it works on all hair types!
Get it on Amazon Canada for $179.95.
14. Snip annoying hangnails, file a snagged nail edge, or even trim rogue hairs with this travel-sized manicure and grooming set. With 12 different tools, you'll be able to address virtually any personal grooming problem. Plus, it's super lightweight and easily tucks into any bag!
15. Save your mouth from bland airplane food with this set of magnetic salt and pepper shakers that's also perfect for picnics, camping, or just about any travel. They snap together nicely for easy transportation.
16. Keep your hair looking fresh from airport to "Aloha!" with this Living Proof dry shampoo that actually cleans your hair using fast-absorbing powders. It tackles odour, oil, and sweat, and within seconds, helps to restore your mane to all its majestic glory (no matter how long the travel delay was).
The smell is ~so~ addictive, too, and releases slowly throughout the day to give your hair a long-lasting, fresh scent. It does leave some white residue behind after the initial spray, but don't fret. Give your hair a gentle rub or brush, and watch as it dissolves into your hair and scalp. I've travelled with this and had no issue putting it in my carry-on, but every airline is different. You might want to check their specific guidelines before you fly.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $27.97. If you're looking for a mini version, you can snag one here.
17. Take some stress off your hands (literally!) with these magnetic phone car mounts that'll drastically improve road trips. Pop it on the air vent, and the extra strong magnets will do the rest.
It's also universally compatible — all you need to do is attach one sticky-back magnet to your phone! And it swivels and rotates freely, so you always have the optimal viewing angle of your GPS, and your front seat passenger can still adjust the driving tunes.
Get a pack of two on Amazon Canada for $19.99.
18. Pamper your skin with one of these charcoal sheet masks that'll help any skin-related issues or concerns. They're packed with skin-loving serums, lots and lots of collagen, and free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulphates. Tuck one of these masks into your carry-on and treat your skin, wherever you are!
Each pack contains four different masks, infused with natural essential oils to target different skin concerns. And they literally could not be easier to use: just apply, and relax while they work their magic!
Get a pack of eight masks on Amazon Canada for $29.99.
19. Juice up your devices with a universally compatible dual USB/USB-C charger. You'll never have to worry about running out of battery when your flight is delayed several hours and all the outlets are being monopolized by other stranded passengers.
Not only is it lightweight, but it has two ports, which means so you can pack fewer chargers (hello, lighter luggage)! And it comes with an 18-month warranty, so it's one less thing to stress about during travel. If you have no USB-C devices and are looking for a double USB port charger instead, here's one with over 5,000 positive reviews.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $29.99.
20. Cut back on single use plastics you're on the go with this beautiful three-piece set of stainless steel flatware. It's also great for having on hand when you're camping!
This set is durable, sturdy, and rust resistant. It's a great way to dip your toe into the world of eco-consciousness (and also avoid gas station cutlery). Plus, it comes in its own little carrying case!
Get a three-piece set on Amazon Canada for $16.55+ (available in seven colours).
21. Keep your fangs looking fantastic with this Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush that lasts for two weeks on a single charge. It'll be way more effective than those travel-sized toothbrushes for sale at the airport! It even comes with a compact charging base to keep you topped up (you know, just in case).
This toothbrush is so smart, it's like having a dentist on call. It'll remind you when it's time to replace the brush head, vibrate gently to encourage you to ease off your gums, and even has two cleaning modes to help you target particular issues.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $79.95+ (available in two colours and one bundle).
22. Save your luggage from ending up in the lost and found with this set of five PVC luggage tags. They're so funky that it's unlikely anyone will mistakenly grab your suitcase, and are lightweight enough that you won't have to stress about the baggage weight limit.
23. Easily apply lipstick or pop a pesky pimple on the go with this LED compact mirror. It simulates natural daylight, making makeup application, touch-ups, and precision tweezing a breeze. Plus, it has two-sided magnification so you'll never miss a single detail — even if you're bopping between airports, taxis, and hotel lobbies.
24. Never get lost again with this vibrant Garmin smart watch that's specially programmed to live track your speed, distance, and location — no phone required.
25. Round up your personal care products quickly and easily with this waterproof makeup bag. It's also has two separate pockets for delicate things like perfume bottles or sharp cuticle scissors, AND it'll save you from having to dump out your entire kit on the bathroom counter just to find a single Q-tip.
26. Find your passport, ticket, or snacks in a flash with this super handy handbag organizer. Gone are the days of rummaging through that thick, rumpled layer of purse debris consisting of discarded receipts, open lip balm tubes, and rogue bobby pins — we are starting off 2020 ORGANIZED, y'all!
The material is lightweight, which is great if you're the kind of person who basically carries around the equivalent of a portable pharmacy (like me). And don't limit yourself to using this just in a handbag! It's also great for keeping toiletries in their assigned places, storing important documents and knick-knacks, or even a quick change of clothes.
Get it on Amazon Canada for $14.99+ (available in five sizes, and seven colours).
27. And lastly, keep track of your most precious belongings with these bestselling Tile Mates, no matter how hectic your travel schedule gets. These handy tracking nuggets can be attached to your luggage, passport holder, or wallet. Plus, they're compatible with all Alexa devices!
Using the phone app, you can make the Tile ring and find your lost item. And if you've lost your phone, double click on the Tile mate to make it ring (even if it's on silent!). There's also a "community find" feature which allows you to enlist the help of other Tile users in finding your lost stuff. They're also available as stickers, or in a slim, credit card shape that's perfect for your wallet.
Get a four-pack on Amazon Canada for $59.99.
Go forth and travel, my friends!
