Travel light, travel right!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Multi-use "Portabowl"

Tired of carrying a soaking foldable canvas water dish as we explored the neighborhood dog parks, I set out to find a lightweight, quick drying bowl for my Great Dane.
Boy did I land on the target. Orikaso makes these amazingly light, origamish bowls that work perfectly, and are very easy to carry. Each bowl comes in a flat, reuseable envelope like this.


The bowl in its folded and unfolded forms. It measures about 3" across the base, 6" across the top, which makes it great as a water dish because it is very easy for a dog, even a big one, to drink out of. When you are done using it, you just unfold it, shake the water off, and put it back in your pack/purse.


Now for the good part. It is perfect to throw in your carry-on luggage to use as a cereal bowl for that late night snack in your hotel room! I bought mine for $2.69 online at Sierra Trading Post.

Simple, elegant, and extremely functional design. Love that.
Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

One Headset to Rule The Calls

Voyager 855 headset from Plantronics

Anyone who has one set of earbuds for a cellphone and another set for a music player, all spooled up in a briefcase or pocket, has been waiting for the Swiss Army knife of headsets.

The Voyager 855 from Plantronics, which works as both a hands-free headset for the phone and a stereo headset for the music player, may be that multifunction tool for the plugged-in set.

Extending the 855's boom microphone pauses the music played on a phone and answers a call. Ending the call restarts the music. Both earbuds are activated for listening to music in stereo by plugging a detachable cable to the main unit.

But the 855, available next month at most electronics and office supply stores for about $150, works only with phones that are A2DP compliant. You can check whether a particular phone supports this standard for playing stereo through a Bluetooth wireless connection by going to Plantronics' Web site, www.plantronics.com . Now, if only it came with a screwdriver and a can opener.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Words To Live By


I found this post on Cool Tools, a great useful gadget blog. It is a recommendation for the book "Moving Heavy Things". The precept quoted below strikes me as THE guide line for moving house, as I just did, or packing for a trip. Definitely an argument for roller over duffel bags.

Precept Five: Applied Sloth
As stated in the stagehand's axiom: "Never lift what you can drag, never drag what you can roll, never roll what you can leave." Creativity germinates in indolence, and the cleverest people are often the laziest: they are always looking for an easier way. The easiest way is often the simplest, most direct, and the best way.
Cool Tool: Moving Heavy Things



Friday, September 21, 2007

Sleek Aluminum Roller Case

Here is what I would use as the side table for the "Chair" in the previous post, when I wasn't chic-ly cavorting about the country with it.

Polycarbonate Expandable Zeroller - It comes in Black, Red or Silver, in sizes from 19"-29"

Polycarbonate Specific Features

In creating the new Polycarbonate collection, Zero Halliburton was inspired by the contemporary design objective of providing lightweight, protective, flexible luggage with the level of functionality expected from a bag designed for today's frequent traveler.Black 19" Expandable 2- wheel

Features include:

  • Removable Garment Carrier
  • Stain resistant fabric
  • Numerous interior pockets
  • Laundry Bag
  • Removable wet pocket
  • Tie down straps
  • Center Divider
  • TSA Locks
  • Multiple colored ID options
  • Long lasting, highly durable wheels and trolley system
  • Lifetime Warranty


the polycarbonate expandable zeroller


Chair or Luggage?

This post is less about being portable and more about looking portable. If there was ever a chair to give you the feeling of travel while staying home - this is it. It reminds me so much of those ZERO Halliburton aluminum briefcases I used to lust after.

Design - Chairs - Furniture

Daniel Stier The aluminum 'suitcase' version of the chair at a train station. (photo courtesy of NYtimes)

    Naoto Fukasawa's design, called Chair, embodies his notion of objects "dissolving" into their environments. The sight of travelers perching wearily on their rolling luggage inspired the witty aluminum-clad "suitcase" chair, while the idea of a bale of hay becoming an impromptu seat resulted in the hay chair. Other versions of Chair are made of clear acrylic, marble, felt, wood and polyurethane, each one of which evokes an entirely different feeling. The prices, though not yet set, promise to be anything but dissolving. But then good things come in small quantities.

