Tag: underscored-travel

The must-have items to make flying more comfortable, according to airline crew | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

It doesn’t matter if you’re hopping on a short-haul domestic flight or you’re embarking on a transatlantic red-eye, proper flight preparation will always make your in-flight experience that much more comfortable and stress-free.

Ensuring your carry-on bag must-haves are always packed will allow you to sit back and enjoy your flight. And, not to mention, bringing all of your favorites with you from home will save you from overspending at the duty-free or overpriced airport convenience store.

Who knows better what makes for a comfortable flight than the people who spend their lives traversing the skies? We spoke to a handful of flight attendants and long-haul pilots to get their insights on the best products to make flying a more comfortable and streamlined experience. And, as it turns out, all it really takes is a little extra planning to streamline your experience like a professional. Here’s what airline crew suggest adding to your packing list for a more comfortable flying experience.

According to former flight attendant Zoila Streich, a comfy change of clothing and a pair of casual shoes that you can slip on and off will make the entire airport experience so much less of a hassle — especially if you’re traveling for the good part of a day. Slipping in and out of your shoes at security and being able to change into a fresh shirt between layovers can make a world of a difference.

We love Allbirds Wool Runners as a travel shoe because they’re incredibly versatile. They’re made from sustainable and ethical ZQ Merino wool, so they’re soft to the touch while also offering moisture-wicking and odor-stabilizing features. You can wear them from the airport to touring around your favorite destination.

Flight attendant Sydney Key always recommends traveling with cash. “You never know when a credit card machine might be down, or when you might find yourself somewhere tap-to-pay technology hasn’t yet arrived,” she says. “A bit of extra cash on hand can save you from a bind if plastic or digital currency won’t cut it.”

This tear-resistant, durable leather cash envelope is a terrific option for carrying bills if you want to keep them separate from the rest of your travel wallet. The envelope is the perfect size to fit in a purse or clutch — or in the safe when you get to your hotel room.

New York City-based flight attendant Ashley Yang likes to keep a well-stocked carry-on bag, including the right tech to keep her charged and ready to go once the flight lands. A TSA-approved portable charger will help ensure you always have access to your personal in-flight entertainment and that you won’t have to search the airport for an outlet if your seat doesn’t have outlets built-in.

The Anker PowerCore 13000 is our pick as the best overall portable charger. We love the device mostly because of its charging capacity. At 13,000mAh, it carries enough juice to fully charge an iPhone 11 two and a half times. Its size is perfect for travel, as it won’t take up much space in your carry-on bag or favorite travel backpack.

In addition to bringing a portable charger, Yang also recommends bringing a travel adapter. If your travel plans take you abroad, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the change in electrical outlets around the globe. In fact, this option from Epicka works in more than 150 countries including the US, UK, Australia and Europe. It’s got four USB ports, one USB-C port and one AC socket to keep up to six devices charged at a time throughout your travels.

It’s hard to find true comfort without having a pillow and a blanket. “First is a pillow and a blanket, principally when we are doing long travels,” Streich says. “You have to be comfortable for hours and not for a couple of minutes.”

This EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow combination offers a comfy microfleece material that can easily be thrown in the wash between flights. It comes in six different colorways — light pink, black, burgundy, gray, navy blue and teal — and is more substantial than the thin blankets often handed out on the plane. Not only will this travel blanket and pillow combo keep you comfortable, but it’ll also help you get more sleep on your long-haul flight.

Getting good sleep on a plane is all about setting the scene — and that includes creating blackout conditions for your eyes. “As for the sunlight, it is great for getting over jetlag and adjusting to the local time, but when you’re trying to sleep, it can be a problem,” says Boeing 787 Dreamliner pilot Charlie Page. Consider a blackout eye mask — especially if you’re sensitive to the lighting changes on flights. Creating a perfectly dark environment will help you drift off to sleep, wherever you are.

We love the Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask — in fact, it won the title as our best overall sleep mask. It features a genius nose wire so that it blocks any and all light that might escape through other eye masks. It’s made of 100% cotton fabric, so it’s extremely soft against the eyes.

As we fall asleep, our sense of hearing is the last sensation to fade out, meaning that a sudden noise from the galley or the crying baby five rows ahead can jolt you awake again. To counter this, a good pair of earplugs is essential, Page says.

“There are all kinds on the market, from the freebies you get on board the aircraft, to ones that you can have custom-fitted to your ear canal, but I use a midrange set from Flare Audio, which have double rubber tips,” says Page. “Not only are they excellent at muting any external noise, they are so comfortable that when rolling over onto my side, they don’t dig into my ear and disturb my sleep.”

It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. “My number one product was my small first aid kit,” says Streich. “My feet were getting hurt all the time because of all the time I spent on my feet — sometimes I’d go almost 12 hours with the same pair of shoes.” And as a passenger, you never know when you might need a bandage or ibuprofen.

That said, you’ll want to ensure any first aid kit you’re packing in your carry-on is TSA-approved. In other words, no sharp items or large bottles of antiseptic — all liquids and gels need to be less than 3.4 ounces. This mini first aid kit fits the bill, though you may need to remove some sharp objects before taking it through airport security. It comes packed with bandages, gauze pads, first-aid tape, antiseptic towelettes and much more.

Always remember to pack good travel snacks in your bag. If you get to the airport and security takes longer than expected, you may not have time to grab something to eat before it’s time to start boarding — especially if lines for food and drink are long. First Officer Nick Motlagh says his snack of choice is a protein bar or meal replacement bar. “They don’t take up much space, and they are a simple, healthy way to prevent hunger while on the go,” Motlagh says.

These Rise protein bars are available in seven different flavors — from almond honey to snickerdoodle, chocolate banana, mint chocolate chip and more. All of the flavors have at least 15 grams of protein per bar, and each of the flavors only has five ingredients or less.

It’s no secret that airplane air is dry. While some planes are better than others in terms of keeping humidity in the air, you need to drink plenty of water and aid your skin in retaining its moisture. “The air in the airplane can be very dry, and we need to look professional and well-rested, always,” explains Streich. She recommends carrying a moisturizer with you.

We particularly like the Aussie Flyer Face Base by Lanolips. Its rich formula is super moisturizing but won’t make your face look greasy. Plus, at just 60 millimeters, this moisturizer is TSA-approved to be one of your carry-on luggage must-haves.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

March 22, 2023
21 packing essentials that will make train travel feel more like a first-class flight | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Train travel tends to be more eco-friendly and comfortable than traveling by air. But the slowed-down pace of most lines in North America can be admittedly off-putting. Sure, it’s more scenic and can be much more affordable, but can you really handle spending hours stationary while staring out the window?

Here’s the thing, though: Train travel can actually be a pretty luxurious experience if you plan your moves properly. Most passenger trains — even in the general economy cabin — offer a much more comfortable seat than airlines. That’s because on most trains, you’ll find extended leg room, better lumbar support and usually even a dining car or bar car that allows you to get up, stretch your legs and make the journey part of your vacation.

In order to make the best out of your train travel, and, dare we say, transport yourself into a first-class-worthy experience, we’ve pulled together a handful of packing essentials that’ll totally transform the way you see train travel. Here’s what you’ll want to put in your carry-on bag in order to ensure a surprisingly luxurious experience between stations.

When it comes to a comfortable train vacation, you’ll want to think about what you wear.

“First you’ll want to invest in comfortable clothing that you can wear during the journey,” says Balaram Thapa, Director and Travel Advisor at Nepal Hiking Team. “Soft layers of breathable fabrics can help keep you warm while also allowing for easy movement when you need to access your bags or get up and move around. You’ll also want to make sure the clothing you choose is machine-washable for added convenience while on the go.”

Linen is a great option on travel days — it’s lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking. Plus, it looks a whole lot more professional and put together compared to activewear or traditional loungewear. The Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Long-Sleeve Linen Shirt is designed to be loose-fitting and comfy so it won’t get in your way during your travels. The fast-drying material is also super easy to wash and hang dry while on the go. Pair this top with your favorite pair of travel pants and add it to your travel wardrobe in one of the nine colors and designs available.

Moisture-wicking polyester is another really good option to wear on travel days. The Cutter & Buck Men’s Moisture Wicking Drytec Pullover is loose-fitting and warm but the Drytec material means you won’t have to worry about getting sweaty and uncomfortable while traveling by rail. The half-zip design and forward shoulder seams make this option look instantly put together while the machine-washable material won’t leave you with a big hotel dry-cleaning bill.

This Zero Grid Infinity Scarf is another secret weapon to keep in your train travel arsenal thanks to its hidden pockets. The super-soft infinity scarf transforms into a cozy travel blanket or over-the-shoulder shawl as needed and also includes two hidden pockets that can hold your travel documents or other essentials you want to have on hand while seated without needing to dig into your carry-on. It’s the perfect place to store little necessities like lip balm or earbuds — and it comes in five colors to match any style.

When it comes to travel of any kind, sleep is crucial. Thapa suggests investing in comfortable accessories that can help you sleep better during the train journey. Think about your sleep gear like a DIY amenity kit that you’d get on a business-class flight. Make sure to include items like a quality eye mask, ear plugs and a neck pillow, which are all essential items to bring on a train ride — especially at night.

The Ostrichpillow Eye Mask is one of our favorite sleep masks of 2023 thanks to the ultra-soft cups and blackout design. The 3D-ergonomic eye mask is super comfortable and doesn’t put a strain on the eyes while the no-snag strap won’t get caught in your hair or put pressure on the back of your head while sleeping.

Between the train whistle and clunky track noises, train travel tends to be louder than airplane travel. So if you’re easily bothered by background noise, you’ll want to make sure you pack a pair of high-quality earplugs for noise reduction. The Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are designed for comfort and don’t feel tight or irritating even when lying on your side. They’re made from hypoallergenic silicone and are designed to sit in the ear in a way that blocks out most noise and fosters a sense of relaxation.

The best part of a first- or business-class flight is arguably the lie-flat bed and knowledge that you’re not going to have any issues getting comfortable and falling asleep. Here’s where the Cabeau Travel Pillow comes in. This neck pillow is designed to provide adequate support for your head and neck so you can dose off without worrying about falling asleep on your neighbor. It also compresses down to half its size when not in use so you don’t have to worry about toting around a full-sized pillow with you.

Journeys by rail can be long, and the seats don’t tend to be equipped with the same in-flight entertainment screens you’ll find on many airplanes. So, you’ll want to consider bringing a few extra handy items to make your journey more entertaining.

“A laptop or tablet for movies to watch, an e-reader for books to read, a portable wireless speaker (if you have a private cabin) or noise-canceling headphones can all help pass the time in style and comfort,” says Thapa.

Sure, you could bring a book with you but if you’re a particularly fast reader or you have a multi-day train trip on your hands, you’ll want to consider opting for an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Oasis. The Oasis is our pick for the best overall e-reader thanks to its light weight, dim background lighting that is easy on the eyes (even during long periods of reading) and can hold thousands of books and short stories without weighing you down.

If you prefer to spend your travel bingeing the latest in entertainment, you’ll want to plan ahead before hopping on the train. The Google Android 11 Tablet will serve as a pretty decent alternative to an in-flight entertainment system and won’t break the bank. You’ll want to be sure to download any movies or TV series you’re hoping to stream just in case the Wi-Fi onboard is questionable.

Snacks are an essential part of any long journey, whether you’re on a road trip or traveling by rail. The best travel snacks will help to keep you full throughout the night — especially if the railway food is questionable.

Protein bars, trail mix and other healthy snacks can provide sustenance without making you feel too full or bloated. Or, if you’re susceptible to an upset stomach or nausea on long journeys, consider bringing along aids that will help keep those feelings at bay.

You can bring your own snacks onto a train much easier than you could a plane, which means it’s easy to ensure you have a healthy and delicious arsenal of snacks to keep you going. We love the Sabra Classic Hummus Snacker With Pretzels, as it comes with its own durable carrying case so your pretzels won’t break or squish in your bag and your hummus will stay fresh for hours.

Ginger chews are a favorite among frequent travelers, as they help to fend off feelings of nausea. They’re a chewy bite made of 10% fresh ginger and little else, so they’re also gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO.

These protein-packed overnight oats will keep you feeling full for longer without having to feel guilty about your snack. Available in flavors like peanut butter blossom, cinnamon oat crunch and berry pancakes, among others, you can pack in a 20-gram protein snack just by adding milk.

Planning to take some food from home on your train journey? We’re huge fans of these reusable silicone storage bags. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, you can use them to bring fresh fruit, vegetables or other snacks from home without fear of leakage. Then, when you’ve arrived at your destination, wash them out and reuse them for your journey back home — they’re also dishwasher, freezer, oven and microwave safe.

Keeping your toiletry essentials on hand will make it easy to ensure you feel your best — even if you’re spending multiple nights on the train.

“Make sure you pack a few toiletry items in case your train has limited rest-stop facilities,” Thapa says. “This includes toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and anything else you might need.”

The Calpak Clear Cosmetics Case is one of our favorite cosmetic cases for a number of reasons. First, we love that the case is totally see-through and water-resistant, which makes it ultra-convenient when grabbing something on the go or going through security at the airport. It has two zippered compartments to better organize your gear and it also has a convenient top handle for easy transport. Plus, it comes in eight tones to match the rest of your travel gear.

Native Deodorant is an all-natural, gender-neutral alternative to deodorant and antiperspirant that offers much more subtle and sophisticated scents like cucumber mint, lavender rose or even unscented. It’s made without aluminum, parabens, phthalates and talc, and instead uses only natural ingredients to keep you smelling fresh throughout the day.

Cadence Capsules are one of our favorite tools for travelers for good reason. They’re totally customizable so you can add any label to the top Tile of each Capsule. Plus, you can mix and match the colors to create a hive of Capsules that is totally your own. What truly sets them apart is their magnetic ability to cling onto one another and they’re totally leak-proof so you don’t have to worry about spills on your train journey.

As with many journeys, you’ll want to always make sure you have your important documents and items on you on the train. Things like your driver’s license, passport, credit cards and cash are good to keep within arm’s reach. Consider securing an all-in-one bag that you can easily pack, grab and go rather than keeping them in your suitcase, which will most likely be packed away for most of the trip.

It doesn’t take much to keep your documents all in one spot, but it really will make all the difference when you need quick access to your credit cards or passport. The Boacay Travel Document Organizer is an inexpensive option that gets the job done thanks to its zippered design and multiple pockets and pouches that allow you to give every single important document its own designated home while on the road.

This extensive travel wallet has room for just about anything you’ll have with you. There are four separate pockets for multiple passports, slots for credit cards, dedicated pockets for tickets and even an exterior compartment for your phone. Best of all, it can be worn like a clutch with the included handle or as a crossbody bag for easy access.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

March 21, 2023
The best travel pillow of 2023 | CNN Underscored
[ad_1]
Travel pillows need to strike a tricky balance. Not supportive enough and you’ll end up with a crick in your neck, too big and stiff you’ll, er, end up with a crick in your neck. They also need to be compact, lightweight and easy to clean — no small feat for a humble travel accessory!

To find the best travel pillow on the market, we spent weeks testing 11 of the most popular and highest-rated travel pillows on the market. We evaluated pillows of all different designs and materials on both comfort and build to determine the best travel pillow for trips via plane, bus or car. And while many of the pillows we tested had their merits, there were two clear winners.

Best travel pillow overall

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is the Goldilocks of travel pillows: We found it firm enough to support our head and neck, soft enough to fall asleep on and perfectly portable, thanks to its being made of springy memory foam that enables you to compress it to half its size.

Best splurge travel pillow

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow will give you a truly luxurious travel experience if you’re a frequent traveler who’s willing to spend a bit more. Unlike traditional U-shaped travel neck pillows, it has full 360-degree memory foam neck support so your head and neck won’t bounce around, and still compresses down to 60% of its expanded size for easy transport.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 updates the standard U-shaped travel pillow design with raised sides that gently cradled our head and neck when we used it. The S3’s flat back also rested relatively flush against our seat, preventing our head from uncomfortably jutting forward, while an adjustable front clasp let us slightly tighten or loosen the neck opening to our liking, which makes it possible to tailor the pillow to travelers of different sizes.

We found that the S3 works best when leaning your head to the side or as a cushion against a solid surface, but it still offered decent chin support. Its two built-in straps attached to nearly any seatback we tested on, keeping the pillow in place and helping to lessen whiplash during sudden stops or turbulence.

The S3’s memory foam manages to be soft, springy and supportive all at once; it’s firm enough that it kept our head from slouching too far to the side but not so firm that it dug into our cheeks and ears (unlike another popular memory foam model we tested). Of course, memory foam, however cushy, is never going to be the lightest or most breathable material around. And while we didn’t overheat while using the Cabeau, it also wasn’t the coolest pillow we tested.

That said, the S3’s cover is a definite upgrade from Cabeau’s original Evolution pillow. Whereas that older model’s cover is made entirely from velour, the S3’s is made from a more breathable, quick-dry fabric that did indeed feel cooler to the touch. The S3’s cover is also fully removable and machine-washable — a must when it comes to something that touches highly trafficked surfaces like airplane seats. Actually getting that cover on and off the S3’s memory foam insert proved trickier than we’d have liked, but it held up perfectly well in a standard wash cycle.

The comfiest travel pillow in the world is useless if it’s too big to travel with, which is why one of the best things about the Evolution S3 is the fact that it compresses down to half its size. All you have to do is roll the pillow up like a cinnamon bun and then stuff it inside the included carrying case. Doing so took a bit of elbow grease and was easiest on a solid surface, but we think that’s a fair price to pay given how much space it ends up saving.

The S3’s carrying case, in turn, is another major upgrade from the original Evolution pillow and was far and away our favorite case of the bunch. It clips directly to your luggage and is made from ripstop fabric that’ll keep your pillow clean and protected until you’re ready to use it.

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow has everything you might be looking for in a travel pillow companion. It’s firm, but not too firm, and we found it to offer a tremendous amount of support. Plus, the exterior is made of a silky-soft, jersey-like fabric that made for the perfect environment for getting some rest while in flight. It’s more expensive than our overall recommendation, but it’s a great option if you travel a lot, want a truly luxurious experience and are willing to spend a bit more

Unlike traditional U-shaped travel pillows that see an opening at the front of the neck, the Go Neck Pillow offers 360-degree support. We found that this feature is worth its weight in gold. During our testing, we loved how the front Velcro enclosure created the perfect resting place for our chin, resisting our attempts to slump forward mid-nap. Plus, because it’s attached by a Velcro strap, the closure can be customized to fit any traveler’s size and desired support level.

When it came to transporting the Go Neck Pillow, we found that it couldn’t have been easier. Though the pillow offered enough firm support to keep our neck upright — without being too upright — the pillow also folds down. When we were done using the pillow, the memory foam compressed to 60% of its size, allowing us to store it in the included travel storage bag for easy transport. Plus, the storage bag has its own drawstring closure to ensure the pillow stays compact and in its case.

Alternatively, the Go Neck Pillow can be left in its 360-degree position and wrapped around your luggage’s handle. However, we found it to be more convenient to be able to store the pillow in its bag in between uses, helping to avoid it getting dirty during the travel process. If it does get dirty during travel, the exterior sleeve is removable and washable to ensure your neck pillow stays clean ahead of your next trip.

The Go Neck Pillow is on the pricier side, which was our only gripe. But if you don’t mind paying $60 for the pillow, it’s a solid investment that’ll help to ensure your next flight — or train ride, car trip or bus journey — is much more comfortable.

The most important things to look for when shopping for travel pillows are comfort and portability. You need something that’s going to offer real support without taking up a bunch of space in your luggage (thus defeating the purpose of being a travel pillow). With these considerations in mind, we settled on two major rubrics for our pillow testing criteria: comfort and build. We then had one short tester and one tall tester evaluate how comfortable and supportive the pillows felt when behind our heads, under our chins and in the crooks of our necks. We gauged how easy the pillows were to transport by rolling them up, smooshing them down and packing each into its carrying case (if included). We attached those carrying cases to our luggage and noted how doing so impacted our mobility. We also noted how the pillows’ covers felt against our skin and then slipped those same covers off and put them through a machine wash cycle. Finally, we factored in the cost and looks of each pillow to determine their overall value and to choose the best pillow for most travelers.

We used the following specific categories and subcategories for testing.
Behind-head comfort/support: We noted how comfortable and supportive the pillow felt when placed around the neck and/or behind the head.

Side comfort/support: We noted how comfortable and supportive the pillow felt when leaning our necks to the side as well as when leaning against a hard surface (as a traveler would be able to do when sitting in a window seat). We also noted how simple it was to readjust the pillows while resting on them or to switch sides.

Front comfort/support: We noted how comfortable and supportive the pillows felt when letting our heads droop forward and resting our chins on them.

Fit: We noted whether each pillow fit people of different heights equally well and if they were adjustable at all.
Portability: We noted each pillow’s size, whether it included a strap or bag for easy toting and if it could be compressed to take up less space. While some pillows were indeed heavier than others (looking at you, memory foam models), we found that a few extra ounces weren’t noticeable when carting the pillows around. Overall size, case quality and the ability to attach pillows to our luggage made a much more meaningful difference in portability.

Fabric: Nearly all the pillows featured a soft, velvety shell made from a velour or fleece-like material, but there was a range in terms of plushness. We noted how each pillow felt against our skin.

Washability: Given that travel pillows touch your face, they need to be easy to clean. We also noted how difficult it was to get the pillows’ cases on and off when necessary.

Breathability: We noted whether the pillows felt breathable and cool to the touch as well as if they tended to trap heat.

Appearance: We made note of each pillow’s overall look and gauged how likely they were to attract funny looks.
The J-Pillow is a fantastically comfortable option with a big caveat: It works best if you’ve got a window seat. Because the J-Pillow doesn’t attach directly to your neck or your seat, it tended to slip around unless it was wedged against a hard surface. The J-Pillow was also too bulky for us to easily stuff into a carry-on bag or personal item.

While a less versatile option than our top picks, the J-Pillow’s lack of neck attachment might actually be a plus for those who find regular U-shaped travel pillows restrictive. And when we could lean against a hard surface, the J-Pillow offered excellent head, neck and front-facing/chin support. Like the Cabeau S3 and Ostrichpillow Go Neck, it comes with a sturdy (though less compact) travel case that clips to your luggage. There also aren’t any covers or zippers to deal with; the entire pillow can be tossed in the wash.

The Trtl is essentially a padded neck brace and was the most portable pillow we tested. It folds down relatively flat, taking up almost no space in your luggage, and one of our taller testers loved its sturdy support. That said, the Trtl proved far too big for our shorter tester, and both testers could feel the plastic brace in the middle poking through its padding. The Trtl was also very warm (which makes sense, given that you’re basically wearing a wool scarf), and we didn’t love that you have to fully unwrap and rewrap the pillow around your neck if you want to switch the side you’re sleeping on.

$29.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Cabeau’s original Evolution model is a very decent travel pillow and cheaper than our top picks. That said, it lacks the S3’s straps, more-breathable cover and far superior case. In a choice between the two, the S3 is definitely worth the minor bump in price.

As a lightweight option to toss in your bag for camping or backpacking trips, Therm-a-Rest’s compressible pillow is an excellent choice. It compresses down into a compact roll and is both supportive and comfortable when used like a normal pillow (lying down). But because it doesn’t wrap around your neck or have any straps to keep it in place, it’s not a great option for trying to rest while sitting upright.

