Traveling can be fun, energizing, and exciting – or exhausting, frustrating, and boring. Minimize many of the inconveniences - and travel in style - with the right equipment.
Traveling long distances in cramped quarters makes most of us feel sleepy, unkempt and not extremely fashionable. Click through the gallery for a few travel buys that are both quality and stylish.
Carry on with your cute self: This hard case is impact resistant, expandable, stylish, rollable (via four independently moving wheels) and adorable (in pink or navy). It also fits most airline requirements for carrying onboard. $199, Clutch Healdsburg, 307 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 2321 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa, 707-433-8189, clutchhealdsburg.com
Take it to the street: One of the best ways to fight jet lag is to take a road trip! This California guide is informative about where to go, but it takes things to a deeper level, discussing wildflowers, watersheds and ecologies. It’s beautifully illustrated, so if you bring it along, remember to look at the scenery. $45.95, Abbot’s Passage Supply Co., 27 E. Napa Street, Sonoma,707-939-3024, abbotspassage.com
Encase. You need it: Lightweight, yet durable. This kit is made from water-resistant twill. It’s good looking and contributes to the “lightening the load”-through-vacation theme. $55, Truck and Barter, 108 Washington St, Petaluma, 707-658-2131, truckandbarter.co
Forward thinking: This front pocket wallet is a little more pickpocket-proof than the wallet for your back pocket. This slim carrier has three compartments for cash and cards and is made in the U.S.A. $75, Truck and Barter, 108 Washington St, Petaluma, 707-658-2131, truckandbarter.co
Stay safe: Keep your first aid kit, compass, whistle and flashlight (with a beam or distress mode) all in one military-grade, aluminum cylinder. $75, Truck and Barter, 108 Washington St, Petaluma, 707-658-2131, truckandbarter.co
Take a Chill Pillow: This one inflates to help you pack small. Sleep not on your drop-down tray or against the car window. Instead, give yourself and your tech-neck some good, comfy stabilization. $27.95, Sports Basement, 970 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, 628-207-8136, shop.sportsbasement.com
Kick it off: Made of cork, these shoes are soft, antibacterial, recyclable and sustainable. And easy kick-on-and-off capabilities for comfort while traveling. $48, Clutch Healdsburg, 307 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, 2321 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa, 707-433-8189, clutchhealdsburg.com
Traveling long distances in cramped quarters makes most of us feel sleepy, unkempt and not extremely fashionable. A cute and well-built suitcase or handbag upgrade could enliven your tired look though. Here are a few basics that are both quality and stylish. While they can’t reduce travel time or expand the space in your car or Economy class, they could help you feel a little more chic about lugging your things around the planet —Click through the above gallery for details.