    Wednesday, September 19, 2007

    How to Buy a Cheap Airline Ticket in First Class

    Great tip, courtesy of Daily Candy yesterday. I fly quite often, and I have never heard of this. Totally worth a look at FareCompare or more info. Who would pass up a chance for first class?

    Step-By-Step Guide:


    "These discount first class tickets are the airline industry's best-kept secret. Called Y-Ups, they price like a coach ticket, they look like a coach ticket, but when you sit down, you are one seat behind the pilot -- and they serve warm cookies.

    FareCompare.com is the only web site that tracks over 100,000 of these confirmed discounted first class airfares. Y-Up airfares are intentionally published by the airlines to look exactly like a coach ticket, but the seats are allocated in the first class cabin. This sneaky little trick allows corporate travelers to legitimately & inexpensively get around their "No First Class Travel" policy.

    Y-Up airfares are deeply discounted first class airline tickets available for travel within/between the United States and Canada. They do NOT apply to international coach, business or first class air travel.



    How to Buy a Cheap Airline Ticket in First Class

    Top 10 Discount First Class Airline Ticket Tips

    • Seat inventory for Y-Up airfares is almost always available -- even on full flights, peak days and times (Mondays, Fridays, Sundays, Holidays) or last-minute trips.
    • Frequent corporate travelers have the most to gain from Y-Up airfares. For the same or cheaper price than they are paying for refundable and last minute coach tickets, they get a confirmed first class cabin seat BEFORE frequent fliers are automatically upgraded. You don't have to compete against the 60 road warriors that are vying for upgrades to 10 first class seats when you purchase a Y-Up.
    • Most airline and travel agents don't know about Y-Up airfares. You should ask for Y-Up airfares by name as most agents are not trained to offer these even though they may be cheaper.
    • Most "self-serve" corporate booking tools do not check for Y-Up airfares. You will need to call your corporate agent and ask for them specifically.
    • Most Y-Up airfares are one-way. If you miss your flight be sure and ask the airline ticket agent to check for a Y-Up. Many times the Y-Up first class airline ticket will be cheaper than the walk-up coach ticket for the flight replacing the one you missed.
    • In many cases Y-Up airfares are refundable and are always exchangeable.
    • If there is a super cheap Y-Up airfare, it is normally due to a promotion or an airline attempting to match a smaller competitor that has first class cabin seating on the same route.
    • Make sure the planes on your itinerary have a first class cabin. You may end up on a regional jet on a segment of your journey that does not have a first class cabin.
    • Y-Up airfares are great for special occasions and in some cases are a better deal than using your frequent flyer miles for a first class seat (honeymoons, anniversaries, ...)
    • Y-Up airfares are booked in the first class cabin; you will get frequent flyer mileage based on buying a first class ticket (usually 2 times the mileage award of a coach ticket)."

    Sunday, September 16, 2007

    DO Drink the Water

    SteriPEN
    Pocket water purifier

    "I took a SteriPEN to Africa for 3 months this summer and the verdict is in: it's the best water purifier you can carry without a tractor-trailer. It's basically a UV ray flashlight you submerge into your glass. The water stays cool and it doesn't change the water, except to kill all the living things in it, viruses included. It is expensive,

    SteriPEN.jpg

    but pays for itself quickly, as you don't have to buy bottled water. On my trip, often when I asked a waiter for a glass of tap water, my request would elicit a smile or a laugh. In some cases, they simply would not bring me a glass of water. Most of the time, though, I convinced them -- and then, to their amazement, I would take out the SteriPEN, push a button, and stir the water with the glowing purple UV light that always brought stares from other diners. After less than 60 seconds, I would take out the SteriPEN and drink the water, occasionally hearing gasps from other tables. Then I'd mention that UV light is how certain towns and companies now sterilize water."