Bcozzy’s popular pillow didn’t offer us nearly enough neck support, and the material, while soft to the touch, felt less luxurious than our top picks. On the plus side, it’s relatively small and lightweight, and can be folded in half for more support if you’ve got a surface to lean against (it’s prone to slipping around otherwise).

Travelrest’s bestseller is a well-made and supremely soft pillow, but its memory foam proved too stiff in our testing, and its sides were so tall that they pushed uncomfortably against our cheeks. This stiffness also made it difficult to compress the pillow into its carrying case. We prefered the squishier memory foam and shorter side profile of the Cabeau models.

If you know you’ll have a hard surface to lean on, the Huzi can be finagled into a very comfortable position. It requires an illustrated guide to do so, however, and on its own doesn’t offer very much neck support. And while we loved (loved!) its silky, breathable bamboo fabric, the Huzi doesn’t come with a carrying case and took up a ton of space in our luggage.

The ubiquitous microbead pillow is lightweight and inexpensive, but its low profile leaves much to be desired when it comes to actual neck support. We didn’t love the feel and sound of the microbeads when pressed against our ears, and this pillow also doesn’t come with a carrying case. Given that it also isn’t machine-washable, this probably isn’t a pillow you’d want to rub your face against long-term. We also found that it tended to flatten out a bit with continued use over the weeks that we tested.

If you want a very lightweight and portable lumbar pillow, the AirComfy Ease isn’t a bad choice. If you want a versatile travel pillow, this is simply too stiff, too small and too slippery to be of use. It conveniently attaches to the back of any seat for extra support, but it just isn’t very comfortable. And while inflatability is cool in concept, in practice it feels like trying to sleep on a fuzzy balloon.

Read more from CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing:
[ad_2]

Source link
March 16, 2023
How to pack everything you need for your upcoming trip in a backpack | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Flying these days is a different experience than in decades past. More and more airlines have begun charging fees for bringing a carry-on bag on board, which makes packing a challenge if you don’t want to fork out extra cash on top of the cost of your ticket.

Luckily, many of the airlines that now charge for carry-on bags still classify travel backpacks as a personal item — with some size restrictions. As a traveler, there’s plenty you can do to maximize your backpack’s volume for a several-day trip without having to hand your credit card over when it comes time to check in.

We’ve asked people who travel a lot to share their best tips for getting the most out of your backpack’s space. Whether you’re looking to bypass fees or just want to travel light, read on for their best suggestions for packing a backpack on your spring break trip.

When it comes to packing for a trip in just a backpack, the most important thing you’ll need is, well, a backpack. There are a lot of backpacks built for travel on the market these days. That said, you don’t want one that’s going to be so large that you’ll be flagged by an airline employee for attempting to skirt around the carry-on policy. Meanwhile, you don’t want one that’s so small that there’s not a chance you could fit everything you need inside.

With size in mind, there are generally two ideal backpack options you should consider: backpacks with a lot of built-in storage areas for lots of little knickknacks and those that are a black hole of volume for better customizing with your own packing style.

Here are some great travel backpacks that fit into either of these categories and — in many cases — are permitted under airline personal item policies. However, you’ll want to double-check with your airline of choice to ensure the backpack that you’re eyeing fits in its acceptable luggage policy.

I’m a big fan of this adventure-ready backpack from Peak Design. It expands from 35 liters in volume to 45 liters and can accommodate four — or more — days’ worth of clothing. It also has chest and hip straps for when the load really gets heavy and has some great anti-theft features like locking zippers and secret pockets for stashing your passport or cash. Plus, it zips around the top and on each side so getting in and out of the compartments is easy, and the side handles make for easy grabbing from overhead bins.

We’re big fans of just about everything Yeti does, including this 35-liter backpack. Available in six colorways, this backpack can fit up to a couple of days’ worth of clothes and has a separate laptop pocket with padding that can fit most laptops up to 15 inches. Made of durable nylon material, inside you’ll find a main compartment as well as some smaller organizational pockets. The outside buckle straps allow you to compress the bag down to a smaller size to fit most airline personal item policies.

This backpack is the perfect companion if you’re planning on spending up to three nights — and maybe more — away from home. Its 30-liter main compartment allows you to pack enough folded clothes, and there’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 17 inches. We love that this bag’s main compartment also features several additional smaller pockets for your electronics and any toiletries you’re bringing along.

This durable bag from Cotopaxi is perfect for travelers looking to just bring a backpack on their trip, as it’s not a conventional option. Instead of opening from the front, this backpack opens suitcase-style with a full-wrap zipper. Inside, you’ll find a large mesh compartment on one side and on the other side, two smaller mesh compartments and one medium-sized mesh compartment. It features 35 liters of packing space, meaning this is a great option if you’re planning to travel for a few days and want enough room for all of your clothes and gadgets.

Ideal if you’re only planning on spending a day or two away from home, this cult-favorite backpack is the perfect personal item. While its standard capacity is 20 liters, it can be expanded to offer 24 liters of packing space. Its exterior is made to withstand the elements, as it’s waterproof and extremely durable. Inside, meanwhile, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for all of your essentials, as well as space for packing clothes.

Perfect for longer trips, this rugged bag is built for men’s frames and is available in four sizes. Each has plenty of stash points for all your odds and ends plus a big main compartment to hold packing cubes and equipment with ease.

Founder and CEO of Lugos Travel Shane Mahoney has been curating trips for clients for years, and his top picks are REI Co-op Traverse 60 Pack and the Osprey Talon 36 Pack for trips of up to five days. Just be sure to check the dimensions of this backpack to ensure it’s compatible with your airline’s cabin baggage policy.

With a streamlined shape and AirScape back panel for long travel days, this backpack keeps you comfy while your clothes and trip equipment stay organized. Inside, there are even areas for extra jackets, hydration reservoirs and more. This backpack comes in two sizes, and you’ll likely want to consider the smaller of the two if you’re planning to use this bag as your personal item.

When it comes to packing your backpack, a capsule wardrobe is key says AirAdvisor founder Anton Radchenko. “When you’re packing your clothes, be sure to think of outfits that can be combined,” Radchenko says. “Rather than packing individual outfits, you can mix and match two pants and three shirts and rotate them into different outfits.”

For over-packers, there’s little more restricting than packing for a trip in just a backpack, which is why it’s important to bring your wardrobe staples along with you.

“When it comes to clothes, nothing beats a uniform,” adds Paige Nichols, Argentina team leader of Wild Terrains, a women-only tour company. “I only bring layer-able pieces that can be combined in different ways to create versatile outfits.”

For Nichols, a pair of Nike sneakers are the perfect footwear for just about any travel occasion, whether it be traversing a new city or heading to dinner. These sleek black Nikes fit just that bill, as they pair just as great with cropped jeans as they do with your favorite floral minidress.

A lightweight and versatile white top can fit just about any occasion. Not your usual white button-down, this oxford from Everlane packs a lot of style into its minimalist fit — and the oversized front pockets and drop hem keep it loose and classy at once. “It takes me from day to night with ease, and rolls up easily to minimize wrinkling while packed,” Nichols says.

Once you’ve settled on the outfits you want to bring, plan to wear your bulkiest clothes on your flight. This goes for winter clothes especially if you’re flying between very different climates. Sure, you might look a bit strange rocking up in Rio wearing the winter coat you flew in from New York, but you won’t be the only one — and the second you’re on board the flight, you can de-robe and put the coat up in the overhead bin.

Packing cubes are a staple in many frequent travelers’ wardrobes for one reason: they work! Not only do they help to keep you more organized from your trip’s start to finish, but if you invest in a set of compression packing cubes, they’ll help you to fit more inside your backpack.

“If you want to keep it minimal, you’ve got to reduce the chaos inside your bag,” Nichols says. “There are tons of packing cubes on the market, but [some] have nifty hooks that let you hang them up directly, saving time and keeping you extra-organized. I’ve been known to use spare dust bags to achieve a similar effect in a pinch, but once you get the real deal, there’s no going back.”

And, packing cubes have multiple uses as well, as they’re the perfect tool for keeping your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. And speaking of laundry, consider doing it at your destination to save money. “Pack enough socks and underwear to last your entire trip so that you only have to launder larger items such as pants, shirts and shorts during your travels,” Mahoney says.

This set of three packing cubes from Eagle Creek is a great starting point for the packing cube novice. You’ll get two traditional packing cubes that compress to take up less space as well as a folder, which can fit up to 12 shirts or pants in a wrinkle-free compartment. And when you get home, these cubes are machine washable so they’re nice and clean for your next trip.

Take this set of four compressible packing cubes on your backpack-only trip to fit more clothes and other essentials. In fact, Monos says that because of the built-in compression zippers on this set, you can save up to 60% space when they’re compressed. And, they’re ultra-durable, as they’re both tear-resistant and water-resistant. We love, too, that they feature a mesh top so you can easily see what’s in each cube without fully unzipping them.

If you’re looking to stick to a budget but still want to maximize your backpack’s space, look no further than this set of four packing cubes from Amazon Basics. Reviewers rave about their durability, and we love that they come in six different colors to match your backpack. Don’t need all four? Leave a couple at home and freestyle the rest of your packing, cube-free.

So, you’ve got your packing cubes. Now what? If you’re really trying to maximize your backpack’s space for your trip, experts say rolling your clothes will help you fit more than folding them.

“Make sure to roll everything as tight as you can — not fold — so that you allow the most amount of space in your backpack,” Mahoney says.

While you may have some more wrinkles to deal with when getting to your destination, it’s worth it if you can fit all of your clothes inside your personal bag without having to pay for a carry-on — or a checked bag.

Not sure about the rolling? Another option is to “bundle pack,” Radchenko says. “Bundle packing allows you to fold multiple items of clothing together by layering them on top of each other, saving you space in your backpack.”

Worried about wrinkles? Put those worries at ease by taking this 3-ounce wrinkle-release spray with you in your backpack. Best of all, because of its travel size, you don’t have to worry about TSA taking it during the security screening process.

If you’ve got some spare room in your backpack, consider bringing along a portable steamer to get any wrinkles out of your favorite clothes. This option from Nesugar is ideal for travelers, as it’s lightweight (it weighs less than 1 pound!) and still packs a punch, offering up to 10 minutes of continuous steaming.

That little clear bag of 3.4-ounce travel-sized goods can take up a decent chunk of space in your backpack. Instead, try solid products like toothpaste tablets, Radchenko says. They’re easy to stash in little corners and gaps around your backpack instead of demanding dedicated volume in a bulky bag.

Once you’ve secured the space-saving alternatives, consider how and where you pack them in your bag.

“Save space by placing your non-liquid toiletry necessities inside [your] shoes,” Radchenko says. “You can pack up travel-size items, including a foldable toothbrush, deodorant or bar soap.”

Radchenko recommends bringing toothpaste tablets rather than liquid or gel alternatives. The tablets can fit in smaller spaces in your backpack and you won’t need to worry about fitting a tube of toothpaste in your small plastic bag for other liquids and gels. Similarly, he recommends trying other solid alternatives, such as bar shampoo and conditioner.

And, think about what you can do without. Do you need highlighter and primer and setting spray, or will a holy-grail primer carry you through? Consider the climate you’re going to when making makeup decisions — hot and humid weather, for example, might not be compatible with your usual formulations if you live in a temperate, dry area.

“My travel skincare routine is pared down so I’m not fussing with bulky bottles or oversized liquids while away,” Nichols says. “I focus on products that pack a punch and keep me glowing despite late nights and stale airplane air.”

This Underscored editor and reader favorite is a travel game-changer. If you can’t skip all of your liquids and gels, consider putting them in these magnetic and customizable Cadence Capsule containers, which you can buy individually or as a set of six or set of 12.

Ultimately, it is possible to pack for a trip in just a backpack. By familiarizing yourself with your airline’s personal item policy and using the right bag, a hands-free, fee-free trip could be possible.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

March 9, 2023
We’re obsessed with Cadence Capsules, and the travel game changers are 20% off right now | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

From your medicine cabinet to your suitcase to your gym bag, Cadence Capsules are more than meets the eye — especially once you’ve got a few on hand. And if you tend to have a hard time keeping it all together (raises hand), these colorful containers can keep you lined up with your daily meds, weekly skin care routine and more.

Best of all: Right now, the entire Cadence site is 20% off with code KYC20, so now’s a great time to get organized with these convenient Underscored-approved capsules.

The aesthetic- and practicality-driven brand offers different colorways of its small containers, which are perfectly sized to hold a few pills, a couple days’ worth of moisturizer and more. They’re also leakproof and magnetic, so they snap together to form joined-up units — each with a specific label, like for shampoo or body wash, so they’re easy to keep straight.

You can build your own set for individualized color coordination easily, or you can choose from preselected palettes. In addition to their leakproof and magnetic design, Cadence capsules are TSA-compliant too — all while reducing the eco impact of buying minis of everything.

Check out our picks below and then head online to shop the whole sale. Just use code KYC20 at checkout to take 20% off your order.

Is a half-dozen set not quite enough but a full-on 12 way too much? Just grab a singleton or two to magnet on to the rest of your Cadences.

Choose your colors and labels for this set of six, which is enough to cover the basics of your skin care routine next holiday.

Perfect for those of us who like to take our entire skin care routine on the go, these dozen containers are perfect for not just your cleanser but your a.m. serum and p.m. eye cream too.

Don’t wanna think about what to bring? No worries. This set comes pre-labeled so you’re all ready to go ASAP.

Pacing out your daily supplements, vitamins or meds? Grab this pre-labeled set with days of the week so everything is organized day by day (perfect for when you’re bleary first thing in the morning).

[ad_2]

Source link

March 9, 2023
24 of our favorite crossbody bags for travel | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

If you want to qualify as a savvy traveler, there are a few must-haves. Luggage with spinner wheels? Check. Packing cubes? Oh yeah. A crossbody bag? Must-have! While great for everyday use, crossbody bags are essential for traveling. Not only do they allow you to be hands-free — so you can roll through the airport, take selfies and eat gelato with ease — they’re also a lot harder for pickpockets to strike upon (unlike backpacks and fanny packs).

Plus, crossbody bags are handy in that they can hold everything from your phone and wallet to lip balm, keys and other travel necessities without weighing you down, thanks to the crossbody strap that evenly distributes weight across your shoulder, chest and back.

Luckily for us, there are plenty of crossbody bags out there, chock-full of organizational details that are great for travel. From stylish options that you can take from the plane to date night, to anti-theft bags that are RFID-protected, anti-slash and armed with locking mechanisms, these are our favorite crossbody bag options for your next trip.

Mini crossbody bags

Lululemon’s All Night Festival Bag has reached cult-favorite status, which is likely why the brand decided to create this mini version that we just can’t get enough of. Boasting an adjustable strap, magnetic closures and a wide-mouth opening that zips shut, the water-resistant micro is just 7 inches wide and designed for taking on the go.

Teensy weensy, this cutie is the smallest bag in MZ Wallace’s beloved Crosby collection and comes with two detachable straps: one adjustable crossbody nylon option and one stylish wristlet chain option. Big enough to accommodate an iPhone 11 Pro Max, the bag has three interior credit card pockets, a zip-top closure and one exterior zipped pocket.

Paravel is one of our favorite travel brands. Not only are its products made with sustainability at the top of mind, but they’re also incredibly chic — and this capsule crossbody is no exception. The canister design features vegan leather details and can be customized with your monogram for a personalized look. Inside, there’s enough room for all of your travel essentials and the added security of a full zipper enclosure.

Crafted with pebbled Italian leather, this mini crossbody bag by Cuyana oozes luxe details like a suede interior lining and a chic, modern design. We love that despite its petite frame, the bag manages to accommodate your phone, wallet and a few extra must-haves. An adjustable strap, hidden pockets and an array of universal color options make it the perfect travel accessory that won’t weigh you down.

Known for its neoprene bags, Dagne Dover’s Puff collection includes this diminutive Kitty bag that is ideal for traveling. Featuring an adjustable crossbody strap and a removable short handle strap (that is, by the way, scrunchy and super cute), the Kitty has two roomy interior pockets in addition to a zipped pocket, a key leash, a D-ring, elastic loops and card slots. Available in three colors, the Kitty can also be worn as a clutch bag and it compresses nearly flat, making it super easy to pack.

Clear crossbody bags

Clear bag, but make it fashion! Steve Madden to the rescue with a clear bag that is stadium- and event-approved. The crossbody bag features a chic chain strap to wear crossbody that can pair well with just about any outfit. Plus, we love that there’s an interior pouch for keeping some of your belongings out of sight.

Nearly 4,000 Amazon customers have given this clear crossbody a thumbs-up, declaring it both the perfect size — it can fit both a full-size mayo and mustard container! — and durable. Available in six colors, the zip-top closure bag contains an exterior zippered pocket and a removable crossbody strap. Also, we’re not mad at that $13 price tag when on sale like it is now.

We love this crossbody bag because of how customizable it is. First up, you can choose the color of the vegan leather silhouette of your bag — navy, camel or black. Then, you can select from a variety of crossbody straps to accompany your clear bag. And to finish, further personalize your bag with a monogram for an additional $12.50. Ultimately, this is the perfect bag to make your very own.

Luxury/designer crossbody bags

The ideal travel bag, the Perry Bombe from Tory Burch is stamped with the brand’s distinguished double T logo and features a dual-top zippered closure, ensuring all your valuables are tucked safely inside. We love the removable crossbody strap (it can double as a clutch!), the exterior slip pocket and the fact that the luxe pebbled leather and gold hardware means it can transition seamlessly from sightseeing by day to a glamorous night on the town.

A celebrity favorite — Meghan Markle and Katie Holmes are fans — Strathberry’s East/West Mini is utterly chic, thanks to its luxe gold hardware and smooth calf leather. Available in 20 colors and patterns, the bag features two compartments and one interior pocket, and it can be worn as a crossbody (as the Duchess of Sussex prefers) or as an over-the-shoulder bag, thanks to the adjustable chain strain.

Meet our favorite fanny pack-slash-crossbody bag! Simultaneously roomy and lightweight, the Crossbody Sling comes with three detachable straps — a thicker nylon option, a chain option and an adjustable waist strap — has a zip closure, four interior pockets and one exterior zipped pocket. Perfect for traveling, the bag is chock-full of upscale details, which also makes it fancy enough for high-end pit stops.

Meet one of Kate Spade’s most beloved bags. The Harlow is a streamlined crossbody that can fit all your necessities, minus the bulk of a bigger bag. Available in eight colors, the pebbled leather Harlow has a zip-top closure, two interior pockets and one hidden exterior slip pocket, perfect for keeping your hotel room key handy.

No surprise here: Luxury luggage maker Tumi knows its way around a travel bag, and this crossbody is proof. Available in black, red and blue hues, the nylon bag has an adjustable crossbody strap and two main compartments loaded with every type of pocket, including zippered, media, card, pen and slip. We love the key leash and the personalizable leather key ring.

Trust us, you get your money’s worth with this versatile bag from Clare V. Available in 14 different hues, the genuine Italian leather bag has room for all of your travel essentials — from your phone to earplugs, travel wallet and more. Its main selling point, however, is that you can customize the look with the option to purchase additional straps for any outfit.

Anti-theft crossbody bags

Keep your credit cards and passports safe with this Made By Design bag from Target. Outfitted with RFID-blocking pockets that ensure your information isn’t electronically swiped, the slash-proof design of the bag will also keep pickpockets at bay, as will the clip-on zippers that deter robbers.

More than 6,000 Amazon reviewers rave about this anti-theft crossbody from Travelon, citing it as having all the organization details of a bigger bag minus the weight. Boasting an interlocking mesh barrier located below the surface material and a hidden steel cable in the strap, the bag’s construction is meant to prevent a blade from slashing, while main compartment locks will stop a pickpocket from quickly reaching within the bag. More to know: RFID-blocking pockets will keep your cards and passports safe from identity scanner theft.

Available in five different tones and styles, this simple crossbody bag is perfect for both men and women who are looking to take along some essentials while exploring a new locale. It can be worn over the shoulder and sits comfortably on your side. Inside, you’ll find a designated RFID-blocking pocket for storing your credit cards, passport and other personal information. Plus, we love that this bag is water-resistant should an unexpected rain shower grace you on your travels.

Crossbody travel purses

Big news, folks: Beloved baby bag maker Fawn has stepped into the crossbody game in a big way with this Circle Bag. Featuring two small interior pockets for your essentials and a separate back pocket, the faux leather bag also includes an adjustable messenger strap. Perfect for mixing and matching your way through vacation, the Circle Bag comes in three colorways.

The travel professionals at Away have a crossbody bag of their own to consider for your upcoming trip. This 16-liter messenger bag is perfect for taking out and exploring a new city — and it even holds enough for a one-night trip. Inside, you’ll find easy-access zipper pockets for your essentials, and it can be used as either a shoulder bag or crossbody bag thanks to the adjustable strap.

One of accessory-maker Mark & Graham’s bestselling bags, The Essential Crossbody is just that: essential! Perfectly sized — it’s not too small or too big, but rather just right — the bag boasts two zippered main compartments, which comprise zip and slip pockets for all your travel doodads. Available in seven colors ranging from neon pink to camouflage, the bag can also be monogrammed for an additional $12.50.

Versatile and stylish, the Roll-Top Crossbody Bag from Lululemon might be purchased for travel — but, trust us, you’re going to be using it every day going forward. It’s big enough for your smartphone, wallet, passport and snacks, and it also features an ultra-secure zipper, roll and clip enclosure that is super handy for keeping travel docs nearby. The nylon bag is water-repellent and also features a zippered exterior pocket for easy access.

Listen, we get it if you don’t want to break the bank on a crossbody, but you do want quality and functionality. The answer? Check out this beloved Amazon option that has nearly 3,000 positive reviews and costs just under $17. The zip-top bag includes three exterior zippers and an interior roomy enough to accommodate an iPhone 11 Pro Max. Available in 10 colors, the vegan leather bag is a great wipeable option for travelers on a budget.

For your next trip, we suggest creating the custom crossbody of your dreams with Mark & Graham. Start with a camouflage square bag, and opt to personalize the bag with a fun monogram. Next up: Choose a coordinating twill strap (or two!), which can also be customized with a monogram. The result is something that is utterly personal to you and will stand out during your travels near and far.

$245 at MZ Wallace

Boasting the best of both worlds — it can literally function as a traditional tote or as a crossbody bag — the Small Sutton Deluxe is the roomiest bag on our list, with plenty of space for your water bottle, extra layers and any souvenirs you may pick up on the road. In addition to six interior zippered and slip pockets, the bag also comes with a removable pouch for your essentials. Available in 15 colorways, the bag also has two exterior slip pockets and a detachable crossbody strap.

Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out CNN Underscored’s list of the best credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

March 6, 2023
35 spring break travel essentials you need to pack for your 2023 vacation | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Between snow showers and single-degree weather, the new year can be a bit of a downer — but you know what’s not a downer? Spring break, that’s what. Lucky for us, it’s just a few days — or weeks — away. Whether you’re a college grad planning on backpacking your way through Europe, a bachelor headed to Tulum or a kid-free couple looking to take advantage of some paid time off in the Caribbean Islands, the point of spring break is the same: to escape your current reality and completely unwind.

