Goods and gadgets that make your travel easier

by E'Louise OndashJune 26, 2013July 22, 2015543

In the constant pursuit of goods and gadgets that make travel easier and more fun, here are products I’ve discovered for you or your favorite gadabout:

From Badichi Belts (BadichiBelts.com): Get more bang for your buckle with these interchangeable belts and buckles. Great for the traveler who wants to go with minimal luggage but maintain maximum effect. Pack one belt and several interchangeable buckles so you can go fancy, plain and lightweight. More choices for mix-and-match than you’ll ever need in a lifetime.

From Capturing Couture (capturingcouture.com): These are practical, fun and fashionable straps for cameras, binoculars, key chains and guitars. Available in up to three dozen colors, patterns and fabrics with names like Ostrich Candy and Dakota Wheat. Sturdy straps allow equipment users to be hands-free, and unique colors and patterns will mean you are less likely to lose your equipment or leave it behind.

From FinderCodes (findercodes.com): Losing luggage or any of those precious electronic items that we no longer can live without is not something we want to think about but must anticipate. FinderCodes’ Travel Lost & Found Kit helps unite finders and owners. Attach “smart tags” with QR (quick response) matrix codes to all your precious possessions. Each kit comes with two large tags with straps for luggage; one medium tag with a steel ring for cameras, backpacks and shoulder bags; and two adhesive tags for cell phones, e-readers, tablets and laptops. Owners register items and contact information online (it can always be updated), and finders scan tags with cell phones or go online.

From eBags (ebags.com): If your itinerary calls for many stops, these packing cubes are a must. Underwear in one, blouses in another, and all those miscellaneous items that are usually stuffed into suitcase corners can go in a third. Mesh on top makes for easy identification of the contents. So what if your traveling buddies call you compulsive. While they’re suitcase-diving for that particular shirt, you’ll know right where to go for yours. Each set includes three cubes.

From StoreSMART (storesmart.com): Keep your passport safe from loss or pickpockets in this inexpensive holder. The Passport Buddy hangs around your neck or can loop around purse or backpack. Made of durable vinyl and features heavy-duty, 36-inch lanyard and water-resistant zipper closure. StoreSMART also offers holders for IDs, maps and other important documents.

From Majestic Drug Co, Inc. (majesticdrug.com): Keeping up with dental hygiene when you’re on the go can be clumsy. Proxi-Plus makes it possible. The all-in-one tool has a little brush on one end and a flosser on the other, and is small, convenient and disposable. Pop a couple into your purse or pocket.

From Flat Out of Heels (flatoutofheels.com): Hallelujah and high praise for the designers who came up with these fashionable shoes that don’t simultaneously torture. Even young feet will love these roll-up flats suitable for both dressy and casual couture. At $19.99 a pair, you can buy several (four pair weight less than a pound). Flying to Atlanta or Miami? Look for airport vending machines offering these easy-on-the-feet slippers.

From eBags (ebags.com): It’s a beautiful thing, this Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible suitcase/backpack. This luggage deserves the extra time it takes to say its name. A marvel of engineering, it’ll take you a few go-rounds just to discover all its compartments, including the cleverly discrete place to store a laptop. Comes in eye-catching colors and features heavy-duty zippers.

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E'Louise Ondash

E’Louise Ondash is a veteran, award-winning journalist who was an investigative reporter, feature writer and columnist for the Times Advocate and the North County Times. She has written travel features for The Coast News since 2003.

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