    -- David Siegel

    SteriPEN
    $125
    Available from Amazon

    This is such a great idea, with a high level of portability and low level of fuss. My problem would be the sheer amount of water I drink, and having to continually refill and repurify. If this would work for a bottle of water, it would be perfect, but I am assuming it would have to be a lot longer, and then I guess then it wouldn't be so portable? How great this would be for hiking though!

    Wednesday, September 12, 2007

    DAVEK Umbrella -The Last Umbrella You'll Need

    OH MY GOSH! I fell for this 'brell' the moment I laid eyes on it in the New York Times Sunday Styles section last weekend. My pulse quickened as I couldn't stop myself from ordering one even before I posted it. It represents everything that makes me a gadget freak: high-tech materials, supreme functionality, sweet, sleek, beautiful design, and extreme portability. Sure its spendy, at $95 for the solo version, but can you put a price on love-at-first-sight? Besides, this relationship has a life time warranty.

    Its the last umbrella you'll need . . . if you don't leave it in a cab.

    DAVEK Umbrella - Davek Solo



    Davek SOLO™

    The Davek Solo features our unique carbon WindFlex FrameSystem and automatic-open and automatic-close button system. With its sturdy frame construction and distinctive design, the Solo is the perfect combination of durability and metropolitan style. The canopy is constructed of 190 thread count nylon (the most tightly woven available) to offer maximum protection from precipitation. The gorgeous handle features a convenient clip to attach to your belt or hold in place within a bag. Coverage arc diameter is a comfortable 43". Closed Length is compact at 11.75".

    Click to enlarge

    COLORS


    Classic
    All-Black


    Black/
    Pale Blue


    Black/
    Wasabi Green


    Black/
    Pale Yellow

    (available on 9/28)










    Tuesday, September 11, 2007

    A Moment of Reflection

    Having witnessed the attack on 9-11 first hand, I really appreciated this thoughtful post and photo from Sherry at Geeky Traveller.

    A break from travel gadgetry

    by Sherry on September 11th, 2007

    "I tried very hard to make myself post something about a cool gadget to make travel fun or a nifty site to make vacation planning easier, but I kept looking at the date on the calendar hanging on the wall beside me, and I can't do it today.

    Instead I'd like to offer up a moment of silence for everyone who lost their lives this day six years ago. I will never forget."

    Monday, September 10, 2007

    Mindmap Software for Phones

    For all you right-brained creatives out there who use mindmaps to organize your grocery list/presentations/IPO, you'll be pleased to know that they are now offered in in a pocketable form.



    Pocket Mindmap Features
    The mindmap below and the list describes the most important features of Pocket Mindmap. (You can download this map from the download area.)

    The topic with the title "Attribute" is a maplink to the map below. In Pocket Mindmap you can switch to this map by simply tapping the red arrow.

    (

    As you can see, you can drill down several levels, instead of having all the details on the same pagel. This makes better use of the smaller phone/PDA screen.


    (all photos courtesy of Mindmaps.com)

    Thursday, September 6, 2007

    Eagle Creek Packing List

    Stumbled across this great packing list+, on the Eagle Creek website.
    They have a lot of good traveler's information there. If you follow the link to their site, you can download the pdf version which includes the sweet little check boxes for each item. Yes!

    The following list is not meant to cover every travel situation, but merely to serve as a reminder of the items that many people take on trips. Nor is it meant as a litany of recommended travel items. When was the last time you kicked yourself for not bringing the sink stopper? This list is compiled from correspondences with our customers.



    Pre Departure

    • Passport

    • Visa

    • Health Documentation

    • Transportation Tickets

    • Frequent Flyer Cards

    • Emergency Information

    • Insurance

    • Hotel Reservations

    • Traveler's Checks

    • Currency

    • Credit Cards

    • Guide Books and Maps

    • Trip Cancellation/ Medical Insurance

    • Personal Identification

    • Copies of Airline Tickets & Passport

    • Special Event Reservations

    Travel Gear

    • Main Travel Bag (Travel Pack/ Duffle Bag/ Luggage)

    • Packing Accessories (for clothes, small stuff and toiletries)