But before you can do that, you’ve got to pack. We’re here with a roundup of spring break essentials to bring on your upcoming adventure — whether you’re planning for a road trip or a flight across the country. Consider this your packing list cheat sheet. From travel necessities like passport cases, carry-on bags and luggage tags to organizational tricks like packing cubes and wet bags, to warm-weather wardrobe must-haves like bathing suits, cover-ups and sandals, we’ve got every facet of your entire trip covered. Check out our favorites below, and just remember, don’t overpack — and follow our tips for avoiding checked bag fees!

Between Uber rides, airport security bins and public restrooms galore, you’re going to want to be sanitizing those hands — a lot. Keep the Purell handy 24/7 with these wrap carriers that you can attach to your tote or backpack, and with a set of eight, you’ve got one for everyone in your party. Another thought: Stash some disinfecting wipes in your carry-on so that you can de-germ everything around you throughout your travels.

For many, polycarbonate luggage is the only way to go when traveling, and Away is one of our favorite makers of the style. Sized to perfectly fit in the overhead bin, The Carry-On has 360-degree spinner wheels and an interior compression system that makes for intuitive packing — not to mention a USB phone charger if you opt to pay an extra $20. After our testing, we ranked the Away Carry-On as the best overall hard-shell carry-on luggage.

While there are many travel jewelry cases out there, this option from Calpak is one of our favorites for good reason. It features a 28-hole earring card, four snap tabs for rings and necklaces, a padded ring roll and a super-luxe drawstring pouch for corralling bulkier pieces like watches and bracelets. The case is feminine yet structured with a zip-around opening.

A true sign of adulting? Have a matching passport case and luggage tag. We love this set from Mark & Graham, which is crafted from vegan leather with a crisp, clean finish. More to know: For a small fee, you can have a monogram shadow printed onto both. Looking for a luggage tag with a bit more personality? Check out the brand’s fun leather options that are available in seven different colors here.

Know what you don’t need this vacation? A “low battery” notification. Ensure your phone is always fully charged with this Anker option that has 13,000mAh — enough power to fully fuel an iPhone 11 two and a half times. As a bonus, the two USB-A ports mean that you can charge two devices at once. After testing, this was our pick as the best overall portable charger, and it’s perfect for your spring break trip.

Set yourself up for viewing success on your next jaunt in the sky with the Flight Flap, a bendable phone and tablet holder that can attach to the seat in front of you or rest on your tray table. The best part? It flattens for easy stowing when not in use.

These small but mighty containers are a travel game-changer. The set is completely customizable — pick your favorite colors and any labels to fit on the top of each — and fit the magnetic containers together for staying organized while in transit. Not only can you use them for liquids and gels, as they’re completely leak-proof, but you can also use them to carry around jewelry, powders and much more.

There is a slew of pricey noise-canceling headphones on the market, but we declared this pair from Anker to a good budget option to buy. The sound-canceling capabilities compare to that of a brand six times more expensive, and our editors also loved the Soundcore Life Q20’s extreme comfort, great sound and incredible 40 hours of battery life. Looking to splurge on a fancier pair? A pair of the Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones is the way to go.

Would you spend 10 bucks to save your phone from water-related death? We thought so. More than 75,000 Amazon reviewers did, too. Simply place your phone in this IPX8-certified waterproof pouch, secure the lock mechanism and voila, your phone is safe from water, snow, dust and scratches. More to know: When 100% sealed, the pouch is screen-touch sensitive, meaning you can take your phone with you underwater and nab some coral reef photos and videos for the ’gram.

Hit all your packing cube needs with this pretty set from Mark & Graham that includes one extra-large, one large and two small packing cubes, in addition to a shoe bag and the ever-important laundry bag. Available in a natural light pink, navy and an adorable navy-and-white pinstripe, the set can also be monogrammed with initials for an additional 12 bucks. Done and done. (For more packing cube options, visit here.)

One unfortunate part of vacationing is that as the days pass, the laundry increases. Tuck your stinky and stained items out of sight in these Isolate Cubes from Eagle Creek. The cube walls are lined with an antimicrobial treatment to keep odors — and dirt — contained within the zippered pouches. We love that they’re water-resistant and machine washable, too.

Listen, we get it, a spring break round-up doesn’t typically include a luxe puffer. If you’re like us, you’re hopping on a plane to get away from your current freezing locale — meaning you’ll be bookending that fabulous vacation with single-digit temps. Avoid shivering during your airport commute with this insanely warm jacket from Canada Goose that can actually pack into itself by folding the entire jacket into the left side pocket, which then turns into a cinchable bag with a backpack strap. While we love the fact that the Cypress is travel-friendly, its true selling point is that it’s going to keep you warm all winter long for the next few decades. For a less-expensive option, check out Girlfriend’s Fossil Hooded Packable Puffer.

If you want to pack for your spring break trip in just a weekender bag, look no further than July’s Volume+ Weekender bag. When expanded, the bag features 42 liters of packable space — enough for a few days away from home. Best of all, this bag still qualifies as a carry-on bag with most airlines, so you won’t have to worry about checking it once you get to the airport.

Sunscreen is a spring break must, and we love the Supergoop! PLAY option that is packed with SPF 30. Moisturizing, fast-absorbing and easy to blend into the skin, this Supergoop! option is free from harsh chemicals and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. So, it’s the perfect option if you’re planning on playing some beach volleyball or tennis under the sun’s rays. We’re fans of the mini, TSA-approved size, but if you want the bigger option, visit here.

We get it: You want to take all of your bags on the trip — but that takes up a lot of space. Solve the problem with Paravel’s travel backpack, which folds up into a zipped petite pouch. A mini version of the brand’s beloved Fold-Up Backpack, this smaller option is perfect for exploring a local market or heading out for a day of boating. Weighing in at less than half a pound, the backpack also comes in six colors and can be monogrammed for an extra $15.

Meet the new “It” bag! Beloved by Marianna Hewitt and influencers galore, Naghedi NYC’s handwoven neoprene totes are not only incredibly chic, but they can also transition from the airport to the beach with ease thanks to that durable, easy-to-clean fabric and the roomy bag interior. We love the unique patterns — from this orange stunner stunner to monochromatic neutrals — and the fact that each tote comes with a matching zippered pouch (perfect for storing your phone and sunscreen!).

Sunglasses are a vacation must, and we love Goodr because it’s got dozens of fun options — all of which are priced at just $25 to $35. Lightweight and slip-proof — even when you’re really, really sweaty — the glasses are known for their snug fit and polarized lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. We’re also not mad at the hilarious names, like “Gardening with a Kraken” and “Falkor’s Fever Dream.”

Slip-on shoes that are comfortable, cute and machine-washable? Yep, they exist for men — and women, too. We’re obsessed with the shoe’s cozy fit and soft knit fabric, which is spun from plastic water bottles. The perfect travel shoe, the Driving Loafer will keep you warm throughout your travel day and will have you looking spiffy for vacation date night. Did we mention they’re machine washable, too?

If you can’t imagine a vacation without your favorite books by your side, it may be time to upgrade to an e-reader. The Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.8-inch display with warm adjustment. Best of all, your bulky books won’t take up too much space in your luggage, making way for more room for your favorite clothes and shoes.

Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to chillax to the max with a comfortable pair of flip flops, and one of our favorite brands is Reef. With more than 7,000 positive reviews, the brand’s Ginger Sandals are an Amazon favorite thanks to their superior arch support and that insanely soft footbed. And don’t worry about getting them wet, as they’re water-friendly.

There’s nothing worse than returning to your beach chair only to find your phone overheated from sitting in the direct sun (the same goes from overchilled in freezing temps!). Avoid that nuisance of a problem with Phoozy, a weatherproof capsule for your phone that protects from extreme temperature and the permanent damage it can cause. More to know: Made from a spacesuit-like lightweight material, Phoozy also has military-grade drop protection and it floats — making it easy to quickly retrieve your phone should it fall into the water.

This ultra-portable speaker is equal parts durable, stylish and chock full of powerful sound. Offering up to 12 hours of playtime per charge, the Flip 6 is beach- and boat-friendly thanks to its IP67 water rating, and with JBL’s PartyBoost feature, it can connect to other speakers to create a surround sound effect. Looking for something even more portable? Check out the JBL Clip 4, which is smaller and has an integrated carabiner clip for hooking onto your beach bag or umbrella.

If you’re going to be anywhere near a body of water this spring break — or if you’re planning to shred some black diamonds instead — you’re going to want to have a GoPro handy to capture all the action. Featuring a new, faster processor (dubbed the GP2), this latest version of the cult-favorite camera can produce some incredible slow-motion videos, not to mention crystal-clear footage thanks to a higher image resolution. One of our favorite new details, however, is the camera’s “hydrophobic” lens cover that sheds water off the glass. (Read: no water droplets obscuring your videos!)

If you want to throw a bikini in your suitcase, this one from lingerie maker Lively is a sure bet. Made from a ruched-style fabric that is super on-trend right now, the cute bralette is sure to fit perfectly thanks to the adjustable tie front, straps and back hook closure. We also love that the bikini bottom offers just the right amount of coverage (not too much, not too little!). The hardest part is choosing between the basic black, pretty purple or electric pink hues.

If bikinis aren’t your thing, look no further than this flattering-on-everyone one piece by Andie. Offered in sizes XS to XXXL, the Amalfi suit has adjustable straps, removable cups and a ribbed texture that glides across your body without any pinching or bulging. Boasting more than 2,000 positive reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the suit is also a favorite of Andie investor and campaign model Demi Moore and her three daughters.

More than 16,000 Fair Harbor reviewers agree that this Anchor Trunk is worth obsessing over. What makes this bathing suit different from the thousands of other options on the market? Well, for one, the brand has done away with the chafe-inducing liner of yore, replacing it with a stretchy, supportive, alternative. Beyond that, the Anchor Trunk is also surprisingly soft, quick-drying, odor-repellant and sustainable — each pair is made from 12 recycled water bottles.

This travel-friendly floor mattress is the perfect solution to finding a place to sleep for the extra friend who tagged along on your trip. It’s not an air mattress — instead, it rolls up and can be unclipped and set up in seconds. Not only can the twin mattress fold up to take on the go, but it’s also comfortable, made from a memory foam material.

No surprise here: Swimwear brand Summersalt knows its way around a cover-up — and we’re smitten with this chic crochet option that can transition with you from the pool to dinner and beyond. Available in cream or black and sizes XS to 2XL, this flattering dress is about to be your new favorite.

If you’re planning on spending plenty of time on the beach — or if your vacation rental has a big backyard — you’ll want a good game on hand to keep everyone entertained. This paddle ball set comes with two wooden paddles as well as one ball and four birdies for more relaxed play. Plus, we love that this set comes with a carrying case for easy packing and transport.

Yogis, fear not. You can downward dog on vacation, too, thanks to Manduka’s ultra-thin, ultra-portable mat. Ranked by our editors as the best non-slip yoga mat on the market, the eKO Superlite is also a breeze to travel with because it only weighs two pounds and can be folded into a 10-inch by 12-inch rectangle, taking up minimal space in your luggage.

Adventure doesn’t always come without risk. Bolster your self-defense arsenal with Birdie, a personal alarm key chain that emits a loud (130 db) siren and strobe light when activated. If feeling threatened or uncomfortable, simply pull the top of the device to activate the diversion, which can just as easily be deactivated by reinserting the top. We love the peace of mind Birdie brings, the cute color options and that it’s permitted to bring on an airplane.

More than 21,000 Amazon reviewers agree that this little powerhouse of a hairdryer is worth the purchase. Featuring a folding handle and two heat and speed settings, the petite dryer can easily fit into your carry-on bag and is likely to be stronger and more effective than your hotel’s built-in option.

We know, we know — there’s going to be some sticker shock at the price here. But trust us, when it comes to Dyson, you pay for what you get. And in the case of the cord-free straightener that is Corrale, you get a travel-sized, frizz-fighting straightener that (like the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer) works to reduce damage by using flexing plates, tension and targeted heat. We love how smooth and glossy the results are, or you can also create beachy waves by twisting the Corrale. Whether you’re taming flyaways in a cab or freshening your tresses post-flight in the airport bathroom, this portable hair savior is worth the splurge.

If you’re like us, you’d rather avoid sharing a communal snorkel mouthpiece with hundreds of fellow hotel or boat cruise guests. Instead, go the BYO route and invest in a snorkel set. More than 3,000 Amazon reviewers like this option from U.S. Divers, which includes fins, a leak-free, anti-fog mask and a comfortable mouthpiece and barrel, not to mention a handy bag to corral all the gear.

While it might seem unnecessary to bring your own beach towels on vacation, discovering your hotel or Airbnb’s options are 100 years old is not something you want to experience. Instead, throw one of Dock & Bay’s quick-drying microfiber towels into your suitcase. Super absorbent and sand-free — seriously, just shake them off after using and all the sand slips away! — the compact towels fold into a tiny matching pouch when not in use.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 28, 2023
24 essentials every family needs for a spring break trip | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Spring break will be here before you know it — and in some places, it’s already upon us. If you don’t yet have plans, it’s not too late to find good deals on both flights and hotels.

Once your plans for your family’s spring break trip are set in stone, you also need to make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip. Just keep in mind that spring break essentials vary depending on the type of trip you’re taking — whether you’re going on a cruise, embarking on an epic road trip or spending the week in a hotel or resort. And, those spring break essentials may be different for traveling with a family compared to traveling with friends.

What spring break essentials does every family need? We break down the most important family-friendly items.

AirTags are a travel essential. Stick one in each piece of your luggage to keep an eye on your belongings as they make their way through the airport and onboard your plane. If one bag doesn’t make it to your final destination, you’ll be able to locate it before the airline does via your iPhone. This four-pack is perfect for families — stick one in each person’s luggage and travel with the ultimate peace of mind on your spring break trip.

Everyone knows kids need plenty of drinks and snacks, and we all know the day can become messy in a hurry when they don’t have them. The Flpsde Water Bottle With Snack Storage provides a solution to this problem by letting parents pack a drink and a snack in one dual chamber bottle with space for each. This water bottle provides enough space for 20 ounces of your child’s favorite beverage and up to 7 ounces for snacks like crackers or pretzels. Not only is this bottle BPA-free, but it features a handle cap with a carrying loop for easy transport. Just be sure the bottle’s not full of liquid before heading through airport security!

If you’re planning a week at the beach in a vacation home or condo, chances are good you’ll be on your own when it comes to getting comfortable in the sand. The GCI Outdoor SunShade Backpack Beach Chair is perfect for spring break at the beach since you can fold it up for hands-free carrying. Plus, it comes with its own cup holder and shade umbrella. This chair even comes with a few storage compartments for sunscreen, your wallet and keys, snacks and more.

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is ideal for parents who need to bring their laptop along with them on spring break — and it’s one of our favorite backpacks for travel. The interior of the backpack boasts multiple compartments to keep you organized, and the dedicated tech sleeve is large enough to store up to a 15.6-inch laptop. There’s also an anti-theft pocket for storing your valuables as well as a USB charger outside and built-in charging cable inside so you can stay charged while on the move.

Families that are planning a long plane ride during their spring break travels may want to bring a travel pillow — or several of them — along for the ride. In our testing, the Cabeau Evolution S3 was the best neck pillow option since it’s firm enough to support your neck yet soft enough to fall asleep on. For example, you can use the pillow to rest your head against the side of a plane on a long journey.

When it comes to road trip essentials, hardly anything is more important than a first aid kit. This is especially true if you’re hiking or camping, and if you’re going to be traveling far away from a major hospital or town. This first aid kit from Amazon comes with ample emergency supplies to address a wide range of injuries, and it’s all neatly stored in a handy carrying case. If you don’t use it for spring break, this kit becomes a must-have for your car or home.

Spring break with a baby in tow becomes considerably easier to handle when you have a travel crib you can bring with you. The Lotus Travel Crib is ideal for families on the go thanks to the fact it folds into an easy-to-carry backpack with an average weight of 13 pounds. This portable crib is easy to set up in minutes, and it’s the perfect size for babies and toddlers. A side zipper door even gives you hands-on access to your baby without uncomfortable leaning.

Traveling with phones and tablets for everyone in your crew? Make sure you’re prepared for the inevitable low battery signal with a portable charger. This portable device charger from Anker has enough power to charge an iPhone 11 two and a half times, and we dubbed it the best overall portable charger in our testing. It also comes in four different colors — black, blue, red and white — and it’s affordable enough to get a couple to keep each kid’s device fully charged throughout your trip.

When it comes to travel toiletry bags, there’s a nearly endless number of options available. We like the Luka Toiletry Bag from Calpak — especially for family travel — for a few reasons, including the fact it comes with a water-resistant lining so you don’t have to worry about spills. This toiletry bag also features a hidden zipper pocket and several interior pockets that help you keep your travel essentials organized and safe during your trip or at home. You can order the travel toiletry bag in nine different colors, including rose quartz and kale green.

Whether you’re planning a getaway to the beach or you’re plotting out a road trip, having your own cooler makes a lot of sense. After all, you can save some cash by packing your own drinks, and your cooler can ensure they always stay cold. The Soft Pack Cooler from Rtic Outdoors is a great fit for spring break since it can hold up to 30 cans plus ice and comes in nine different colors plus a camouflage design. In addition to space for all your favorite beverages, this soft-pack cooler features an exterior zipper for your car keys, cash or credit cards.

These Turkish cotton towels from Crane & Canopy will be a major upgrade to your family’s old beach towels. Turkish cotton is known for being lightweight, absorbent and quick-drying, which makes these towels perfect for a spring break getaway that involves time at the beach or a resort pool. Available in blue, yellow or coral with a few different designs, you can purchase these towels separately or as a bundle in a variety of sizes.

A day at the beach becomes a struggle when you don’t have a bag for all your seaside essentials. The Sea Bags Surf Tote is made of recycled sail cloth that is water-resistant and features a roomy interior that makes it perfect for beach toys, towels, extra clothing and snacks for the kids. This bag is also machine washable and durable enough for everyday use. A beautiful design that mimics the ocean only adds to its appeal.

Hiking will never be the same once you purchase this lightweight backpack cooler from RTIC Outdoors. The cooler is perfect for families who plan to spend time in the outdoors this spring break — whether hiking, camping or heading to a scenic spot for a picnic. You can choose a backpack that holds 15 or 32 cans, and 11 different colors and designs are available. Several zippered pockets also provide a place to store your keys, wallet and other must-have items while you’re on the move.

Don’t let your kids ruin their — or your! — pricey smartphone during spring break. These waterproof phone cases cost $5 each, yet they help devices of up to seven inches in size stay dry when you’re in and around the beach or pool. A detachable lanyard makes this phone case easy to carry, and you have enough space for a phone along with cash, cards and keys.

Once you start packing your suitcase with the help of packing cubes, it’s hard to do it any other way. This ultimate packing bundle includes six packing cubes for clothing and other essentials: one extra-large cube, one large cube, one medium cube and one small cube, plus a shoe bag and a laundry bag. This combination of storage compartments will help keep your luggage organized while you pack for spring break and during your trip. Packing cubes also help you keep clean clothing separate from everything else, paving the way to better organized laundry when you get home.

This weekender carry-on duffel is perfect for parents on the go who need access to travel documents, snacks and other essentials. Unlike a traditional carry-on bag, The Everywhere duffel features an array of exterior and interior pockets to keep everything organized. This includes a padded laptop and tablet pocket, which can be crucial for kids who need a device to stay busy on the plane.

The My Gnome On The Roam Family Adventure and Creativity Kit can help your entire family create lasting memories during spring break. This kit includes an award-winning children’s book, a gnome for the kids to decorate, an adventure journal and a magical wooden pen. After decorating the gnome and planning out your adventures, the family adventure kit helps kids document their travels and learn how to share stories in a fun and imaginative way.

This Voyager Backpack was created by Marissa Goldstein who designed it for moms after traveling to 20 countries with twins. This backpack is ideal for spring break travel with babies and small children thanks to its roomy interior, two full-length side zippers and three interior pockets for storage, one of which is insulated. A laptop pocket is also included so you can bring work along with you as you travel. Stroller hooks on padded backpack straps provide one more way to carry this bag hands-free.

Parents who are in charge of all the travel details should consider the Eazymate Passport Holder Purse Organizer. This roomy travel wallet has enough space to carry up to four passports, your family’s boarding passes, all your credit cards and some cash. An exterior pocket also provides space and accessibility for your phone or important travel documents. This wallet can be carried as a wristlet or like a purse thanks to its removable shoulder strap.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality piece of carry-on luggage, consider the Aviator Carry-On Plus from Paravel. This hard-side bag comes with a TSA-approved lock, 360-degree rotation, steel axles and carbon steel bearings that help you navigate any terrain (or any airport) with ease. Interior pockets and storage compartments also help you keep your spring break travel gear organized during your trip.

Whether you’re heading to the beach or renting a mountain cabin for spring break, you should pack some games everyone in the family loves to play. This game combo set from Franklin comes with five outdoor games that can lead to hours of fun: badminton, volleyball, flip toss, horseshoes and a frisbee. While anyone can give these games a whirl, this set is mostly for families with children ages 6 and older.

You can easily bring your beach toys along on spring break thanks to this set with its own carrying case. The FoxPrint Beach Sand Toy Set comes with 16 different toys for sand play, including several multi-colored shapes and molds, two castle molds, a castle bucket and two round castles. The kit even comes with a watering can, a rake, a sifter that helps kids find hidden treasures among the sand and a shovel for digging.

Keep your kids safe this spring break with this life jacket vest from Speedo, which is a US Coast Guard-approved Type V personal flotation device. This particular option comes in multiple styles to suit your kids’ tastes, and it has both a life jacket and a water wing component. The Speedo Splash Jammer Life Jacket Vest is designed to come off and on easily in between swims, and shoulder straps give it a secure fit.

This Sun Bum Premium Day Tripper Sun Care Pack is perfect for a family trip. With its own handy carrying bag, the kit comes with SPF 30 sunscreen lotion, cooling aloe lotion and SPF 30 lip balm. The coconut scent of Sun Bum products pleases both parents and kids, and the products are both vegan and reef-friendly.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 28, 2023
Our favorite travel pants to keep you comfortable on the go | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Long travel days can test your patience, but you don’t have to spend your transit time in misery. With the right travel clothing, you can stay organized and comfortable whether you’re moving through airports or embarking on an epic road trip. The right travel pants can also keep your look clean and fresh — even after sitting or standing in the same position for hours.

The best travel pants come with features like security pockets for when you’re checking out new cities. Not only do the best travel pants have features that set them apart, but it’s also what they’re made of to keep you comfortable. You’ll often find travel pants to be made of wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying material.

Here are 24 of our favorite pairs of travel pants for men and women.

If you’re looking for women’s travel pants that are lightweight and breathable, these Co-op Sahara pants from REI could be a good fit. They are convertible, meaning you can remove the bottom of the pants to turn them into shorts. Color-coded thigh zippers also help you discern the right leg from the left leg when converting back to pants. As an added bonus, these quick-drying pants come with zip-closure security pockets and UPF 50+ protection.

The Freeflex Pant is ideal for women who are on the go, whether they are traversing multiple airports or hiking through the mountains. Made of stretchy and flexible spandex-free material, these pants are made for movement without ever losing their form. Four different colors are available, and there’s a convenient roll-up feature for converting the pants to capris.

