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Saturday, March 16, 2024

2024 Trending Travel Products

I've just returned from the Travel Goods Show, which I haven't been to since 2020 (it was cancelled the following two years and I couldn't justify a trip to Chicago last year) and it's back in Las Vegas and under a new group of organizers. There were new things, like panels and workshops, the last day was a short day instead of a full day, and a ton of new brands.

Coming back from the Travel Goods Show, I've noticed a few exciting trends when it comes to products that just dropped or are coming soon.

I've noticed a few exciting trends when it comes to products that just dropped or are coming in the next few months:

Women-owned travel brands

Women are really shaping the travel experience now. For so long, every bag was made by men for men and you just got a box with a zipper and no innovation. Travelon has really been at the forefront of using women to help design bags that are pretty, but also functional. Now, women innovators are moving beyond luggage, and it's very exciting. I'll be wearing home a tank top with pockets, to keep all your essentials close to your body, whether you're traveling or walking the dog or running errands. I'll be trying a new brand of laundry sheets that are low sudsing and can be used for handwashing as well as machine washing. I'm also testing out a new over-the-tray organizer for the airplane. 

There are still new, innovative bags, too! A great carry-on that comes with it's own legs, in case there is no luggage rack in your room, but also so you can use it as a table in the airport to set your drinks on, play a game on, or use your laptop. My new favorite thing is a carry-on roller bag that has a child seat on it, so you don't also need to push a stroller through the airport when you already don't have enough hands for everything. Pop them on there, strap them in, and run to your gate.


Quiet sustainability

It seems like the brands doing the most are promoting it the least. They feel like the brand comes first and their talk about their sustainable practices come further down as what their customers care most about. I love that they're doing it and they aren't crowing about it, but I also wish they would put that out there a bit more. One of the companies that are doing the most are a brand I've followed for years and had no idea how much they were doing. People out there making quality products and saving the earth to the best of their ability, and not asking for any accolades for it. It's truly *chef's kiss*


Everything is recycled

Eco-friendly and sustainable products are so popular. Almost everyone I talked to is using recycled materials in all or the majority of their products, be it water bottles or scraps from their bigger items. I love it. Not only do you get a quality product, but you feel good about your choices as well. The tank top I told you about is made from recycled water bottles, there is a great travel blanket line made of recycled materials, and a company making fanny packs from the remnants of their backpacks, which are all different and have a little signed card inside with the person who made it.


Colors!

Everything isn't black anymore! I saw green and yellow and blue and lovely pale Spring colors and an orange day bag. I'm so excited to see more color at the airport. it's also easier to find your bag, if you had to check it, amongst the sea of black bags if it's a fun color. 

Personal-sized roller bags

80% of travel bag sales right now are carry-on size. I don't even own a bag that's bigger than 22" anymore. Everyone is trying to save money. The new hot thing is a bag that's 15-19" and I saw a lot of these that would fit under the seat on the plane. I have a couple smaller roller bags, though I would love one that would fit under the seat. I think this smaller roller bag is great for everyone, but specifically for those with disabilities or back problems that can't really travel with a backpack, but still want something similar in size. There's no picking it up and putting it down a million times, because you can just roll through the airport onto the plane.

Travel comfort

All of us trying to travel on a budget and being stuck in economy seats need to make ourselves more comfortable any way we can. There are a lot of companies trying to help us on our journey (both of them!). I'm loving the tray organizer, a plug in device that turns anything into a bluetooth device, so you can use it on those seatback screens with your wireless earbuds, a super lightweight wraparound eye mask that covers your ears, too, and an emergency panty pack that has you covered (literally!) when unexpected things happen to you away from home.

My predictions: In the future, I think you're going to be seeing more products for those with disabilities and mobility issues. We're already seeing more of them becoming mainstream, which I love. It's hard being a disabled traveler and in some places it can be nearly impossible. I get really sad when I realize great places I've been are really not that accessible for everyone. I see that already starting to change a bit in the travel products space, and that's awesome.

What innovations in travel products are you hoping for?

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Amazing Women In Travel History

Men may dominate most travel careers, like being pilots and explorers and mountain climbers, but women have always pushed their way into all facets of the industry, from flying planes, to becoming essential crew on commercial flights, to captaining cruise ships. Here are just a few women who paved the way for the rest of us to be travel writers, solo travelers, and tour operators. 

Men may dominate most travel careers, but women have always pushed their way into the travel history books. Here are just a few:

This is by no means even close to a full list of awesome traveling women, and I'll be showcasing others throughout Women's History Month over on my Instagram (on Fridays), Threads, and Facebook.

Do you have travel heroes? Let's hear them in the comments!