    • Security (Passport Carrier/ Locks/ Luggage Tags)

    • Document Organizer

    • Everyday Bag

    Everyday Basics

    • Travel Clothing

    • Raincoat/ Umbrella

    • Travel Footwear

    • Visor or Brimmed Hat

    • Camera, Lenses, Film

    • Radiation Shield for Film

    • Video Camera, Tapes

    • Binoculars

    • CD/ Cassette Player

    • Electric/ Phone Converters

    • Travel Alarm

    • Language Books

    • Reading Materials

    • Address Book

    • Travel Journal

    • Pen/Pencil

    • Scarf/ Bandana

    • Games/ Playing Cards

    • Snacks

    • Water Bottle

    • Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes

    • Travel Neck Pillow

    • Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs

    • Portable Door Lock

    • Tissues/ Toilet Paper

    • Keys

    Maintenance Items

    • Flashlight Batteries/ Bulb

    • Matches or Lighter

    • Extra Batteries

    • Sewing/ Repair Kit

    • Duct Tape

    • Travel Iron or Steamer

    • Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks

    • Zip-close Plastic Bags

    Travel Health

    • Travel Health Booklet

    • Pain Reliever/ Aspirin

    • Cold Medicines

    • Contact Lens Items

    • Diarrhea Medicine

    • Laxative

    • Insect Protection

    • Sun Protection

    • Sunburn Relief

    • Antibiotic Cream

    • Malaria Medication

    • Motion Sickness Medicine

    • Personal Hygiene Items

    • Personal Prescription

    Home Checklist

    • Stop deliveries

    • Have Post Office hold mail

    • Arrange care for pets, lawn and plants

    • Set-up a timed lighting system

    • Notify local police of absence

    • Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor

    • Empty refrigerator

    • Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.)

    • Turn down thermostat

    • Turn off water heater

    • Store valuables in a safe place

    • Lock all doors and windows

    • Reconfirm with airlines

    Toiletries

    • Comb / Brush

    • Toothbrush / Paste

    • Dental Floss

    • Deodorant

    • Soap-Personal & Laundry

    • Skin Care Lotion / Creams

    • Make up

    • Mirror

    • Manicure Articles

    • Hair Care

    • Sunscreen / Lipbalm

    • Razors / Shaving Cream

    • Hair Dryer

    • Towel / Washcloth

    • Travel Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)

    Wednesday, September 5, 2007

    Samsung YP-U3 - the Next Great Mini Music Player?

    I have been running for some time now with my Samsung YP-Z5 mini music player (MMP) and my Sennheiser MX75 Twist-to-Fit earphones, and been very happy with the set-up, so much so that I use it for traveling and everything else. Its a very compact player with decent battery life, very nice colorful little screen, and controls that are very easy to work without looking at the device. But lately I have noticed a bleed in the lower corner of the screen, and at times, after a long run, the player does nto respond to the pressing of the buttons. I think sweat and rain are getting the best of it, and I realized it is time to start looking for a new MMP, so I am ready when this one gives out.

    I could just get another YP-Z5, but what's the fun in that? There has to be some NEW, BETTER, SMALLER gadget to try. That is just what I came upon this morning. With four and a half circles and an "Editors Choice" badge at PC Magazine, it has to be good, right? Plus I am a sucker for the USB easy connect. One less cord means one step closer to a gadgetraveler's nirvana.

    Cheap MP3 Players 101 - Samsung YP-U3 - Review by PC Magazine
    By Tim Gideon




    Samsung's slick new flash player is well-designed, tiny, and easy to use.

    Tiny. Bright screen with cool graphics. Easy navigation. Great FM radio and recording features. Voice recording. Flat, touch sensitive buttons.