The Dream Pant from Everlane has the best of both worlds: a tailored look with a sweatpant feel. This is the perfect pair of pants for a long-haul flight when staying comfortable is key. The pants have an elastic waist and sleek tapered leg, and they’re wrinkle-resistant, meaning you can arrive after your flight looking just as fresh as before you left. Plus, there are pockets for storing all of your small belongings on the go.

Joggers can make for a great travel pant — and this pair from Outdoor Voices is no exception. They feature an ultra-stretchy material so you can stay comfortable no matter how long your flight is, and they come in three different colors to match your personal style: black, okra green and bone white. The waistband on this pair of joggers is adjustable and features a drawstring, and the pant cuffs are elastic. Plus, there are both hand and back pockets for placing your essentials during your travels.

Travel lovers who want plenty of pockets can consider these stylish pants from Lands’ End. Available in regular, petite and tall sizes, these pants have five functional pockets in front and back. They’re also made of moisture-wicking material that keeps you comfortable in any climate. An interior elastic drawcord offers security and a custom fit, and the fabric comes with UPF 50 protection.

If you’re hoping for travel pants that are flattering and stylish, the Beyond Travel Pant should be on your radar. These stretchable pants offer a straight-leg and sophisticated style that lets you pair them with a dressy top or something a bit more casual. They’re also wrinkle-resistant, cling-free and available in three different lengths to match any height. The elastic waistband also adds comfort and flexibility without detracting from your look.

These travel pants are made of lightweight material that helps with breathability and freedom of movement on your busiest travel days. Available in eight colors and regular, petite, plus or tall sizes, these pants can also be tailored to any body size or shape. Other notable features include UPF 50+ sun protection and two secure zip pockets to keep your essentials accessible yet safe.

These leggings were created with comfort in mind. The polyester and spandex material makes them cozy yet versatile for zipping through the terminal. The leggings, made of a stretchy and quick-drying fabric, are available in 35 colors — some with a fleece option if you’re planning to travel to colder climates. The pair also features two exterior pockets as well as a hidden pocket, which is the perfect place to keep your phone, credit cards or cash.

The Champion Women’s Cotton Jersey Pant is perfect for women who want comfort and flexibility without spending an arm and a leg. These pants have an elastic waistband with a drawstring closure, and they’re made of material that’s as soft as your favorite T-shirt. The best feature of these pants is their coziness, so don’t expect any pockets — instead, carry your goods in a quality travel backpack, travel wallet or carry-on bag. The pants come in five sizes and three different color options.

Travelers who want versatile pants for long-haul travel or hiking should consider the CRZ Yoga Women’s Hiking Pants. These pants, which come in 14 different colors, have a drawstring closure that keeps them snug against your body while providing breathability, and they’re made to provide a slightly loose fit. They also come with mesh pockets and back zip pockets that keep your belongings in place when you need your hands free for grabbing your passport, going through the security checkpoint or putting your bag in the overhead compartment.

If you’re looking for women’s travel pants that are elastic-waisted without looking frumpy, these high-rise travel joggers may be exactly what you need. You can choose from seven different colors, and Lululemon offers women’s sizes up to 20. Best of all, these joggers are made of wrinkle-resistant, comfortable material that’s breathable yet also stretchy thanks to the addition of Lycra during manufacturing. There are two pockets for storing all of your small belongings while you’re on the move.

These women’s travel leggings are ideal for those who want to head straight from the airplane to the office. They’re elastic-waisted as you might expect, but also made of light and comfortable material that helps with breathability. Plus, they’re stylish enough to pair with a nice top to wear to a business meeting. The best part? There are five pockets to store all of your small items — two front pockets, two rear pockets and one hidden waistband pocket.

These travel pants from RevolutionRace are durable, yet versatile and the perfect option for an adventure trip. They’re also stylish enough to coordinate with your favorite travel purse and accessories. When you arrive at your destination, they’re water-repellent with excellent ventilation, and they’re flexible and stretchy enough for active use. Several zippered pockets offer space to stash small items. These pants come in five different colors and designs.

Bluffworks is a company that specializes in making the perfect travel pants, and The Ascender Chino is no exception. The pants help men look stylish while they travel without giving up comfort or durability. They’re good-looking enough to coordinate with all the best travel wallets and travel shoes. But perhaps best of all, the pants have 10 different pockets, including two phone pockets and three pockets with zippers. Made of lightweight polyester fabric, these quick-dry pants are also wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable.

Men who are looking for affordable travel pants can find several good options from Amazon Essentials, including the brand’s slim-fit, flat-front chino pants. This pair, which is available in 15 different colors, is pretty basic with a zipper closure and flat-front design, yet it’s made of wrinkle-free material. Wear the pants on a plane or a train, or to a board meeting. As more than 19,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon agree, you’re sure to impress either way.

These classic chino pants are ideal for travel and everyday wear thanks to their stretchy fabric, quick-drying properties and hidden pocket. They’re also wrinkle-resistant and breathable, yet stylish enough to wear to a business meeting, having been inspired by classic chinos. Lululemon’s ABC technology also uses an ergonomic gusset to remove tension from the crotch so you can move comfortably and freely throughout your journey.

These five-pocket pants from L.L. Bean are perfect for travel, everyday wear or active sports like hiking or biking. Not only are they made of a stretchable nylon and spandex blend material, but they’re finished with a durable treatment that repels water. The material offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun, and you can choose from seven different colors. Sizes are also tailored based on waist size and inseam, so you’re bound to find the perfect fit.

If you’re looking for comfort only, the Hanes Men’s Jersey Pant is basically a pair of sweatpants with pockets. This simple design makes them perfect travel wear for airplanes, trains and long car rides. These pants come with a drawstring closure that lets you tailor the fit to your desired level of comfort, and they come in four different colors that allow you to coordinate with other clothing. The best part? These lounge pants for travel are well under $20 when they’re on sale.

The Renegade Rock Pants from Kuhl were built with the active traveler in mind, thanks to the quality of materials used to make them. The fabric is soft to the touch, yet strong, breathable and quick-drying. Travelers will also love the UPF 50+ sun protection these pants provide, as well as the eight different pockets you can use for storage on the go. Seven natural-looking colors are available, as well as unique sizes based on waist and inseam.

The Ascender Jogger is the most casual pair of men’s travel pants offered by Bluffworks, yet they’re still stylish enough to transition from the airport directly to a business meeting. Made of wrinkle-resistant material with an elastic drawstring waistband, these pants also come with seven different pockets, including three zippered pockets, for storage. The Ascender Jogger is offered in grey, navy and olive with several size options for a more tailored fit.

These men’s travel pants are made with the adventurer in mind, as they quickly and easily transition from pants to shorts. The material is comfortable and stretchy, and it also provides UPF 50+ protection from the sun. The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants are also loaded with pockets for hands and supplies, including zippered cargo pockets for larger items. A full elastic waistband also lets you move freely and comfortably, whether you’re hiking or pulling luggage through the airport.

The Bluffworks Airline Pants are a mix between dress pants and joggers, so they can work whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. They’re made of wrinkle-resistant material that ensures you’ll never have to iron them, and they have six different pockets for storage. They’re pull-on pants, yet the drawstring waistband is expertly hidden for a clean, professional look.

These Tommy Bahama travel pants are perfect for men seeking easy-wear clothing that’s also easy to care for. They’re made of stretchable material with a classic fit you can wear anywhere, yet they’re comfortable enough for travel or long-term lounging. UPF 30 protection helps keep your bottom half out of the sun, and the moisture-wicking material wards off sweat. These pants are also partly made out of recycled plastic bottles, so you can rest easy that they leave a smaller environmental footprint.

If you’re on the hunt for cargo pants that are uniquely suited to travel, look no further than this option from Eddie Bauer. These pants have multiple pockets, including front pockets, snap-close cargo pockets and two back pockets — one of which has a secure zip. The waistband features interior elastic for the perfect fit, and the fabric offers UPF 25 sun protection and extra stretch. A gusseted inseam also paves the way for extra mobility.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 24, 2023
These expert-approved products will help you pack your suitcase like a pro | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Packing and preparing your luggage for an upcoming trip can be daunting. You definitely don’t want to forget anything at home but the idea of exceeding your airline’s baggage weight limit can also make you think twice about throwing just anything into your suitcase. Then, of course, there’s the issue of wrinkles — the last thing you want is to spend half your vacation pulling out the hotel ironing board every time you need a fresh shirt.

In order to help you iron out the optimal packing practices in time for your next trip, we spoke to a handful of travel professionals and etiquette coaches to get their insights on the very best ways to pack your suitcase and the products that will help you master the art of packing.

Whether you’re packing a carry-on for a quick domestic trip or you’re hoping to fit everything you need for a two-week trip abroad, read on if you want to master the art of packing a suitcase once and for all.

Write — and stick to — a packing list

It doesn’t matter if you can pack a suitcase in 10 minutes flat or it takes you days to finish packing all those last-minute essentials, creating a packing list is the easiest way to afford some peace of mind.

“In addition to helping you not forget anything, a packing list also prevents you from double-packing items that you may have already packed at the bottom of your suitcase,” says Phil Dengler, founder of The Vacationer.

Julia Esteve Boyd, international etiquette and protocol consultant and founder of The Etiquette Consultant, also suggests taking the packing list with you. This is useful when packing for the return trip so nothing is left behind. It’s also useful should luggage be lost or damaged for insurance purposes.

~~$11~~ $7 at Amazon

You can make a packing list with the Notes app on your iPhone, but a pen and paper can sometimes offer a more visual and easy-to-follow guide. The Knock Knock Pack This Pad will help you to make sure you have all your bases covered, even if you’re not entirely sure of what you should be packing.

Rather than sprinkling in your items here and there as you think of them, Boyd strongly advises gathering all the items you intend to pack together before even beginning to place them in your suitcase. She suggests having them all folded, rolled or ready to drape so that you can space out all items properly and efficiently.

$345 at Away

While you’re gathering everything, be sure to keep in mind the size of your bag. You don’t want to over-gather and then ultimately struggle with the impossible task of fitting everything inside. Conversely, you don’t want to underestimate how much space you have. While you’re not ready to put your belongings in your bag just yet, keep your luggage handy so you can reference it for size. In our testing, Away’s The Medium bag took the title as the best overall checked suitcase thanks to its fantastic internal organization and compression as well as a durable exterior.

~~$240~~ $180 at Samsonite

You don’t have to break the bank for supreme organization. We liked this Freeform Medium Spinner from Samsonite as the best budget luggage choice. Not only does it roll smoothly through the airport, but it’s one of the lightest bags we tested. In other words, there’s more weight to spare when packing all of your travel essentials for your trip.

The single best way to ensure you keep track of your bag at every step of your journey is with an Apple AirTag. While you’re packing your suitcase, be sure to throw one in a safe compartment. Then, once your bag has been checked in at the airport, you can travel with peace of mind and track exactly where it is.

$29 at Amazon

Include an Apple AirTag in your suitcase to follow your bag’s journey through the airport. Though it may be out of sight, you’ll be able to follow along as your suitcase makes it on your plane. Or, if you’re traveling with the whole family, grab a four-pack of AirTags to stick in each suitcase.

$9 at Amazon

It could be a good idea to invest in a case for your AirTag. A simple ring attachment will work perfectly to ensure your AirTag doesn’t go missing in your luggage alongside piles of clothes, shoes and toiletries.

You probably don’t throw your dirty clothes in with your clean clothes at home. So, why should you have to do it while you’re on vacation? That’s why packing a laundry bag makes sense.

“I pack a laundry bag for my dirty clothes before doing anything else,” says Dengler. “There is nothing worse than mixing dirty clothes with clean clothes, and it is often not possible nor desirable to do laundry on vacation.”

$8 at Amazon

A simple trash bag will do, but there are many large laundry bags made out of strong material like nylon that’ll last much longer — and are more sustainable — than a disposable bag.

~~$15~~ $13 at Amazon

We like this travel laundry bag option because of the convenient handles that make it easy to take your laundry straight from your suitcase to the washing machine. Before your trip, the bags in this two-piece set fold into a small pouch with an included carabiner to ensure they never get lost in your bag.

“You’ll want to pack the larger items first, such as jackets, trousers, dresses and shirts,” says Boyd. “Instead of folding them, it really helps to place them around the sides of the bottom of the case with any excess fabric draping outside.”

The other smaller items can be placed in the middle on top. The longer larger items can then be folded over to cover everything else that’s inside and hold it all neatly in place.

“Jackets can be folded lengthwise or in half, but attention should be paid to sleeves and collars to avoid crushing them,” says Boyd. “You’ll also want to place the heavier items at the bottom end of the case, as it will be easier to wheel and pull.”

$12 at Amazon

If you’re packing heavy items first, you’ll want to make sure that your bag doesn’t exceed the weight limit of the airline you’re flying with. Do your research to see how much your bag can weigh and then use a digital luggage scale like this one from Etekcity before leaving home to make sure you’re not charged extra for an overweight bag.

$20 at Amazon

Once you’ve packed all of your stuff, add a luggage lock to keep your belongings secure. Regardless if you choose a combination lock or one that opens with a key, you’ll want to double-check to make sure your lock of choice is TSA-compliant.

“Everything you need on the first day or two of your trip should be packed towards the top of your suitcase,” says Dengler. “Otherwise, you will have to dig through all of your other clothes and potentially create wrinkles that were otherwise not there.”

This is especially true with your toiletry bag, medication and any other items that you know you’ll be looking for as soon as you check in to your hotel. Ensuring all these day-to-day essentials sit at the very top will allow you to grab what you need without disturbing your other items.

From $8 at Amazon

This set of three toiletry bags is the perfect option to pack at the top of your suitcase. If you’re stopping overnight on a layover and need to access your toiletries without disturbing anything else, they’ll be easy to grab with this clear design. The set has more than 11,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.

$17 at Amazon

This highly-rated hanging toiletry bag is a great option for travelers and it comes at a reasonable price point. By packing all of your toiletries in a hanging bag, you can easily see everything at once and at eye level when you arrive at your destination. We like this bag from Mossio particularly because of all the patterns available — it comes in 16 different designs.

Properly rolling your clothing is essential to getting the most out of your luggage space. Consider using this technique when initially packing your suitcase as well as when you put dirty clothes in your laundry bag.

“I find that rolling my clothes also means fewer wrinkles than when folding them,” says Dengler. “Finally, I recommend using rubber bands to keep your rolled clothes tight and secure!”

$9 at Amazon

You can use simple rubber bands to keep smaller items rolled properly, but you might want to invest in a set of cheap silicone bands if you have clothing items crafted from more delicate fabrics like wool or silk.

When folding sweaters and jackets, Boyd suggests putting them on a flat surface, top side down, and placing one or two fingers on the side of the neckline as a guide for where to fold the item inwards, then repeat on the other side. Smooth out the item and sleeves with your hands then grab the hem and bring it upwards to the neck to fold it.

“This method allows garments to be folded once, twice or rolled depending on fabric and/or space,” explains Boyd.

$17 at Amazon

Not a folding pro yet? Not a problem. With a little help from this folding board at home, your clothes will look uniform in no time. The durable board can easily fold thin, medium and thick clothing such as pajamas, long-sleeved shirts, dresses and more.

If you want to ensure your delicate items arrive without any color rubbing or piling, Boyd suggests using silk paper or fine tissue paper inside and between items. This method is not necessary for all garments but could be worth extending the extra effort for materials like wool or cashmere.

~~$18~~ $10 at Amazon

This pack of acid-free tissue paper was made for long-term storage, so it’ll do just fine with your delicate or wrinkle-prone garments.

Victoria Caldwell, owner and founder of Destinations Beyond travel agency, swears by the rule that everything must go in a pouch, bag or packing cube.

“Packing cubes ensure that everything is contained,” she explains. “It was a total game changer once I purchased enough packing cubes to fit every single item in my suitcase”

~~$34~~ $22 at Amazon

This six-piece set from Veken is the perfect starter pack for the packing cube novice. In it, you’ll get one extra-large organizer, one large organizer, one medium organizer, one small organizer, a travel shoe bag and a travel laundry bag for storing all of your dirty clothes. Not only will these packing cubes help you stay organized before you head off on your trip, but also when you return home.

~~$43~~ $28 at Amazon

“All of my current packing cubes are Eagle Creek,” says Caldwell. “I’ve had them for over five years and they’re still going strong!”

There is nothing worse than forgetting the order in which you packed your clothing. “I put the order that I packed each type of clothing on my packing list,” explains Dengler. “That allows me to quickly identify where each item is packed so I do not have to pull all of my clothes out at once to find it.”

$65 at Away

If you’re an Away fanatic, add the travel brand’s set of packing cubes to your travel wardrobe. This set of six comes in seven different color options to match your favorite Away suitcase. Each of the cubes features a mesh top to easily keep track of how you pack. If six cubes are too much, opt for Away’s set of four.

~~$30~~ $26 at Amazon

This set of eight contains not only packing cubes for clothes, but also dedicated spaces for keeping your other belongings. Place your largest items in the traditional packing cubes and then stay organized with a dedicated toiletry bag, shoe bag, sock bag and laundry bag.

Always pack the minimum number of shoes as possible for your itinerary, says Dengler. Unless they are sandals or flip-flops, shoes take up a lot of valuable luggage space. They also can’t be folded, so packing becomes even more difficult. Additionally, you should wear your largest pair of shoes when flying — for example, wear hiking boots on the plane if you’re going on a hiking trip.

“Shoes should be clean before packing and can be placed around the edges of the case,” adds Boyd. “I also recommend using fabric shoe bags for high heels to avoid damaging any delicate fabrics.”

~~$22~~ $15 at Amazon

The Yamiu travel shoe bags comes in a set of two or a set of four and makes packing extra footwear so much more sanitary. The shoe bags are waterproof and can easily be thrown in the washing machine after your trip.

~~$14~~ $13 at Amazon

This sturdy bag comes with a drawstring design for easy carrying and, it’s got a zipper enclosure to keep your shoes safe in one place and away from your other belongings. Plus, the bag itself is water-resistant and it comes in seven different color options.

“I also suggest that you never pack very expensive items such as jewelry in your suitcase,” points out Boyd. “You should always have these types of items in your carry-on. It’s much safer than sticking it in your checked baggage.”

~~$22~~ $15 at Amazon

Packing your jewelry in a travel-specific box is not only great for staying organized and keeping your items untangled, but it will also ensure your most valuable items are safe and accounted for throughout your entire trip. We like this option for its plush velvet finish and variety of storage options. Plus, it zips closed to keep all of your jewelry safe and secure.

$85 at Away

The luggage company Away has a jewelry box of its own that’s perfect for the traveler who wants to keep their belongings safe, untangled and organized. Made of leather and available in four color options, this box has multiple organizational compartments for all your earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

If you want your clothes to remain fresh and ready to wear when you land, Caldwell recommends adding a dryer sheet to your packing cubes prior to zipping them up. This will ensure your items arrive smelling fresh — even if you usually store your suitcase in your basement or garage.

$10 at Amazon

Looking for a more eco-friendly and sustainable dryer sheet to throw in your suitcase? The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dryer Sheets are made with essential oils and offer a much more natural scent than traditional brands.

Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out CNN Underscored’s list of the best credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 22, 2023
Away’s colorful new Aura collection has arrived | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

Away has just launched a brand-new collection that’ll put you in the mood for some bucket-list travel. The drop consists of two new colorways, a brand-new bag style to put on for travel day and a new charm and luggage tag to make your suitcase easily identifiable. The new Aura collection is available to shop today directly on Away’s website.

You won’t have any trouble identifying this checked bag once it arrives at the baggage claim carousel.

This bag is the slightly larger version of our pick for best hard-shell carry-on.

Add some internal organization to your Away bag with this set of four packing cubes.

A coordinating luggage tag and charm add extra personality to this — or any — suitcase.

Keep all your travel essentials on hand — and organized — with this adjustable bag.

The coated spill-proof interior of this bag is just what you need for all your lotions and gels to travel well.

What’ll catch your eye first is the new hues: Sunrise and Sunset, gradients in blue and green and orange, blue and pink respectively. Shop the Large Checked Bag and the Bigger Carry-On (the slightly larger version of our pick for best hard-shell carry-on suitcase), quartets of packing cubes, plus the Large Toiletry Bag in Sunrise. There’s also a complementary luggage tag and charm set for a quick visual ID on your bag from afar.

The last new addition to the collection? The Everywhere Sling Bag, which has enough capacity to keep travel day (and everyday) essentials easily at hand with plenty of convenient interior compartments.

Shop the new collection at Away before it sells out.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 21, 2023
The essentials list: Alan Cumming’s 12 travel must-haves for a weekend away | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

On a holiday weekend in January, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, rather quietly dropped a 10-episode reality competition murder mystery show called “The Traitors.” Hosted by Alan Cumming and featuring 20 contestants — 10 of whom have previously appeared on reality programs like “Survivor,” “Below Deck,” “Big Brother” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” — competing for $250,000, the show quickly generated an excited buzz among viewers and critics alike.

Writing for NPR, Linda Holmes praised Cumming’s outsized performance. “Parading around in a series of plaids, capes, hats, bright colors and whatever else is festive, he is invested. Like, invested. You could feed a lion a gazelle, a large pepperoni pizza, and an ice-cream sandwich, and you would not see that lion make a meal out of it the way Alan Cumming makes a meal out of hosting this show.”

Planning and packing for “The Traitors” was, Cumming says, loads of fun, “What was hilarious was that I was sort of playing a character in a competition reality show, which is kind of unusual. So the clothes were very important and the guy who styled me, Sam Spector, took a lot of my clothes from my closet upstairs but then, you know, added sashes and berries and pins and all these things to make them much more theatrical.”

We asked Cumming about packing for “The Traitors,” what he can’t live without while he’s away from home and what essentials he brings along to help him survive what he calls “the indignity of travel.”

When asked, “What is something you always travel with that other people might find odd?” Cumming replies without hesitation, “A little hard ball. One of those little hard, sort of, little balls that you roll on your back.”

In addition to his massage ball, Cumming tells Underscored, “I always have a facial mist. I love facial mist. I steal them all from airplanes and things, so I have a whole range, but I don’t have special brands. There’s a Kiehl’s toner that I like, and then La Mer does one. Obviously it costs $75,000 and I made it last for years.”

Of his mists and toners, Cumming says, “I keep them in the fridge and then bring them out in the evening, but I always carry one when I travel.”

Cumming says he never leaves for a trip without packing swim trunks, goggles and flip flops, “Because,” he admonishes, “ye always want flip flops.”

Cumming is also a devotee of wooly socks, which he finds essential for travel. “I always use them as slippers. I just love putting wooly socks on when I get to a hotel room.”

“I have a pair of black silk pajamas that I can wear to dinner — I don’t use them as pajamas. They’re easy to roll up, don’t take up much space and they look like a stylish choice for dinner or parties, but actually they’re pajamas,” he says.

When it comes to luggage, Cumming has a relatable problem. “I’ve actually just been talking to my husband about how we’ve got to rationalize our luggage because it’s just insane how many different kinds we’ve got. And then we put, you know, the wheelie bag inside the large wheelie bag, and it’s just, like, killing me.” One piece he won’t part with, when the luggage purge commences, is his scooter suitcase. “My favorite one I’ve got is a little trolly bag — it’s a scooter, it folds down into a scooter and it’s just the best thing ever.”