Saturday, March 9, 2024

5 Budget Destinations for May

Right now everyone is getting ready for Spring Break, but if you're looking to save money, maybe skip all that in favor of a getaway in May. Not only will you be traveling in between two really popular times of the year - Spring Break and Summer - but it also means you'll save money by going when the crowds are lower and airlines and hotels are looking to entice people with deals. 

Beat the crowds and high prices of Spring Break and Summer by opting to travel in May instead. Here are 5 budget destinations:

Now's the time for a getaway with better weather, that'll leave you with money in the bank and the chance to spend more time doing things there, because you aren't jostling with a ton of other tourists. Here are 5 places that can help you do more with a smaller budget:


New Orleans, Louisiana

With both Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival (over on May 5th) both out of the way, New Orleans is heading into a quieter time, meaning you can really explore the city without a million other people.  I've written  quite a few posts about The Big Easy, but if you're looking for free or cheap things to do, walk along the water and see some history and outdoor art/statues/sculptures at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, enjoy a ton of street musicians including the Jazz Museum's free concert series on Tuesdays, go to The Sazerac House to learn about (and sample) the city's signature cocktail, and spend the day taking in art, inside and outside, strolling through a botanical garden and so much more at City Park.

Portland, Oregon

Now, I maybe be biased because I live here, but Portland really hits its stride in May, when the nicer weather starts coming in and the Rose Festival starts. If you're an outdoorsy person, there are neverending places to hike, we have tons of wineries, vineyards, orchards, and farmers' markets to visit. If you're a city person, like me, then you'll be happy to know that it's very walkable and our public transportation is accessible. For freebies, walk along the river and enjoy the great weather at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, take in the colors at the International Rose Test Garden, hit up Portland Saturday Market, and maybe see some live music at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Photo by James Ting on Unsplash

Santorini, Greece

Are you looking to get some sun and culture and also get the heck out of the country? Then pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to Greece to walk up endless steps, bask in the beauty of it all, and lay on the (black sand) beach. When you're tired of soaking up the sun on the sand, save even more dollars by hitting up the archaeological site of Thera, sample wines with breathtaking views at Santo Wines, and explore the winding streets of the cities of Fira and Oia.

Photo by Ronny Rondon on Unsplash


Grand Cayman

May is right between high season and hurricane season and is perfect for those that love to do water activities like snorkeling and diving. Swim with stingrays, swim through a shipwreck, and check out an artificial reef. Not everything is sand and sea though. You can explore the island for free by doing things like visiting Camana Bay's with its observation tower, farmers' and artists' market, and fountains. Get cultured at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, visit historical Bodden Town, Hike the Mastic Trail, and indulge in some birdwatching.

Photo by David Köhler on Unsplash

Rome, Italy

If you're really wanting to hit all the highlights of Rome, but not stand in hours-long lines to do it, May is kind of the perfect time to do it. Visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, go to the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. All those cost money though, so consider augmenting your trip with freebies like tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain (or just watching everyone else invest in wishes), go to St. Peter's Basilica, see street performers in the evening at Piazza Navona, climb the Spanish Steps (but don't sit on them!), and hit up the market at Campo 'de Fiori.  

As a bonus, I've added a sixth destination as a runner up: 

Photo by Omar Elsharawy on Unsplash

Cairo, Egypt

Whether you want to gorge yourself with delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, or are dying to see the pyramids and the Sphinx, May is a wonderful time to visit Cairo and cross off that bucket-list destination. Those must-see sites are easily done in a day or two, so perhaps a cruise down the Nile is in order. While that won't break the bank, you can add in free activities like browsing the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, walk through the oldest part of Cairo on El Moez Street, walk across the Nile on the Qasr El Nil Bridge, and visit Tahrir Square (where you can find the famous Egyptian Museum, which is pretty affordable at ~$9pp admission fee).

There are a lot of ways to make a trip anywhere budget-friendly, or at least more affordable. You just need to know when to go and what to do. Even if you want to do all the major tourist attractions, you can always add free activities to make your trip cheaper and to get more out of your visit, just Google what free things there are to do wherever you're going.

May is also an ideal reason to take your mom (or other mom in your life) on a trip in honor of Mother's Day. Of course, you probably won't be able to top that gift, unless you take her on a better trip next year. I always recommend taking a trip with your loved ones, because you never know how much time you have with them and traveling together can be wonderful bonding experience. If you're more interested in, or only the budget for, just getting her a travel gift, I'll be posting my recommended gifts in April. I'll have things in every price point. In the meantime, you can look back at last year's list.

What are your favorite off-season vacation destinations?

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