    Easy to accidentally trigger buttons. Earbuds are so-so. Mediocre battery life. No FM recording.
    Price
    $75.00-80.00

    Samsung YP-U3


    Samsung YP-U3(photos coutesy of PCmag.com)

    Player Type: Flash MP3 Player
    Radio: Yes
    Recording, Voice: Yes
    Recording, Line In: No
    Video Recording: No
    Music Playback Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA
    Audio Battery Life: 12.05 Hr
    Screen Size: 1.8 inches
    Storage Capacity: 2 GB
    Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.0 x 0.8 inches
    Weight: 0.8 oz

    Saturday, September 1, 2007

    Bag Organizer Insert from Pursesitter

    PurseIn is thoughtful bag organizer that looks like it can really keep your gadgets well organized. It uses the same idea as the Butler Bag, namely, compartmentalization. this one looks big enough to hold a travel guide, smartphone/PDA, sunglasses, and water bottle, some of the larger items that previous organizational inserts I've tried have not accommodated. It would also be great for gadet/cable/charger storage when traveling.



    PurseIn - The smart Purse Organizer available in 5 Fun Colors



    Holds all your daily necessities

    11 Pockets in various sizes that will keep all your items neat and handy

    PurseIn will fit nicely inside your bag and is easily transferable to another handbag to match your outfit


    PurseIn

    If you are sick and tired of ransacking through your purse for your wallet, keys, lip gloss, check book, parking ticket or cell phone for that important phone call, PurseIn is the ideal purse organizer for you.

    This clever and sturdy purse organizer has eleven pockets in various sizes that will fit all your life's essentials and it even has a handy clip for your keys. There's a place for everything and you will know exactly where your things are.

    Best of all, if you like to swap your handbag to match your outfit, simply lift the PurseIn Organizer out of your current purse and the entire contents can be easily transferred to your next bag. Simple, quick and easy and you will never forget any of your essential items again!

    No more dumping everything out of your bag to find anything. Order a PurseIn today and let it keep the little things in your bag neat and tidy for you!

    Material: 100% Nylon. Dimensions:
    11.5" X 9.5" X 5"
    30cm X 24cm X 13cm

    Available Colors:


    Friday, August 31, 2007

    Portable Hook for Bags and Purses

    I think they made a huge mistake here in the marketing of the terrific portable gadget. The more robust ones also work for messenger bags and backpacks, so they would be just as useful to men as to purse-tote'n women.


    This particular one is at the lower end of the cost range, selling for $9.99.


    Seen at Miles Kimball
    "Hollywood Purse Hook™
    Hang your purse in style in the office, a restaurant, or anywhere you carry your bag! Just put this gemmed caddy over the edge of the table and let your hand bag rest with ease. Holds up to 35 pounds with a slip-resistant back. Includes velvet carrying case with a gold and silver hook inside, each with a gem. Metal. 4" long x 1" diameter. "

    I chose to go with a couple different types:
    the first one from ThePurseHook seemed like the sturdiest one. I chose it to try in the dog park, where I need to hang the "dog bag" out of the way of the other curious pups.


    Then I chose a second pair to try for actual purses when I go out to restaurants and bars. These two come as a set. They looked a bit fancier, and they fold up, which is a big plus for a portable freak or someone with a very small purse. One of them even has a mirror, which works like a compact - perfect if you use it to hang your purse in the bathroom stall or on the counter when you go into a public bathroom. From Silverhooks, through Amazon (picture courtesy of amazon)




    Friday, August 24, 2007

    Best Headphones for Running

    Am I the one person in NYC who cannot wear ear buds? I get that feeling when I ride the subway, and see everyone where their tiny little rubber pieces stuck in their ears. I have tried every kind, even the in-the-ear Shures with no success.

    And for running, forget about it! There are several kinds that stay on, but all have their drawbacks: the back-of-the-head style works well with hats, but often rub against the ear in an uncomfortable way, plus, they are not good on a plane, where you lean your head back against the seat; the headphones that clip on your ear don't play well with sunglasses, and often make your ears sore; the lightweight, foldable, over the head style are the ones I end up with most of the time, because they stay in the vicinity of the ear best, and work with sunglasses, but they don't fit so well in the winter when I am wearing a hat.

    Enter the Sennheiser MX75 Twist-To-Fit In-Ear Stereo Sport Headphones - these things work!