Another airplane essential that Cumming doesn’t leave home without is his Beats headphones. “Over-the-ear headphones that cut out the noise, and also just not listen to all the announcements. Seems to me there’s more announcements now in planes than there ever was before.”

Of course, no trip would be complete without a good book to take along. Cumming, who says he’s “been doing loads of reading,” shared some of his current favorites, including Peter McGough’s memoir about his life with the artist David McDermott.

When asked about the best book he’s recently read on an airplane, Cumming says, “I read ‘Young Mungo’ by Douglas Stuart, who won the Booker Prize a few years ago. It’s about this rough working class area in Glasgow and all these sort of young boys and fights and everything going on, and yet this tender love story at the center of it. I remember I read this really disturbing violent bit, and then the guy said, ‘Oh, we’re landing.’ And I was landing in Glasgow. It was really the worst thing to read just as you set foot onto Glasgow soil.”

Cumming admits he overpacked for “The Traitors” — “I was like a donkey going to Scotland” — a problem that was compounded by the largesse of the show’s wardrobers. “They gave me a few things that weren’t mine. The capes! I’ve got two capes now. I never thought I would own a cape. Layering is one of my biggest things, and a cape is the sort of epitome of layering.”

The wardrobe team’s largesse didn’t end with the capes; Cumming also returned home with “slippers and all these weird things” given to him by his costumers. Among the slippers were a pair with a suitably “Traitors”-like message, “One says THE and one says END.”

[ad_2]

Source link

February 17, 2023
24 travel wallets for safe and easy access to your travel essentials | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

The best travel wallets make it easy to keep track of all your travel essentials, ranging from your passport to your travel credit cards and even some day-of necessities like boarding passes and vaccination cards. The majority also come with safety features like zippered compartments and RFID-blocking material, which can help ensure your important information and card numbers don’t fall into the wrong hands.

To help you find a great travel wallet for your next trip, we looked at some of the most functional, beautiful and reasonably priced options out there. Whether you’re looking for a wallet that holds your boarding pass and ID or you want a fashionable way to carry your airline credit cards, read on to learn about our top picks.

~~$195~~ $155 at Bloomingdale’s

The Tumi brand is known for its style and functionality, and the Tumi Wallet Crossbody speaks to those features. This wallet comes with a sturdy and comfortable strap that lets you carry it over your shoulder as a purse, but the strap can be removed to turn the wallet into a clutch. This timelessly chic travel wallet comes with several storage areas, six card slots and an interior ID window, and closes with a snap flap.

$19 at Amazon

This Eazymate travel bag is part purse and part wallet, as it has a long adjustable strap that allows you to carry it over your shoulder like a purse. The inside of the wallet can hold up to four passports, and an exterior plastic zipper pocket is a good option for keeping important documents where you can see them. You’ll also find plenty of space for boarding passes, several credit cards, a full-size pen and other paperwork you might be traveling with. With a price point under $20, this wallet is perfect for the busy parent who is traveling with their family.

$44 at Beis

This is a great travel set that can hold all of your essentials and comes with a protective case. It includes a passport holder that doubles as a mini wallet to hold your credit cards and a pen, as well as a luggage tag for marking your carry-on bag or checked luggage. Both pieces of the set come in a clear pouch, which can be used for carrying your passport protector or even storing some liquids to take on your travels. The set comes in five different color and material options: black, black patent, black croc, beige and beige patent.

~~$17~~ $13 at Amazon

This unisex travel wallet is a fantastic option if you’re planning any travel. With more than 13,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this wallet is known to have it all — including the fact that it comes in more than 39 different colors. The trifold design allows you to store your passport, boarding pass, vaccination card, ID, SIM card, cellphone, cash, a key, a pen and more all within its slim design. Plus, it’s got RFID-blocking material to keep your private details safe. At this price point, this wallet is a no-brainer for the frequent traveler.

$75 at Paravel

Paravel is one of our favorite brands for travel products — and this passport case is no exception. From the outside, it’s incredibly stylish, made from eco craft canvas from four up-cycled plastic bottles, as well as a vegan leather interior. Inside, you’ll find eight card slots — perfect for fitting your travel credit cards, hotel keys or photo ID — as well as a slot that can hold your passport. The wallet snaps together with an exterior snap closure. You can also add a monogram to your wallet for added personalization, starting at $15.

From $20 at Athleta

The Athleta Coffee Run Wallet is ideal for women who are constantly on the go. Made of recycled nylon and fitted with an anti-microbial lining, this wallet comes with a large carabiner-style clip that makes it perfect for commuting or travel, as well as two card slots and plenty of zip storage space. Reviewers who have this wallet say it’s better for holding travel credit cards than cash, and that it works well as a keychain. While this wallet comes in one size only, there are three different colors to choose from.

$188 at Neely and Chloe

This travel wallet is far from cheap, but it’s so large and functional that it may well be worth it — especially if you plan to travel often. The wallet is fully enclosed with an outer zipper, yet it comes with interior features like a passport pocket, credit card slots and pockets that are ideal for holding receipts or a baggage claim ticket. The wallet is constructed of leather with a gold-plated zipper, and you can customize yours with embossed or hand-painted letters or hand-painted flowers.

$16 at Amazon

This bifold wallet from Travelambo can be great for travel or at home. This wallet comes in more than 30 colors, and it features RFID-blocking material that keeps your credit card details safe. Other features include a handy bifold design with space for your ID and more than a dozen credit cards, two zippered compartments for cash or receipts and an outer button enclosure that helps keep everything in its place when not in use.

$14 at Amazon

This travel wallet does it all. Not only does it have space to store your passport, but it’s also got dedicated spots for ID cards, credit cards, business cards, SIM cards and much more, and a button enclosure keeps your belongings secure. But our favorite part of this travel wallet is that it’s available in 33 different colors and design options — most with a cute subtle airplane decal at the top of the wallet. At less than $15, this travel wallet is a great deal for travelers.

$25 at Target

This travel wallet is on the affordable side, yet it works to keep your important documents safe from hackers and thieves. In addition to the fact it features an RFID-protected security pocket, the wallet has a full zip-around enclosure to keep all of your belongings safe. Interior features of the wallet include a passport slot, a pocket for your boarding pass, a thumb-slide ID window and plenty of slots for your favorite travel credit cards, plus a spot for a pen. The water-repellent nylon material this wallet is made from also makes it easy to keep clean with a simple wipe-down.

~~$28~~ $24 at Amazon

Travelon offers a budget-friendly RFID-blocking wallet for travelers who want a stylish and safe way to transport their important documents. This travel wallet is ideal for carrying your phone, passport, receipts, boarding passes and credit cards within a secured zippered compartment. Although you can fit a lot of travel goods in this wallet, credit card slides and slip pockets make it easy to stay organized in the process.

~~$21~~ $15 at Amazon

Consider this travel wallet from Travelambo if you want something you can carry on your wrist. This leather wallet comes in 29 different colors, so you can easily coordinate it with your suitcase. The exterior comes with a fully enclosed zipper, yet interior compartments allow you to separate your credit cards, travel documents, phone and receipts. The low price of this wallet makes it an affordable option for a gift — or for yourself.

$139 at Amazon

This Travel Folio has loads of interior space, including a compartment for your passport, space for up to 10 credit cards, your boarding pass and other important documents. It even comes with a micro travel pen for filling out any documentation along your journey. The wallet offers RFID protection and is made of an environmentally certified leather exterior. And, this travel wallet also comes with a three-year warranty to give you the peace of mind that it’ll last you through your travels.

~~$35~~ $30 at Amazon

Consider the Travando Men’s Slim Wallet if you’re looking for a travel wallet that looks stylish and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Offered in 14 different colors and designs, this wallet holds up to 11 credit cards or IDs with an extra exterior storage pocket for easy access. It’s made of faux leather and offers an RFID-protected lining that keeps your important data safe from thieves. At this price point, it’s a solid option for those who travel often.

$8 at Amazon

At less than $10, this travel wallet offers everything you might need when you’re zipping through the airport. Its simple design comes in 11 different colors made from a faux-leather material and offers plenty of space for storing your travel information. There’s built-in RFID-blocking material, as well as slots for holding your passport, business cards, credit cards, boarding passes and more. It’s even got a space large enough to hold your vaccination card and a pen.

$150 at Amazon

This Tanner Goods Travel Wallet comes with a sleek leather design with no defining exterior decoration or features. On the inside, however, you’ll find a passport compartment, multiple slip pockets and space for credit cards and identification. The wallet comes with a limited lifetime warranty, meaning you can expect to have this around with you on your travels for years to come.

$95 at Amazon

The Tumi brand offers this sleek and sophisticated travel wallet for men. Made out of nylon material, this travel wallet features an easy-access ID window, four card pockets and two slip pockets. This simple wallet is great for taking your business on the go with space for business cards as well as credit cards.

~~$30~~ $18 at Amazon

This travel wallet is meant to hang around your neck, so it’s perfect for hands-free carrying no matter where you are. Not only is this neck wallet water-resistant, but it’s made of RFID-blocking material that keeps your sensitive personal information safe. Several pockets help you store and organize everything you need for a trip — from your passport to cash and important documents. This wallet also has two zippered pockets and an ID window for boarding passes.

$29 at Amazon

If you’re looking for a travel wallet that’s large enough to fit everything you need for a lengthy journey, consider this travel wallet from Polare. Made of full-grain leather, this wallet has space for a passport, credit cards, business cards, cash and more. It’s available in six different color options to suit your style.

$82 at Amazon

Keep all of your personal information secure while you’re on the go with this wallet’s RFIDsafe blocking material. Not only will it keep you safe from thieves trying to steal your information, but it’s also got space to hold multiple passports, six card slots including a zippered mesh slot, a zippered note slot, a pen holder, key clip and an outer zippered pocket. Plus, the whole wallet zips up to keep all of your travel documents secure in one place.

$16 at Amazon

We like how versatile this nylon travel wallet is, which makes it a solid option both for solo travelers and those heading on vacation with their family. The exterior fabric is both lightweight and waterproof. Inside, you’ll find space for up to six passports, boarding passes, credit cards, cash and much more. It’s got a wristlet for easy carrying, and the zipper keeps everything safe when you’re on the move.

$23 at Amazon

If you’re looking for a wallet that lets you carry everything you need hands-free, consider this money belt from Venture 4th. Using RFID-blocking material and the ability to be worn under clothing, this travel wallet can keep your credit card details and sensitive information safe. While the wallet itself is slim, you’ll find two zippered compartments for storage and enough space for several passports, cash, boarding passes and more. The wallet also has an adjustable belt mechanism, so it can be worn comfortably all day long.

$18 at Amazon

The Timberland Pro Men’s Cordura Nylon RFID Trifold Wallet is affordable enough to fit nearly any budget, and it offers almost all the features you might want in a travel wallet. RFID-blocking technology helps keep your personal information safe, and a thumb-slide ID window keeps your driver’s license or another ID within easy reach. In the meantime, a zippered compartment, multiple card slots and several slip pockets make it easy to keep your items where you can easily find them.

$21 at Amazon

Consider this money belt travel wallet for hands-free carrying. This travel wallet is made of RFID-blocking material, and it’s durable and water-resistant, so you can keep your passport and other important documents safe and dry. Several zippered compartments help you stay organized, and an adjustable waist belt helps to fit this wallet to your body type. Whether you plan to wear it under clothing or on top of your clothes for easy access, this money belt has space for everything you need during a trip.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 16, 2023
The essentials list: NFL legend and ‘Good Morning America’ host Michael Strahan shares his on-the-go staples | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

It’s been 14 years since Michael Strahan retired from the NFL, after a 15-year career as a defensive end for the New York Giants. Since then, his professional life has not only taken off but also gone in myriad directions: He’s a commentator on the Fox NFL Sunday pregame show (along with hosting “Thursday Night Football”), he’s had a four-year stint co-hosting “Live! With Kelly and Michael” alongside Kelly Ripa and he’s currently a morning host for “Good Morning America.”

In 2015, he also launched his Michael Strahan clothing collection, which he wears almost every day. “Everything in my line is designed for versatility,” he tells CNN Underscored, noting that the Modern Fit Crew Neck sweater with navy triangles is one of his new faves. “All of my tops can take me to meetings, social events and beyond. I love them.” He can also often be found in the collection’s straight-leg black jeans, which can easily be passed off as dress pants. “Our denim has the perfect amount of stretch,” he says — useful for when he’s sitting down on a plane or in front of the camera for hours at a time. (Or, you know, for skyrocketing to the edge of space with Blue Origin.)

Now Strahan is also getting into the skin care game for the first time. On Sept. 16, he launched the Michael Strahan Daily Defense line (available at CVS), which is a five-product regimen based on the products he uses every day to defend against dry skin.

CNN Underscored spoke to Strahan, one of the busiest men on television, to get his favorite daily essentials for when he’s on the go.

Athleisure wear

Strahan points out that he’s not always wearing a suit and tie in front of a camera. When he’s got downtime, he prefers to be comfy and relaxed in athleisure wear. “This is my favorite from the NFL line for sure,” he says of this MSX by Michael Strahan sleeveless hoodie. “This is what I wear when I’m watching games, lounging around at home or breaking a sweat in the gym.”

Daily moisturizer

There are five products in Strahan’s new skin care line: a face wash, shaving lotion, post-shaving balm, face and neck moisturizer and conditioning beard oil. He prefers to use them all as part of his daily routine, but if he’s on the go, he makes sure to at least throw on the moisturizer, which is non-clogging and made with vitamin E and avocado oil. “It’s my secret weapon to looking and feeling my best,” he says. “Especially during football season, which is my busiest season.”

A device for work and play

Because he’s often traveling by plane, train or automobile, Strahan says he always has his iPad on him for watching content while he’s also on the move. “I love my iPad,” he says. “Not only for work and catching up on emails, but also to unplug and watch movies.” He adds, “On ‘GMA,’ a lot of the actors come on to promote their films, so I’m lucky to get screeners to see them in advance.”

• Related: Here’s why we think the iPad Pro is one of the best tablets you can buy

Water bottle

“A good skin care routine is also linked to hydration,” Strahan says. “And nutrition too, of course.” He makes sure he gets at least eight daily glasses of water with his portable 32-ounce stainless steel Hydro Flask. “I’m always drinking a ton of water during the day,” he says. “This helps me stay on track.”

• Related: These are the best water bottles we’ve tested

Quality suitcase

“GMA” and “Thursday Night Football” both shoot in NYC (where Strahan keeps a home base), but he’s still constantly flying all over the country for various morning show segments, for football games or to shoot commercials or other media appearances. “I’ve become a packing pro at this point,” he says, noting that he loves the durable Away bags. “Having a good-quality bag is so important with how much traveling I end up doing week to week.”

• Related: Here’s why the Away carry-on bag is one of the best we’ve tested

Meal replacement bar

Leisurely sit-down lunches aren’t exactly a thing the workaholic Strahan can pencil in each day. “My schedule is so hectic,” he says. “But it’s important to stay fueled. When I can’t sit down for lunch, I just eat a Quest bar. They’re healthy, so they’re in my bag at all times. Sometimes it’s how I get through from meeting to meeting.”

Portable charger

No missed connections here. Strahan says he has to stay connected for work, which means he won’t go anywhere without a portable cell, laptop and AirPods charger. The bestselling Anker PowerCore III Elite is skinny enough that it can fit in pants or jacket pockets, and charges in three hours. Then it has enough juice to recharge a cell phone up to five times. “It’s super important that I stay charged up for all of my work meetings and calls throughout the day,” Strahan says.

• Related: The best portable chargers we’ve tested

[ad_2]

Source link

February 7, 2023
21 of our favorite travel shoes | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

There’s nothing that will stop you in your tracks — literally — as fast as an uncomfortable shoe. When traveling, be it in the mountains, the beach, villages, cities or mega-metropolises, our feet are the things that keep us moving. It makes a lot of sense to find the shoe that not only fits, but feels good, looks good, ages good and — if we can help it — does good.

But where to start? Dr. Christina Rowe-Bauer, a podiatrist at Penn State Health, says that fit and comfort should be top priorities. In practice, this means buying your new shoes well in advance of any planned trips.

“Don’t just go away and start wearing your new shoes because they might irritate your feet,” says Rowe-Bauer. “Buy them early and break them in.” Even if they’re the most comfortable sneakers ever, they still can take some getting used to.

But fit and comfort are fairly general terms and can easily differ from person to person. “Everybody and every body is different,” says Rowe-Bauer, “so it’s helpful to start your search with things you know about yourself — like if you have high arches or flat feet, Google those terms along with whatever else you’re looking for.”

Rowe-Bauer says that you generally only need three pairs of shoes for most trips: a beach or warm weather shoe (she always packs her Birkenstocks and has heard good things about Oofos sandals), a sneaker (she loves her Hokas and Brooks) and a dress shoe (she’s partial to J. Crew because the store’s women’s sizes run up to 12). And while she does understand that style is important, especially while traveling, arch support is probably the most important aspect of a good walking shoe.

“A shoe that is sturdy and not too flexible that has good arch support that’s long enough and wide enough for the foot is going to be the [best choice],” she says.

Our favorite travel walking shoes include a variety of features perfect for most getaways, with aspects like comfortable insoles; durable — and sometimes sustainable — materials; foot-, heel- and ankle-support technology; as well as styles for different occasions, climates and activities.

$110 at Nordstrom

Clarks footwear has almost 200 years of shoemaking under its belt, so when it comes to travel shoes, the company has any number of styles that can work, depending on the trip. But Clarks’ Pure Viola Flat is the perfect every-shoe. Wear them to a business dinner or a party, to a museum or a family get-together. Their sleek style and classic smoking-slipper shape are perfect for it all. Plus, Clarks Cushion Plus technology gives great heel support. “Like walking on air,” said one reviewer.

$110 at Allbirds

Allbirds’ Women’s Wool Runners are the kind of shoe that gets more comfortable with every single wear. And that’s impressive because they’re incredibly comfortable walking shoes from the very first try-on. Made from sustainable and ethical ZQ Merino wool, the Wool Runners are super-soft, moisture-wicking and naturally odor-stabilizing. (Go ahead, wear them sockless!) Allbirds are machine-washable and extremely durable, known to last for years on end.

$65 at Zappos

Superga’s Cotu Classic Sneaker is a classic in every sense. For decades now, basic white cotton sneakers for women have been a go-to for trips near and far. It goes with almost every outfit and is low-profile and lightweight enough to complement most travel shoe needs. The insole is cushioned, and the sneakers are made out of rubber with a crepe-textured outsole to give a bit of traction and durability. They can be cleaned in a washing machine and air-dried in about a day.

$80 at Amazon

When you want to have style and walk around all day without blisters or sore feet, Dr. Scholl’s Insane Loafers are the way to go. And because Dr. Scholl’s supports sustainable manufacturing and production, you can feel good for multiple reasons when wearing these travel shoes — they feature a micro-suede upper with 80% of the lining made from recycled bottles. The loafers’ “be free energy technology” insole has three distinct zones designed to create one of the most comfortable slip-ons ever: extra support under the toe box, high-recovery foam at the ball and dense foam around the heel. And the flexible sole gives your feet room to breathe while still offering a sturdy footbed.

$32 at Zappos

Finding a thong flip-flop that you can wear for hours on end is quite difficult. But with companies like FitFlop finally realizing an untapped market, you’ve got lots to choose from. The FitFlop Iqushion is an ergonomic thong sandal with amazing arch support and a cushioned shock absorption system thanks to the micro-bubble foam footbed. The thicker bottom also gives more heel support. Trust us, you won’t be able to buy just one color.

$210 at REI

For more than 150 years, Blundstone has been all about making “no-nonsense footwear.” The brand has dozens of different styles, all riffing off its iconic elastic-sided design. These boots are incredibly durable, long-lasting and water-resistant. (If you’re looking for something more weather-focused, check out the best waterproof shoes for women, the Geox New Aneko B Abx Woman.) The ankle support is second to none because of the snug slip-on fit, and the fine leather provides occasion versatility — they look good with a skirt or jeans. But beware of a little bit of a breaking-in period. They eventually mold to your foot, so it takes a bit, but it’s so worth the wait.

From $92 at Amazon

Teva has so many different styles beyond its iconic Velcro sandals, and the Anaya Bootie is a great option for stomping through cities. The booties can be dressed up or down depending on the situation. TevaRAPID seam-sealed construction keeps your toes dry in moderate rain and even though these are booties, the heel is only 1.5 inches high, and they offer great arch support with a polyurethane footbed cushioning. One Amazon reviewer said: “The first day I wore them I walked around a city for hours and they were so comfortable.”

$120 at Merrell

Merrell

Planning on spending your day traversing a new city? These sneakers from footwear pros Merrell will keep you comfortable during all of your sightseeing stops. The FloatPro midsole offers ample cushion for your feet, and they’re designed to withstand any kind of terrain you’ll experience — from cobblestones to puddles, dirt and beyond. Plus, we love that this sneaker features a toggle lace closure to easily slip them on and off — perfect for airport security.

From $77 at Zappos

Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals are lightweight and stretchy, providing optimal comfort for summertime toes that are exposed to the elements most of the day. Great for beach or boating, meals or outings, the elastic straps are made from recycled plastic bottles and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) footbeds offer great arch support and midsole cushioning — a rarity for sandals. Plus, the shoes are treated with an antimicrobial solution that helps with odor-causing bacteria on footwear. The rubber outsoles make these great for traction and they won’t leave scuff marks on boats either.

$185 at Tieks

The Tieks classic ballet flat is a sleek and stylish piece of footwear with a clever split-sole design that allows them to fold up compact enough to fit into a small purse. The heel support is above average for a flat, thanks to the non-skid rubber outsole patches, but they leave a little to be desired when it comes to arch support. Don’t be fooled by their delicate demeanor, as Tieks are known for being comfortable all day and night. One reviewer said: “My […] Tieks have seen me around the world, through grocery trips, even through rain showers without so much as a single blister.”

$135 at Hylo Athletics

Though they’ve got “runner” in the name, the Hylo Corn Runners are pretty much perfect for any occasion. And as a travel walking shoe, they should be packed on every trip you go on because they can double for your workout/running shoe as well as a sightseeing/general shoe. Wear them with a dress or your sports gear — they look great either way. And they feel great, too. They’re super-lightweight, breathable, machine-washable and made from all renewable or recyclable materials, including, yes, corn!

~~$120~~ $94 at Allbirds

Like all Allbirds footwear, the Men’s Piper Mids are carbon neutral and made with ZQ Merino wool — that great moisture-wicking softness that Allbirds has been made famous for. And while just about any of the Allbirds styles work for travel walking shoes, these throwback mid-level high-tops really stand out for style while also offering a bit of ankle support. Though Allbirds shoes don’t come with arch support built-in, they’re made to conform to your foot, so over time, they’ll provide some decent support. Reviewers love how lightweight they are, too.

From $50 at Amazon

Skechers Moreno Canvas Oxford Shoes are great travel footwear for just about any climate. They’re lightweight and stylish, with a two-toned upper and leather-lined outsoles. Many customers buy second pairs in a different color. But their crowning achievement is the memory foam soles, which offer cloud-like cushion while still providing support, especially in the arch.

~~$75~~ $50 at Amazon

You can’t go wrong with a classic New Balance. The 515 V3 sneaker offers a long-lasting durable rubber outsole and EVA foam cushioning in the midsole and heel. The suede and mesh upper give it a stylish spin even though it’s a sneaker.

From $59 at Amazon

Finding sturdy and comfortable flip-flops is not an easy task. The Vionic Unisex Wave Sandals are designed by podiatrists and come with an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. So, you know your feet are going to thank you when you slip these sandals on. The biomechanically designed footbed provides ample support throughout, and the durable rubber outsole makes it robust without looking too bulky.

$200 at REI

With Blundstone’s men’s section, there are dozens of great styles to choose from for travel walking shoes, but the Original Low-Cut is a great go-to. Built with amazing shock absorption, removable footbeds and water-resistant premium leather, these shoes can take you up a hill or into a museum. The Blundstone durability legacy makes them a long-lasting choice for all your travel needs.

$240 at Zappos

This shoe can take you from the boardroom to the base of mountains with its distinct duo-capability design and function. Made out of leather and Gore-Tex for ventilation and water resistance, it’s a workwear-inspired shoe that champions versatility and comfort. One reviewer said: “I’ve been wearing low-cut ECCO hiking shoes for everyday wear for thirty years, and I’d never wear another shoe brand.”

$120 at Merrell

Merrell

With Merrell’s Embark Mid Shield Sneaker, you can go for a hike and then get some tapas in the city without changing out of these versatile sneakers. Plus, they’re water repellent so even if it rains on your hike, your feet won’t be soaked at mealtime. They offer a lot of stability with their FloatPro foam midsoles, plus they’re really hip while still being understated. If you pack these for your trip, you’d only need one other pair of shoes to complement dozens of looks.

~~$55~~ $38 at Sanuk

The Sanuk Hi Bro Lite Hemp shoe is stylish without being garish. They work for the beach or the bar and are super lightweight, with an IMEVA sole that cushions and protects your feet all day. A reviewer who has two pairs said: “This shoe is so comfortable, I wear them every day.”

From $112 at Hoka

One of the newer athletic brands, Hoka One One (pronounced “oh-nay”) has really made a name for itself and received the APMA Seal of Acceptance. This everyday sneaker’s meticulous design features more cushion than traditional running shoes along with a wider sole and lightweight materials with a rocker in the midsole. There are also loads of fun colors to choose from.

$135 at Hylo Athletics

Hylo Corn Runners are extremely versatile, so going from the gym to the museum and then to dinner is possible without giving your footwear a second thought. The proprietary Corn Spring technology in the midsole aids in pushing forward momentum and maximum energy return for your feet.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 1, 2023
How I used travel rewards to save nearly $8,000 on a 7-night family vacation to Aruba | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

CNN Underscored reviews financial products such as credit cards and bank accounts based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through the LendingTree affiliate network if you apply and are approved for a card, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Friends always ask me, “How do you constantly afford to travel with your family to some amazing destinations?” My husband and I explain to them that while we’re not multi-millionaires, we are rich in another currency: travel rewards. Thanks to terrific sign-up bonuses and using the best credit card every time we make a purchase, I explain that just about anyone can embark on a family vacation nearly for free, too.

My family of four recently traveled to Aruba for a full week in the sun over the December holidays. Our trip included a flight to Aruba with American Airlines, a flight home with Delta Air Lines, a five-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino and a two-night stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. If we were to have paid cash, this seven-night trip would have cost us a grand total of $7,815. But, thanks to using travel rewards on the bulk of our trip, we were able to travel for just more than $200 out of pocket.

So how did we do it? And how can you accrue the necessary travel rewards to recreate a similar vacation? Here’s everything you need to know.

American Airlines

While each airline’s policy differs, many open their booking window a full 330 days in advance of travel. And if you’re looking to travel around a busy time period, such as the holidays or spring break, booking as far in advance as possible is the best way to use the fewest number of points. And since many airlines allow you to cancel award reservations for no fee, there’s often no harm in booking a flight even if you’re plans aren’t yet concrete.

This is precisely what I did. The day flights became available for the dates we wanted to travel to Aruba, I booked our outbound flight with American Airlines. Although the flight times were less than desirable, it cost me only 11,000 AAdvantage miles plus $15.60 per person. For a total of just 44,000 miles and $62.40, I was able to book my family of four to Aruba. These one-way flights would have otherwise cost us a total of $1,064 if we didn’t use travel rewards, making our American Airlines miles worth over 2.2 cents apiece — a great redemption.

If you’re planning on flying with American Airlines, you should start accruing miles within the American Airlines AAdvantage loyalty program. Thanks to airline credit cards, you can be on your way to earning free flights in no time. And fortunately, American Airlines offers many credit cards within its program to earn valuable miles.

For example, you can earn between 10,000 and 65,000 miles with several American Airlines-branded cards to get you started. With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of account opening. Or, consider the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which is offering 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Additionally, if you have the Bilt Rewards credit card, you can transfer points earned at a 1-to-1 ratio to American Airlines. This is one of the few transferable programs that partners with American, making it a great option if you’re looking for a flexible credit card. Bilt is also one of the best credit cards for paying rent.

About four weeks prior to our vacation, Delta’s nonstop flight home from Aruba dropped significantly in cost: 9,000 Delta SkyMiles plus $73 in taxes and fees or $160 per passenger. I opted for paying the $160 price per passenger since I had a $500 Delta voucher from a prior flight fiasco. This means I only spent a grand total of $140 for all four of us to fly home from Aruba — an absolute steal especially during such a busy time period.

If I didn’t have the $500 Delta voucher, I still would have paid for the ticket, since redeeming Delta SkyMiles for this particular ticket wouldn’t have been a great value. Because the taxes and fees alone were $73 per passenger, I would’ve spent 9,000 miles per person to ultimately save $87.

Another alternative would have been to use the Chase travel portal to book the flight and redeem Ultimate Rewards points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit cards. With these credit cards, you can redeem points at a fixed rate where the points are worth between 1.25 and 1.5 cents apiece, depending on the card.

But if you find a flight where redeeming Delta miles is worthwhile, you’ll find accruing Delta miles to be incredibly easy. With seven Delta-branded credit cards, you can accrue Delta SkyMiles in little to no time.

Additionally, Delta is a transfer partner of the American Express Membership Rewards program, which opens up even more opportunities to earn Delta miles. For example, once you earn the 60,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership with the American Express® Gold Card, these points can then be transferred directly to your Delta Sky Miles account at a 1-to-1 ratio.

Five-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino

My family has stayed at the Hyatt Regency Aruba in the past and we loved it, so there was no doubt in our mind that we wanted to stay at this property again. It’s one of the more luxurious resorts on Palm Beach and features a three-tier pool complex, a two-story waterslide, a swim-up bar, complimentary beach palapas and numerous kids activities. But, pricing can be through the roof and award availability can be tough to come by, so you need to be flexible and plan far in advance. Fortunately, I booked early and I was able to snag a five-night award stay at this property.

With the World of Hyatt award chart, point redemptions are fixed based on their category, but there’s also peak and off-peak pricing depending on the time of year you’re looking to travel. Peak pricing was in full effect during our winter break vacation, thus costing 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Although we spent a total of 145,000 points for the stay, this was significantly better than the jaw-dropping $4,907 if we paid out of pocket — a terrific redemption.

To step it up a level, we were able to apply a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award to our reservation, allowing us to stay in a two-bedroom suite — a king bed in one room and a bunk bed in the other. That award was thanks to our top-tier Hyatt Globalist status, which we earned with the help of our World of Hyatt Credit Card. With this card, you’ll receive complimentary Discoverist elite status and then earn two elite-qualifying nights toward status for every $5,000 you spend. Not only did this credit card perk help allow us to earn — and redeem — a suite upgrade at this property through Globalist status, but it also granted us complimentary breakfast, club lounge access and two free floats per day.

Jennifer Yellin

In addition to the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can also earn Hyatt points through one of the many Chase Ultimate Rewards credit cards, as points transfer to 14 different travel partners, including Hyatt, at a 1-to-1 ratio. This includes the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. Or, if you have one of the no-annual cards, such as the Chase Freedom Flex℠ or Chase Freedom Unlimited® and pair it with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card, you can then transfer your points to Hyatt at the same 1-to-1 ratio.

This means if you were to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, those can be transferred to become 60,000 World of Hyatt points. As a Category 6 property, the Hyatt Regency Aruba ranges from 21,000 to 29,000 points per night, allowing you to redeem your 60,000 points for two to three nights at an incredible Caribbean resort. Hyatt also waives all resort fees when you redeem your points, which means you truly won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket fees — another perk of using points versus paying the cash rate.

Jennifer Yellin

We split up our Aruba vacation for two reasons: the Hyatt Aruba only had award availability for five nights and we wanted to try something new. This led us directly to the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort — a property in a completely different area with its own private island. And since Renaissance is part of Marriott, it was quite easy to stay for free using Marriott Bonvoy points.

The resort is located in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, offering two different properties: an adults-only property and a family-friendly property that are about a five-minute walk from each other. The family-friendly location offers a large pool complex, a sandy beach and a lagoon for swimming. Despite being right in the capital, the property offers a true resort feel, with a swim-up bar, restaurant and many loungers (both at the pool and the beach). The adults-only property is right in the marina, offering its own pool and access to the family-friendly pool and beach. From both the family-friendly and adults-only resort locations, there’s a ferry that will take you to Renaissance Island, the resort’s 40-acre private island where you can feed flamingos and iguanas, go snorkeling and just truly relax.

During our stay, the hotel cost 60,000 points per night, but for the suite (which is the only option when traveling with a family), there’s an upcharge of either 15,000 points or $80 per night. I opted to pay the entire amount in points, costing us 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in total for our two-night stay. The cash rate for our two-night stay would have cost us $1,204 in total. However, you might find even more value when redeeming points for a five-night stay at a property like the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba since Marriott offers the fifth night free for award redemptions.

Marriott’s own co-branded credit cards offer great opportunities to increase your account balance. With five different credit card options, there’s bound to be a card that works best for your needs — all while earning Marriott points. For example, with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you’ll receive a free night award on your cardmember anniversary year, which is valid at a property up to 85,000 points per night. Plus, the card comes with an enticing welcome bonus offer of 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Ultimately, my family had an amazing vacation for a grand total of just $202.40 for flights and hotels out of pocket. Thanks to travel rewards and a flight voucher, we were able to save nearly $8,000 on the price tag of this vacation. While we’ve been accruing travel rewards for well over a decade, it’s never too late to start. With the right credit card and some strategic planning, you can also take an unbelievable trip in the near future at little to no cost.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 27, 2023
How I booked my $18,584 honeymoon business-class flights for less than $200 | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

CNN Underscored reviews financial products such as credit cards and bank accounts based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through the LendingTree affiliate network if you apply and are approved for a card, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

After you marry your forever partner, what better way to launch the next chapter of your lives together than with the trip of a lifetime? Whether your dream honeymoon destination is in South Beach or the Southern Hemisphere, spending some time with the love of your life right after exchanging your vows is a great move.

But, we don’t need to tell you that your dream honeymoon can get expensive. And, if you’re planning on splurging — and really, what better time to splurge than for your honeymoon? — the price tag of your trip can easily creep into the thousands of dollars. Between flights, hotels, transport, food and more, honeymoons can be a huge expense. Thankfully, travel rewards can help you to save hundreds — if not thousands — on your honeymoon.

I can speak from experience. My husband and I got married in 2022, and amid all of the wedding planning in the lead-up to our big day, we knew we wanted to go somewhere special for our honeymoon. We settled on Southeast Asia for our splurge, once-in-a-lifetime trip. And rather than pay for our flights, we put our travel rewards to use.

Now that we’ve experienced our honeymoon, we can confirm that our splurge trip was the right move. In fact, our flights were so fantastic that we didn’t even want to get off the planes. Think of a bed in the sky, food you’d be thrilled to eat at a nice restaurant on the ground and terrific service. Here’s how we booked our $18,584 honeymoon flights for less than $175 — and how, with some effort, flexibility and homework, you can do the same.

To start our Southeast Asia adventure, we flew from New York to Singapore. At 9,537 miles and slotted at 18 hours and 50 minutes in flying time, Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flight from New York-Kennedy (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) is currently the longest flight in the world.

Since it was our honeymoon, we decided to splurge on business class — especially considering it’s nearly a 19-hour journey. While we could have elected to fly with a stop in Frankfurt along the way (and potentially even fly in Singapore Suites first class on the A380), we flew nonstop. And, after having experienced delicious food, amazing service and a very comfortable lie-flat bed in the sky, we’re glad we did.

For a one-way business-class seat on this route, Singapore Airlines charges anywhere between $3,600 and nearly $10,000. On the date we were flying, the airline was charging $6,516 per person for a seat in business — that would be $13,032 for both of us. To state the obvious, that’s way out of our budget. Instead, we used travel rewards and paid just $11.20 out of pocket. Yes, you read that right — just over $11 total.

That’s because we elected to redeem Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles for the flight. A one-way trip between New York and Singapore costs just 99,000 Singapore KrisFlyer miles and $5.60 in taxes and fees in business class, provided you can find Saver award availability. (Singapore Airlines doesn’t offer Singapore Suites on the nonstop flight between New York and Singapore.)

Now, most Americans — including myself — don’t have a stash of Singapore KrisFlyer miles sitting around. But fortunately, the miles are incredibly easy to acquire because the airline partners with all the major US credit card transferable points programs. In other words, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou Rewards to Singapore Airlines.

I had a large sum of American Express Membership Rewards points saved up from both my Platinum Card® from American Express and my American Express® Gold Card. By transferring those points, I had more than enough to cover the 198,000 KrisFlyer miles needed for both my husband and me.

Currently, the Amex Platinum — a card we consider one of the best for luxury travel perks — is offering a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months after opening the account. That welcome bonus offer alone is nearly big enough to get a one-way business-class ticket from New York to Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Amex Gold card is currently offering new card members 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first six months after opening the account. If you’re able to secure the welcome bonus offers from both the Amex Platinum and the Amex Gold, you’ll be within reach of a one-way trip to Singapore in business class for you and your new spouse.

Learn more about The Platinum Card from American Express.
Learn more about the American Express Gold Card.

Keep in mind that points don’t always transfer instantly to Singapore Airlines — it can take up to 48 hours in some cases. So you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re thinking of transferring points into your Singapore account.

How we saved nearly $5,400 flying from Thailand to New York in business class

After spending a couple of weeks in Southeast Asia, it was (unfortunately) time for us to head back to New York. We wrapped up our honeymoon in Thailand, so when booking, we looked at options for traveling from Bangkok (BKK) back to New York (JFK). And, we were able to find another steal of a deal using travel rewards.

Etihad Airways flies this route with a stop in Abu Dhabi (AUH) on the way. The airline charges around $3,000 per person for a one-way business-class seat — in fact, on our travel date, the airline was charging $2,776 per person, which would have come to a total of $5,552 for both of us. Again, this simply would have been out of our budget.

Instead, we were able to find business-class award availability, and because Etihad Airways is partners with Air Canada, we were able to redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points to bring this flight down to a fraction of the cost. Specifically, we redeemed 85,000 Aeroplan points per person — 170,000 points in total — and paid about $162 in taxes and fees between the two of us. In other words, we got this $5,552 business-class itinerary for just $162 out of pocket.

Just like Singapore KrisFlyer miles, it’s also incredibly easy to acquire Air Canada Aeroplan miles — even if you never step foot on an Air Canada plane. That’s because the Aeroplan program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One miles. In other words, you can transfer points from any of those three programs to Aeroplan and redeem for flights with Air Canada — or any of its partners, such as Etihad or dozens of others.

I used a combination of American Express Membership Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to redeem for this 170,000-point flight. You can easily get a chunk of points towards this redemption with the current sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. The current bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on the card within the first three months is 25,000 points short of enough to redeem for this one-way business-class jaunt from Asia to North America for one person. When you consider, too, that the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a solid investment well beyond its sign-up bonus — we even consider it to be the best travel credit card for beginners — picking up the card in addition to all those bonus points is a no-brainer.

If you pair the 60,000 points earned from the Chase Sapphire Preferred with the 80,000 bonus points earned from the welcome offer on the Amex Platinum and transfer both to Air Canada Aeroplan, you’ll have nearly enough points for the same redemption we made — once you take into consideration the points earned from the minimum spend requirement on each card.

Ultimately, using travel rewards helped my husband and me afford supreme luxury in the sky on our honeymoon — something that would have otherwise been unachievable. By rethinking our credit card strategy and putting the right travel credit cards in our wallets, we were able to afford two magnificent flying experiences for just $173 out of pocket. Instead, we were able to spend our honeymoon budget on terrific hotels and delicious food throughout our two-week trip — what could be better than that?

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Looking for a new travel credit card? Check out CNN Underscored’s list of the best credit cards currently available.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 23, 2023
Our 33 favorite backpacks for travel | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

While luggage and packing cubes are certainly important to a traveler’s arsenal, we’re laser-focused on the travel backpack right now — the elusive bag that’s big enough to fit everything you might need while flying but also diminutive enough to comply with the standard size allowance of 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high (including wheels and handles). It’s one of our favorite pieces of carry-on luggage out there, allowing for one-bag travel.

Not only do backpacks allow you to be hands-free as you make your way through airport security and the duty-free shops, but they’re also a bastion of organization, with laptop compartments, battery charging ports and interior and exterior pockets galore, ensuring you’re utterly prepared for the journey ahead. To maximize the backpack’s space, you’ll want to pay attention to its true volume — also known as the amount of usable space within the bag — which is measured in liters. Most travel-appropriate backpacks range from 17 liters (a smaller, slimmer bag) to 45, which is the max we’d recommend for a carry-on.

Whether your travel backpack is carrying a Kindle, laptop, travel snacks and a travel blanket or if you’re using it as a true carry-on, packing it like a suitcase with your trip’s wardrobe and necessities, the key is finding the right one for you. In addition to size, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for one that’s lightweight, that’s comfortable to wear and includes clutch design details like suitcase handle sleeves, cord corrals, locked zippers, key clips and durable materials (or, sometimes, cute materials). It’s also good to know whether the pack is top-loading or panel-loading (otherwise known as “clamshell”).

To get you on your way, we’ve rounded up 33 of our favorite travel backpacks below, ranging from rough-and-tumble, all-terrain options that can go from the airport to the camping trip, to utterly fashionable picks for those heading to date night upon reaching their destination.

Probably the most comfortable backpack on our list, the Dagne Dover Dakota is swathed in a downy neoprene fabric that is not only easy on the eyes but also totally cozy on your back. Available in three sizes, the bag’s medium and large formats are most appropriate for travel, as they contain luggage sleeves and can hold 13- and 16-inch laptops, respectively. Both also come with a shoe bag, a detachable zip-topped pouch and a wild amount of pockets and pouches for stashing everything from your lip balm and cell phone to your keys and headphones.

With more than 2,000 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on the Dagne Dover site, the Dakota is a bestseller for the brand. The hardest part is choosing which of the nine colors you love the most.

Small but mighty is how we like to describe this petite backpack from luggage brand Away. Made with water-resistant nylon, the bag has a clamshell opening that we’re obsessed with, a design feature that makes it super easy to find your glasses, AirPods or any other accessory while crouched over mid-flight.

Boasting three zipped pockets — in addition to a zipped, padded 15-inch laptop compartment with a magnetic lock — the backpack also has padded straps, a top leather handle and a trolley sleeve to comfortably rest on your luggage. Want to personalize it? For $35, you can.

The Metro Backpack from travel pros Monos is a versatile option for travelers who want to mix business and leisure — while still carrying style on their backs. The bag is made of a water-resistant nylon with vegan leather details. Inside the bag, you’ll find a slew of pockets and other organizational features as well as space to store a 15-inch laptop. What really sets this backpack apart is its QuickSnap technology, which allows the bag to be combined with Monos’ Folio Kit. Snap the kit on or off to boost your organization throughout all of your travels ahead.

Ladies who love their bags will certainly recognize this brand, originally famous for its quilted texture across dozens of styles — backpacks included. This option is a favorite of ours because not only is it extremely lightweight, clocking in at less than 2 pounds, but it’s also got a handy luggage sleeve and top handle in addition to six interior pockets, a phone pocket, a key ring and a cute detachable pouch. Oh, and despite its petite size, it can fit a 13-inch laptop too. Did we mention you can easily wipe down the nylon exterior?

With nearly 25,000 positive reviews and a 4.7-star rating, Amazon’s top pick for laptop backpacks is perfect for travel, too. Boasting a luggage strap, a top handle, an external USB port and loads of pockets, the backpack can host up to a 15-inch laptop and comes with a lock that can be attached to the zippers, fully securing all your stuff. Available in six colors, the bag’s back and strap undersides are lined with a breathable mesh that will keep you cool, even when you’re racing to your gate.

When minimalism meets accessories, the Carry All from luggage brand July is the result. But don’t let all those clean lines fool you — this 20-liter backpack can fit a lot of stuff. In addition to accommodating a 16-inch laptop, which is stored in a separate, zipped and padded compartment, the Carry All’s main section has another zipped divider, perfect for storing shoes or clothes away from your main travel necessities, which all have a home of their own, thanks to internal pockets and dividers. We love the sturdy leather top handle, the comfortable quilted back panel and the secret top pocket with magnetic closure that is a perfect, easy-to-access but also safe spot for your passport. The brand offers a five-year warranty.

Longtime luggage maker Samsonite has a slew of travel backpack options, among them the slim, lightweight Modern Utility Double Shot Travel Backpack. Perfect for quick work trips where the user wants professional-looking travel gear from a trusted brand, this backpack can accommodate up to three days’ worth of clothes, a 17-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet.

We appreciate the slew of pockets — from zippered quick-stash options to water bottle holders and organizational slots galore — as well as the S-curve ergonomic straps that are easy on the back, even when the backpack is completely full.

Launched via Kickstarter in 2017, Nomatic has become a cult-favorite brand in the travel gear landscape, known for bringing innovative, highly functioning products to masses. Among the brand’s bestsellers is this backpack, which has more than 2,500 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on its site. Ideal for short trips ranging from one to three days, the water-resistant backpack’s chief selling point is that it’s able to quickly expand in size — from 20 liters of capacity to 24 liters — via a zipped extension panel.

We love that the customizable straps allow you to go from backpack mode to briefcase, thanks to the side carrying handle and that the bag comes with a removable hard shell for sunglasses. More fun details: The clamshell bag has more than 20 pockets (mesh, zippered, hidden … you name it!) a luggage sleeve, a retractable key leash, a full-perimeter zipper for easy access and cord pass-through holes for seamless charging during your travels. Yep, Nomatic has thought of everything.

Actress Shay Mitchell launched the luggage brand Béis with the goal of making affordable, fashion-forward travel accessories — and she surely succeeded with the cult-favorite Backpack. Boasting more than 2,000 positive reviews from Béis shoppers, the clamshell-style bag’s front panel has three zipped compartments, while the interior features elastic compression straps that allow for packing bulkier items like clothing and travel shoes. The rest of your small accessories — pens, phone and gum, for example — can be stored in the backpack’s front pocket, and the laptop heads to a separate padded sleeve in the rear. In addition to a luggage sleeve, two water bottle pockets also flank the bag’s exterior. Oh, and it comes in all-black or a pretty two-tone cream hue.