    (Amazon.com Product Description)
    "The Sennheiser MX75 Sport Line Stereo Headphones with Twist-to-Fit System combines a flashy neon green profile with a convenient twist-to-fit design that ensures stability while you're out jogging. The two earpieces contain rubber stoppers that press against the outer ear to further enhance stability, and a cable clip is included to hold the headphones to your clothes when they're not in use. Then, you can put them in the included vinyl carrying case for storage. The headphones themselves deliver low-end bass and drum clarity together with crispness in mid-range frequencies, and the overall sound quality is comparable with Sennheiser's studio headphones."


    It is important to take the time to make sure you have the bud cover size that works best with your ear/s. I use a different size on each ears, and this level of customization makes a big difference for me. I can run in them with no problem. They are super lightweight and easy to carry with you when they travel. Very comfortable for long periods of time, since they are not forced into your ear canal, and they don't rub against any part of the outside of your ear.

    Wednesday, August 22, 2007

    The Best Flashlight: Nightlighter


    The Nightlighter Oval Flashlight

    Here is a great flashlight for the Hood-To-Coast relay night runs. Easy to carry, though not quite as easy as my first choice, the headlamp, but preferable for those who don't like to wear illuminating devices on their heads. No weight listed, but it is described as well-balanced. It takes 3 AA batteries. Click for larger image: <span class=
    (photos courtesy of FirstStreetOnline.com)
    This dual-light flashlight emits a forward-facing, narrow-angle beam (uses a high output Luxeon one watt LED bulb) to light the path ahead of you. It also emits a downward-facing wide-angle beam (uses two ultra bright 5mm white LEDs) to light the ground. Using both of these light sources simultaneously enables you to feel safer while walking in the dark. No more constantly rotating the light near and far to see everything in the dark. There are also multiple lighting options available with the flashlights three-way switch: the front light on alone, both front and lower lights on, and lower lights only.
    [via Geeky Traveller]

    Tuesday, August 21, 2007

    Outdoors Antibacterial Portable Washcloths:

    Portable washcloths for the Portable Life. These work great for events like the Hood-To-Coast Relay, hiking or camping, and motels with little or no shower pressure.

    Wet Ones Outdoors Antibacterial Portable Washcloths











    Product Description From Amazon:
    "Wet Ones Outdoors Wipes make cleaning up in the great outdoors fast and easy because they're big, thick and strong - they're portable washcloths! The mild antibacterial cleansing solution kills germs and bacteria while soothing aloe moisturizes your skin. Great for: Camping Fishing Boating Hiking Cooking Out Picnics & BBQ's 35 - 7.5" X 8.6" (19.0cm X 21.8cm) Big Moist Wipes per package"

    For travel that doesn't involve giving up rights to a shower, I prefer this version. Its more compact (smaller, thinner wipes), and doesn't have any fragrance to bother fellow passengers sitting next you. Keep some in your car or carry on bag.





    (photos courtesy of Amazon)

    Best Microfleece Pullover for Gadgeteers





    "Black Microfleece Pullover from SCOTTEVEST/SeV® - Gear Management Clothing™: "The versatile Microfleece Pullover ($59) is a wardrobe necessity—at least according to everyone at SeV headquarters, where this has become a voluntary uniform! The lightweight, breathable and wicking fabric is a great Gear Management Solution™ for hiking, biking, travel, everything! The pullover has 5 pockets, including a specially designed chest pocket with a ZIP-PIP™ for sunglasses and 'back-up,' patent-pending magnetic closures. The Weight Management System™ for this pocket was an R&D coup...you can't imagine how much testing went into this design. The pullover also features the patented Personal Area Network (PAN), a detachable key chain, an epaulet to attach devices, like cell phones, ventilation eyelets and an adjustable waist cord."



    Also available at Amazon.com











    A couple more sleek Hide and Seek versions, one with fewer pockeys, one with more: the hoody ($69), and the high-bred Fleece 4.0 Jacket ($139), which has zip-off sleeves and 12 pockets, one for every gadget you carry on the plane/train/automobile.