Designed specifically with work-related travel in mind, this durable 30-liter backpack from Able Carry has a dedicated “work” compartment with sleeves for both an oversized laptop (up to 17 inches) and a tablet, not to mention a zippered pocket with slots for your tech gear — backup battery packs, charging cords, zip drives and more. The main compartment has two built-in zippered pockets for storing accessories like headphones, reading glasses and more, while the roomy cavity has room for a weekend’s worth of clothes.

The Max’s water-resistant exterior is chock-full of bells and whistles too, including a hidden top pocket for your phone or Kindle, a zippered bottle pocket (that can fit anything from a standard water bottle to a full-size bottle of Champagne!) and a vertical front pocket with organizational spots for all your necessities, plus a key leash. We love the luggage sleeve, the top loop for hanging on a towel hook and the padded straps and back section that make for a comfortable carrying journey, which is especially important if your flight just got delayed … again.

We appreciate that for this price — it’s under 50 bucks! — you also get padded, adjustable straps, a tote handle for carrying and a luggage sleeve. Want something slightly larger? Target also has a 45L option in black for $11 more.

Up to the task for your biggest outdoors adventures, this backpack from Swedish adventure brand Thule is equally prepared to head straight to the boardroom, thanks to its convertible nature that allows it to transition from backpack to briefcase in a snap. Hyperorganized, the ultra-durable backpack also has lots of fun selling points like a crush-resistant pocket for sunglasses and your phone, two hidden side pockets for your passport and money and lots more stash spots for your keys, cords and everything else. Even your water bottle can be tucked away in a side zipper pocket.

Our favorite detail, however, was that one reviewer raved that despite having the backpack fly off Disney World’s Space Mountain ride, it was found the next day without a scratch and with everything inside intact. Want to spend a bit less? Check out the brand’s equally spacious Subterra Backpack that features fewer pockets and will save you nearly a hundred bucks at checkout.

Rugged and luxe all at once, this backpack from STM Goods can seamlessly take you from the airport to your next adventure in a snap. Swathed in a 360-degree “foam fortress,” the 30-liter backpack can accommodate a 17-inch laptop in an ultra-protected section that is separated from the main compartment in order to keep your most prized tech possession up and away from the impact zone. But what’s truly genius about the bag is the main section’s customizable shelving options that can easily accommodate a weekend’s wardrobe — or can be removed via Velcro and zippers. We’re also obsessed with the fold-open flaps that are loaded with pockets, and the detachable pouch that is about to be your new go-to Dopp kit.

Heading into the great unknown for the foreseeable future? Consider taking Peak’s 45-liter backpack with you. Boasting more than 650 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on its site, the backpack is an airline-approved carry-on that can expand to fit more — or contract to become a daypack. Constructed from a durable, weatherproof, recycled nylon shell, the bag’s roomy interior has enough volume to accommodate three of Peak Design’s coordinated packing cubes, which can hold four (or more) days’ worth of clothing.

In addition to a padded laptop sleeve, the Peak 45L also has dual side pockets, a top pocket, hidden side pockets, adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps (that can be tucked away if checking) and external straps for carrying more stuff like rain jackets, sleeping bags or your camera’s tripod.

Cool and refined, this hip backpack checks off all the boxes. Luggage sleeve? Check. Separate laptop compartment? Check. Myriad extra pockets? Check. And all those design details are ensconced in a simple silhouette that comes in five fabrics and colors — ranging from a water-resistant navy to a coated canvas black — making it the perfect backpack for the businessman heading out for a quick work trip.

A critically hailed favorite, this Cotopaxi Allpa backpack is loaded with bells and whistles that are bound to impress. First of all, the 35-liter bag can be packed like a traditional suitcase with zippered mesh compartments but strapped on like a traditional backpack. Second, it’s got a padded laptop sleeve. And beyond that, it’s got a bunch of other great design details like four grab handles, a sternum strap and a removable hip belt, not to mention a slew of carabiner loops.

We’re big fans of everything Yeti churns out — from coolers and chairs to wine tumblers and water bottles — and that includes this tough-as-nails, clamshell opening pack. Also available in 22- and 27-liter sizes (which are better for day trips), the Crossroads has a water- and abrasion-resistant nylon exterior, padded straps for comfortable carrying, a no-pressure back panel that keeps your lumbar feeling good and two zipped pockets for water bottles and other easy-access necessities.

Inside, the 35-liter pack has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a zippered main compartment with enough space for a weekend’s worth of clothes. When testing this one out, we appreciated the removable straps on the front of the bag, which are great for quickly attaching your rain jacket or yoga mat. A front vertical pocket is also super handy for storing travel documents or anything else you need to grab quickly while on the road. More to know: It can fit under the seat in front of you on most airlines, and it has a handle for carrying.

Ever wished you could turn your dry pack into a backpack? Well, leave it to Sea to Summit to get the job done. Perfect for snowy, rainy or just plain wet adventures — white water rafting, anyone? — the 35-liter Dry Pack’s top-loading, roll-top main compartment is completely waterproof, to the point it can even be briefly submerged under water while still keeping your PJs and extra socks safe and dry. And don’t worry, the pack’s shoulder straps are ventilated and quick-drying too.

In addition to a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, the TRT also offers easy-access storage via two front organizational compartments, one of which is lined with fleece for fragile items like sunglasses. We loved the detachable key clip, which also happens to have a handy bottle opener. Looking for something a bit smaller? Check out the brand’s Nature Pack, which is smaller (24 liters) and cheaper ($99), and packed with organizational details, plus has room for a 15-inch laptop.

This nearly 12-liter backpack from Boarding Pass NYC is great for travelers, whether that means you’re hopping on a plane or on a commuter rail to head to a business meeting. It’s got a ballistic nylon exterior and features cordura nylon on the interior. Each of the straps is adjustable and made from leather with brass hardware finishings. Inside, you’ll find a padded laptop sleep, zippered pocket and key clip, and dedicated spaces for pens and your phone.

Mamas need travel backpacks too! And what we love most about this diaper pack option from Dagne Dover is that it works for parents and nonparents alike. Comprised of the aforementioned super-cozy neoprene material, the Indi has an extra-wide top-panel opening, can be attached to your travel stroller, thanks to handy built-in clips and included straps or slid onto your suitcase, thanks to a handy luggage strap. It also comes with a changing pad, a shoe bag and a matching neoprene zipped pouch. Inside, the 17-liter backpack can hold a 15-inch laptop and includes multiple pockets for corralling everything from a baby’s bottle to your phone and a stash of clean pacifiers.

Let us count the ways we love this lacquered backpack. Enveloped in MZ Wallace’s signature quilted texture, the Metro Backpack Deluxe features a shiny, airport-friendly fabric, and we think it’s one of the sexiest travel backpacks out there. Beyond looks, however, it’s highly functional for travel, with a magnetic luggage sleeve that can be used for storage when not attached to a suitcase, three exterior pockets, six interior pockets and a 15-inch laptop compartment to boot. If the airport security line is your runway, this is the backpack for you.

Leave it to Paravel, one of our favorite luggage makers, to dream up the perfect travel backpack solution — one that folds right up. Made from “negative nylon,” a silky fabric created by upcycling water bottles, the backpack’s biggest selling point is just how diminutive it is. Weighing less than a pound, it folds into itself and can be zippered into a cute little pouch that is easy to tuck into your carry-on tote or luggage.

Once unfolded, however, the backpack is a powerhouse, offering loads of room for a change of clothes, souvenirs, a 15-inch laptop and anything else you might need to carry on your back as you explore a new locale. We love the adjustable straps, the luggage sleeve and the fact that you can add a monogram. The hardest part is choosing from the six cute colorways.

Need proof that travel backpacks can be dainty? Look no further than this sweet and chic leather option from Cuyana that can be carried as a tote or a backpack and can fit a 13-inch laptop. Available in black, caramel, stone or black crocodile (for an extra $50), the Italian-made bag features two roomy front pockets and two interior pockets (one zippered, one not). Our favorite design detail, however, is the uber-feminine adjustable straps.

Part tote, part backpack, the Lo & Sons nylon Rowledge is the perfect option for any woman racing from the office to the airport, as the straps tuck into the back pocket to give you a convertible bag. Available in seven color combinations, the water-resistant backpack comprises an easy-access 13-inch laptop compartment on the back exterior and a collection of cleverly arranged pockets and holders on the interior for everything from pens and snacks to earbuds, phones and more. We love that the bag’s hardware and interior jacquard print lining are customizable. Trust us, this looks like a designer bag on the outside, but it’s a workhorse on the inside.

Have you ever seen a prettier laptop backpack? We think not. Made from faux leather, the Kaya can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in its back compartment, while the front area is ready to host your book, snack or that extra pair of socks. We love the braided border detail, the dainty zipper pulls and the extra-wide luggage sleeve that will keep your bag ultra secure when racing through the airport.

Don’t be fooled by the sleek, chic exterior of Modern Picnic’s backpack — the vegan leather bag has a roomy interior that is perfect for stashing backup shoes and airplane snacks … and keeping them cold, thanks to the insulated lining. (That lining is also super handy for mamas looking to keep baby bottles chilled!) In addition to a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve, the backpack also has pockets for pens and travel necessities (keys, wallet, phone), adjustable straps and a top handle for carrying. Available in cream, black or saddle croc, this is one of the most stylish options on our list.

Mamas gotta travel too — oftentimes with baby in tow — which is why we love this Fawn backpack-style diaper bag so much. Any parent who has traveled with little ones knows that being hands-free throughout the journey is imperative, and Fawn’s multifunctional Original Diaper Bag is just that.

Ultra roomy and made from faux leather, this bag is beloved by mommy influencers far and wide not only for its chic design but also because it’s chock-full of storage (with 12 pockets to be exact) and smart details like a key clip and detachable backpack straps (which can be substituted with a messenger strap or carried via a top handle). Great for corralling bottles, extra clothes, toys and whatever else you’ll need to keep baby busy during that layover, the Fawn bag has more than 300 glowing reviews on its website.

Meet Amazon’s No. 1 bestseller in laptop backpacks. With more than 75,000 reviews, the bag is divided into three compartments, and in addition to being able to accommodate a 15-inch laptop, it’s got loads of key design details you’ll want. Think of a top handle, hanging clasps, a USB port and adjustable straps, not to mention a ton of pockets for storing all your things. Boasting a 4.8-star rating, the backpack’s highlight is a padded mesh backing that will keep you as cool as can be, no matter how many times your flight is delayed. Did we mention it’s just $30 right now? Done and done.

Amazon knows a thing or two about a thing or two, which is why we’re not surprised that the brand features a beloved utilitarian laptop travel backpack under its Amazon Basics umbrella that fits all your needs. Boasting four compartments for storing all your belongings, the bag’s main section can fit up to a 17-inch laptop. With nearly 17,000 reviews, a 4.5-star rating and a $39 price tag, this is a bag worth considering.

Italic is one of the fastest-growing online companies for a reason. The brand offers a vast array of products that have one thing in common: All are produced in the same factories as luxury competitors (Prada, Miu Miu and All Clad, among others), albeit for 50% to 80% less. The producer of the Rafa travel backpack’s past clients include Away, Boss and ISM. Sleek and simple, the nylon-and-leather backpack can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in a separate back compartment and includes a sturdy leather top handle, a luggage sleeve and a few well-placed pockets.

Parisian luggage brand Delsey has multiple laptop backpack options, our favorite of which is the Maubert 2.0. Priced affordably, the 17-liter bag is eco-friendly, with fabric and lining made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather. Beyond that, the top-panel backpack is hyperorganized, with the main compartment divided to hold a 15.6-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, and all your other things (phone, pens, books and snacks) in the adjacent section. And fear not, the bag includes zippered pockets galore as well as two mesh side pockets for bringing a water bottle with you to fill up after security. Want a bigger option? Check out the Chatelet Air Soft Backpack, which is 10 liters larger.

No surprise here: Herschel knows its way around a backpack! For travel, the Tech Backpack is tops, offering three main compartments, each outfitted with a variety of mesh and zippered pockets that will deliver your most organized journey ever. Accommodating a 16-inch laptop in a padded and fleece-lined compartment, the 30-liter backpack has a mesh luggage sleeve and other perks like a key clip and hidden passport pocket.

More than 5,000 Amazon reviewers agree that this rolling backpack is worth the purchase. Featuring a telescoping and fabric handle, two back inline wheels and two zippered front pockets, the backpack’s main selling point is a big clamshell main compartment that you can pack suitcase-style. The bag also features backpack straps and can fit under most airline seats.

A fancy rolling backpack if we’ve ever seen one, this Matein is packed with selling points. In addition to having a fully water-resistant bottom panel, the bag has a two-height telescoping handle and lockable zippers, the top-panel backpack has three compartments, including a clothing section that can open 180 degrees and has an elasticized belt for easy packing. A separate padded pocket can hold a 15.6-inch laptop too.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 20, 2023
Our 33 favorite backpacks for travel | CNN Underscored

[ad_1]

While luggage and packing cubes are certainly important to a traveler’s arsenal, we’re laser-focused on the travel backpack right now — the elusive bag that’s big enough to fit everything you might need while flying but also diminutive enough to comply with the standard size allowance of 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high (including wheels and handles). It’s one of our favorite pieces of carry-on luggage out there, allowing for one-bag travel.

Not only do backpacks allow you to be hands-free as you make your way through airport security and the duty-free shops, but they’re also a bastion of organization, with laptop compartments, battery charging ports and interior and exterior pockets galore, ensuring you’re utterly prepared for the journey ahead. To maximize the backpack’s space, you’ll want to pay attention to its true volume — also known as the amount of usable space within the bag — which is measured in liters. Most travel-appropriate backpacks range from 17 liters (a smaller, slimmer bag) to 45, which is the max we’d recommend for a carry-on.

Whether your travel backpack is carrying a Kindle, laptop, travel snacks and a travel blanket or if you’re using it as a true carry-on, packing it like a suitcase with your trip’s wardrobe and necessities, the key is finding the right one for you. In addition to size, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for one that’s lightweight, that’s comfortable to wear and includes clutch design details like suitcase handle sleeves, cord corrals, locked zippers, key clips and durable materials (or, sometimes, cute materials). It’s also good to know whether the pack is top-loading or panel-loading (otherwise known as “clamshell”).

To get you on your way, we’ve rounded up 33 of our favorite travel backpacks below, ranging from rough-and-tumble, all-terrain options that can go from the airport to the camping trip, to utterly fashionable picks for those heading to date night upon reaching their destination.

Probably the most comfortable backpack on our list, the Dagne Dover Dakota is swathed in a downy neoprene fabric that is not only easy on the eyes but also totally cozy on your back. Available in three sizes, the bag’s medium and large formats are most appropriate for travel, as they contain luggage sleeves and can hold 13- and 16-inch laptops, respectively. Both also come with a shoe bag, a detachable zip-topped pouch and a wild amount of pockets and pouches for stashing everything from your lip balm and cell phone to your keys and headphones.

With more than 2,000 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on the Dagne Dover site, the Dakota is a bestseller for the brand. The hardest part is choosing which of the nine colors you love the most.

Small but mighty is how we like to describe this petite backpack from luggage brand Away. Made with water-resistant nylon, the bag has a clamshell opening that we’re obsessed with, a design feature that makes it super easy to find your glasses, AirPods or any other accessory while crouched over mid-flight.

Boasting three zipped pockets — in addition to a zipped, padded 15-inch laptop compartment with a magnetic lock — the backpack also has padded straps, a top leather handle and a trolley sleeve to comfortably rest on your luggage. Want to personalize it? For $35, you can.

The Metro Backpack from travel pros Monos is a versatile option for travelers who want to mix business and leisure — while still carrying style on their backs. The bag is made of a water-resistant nylon with vegan leather details. Inside the bag, you’ll find a slew of pockets and other organizational features as well as space to store a 15-inch laptop. What really sets this backpack apart is its QuickSnap technology, which allows the bag to be combined with Monos’ Folio Kit. Snap the kit on or off to boost your organization throughout all of your travels ahead.

Ladies who love their bags will certainly recognize this brand, originally famous for its quilted texture across dozens of styles — backpacks included. This option is a favorite of ours because not only is it extremely lightweight, clocking in at less than 2 pounds, but it’s also got a handy luggage sleeve and top handle in addition to six interior pockets, a phone pocket, a key ring and a cute detachable pouch. Oh, and despite its petite size, it can fit a 13-inch laptop too. Did we mention you can easily wipe down the nylon exterior?

With nearly 25,000 positive reviews and a 4.7-star rating, Amazon’s top pick for laptop backpacks is perfect for travel, too. Boasting a luggage strap, a top handle, an external USB port and loads of pockets, the backpack can host up to a 15-inch laptop and comes with a lock that can be attached to the zippers, fully securing all your stuff. Available in six colors, the bag’s back and strap undersides are lined with a breathable mesh that will keep you cool, even when you’re racing to your gate.

When minimalism meets accessories, the Carry All from luggage brand July is the result. But don’t let all those clean lines fool you — this 20-liter backpack can fit a lot of stuff. In addition to accommodating a 16-inch laptop, which is stored in a separate, zipped and padded compartment, the Carry All’s main section has another zipped divider, perfect for storing shoes or clothes away from your main travel necessities, which all have a home of their own, thanks to internal pockets and dividers. We love the sturdy leather top handle, the comfortable quilted back panel and the secret top pocket with magnetic closure that is a perfect, easy-to-access but also safe spot for your passport. The brand offers a five-year warranty.

Longtime luggage maker Samsonite has a slew of travel backpack options, among them the slim, lightweight Modern Utility Double Shot Travel Backpack. Perfect for quick work trips where the user wants professional-looking travel gear from a trusted brand, this backpack can accommodate up to three days’ worth of clothes, a 17-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet.

We appreciate the slew of pockets — from zippered quick-stash options to water bottle holders and organizational slots galore — as well as the S-curve ergonomic straps that are easy on the back, even when the backpack is completely full.

Launched via Kickstarter in 2017, Nomatic has become a cult-favorite brand in the travel gear landscape, known for bringing innovative, highly functioning products to masses. Among the brand’s bestsellers is this backpack, which has more than 2,500 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on its site. Ideal for short trips ranging from one to three days, the water-resistant backpack’s chief selling point is that it’s able to quickly expand in size — from 20 liters of capacity to 24 liters — via a zipped extension panel.

We love that the customizable straps allow you to go from backpack mode to briefcase, thanks to the side carrying handle and that the bag comes with a removable hard shell for sunglasses. More fun details: The clamshell bag has more than 20 pockets (mesh, zippered, hidden … you name it!) a luggage sleeve, a retractable key leash, a full-perimeter zipper for easy access and cord pass-through holes for seamless charging during your travels. Yep, Nomatic has thought of everything.

Actress Shay Mitchell launched the luggage brand Béis with the goal of making affordable, fashion-forward travel accessories — and she surely succeeded with the cult-favorite Backpack. Boasting more than 2,000 positive reviews from Béis shoppers, the clamshell-style bag’s front panel has three zipped compartments, while the interior features elastic compression straps that allow for packing bulkier items like clothing and travel shoes. The rest of your small accessories — pens, phone and gum, for example — can be stored in the backpack’s front pocket, and the laptop heads to a separate padded sleeve in the rear. In addition to a luggage sleeve, two water bottle pockets also flank the bag’s exterior. Oh, and it comes in all-black or a pretty two-tone cream hue.

Designed specifically with work-related travel in mind, this durable 30-liter backpack from Able Carry has a dedicated “work” compartment with sleeves for both an oversized laptop (up to 17 inches) and a tablet, not to mention a zippered pocket with slots for your tech gear — backup battery packs, charging cords, zip drives and more. The main compartment has two built-in zippered pockets for storing accessories like headphones, reading glasses and more, while the roomy cavity has room for a weekend’s worth of clothes.

The Max’s water-resistant exterior is chock-full of bells and whistles too, including a hidden top pocket for your phone or Kindle, a zippered bottle pocket (that can fit anything from a standard water bottle to a full-size bottle of Champagne!) and a vertical front pocket with organizational spots for all your necessities, plus a key leash. We love the luggage sleeve, the top loop for hanging on a towel hook and the padded straps and back section that make for a comfortable carrying journey, which is especially important if your flight just got delayed … again.

We appreciate that for this price — it’s under 50 bucks! — you also get padded, adjustable straps, a tote handle for carrying and a luggage sleeve. Want something slightly larger? Target also has a 45L option in black for $11 more.

Up to the task for your biggest outdoors adventures, this backpack from Swedish adventure brand Thule is equally prepared to head straight to the boardroom, thanks to its convertible nature that allows it to transition from backpack to briefcase in a snap. Hyperorganized, the ultra-durable backpack also has lots of fun selling points like a crush-resistant pocket for sunglasses and your phone, two hidden side pockets for your passport and money and lots more stash spots for your keys, cords and everything else. Even your water bottle can be tucked away in a side zipper pocket.

Our favorite detail, however, was that one reviewer raved that despite having the backpack fly off Disney World’s Space Mountain ride, it was found the next day without a scratch and with everything inside intact. Want to spend a bit less? Check out the brand’s equally spacious Subterra Backpack that features fewer pockets and will save you nearly a hundred bucks at checkout.

Rugged and luxe all at once, this backpack from STM Goods can seamlessly take you from the airport to your next adventure in a snap. Swathed in a 360-degree “foam fortress,” the 30-liter backpack can accommodate a 17-inch laptop in an ultra-protected section that is separated from the main compartment in order to keep your most prized tech possession up and away from the impact zone. But what’s truly genius about the bag is the main section’s customizable shelving options that can easily accommodate a weekend’s wardrobe — or can be removed via Velcro and zippers. We’re also obsessed with the fold-open flaps that are loaded with pockets, and the detachable pouch that is about to be your new go-to Dopp kit.

Heading into the great unknown for the foreseeable future? Consider taking Peak’s 45-liter backpack with you. Boasting more than 650 positive reviews and a 4.8-star rating on its site, the backpack is an airline-approved carry-on that can expand to fit more — or contract to become a daypack. Constructed from a durable, weatherproof, recycled nylon shell, the bag’s roomy interior has enough volume to accommodate three of Peak Design’s coordinated packing cubes, which can hold four (or more) days’ worth of clothing.

In addition to a padded laptop sleeve, the Peak 45L also has dual side pockets, a top pocket, hidden side pockets, adjustable padded shoulder and waist straps (that can be tucked away if checking) and external straps for carrying more stuff like rain jackets, sleeping bags or your camera’s tripod.

Cool and refined, this hip backpack checks off all the boxes. Luggage sleeve? Check. Separate laptop compartment? Check. Myriad extra pockets? Check. And all those design details are ensconced in a simple silhouette that comes in five fabrics and colors — ranging from a water-resistant navy to a coated canvas black — making it the perfect backpack for the businessman heading out for a quick work trip.

A critically hailed favorite, this Cotopaxi Allpa backpack is loaded with bells and whistles that are bound to impress. First of all, the 35-liter bag can be packed like a traditional suitcase with zippered mesh compartments but strapped on like a traditional backpack. Second, it’s got a padded laptop sleeve. And beyond that, it’s got a bunch of other great design details like four grab handles, a sternum strap and a removable hip belt, not to mention a slew of carabiner loops.

We’re big fans of everything Yeti churns out — from coolers and chairs to wine tumblers and water bottles — and that includes this tough-as-nails, clamshell opening pack. Also available in 22- and 27-liter sizes (which are better for day trips), the Crossroads has a water- and abrasion-resistant nylon exterior, padded straps for comfortable carrying, a no-pressure back panel that keeps your lumbar feeling good and two zipped pockets for water bottles and other easy-access necessities.

Inside, the 35-liter pack has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a zippered main compartment with enough space for a weekend’s worth of clothes. When testing this one out, we appreciated the removable straps on the front of the bag, which are great for quickly attaching your rain jacket or yoga mat. A front vertical pocket is also super handy for storing travel documents or anything else you need to grab quickly while on the road. More to know: It can fit under the seat in front of you on most airlines, and it has a handle for carrying.

Ever wished you could turn your dry pack into a backpack? Well, leave it to Sea to Summit to get the job done. Perfect for snowy, rainy or just plain wet adventures — white water rafting, anyone? — the 35-liter Dry Pack’s top-loading, roll-top main compartment is completely waterproof, to the point it can even be briefly submerged under water while still keeping your PJs and extra socks safe and dry. And don’t worry, the pack’s shoulder straps are ventilated and quick-drying too.

In addition to a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, the TRT also offers easy-access storage via two front organizational compartments, one of which is lined with fleece for fragile items like sunglasses. We loved the detachable key clip, which also happens to have a handy bottle opener. Looking for something a bit smaller? Check out the brand’s Nature Pack, which is smaller (24 liters) and cheaper ($99), and packed with organizational details, plus has room for a 15-inch laptop.

This nearly 12-liter backpack from Boarding Pass NYC is great for travelers, whether that means you’re hopping on a plane or on a commuter rail to head to a business meeting. It’s got a ballistic nylon exterior and features cordura nylon on the interior. Each of the straps is adjustable and made from leather with brass hardware finishings. Inside, you’ll find a padded laptop sleep, zippered pocket and key clip, and dedicated spaces for pens and your phone.

Mamas need travel backpacks too! And what we love most about this diaper pack option from Dagne Dover is that it works for parents and nonparents alike. Comprised of the aforementioned super-cozy neoprene material, the Indi has an extra-wide top-panel opening, can be attached to your travel stroller, thanks to handy built-in clips and included straps or slid onto your suitcase, thanks to a handy luggage strap. It also comes with a changing pad, a shoe bag and a matching neoprene zipped pouch. Inside, the 17-liter backpack can hold a 15-inch laptop and includes multiple pockets for corralling everything from a baby’s bottle to your phone and a stash of clean pacifiers.

Let us count the ways we love this lacquered backpack. Enveloped in MZ Wallace’s signature quilted texture, the Metro Backpack Deluxe features a shiny, airport-friendly fabric, and we think it’s one of the sexiest travel backpacks out there. Beyond looks, however, it’s highly functional for travel, with a magnetic luggage sleeve that can be used for storage when not attached to a suitcase, three exterior pockets, six interior pockets and a 15-inch laptop compartment to boot. If the airport security line is your runway, this is the backpack for you.

Leave it to Paravel, one of our favorite luggage makers, to dream up the perfect travel backpack solution — one that folds right up. Made from “negative nylon,” a silky fabric created by upcycling water bottles, the backpack’s biggest selling point is just how diminutive it is. Weighing less than a pound, it folds into itself and can be zippered into a cute little pouch that is easy to tuck into your carry-on tote or luggage.

Once unfolded, however, the backpack is a powerhouse, offering loads of room for a change of clothes, souvenirs, a 15-inch laptop and anything else you might need to carry on your back as you explore a new locale. We love the adjustable straps, the luggage sleeve and the fact that you can add a monogram. The hardest part is choosing from the six cute colorways.

Need proof that travel backpacks can be dainty? Look no further than this sweet and chic leather option from Cuyana that can be carried as a tote or a backpack and can fit a 13-inch laptop. Available in black, caramel, stone or black crocodile (for an extra $50), the Italian-made bag features two roomy front pockets and two interior pockets (one zippered, one not). Our favorite design detail, however, is the uber-feminine adjustable straps.

Part tote, part backpack, the Lo & Sons nylon Rowledge is the perfect option for any woman racing from the office to the airport, as the straps tuck into the back pocket to give you a convertible bag. Available in seven color combinations, the water-resistant backpack comprises an easy-access 13-inch laptop compartment on the back exterior and a collection of cleverly arranged pockets and holders on the interior for everything from pens and snacks to earbuds, phones and more. We love that the bag’s hardware and interior jacquard print lining are customizable. Trust us, this looks like a designer bag on the outside, but it’s a workhorse on the inside.

Have you ever seen a prettier laptop backpack? We think not. Made from faux leather, the Kaya can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in its back compartment, while the front area is ready to host your book, snack or that extra pair of socks. We love the braided border detail, the dainty zipper pulls and the extra-wide luggage sleeve that will keep your bag ultra secure when racing through the airport.

Don’t be fooled by the sleek, chic exterior of Modern Picnic’s backpack — the vegan leather bag has a roomy interior that is perfect for stashing backup shoes and airplane snacks … and keeping them cold, thanks to the insulated lining. (That lining is also super handy for mamas looking to keep baby bottles chilled!) In addition to a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve, the backpack also has pockets for pens and travel necessities (keys, wallet, phone), adjustable straps and a top handle for carrying. Available in cream, black or saddle croc, this is one of the most stylish options on our list.

Mamas gotta travel too — oftentimes with baby in tow — which is why we love this Fawn backpack-style diaper bag so much. Any parent who has traveled with little ones knows that being hands-free throughout the journey is imperative, and Fawn’s multifunctional Original Diaper Bag is just that.

Ultra roomy and made from faux leather, this bag is beloved by mommy influencers far and wide not only for its chic design but also because it’s chock-full of storage (with 12 pockets to be exact) and smart details like a key clip and detachable backpack straps (which can be substituted with a messenger strap or carried via a top handle). Great for corralling bottles, extra clothes, toys and whatever else you’ll need to keep baby busy during that layover, the Fawn bag has more than 300 glowing reviews on its website.

Meet Amazon’s No. 1 bestseller in laptop backpacks. With more than 75,000 reviews, the bag is divided into three compartments, and in addition to being able to accommodate a 15-inch laptop, it’s got loads of key design details you’ll want. Think of a top handle, hanging clasps, a USB port and adjustable straps, not to mention a ton of pockets for storing all your things. Boasting a 4.8-star rating, the backpack’s highlight is a padded mesh backing that will keep you as cool as can be, no matter how many times your flight is delayed. Did we mention it’s just $30 right now? Done and done.

Amazon knows a thing or two about a thing or two, which is why we’re not surprised that the brand features a beloved utilitarian laptop travel backpack under its Amazon Basics umbrella that fits all your needs. Boasting four compartments for storing all your belongings, the bag’s main section can fit up to a 17-inch laptop. With nearly 17,000 reviews, a 4.5-star rating and a $39 price tag, this is a bag worth considering.

Italic is one of the fastest-growing online companies for a reason. The brand offers a vast array of products that have one thing in common: All are produced in the same factories as luxury competitors (Prada, Miu Miu and All Clad, among others), albeit for 50% to 80% less. The producer of the Rafa travel backpack’s past clients include Away, Boss and ISM. Sleek and simple, the nylon-and-leather backpack can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in a separate back compartment and includes a sturdy leather top handle, a luggage sleeve and a few well-placed pockets.

Parisian luggage brand Delsey has multiple laptop backpack options, our favorite of which is the Maubert 2.0. Priced affordably, the 17-liter bag is eco-friendly, with fabric and lining made from recycled water bottles and vegan leather. Beyond that, the top-panel backpack is hyperorganized, with the main compartment divided to hold a 15.6-inch laptop in a padded sleeve, and all your other things (phone, pens, books and snacks) in the adjacent section. And fear not, the bag includes zippered pockets galore as well as two mesh side pockets for bringing a water bottle with you to fill up after security. Want a bigger option? Check out the Chatelet Air Soft Backpack, which is 10 liters larger.

No surprise here: Herschel knows its way around a backpack! For travel, the Tech Backpack is tops, offering three main compartments, each outfitted with a variety of mesh and zippered pockets that will deliver your most organized journey ever. Accommodating a 16-inch laptop in a padded and fleece-lined compartment, the 30-liter backpack has a mesh luggage sleeve and other perks like a key clip and hidden passport pocket.

More than 5,000 Amazon reviewers agree that this rolling backpack is worth the purchase. Featuring a telescoping and fabric handle, two back inline wheels and two zippered front pockets, the backpack’s main selling point is a big clamshell main compartment that you can pack suitcase-style. The bag also features backpack straps and can fit under most airline seats.

A fancy rolling backpack if we’ve ever seen one, this Matein is packed with selling points. In addition to having a fully water-resistant bottom panel, the bag has a two-height telescoping handle and lockable zippers, the top-panel backpack has three compartments, including a clothing section that can open 180 degrees and has an elasticized belt for easy packing. A separate padded pocket can hold a 15.6-inch laptop too.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards.

[ad_2]

Source link

January 11, 2023
8 of the best business-class seats you can book nearly for free | CNN Underscored
[ad_1]
CNN Underscored reviews financial products such as credit cards and bank accounts based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through the LendingTree affiliate network if you apply and are approved for a card, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

There was once a time when flying business class meant sitting in a recliner-style seat that was ever so slightly more spacious than economy. But ever since British Airways launched the first lie-flat business-class seat in 2000, the gap between business class and first class has continuously shrunk. Now lie-flat business-class seats are not only standard on international flights, but they’ve become common offerings on domestic flights as well.

We’re now entering a new era where airlines are introducing even more first-class perks into their business-class cabins in order to lure frequent travelers. And, better yet for travelers who may otherwise be unable to afford the luxuries of business class, there are ways to fly at the front of the plane for a fraction of the price. Thanks to travel rewards, you can redeem your points and miles for nearly free flights — you’ll just be on the hook for paying the taxes and fees on your ticket.

From fully lie-flat beds to fully enclosed suites, here are eight of the best business-class seats you can book with points and miles.

Qatar Airways

Since Qatar Airways introduced its famed Qsuite product in 2017, it’s become the gold standard in business-class seating. With the launch of Qsuite, Qatar Airways became the first airline to launch a fully enclosed business-class seat — and it remains one of the best options out there today.

Between the chic color palette and sleek finishes, the Qsuite is stylish yet functional. But what makes it unique is that the seats are incredibly versatile in the way they can be configured. Couples traveling together can choose to have adjoining seats combined into a single suite with a double bed.

Or families can choose the middle section with seats that can swivel into a “pod” for four people to dine together. It’s a feature unique to Qsuite, making it a worthwhile splurge on a long-haul flight, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Qatar Airways’ Qsuite seat can be found on various routes operated by the airline’s Airbus A350-1000s as well as some of its Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-200LRs and Boeing 777-300ERs. Research your route and aircraft to determine if the flight you’re interested in features a Qsuite cabin. Generally speaking, you can find the Qsuite flying on routes from Doha (DOH) to cities like New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX) and more.

How to book Qatar Qsuite with travel rewards

Travelers with frequent flyer rewards to spend will be pleased to know that despite offering arguably the best business-class seat, the Qatar Qsuite is still attainable using travel rewards. Both Qatar Qmiles and partner program American AAdvantage require 70,000 miles, plus taxes and fees one way for a flight to the Middle East. (As of 2022, Qatar has replaced its own Qmiles currency with Avios, which is the loyalty currency used by British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling.)

To search, you’ll want to head to American Airlines’ website and search for award tickets. Find a route and a date with availability that works for you. If you’ve got enough American AAdvantage miles in your account, you’ll be able to book the Qsuite and just have to pay the taxes and fees on the ticket.

You can nearly earn enough miles for a one-way flight from the US to the Middle East just from the sign-up bonus offer from either of the following credit cards:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
All information about the AAdvantage Aviator Red card has been collected independently by CNN. The AAdvantage Aviator Red card is not currently available through CNN.

ANA

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has a relatively new business-class product called “The Room,” which gives Qatar’s Qsuite a run for its money. The Room lives up to its name with spacious, fully enclosed suites. The suites are nearly 3 feet wide and rival even the most aspirational first-class seats on some of the world’s best airlines. Travelers can relax in the privacy of their sanctuary while enjoying world-class cuisine from either a Western or Japanese menu.

The cabin of the aircraft is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, and seats alternate throughout the cabin between forward- and rear-facing. If you’re traveling with a companion, you’ll want one of the two middle seats where you can share a space, whereas if you’re traveling alone, you’ll want one of the seats flush against the window so you have more privacy.

ANA’s The Room is available on some of the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights between Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and London (LHR), Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and Chicago (ORD) and Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and New York (JFK), among others, tend to operate with The Room.

How to book ANA’s The Room with travel rewards

You can book ANA’s The Room for as few as 75,000 miles, plus taxes and fees round trip for a low-season award from the US to Tokyo directly through ANA’s Mileage Club program. High-season awards increase to as much as 88,000 miles, plus taxes and fees round trip. Especially at the lower end of the spectrum, this is a fantastic deal for a round-trip award ticket, considering programs like United MileagePlus charge at least 70,000 miles, plus taxes and fees one way for a business-class ticket to Japan.

Perhaps the best news of all is that it’s incredibly easy to get miles in your ANA Mileage Club account. That’s because ANA is a 1-to-1 transfer partner of the Amex Membership Rewards program. In other words, you can transfer your Amex points right to ANA for this sweet redemption.

Better yet, it’s easy to rack up American Express Membership Rewards points from welcome bonus offers that come with the issuer’s credit cards. Consider any of the following American Express credit cards:

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines’ Sky Suite has been around for years — it even won an award as the best business-class seat in 2013 — but it continues to get high marks for comfort. That’s because the lie-flat seat offers Airweave mattresses and pillows for passengers to sleep in comfort while they’re cruising through the skies.

Privacy is a key feature of the JAL Sky Suite, as it offers a motorized partition to close off access to your neighbors. With a 1-2-1 cabin configuration, every seat has direct aisle access, offering privacy and ease of mobility throughout the cabin.

The JAL Sky Suite is available on the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft. You can find the product on routes between the US and Tokyo from cities like Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW) and more.

How to book JAL’s Sky Suite with travel rewards

A Japan Airlines Sky Suite business-class award between the US and Japan starts at 50,000 miles, plus taxes and fees each way. This rate can increase substantially if you’re booking a PLUS award, which means you’ll be asked to pay more for a ticket that would otherwise be unavailable for redeeming miles.

You can also book Sky Suite using miles in partner airline programs. For example, American Airlines’ AAdvantage program and Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan program are both partners with JAL, and awards with both to Asia start at just 60,000 miles, plus taxes and fees each way. Alaska even allows a free stopover on one-way awards, enabling you to make Tokyo your stopover and then continue to a second destination in Asia.

You can cover a one-way flight with the Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card, which currently offers 50,000 bonus miles plus a companion fare after you spend $2,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Alternatively, you can pick up two AAdvantage credit cards to cover a round-trip flight at the 50,000-mile each-way mark. Consider one of the following:
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, within the first 90 days.
All information about the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN. The Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card is not currently available through CNN.

Turkish Airlines

Foodies, take note: One of the most notable features of flying Turkish Airlines business class is access to a “flying chef.” Not only does Turkish Airlines have some of the best catering in the air, but on flights of eight hours or longer, the airline also staffs the flight with a chef who prepares meals onboard.

And not only does Turkish Airlines offer some of the best catering you’ll find at 35,000 feet, but its business-class seat on the Boeing 787 aircraft is also renowned for its luxurious comfort. The cabin offers 30 seats, which are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning each passenger has direct access to the aisle. Passengers also have a good amount of privacy along with modern amenities like in-seat power outlets, a lie-flat seat and a large entertainment screen.

If you fly Turkish Airlines business class from Istanbul, you’ll also have the privilege of visiting its lounge at Istanbul Airport. Considered one of the better airport lounges in the world, it offers expansive meal options, a golf simulator, a tea garden, a massive kids play area and much more.

You’ll find the Turkish 787 on several routes between the US and Istanbul (IST), including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW) and Washington, D.C. (IAD), among others.

How to book Turkish Airlines business class with travel rewards

While it may seem strange, one of the cheapest ways to book a Turkish Airlines business-class award is via the ANA Mileage Club, as they’re both members of the Star Alliance. A round-trip award flight between the US and Europe will set you back just 88,000 miles when booked via ANA Mileage Club.

As mentioned above, ANA miles are relatively easy to come by, thanks to the fact that ANA is a 1-to-1 transfer partner of the Amex Membership Rewards program. The welcome bonus offers from the following credit cards offer enough points for a round-trip transatlantic flight in Turkish business class:

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles program requires just 45,000 miles, plus taxes and fees each way for a business-class ticket from the US to Turkey. Miles&Smiles is a 1-to-1 transfer partner of the Citi ThankYou program, meaning the ThankYou points earned from Citi cards can transfer to Turkish to get you a nearly free flight. With the Citi Premier® Card, you can earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. That’s not quite enough for a round-trip ticket to Turkey, but it is enough to cover a one-way ticket.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is the world’s most awarded airline and offers some of the best business-class seats in the air. Onboard Singapore’s A380, you’ll find a podlike business-class product with hand-stitched leather seats.

If you’re traveling with a companion, you can turn any two middle seats into a double bed. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling solo, you’ll get a great amount of privacy, thanks to the sculpted wings around the top of the seat.

Until May 2023, Singapore Airlines is flying this double-decker A380 to New York (JFK). The plane flies nonstop from NYC to Frankfurt (FRA) before continuing on to Singapore (SIN), its final destination. New York is your only option for finding this A380 business-class seat from the US, but you can also find it on several routes from Singapore (SIN) to Asian cities such as Shanghai (PVG) and Beijing (PEK), among others.

How to book Singapore Airlines business class with travel rewards

Singapore Airlines awards are some of the most accessible for travelers looking to redeem rewards, and that’s because the Singapore KrisFlyer program is a transfer partner of all of the major transferable currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

One of the best ways to experience Singapore Airlines’ A380 business class is from New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA). This route operates a terrific value at just 72,000 miles, plus taxes and fees each way if you can find availability directly through Singapore Airlines.

As mentioned, Singapore KrisFlyer miles are easy to earn, thanks to Singapore KrisFlyer’s 1-to-1 transfer partnership. You can transfer points earned from the following cards — along with others — right to Singapore.

American Airlines

American’s Flagship First and Business offer an elevated flying experience. In fact, the Flagship business product provides more privacy than the first-class cabin on the same Boeing 777-300ER aircraft — in fact, many flyers agree that business class on that aircraft is better than first class. Business-class passengers can enjoy a lie-flat seat with a Casper sleep set and a three-course meal.

Flagship business-class travelers also get access to American’s famed Flagship Lounges, which offer premium amenities like shower suites, chef-curated meals and expansive wine and cocktail menus.

American Airlines Flagship business class is available on various domestic routes, including Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK) on the A321T, though those seats are configured differently than the internationally equipped aircraft. Internationally, you can try this fantastic product on routes to Europe (New York to London), South America (Miami to Buenos Aires) and Asia (Los Angeles to Hong Kong), for example.

How to book American Flagship business with travel rewards

Domestically, you can fly Flagship business class for just 25,000 AAdvantage miles each way. You can earn enough miles for a round-trip ticket — for example, between New York and Los Angeles — after just one welcome bonus. The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Card currently offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

If you’re looking for more time in the air, you can book a one-way award ticket in Flagship business class for just 57,500 miles each way, plus taxes and fees from the US to Europe and parts of South America. With the welcome bonus from two AAdvantage credit cards, you’ll have nearly enough to cover a round-trip itinerary.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: Earn 60,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
JetBlue

For a few years, JetBlue Mint has arguably been the best domestic business-class seat on the market, yet the airline outdid itself with the introduction of its new JetBlue Mint Studio on its newer, longer-range aircraft. There are just two Mint Studio seats on the longer-range A321LRs, and they feature stylish lie-flat seats in the first row, while the other seats in the cabin are called Mint Suites.

The Mint Studio is currently available on both domestic and international routes, including Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK), and New York (JFK) to London (LHR).

The spacious seat converts into the largest bed on a US airline and comes with Tuft & Needle bedding, plenty of storage, wireless charging and more.

How to book JetBlue Mint Studio with travel rewards

JetBlue TrueBlue points can be redeemed in line with the price of a cash ticket. If you’re redeeming TrueBlue points toward a Mint seat, they’re worth about 1.01 cents each, so a $2,505 flight would cost 247,500 TrueBlue points, plus taxes and fees.

JetBlue has two credit cards you can earn these points with: The JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card. The JetBlue Plus Card offers a welcome bonus of 40,000 TrueBlue points after spending $1,000 and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days.

While the JetBlue Plus offers a solid bonus, it won’t be enough to get you into the Mint Studio cabin. That’s where transferable rewards come in. You can transfer points from the Citi ThankYou and Chase Ultimate Rewards programs, both at a 1-to-1 ratio. Several credit cards affiliated with these programs offer higher welcome bonuses than the JetBlue Plus card. For example, consider any of the following:
Chase Ink Business Preferred: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 within the first three months after account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 within the first three months from account opening.

Citi Premier: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.
All information about the JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by CNN. The etBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card are not currently available through CNN.

Delta Air Lines

There was a time when fully lie-flat business class seats were revolutionary. Delta turned that notion on its head in 2016 with the announcement of Delta One suites, offering fully enclosed “suites” with direct aisle access. Until that point, fully enclosed suites were featured only in the world’s best first-class cabins, making Delta One an anomaly. (Qatar Airways later beat Delta to become the first to implement and offer the first fully enclosed business-class suite by the way of its Qsuite product.)

Today, Delta is one of only a handful of airlines offering seats with doors that close and provide the utmost privacy. If you want to give the Delta One suite a spin, it’s available on the airline’s Airbus A350-900 and Airbus A330-900neo fleet of aircraft.

How to book Delta One suite with travel rewards

If you want to book a Delta One suite with travel rewards, the logical first choice is to use Delta SkyMiles. However, Delta uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the exact miles required for a Delta One suite depends on demand. Delta charges pretty astronomical rates for premium cabin awards regardless of how tickets are priced.

A better option is to use Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, which requires fewer than 100,000 Virgin Points round trip, plus taxes and fees for a Delta One business-class award between the US and UK. Since Virgin Atlantic partners with Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou points and Capital One miles, earning enough miles is fairly easy.

The following cards offer enough points via the welcome bonus offers to help you cover one round-trip Delta One award ticket to Europe when booking via Virgin Atlantic:

Ultimately, if you’re looking to fly business class, travel rewards are your best option for affording a seat for a fraction of the price. While there are some other great business-class seats out there — British Airways Club Suite, Etihad Studio, United Polaris and others — these are some of our favorites. Many of these business-class products cost thousands of dollars to fly, but by using your rewards points and miles, you can fly at the front of the plane almost for free.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.
[ad_2]

Source link
January 10, 2023