Travel Gear: What to Grab Before you Go

Courtesy Kikkerland

I wish I had one of these when last in Europe- instead my iPhone was dangling from the wall-plug when charging.  The Mobile Phone Holder Driinn brings a lovely, simple ease to charging your handheld electronics.  Works great for iPod, iPhones, Blackberries and small digital cameras.  Colors: green, orange, pink, blue, white, red and black.  $7

Also handy for small electronics is the Bobino – a fast, convenient way to contain your cords.  Sizes: small, medium, large.  Colors: pink, blue, green, white, red and black.$6

Buy Mobile Phone Holder Driinn and Bobino at www.kikkerlandshop.com

Courtesy Kikkerland

When traveling abroad you’ll need to be plugged in – all you need is one handy little adaptor and you’re ready-to-go!  The Universal Travel Adaptor features worldwide compatibility for more than 150 countries.  Ultra compact and folds flatter than any other adapter on the market.  $10

Buy gear at www.kikkerlandshop.com

Courtesy Kikkerland

Got kids? And one iPod that has run out of battery before the other’s with no recharging portal insight.  Don’t worry.  Just pull out the Music Branches and the children can share video/music on a single device – hopefully bringing all few more minutes of happiness!  Colors: brown, light blue, white.  $10

Buy Music Branches at www.kikkerlandshop.com

Courtesy Backcountry

Enjoy tunes while on the move – especially new artists discovered abroad.  The Skullcandy Pipe Audio Dock offers super sound anywhere: pool-side, in-room, on the boat, or at the grill.  Compatible with any iPod style, the Pipe has two side speakers that offer exceptional sound for it’s size.  Comes with a remote control so you don’t have to move to change a tune – you’re on vacation after all!  Colors: silver, black.  $59.95

Buy Skullcandy Speakers at www.backcountry.com

Courtesy Zinka

Summer means sun!!  I love it but we all know we must protect our skin.  I always travel with Zinka Sunscreen.  It contains zinc oxide, which provides the most effective protection again broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays, as well as moisturizing aloe vera and vitamin A and E.  Another plus, it’s water-resistant and oil-free.  Zinka SPF 30 Clear Zinc Oxide Spray Sunscreen is light-weight, non-greasy, great

Courtesy Zinka

protection that goes on easily and dries quickly. $10.99  If you prefer a lotion try Zinka SPF 30 Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen.  It’s yummy coconut scent brings back memories of summer days spent at the beach. $9.99  A must for your bag the Zinka Suncreen Stick for easy face protection. $7.99

Courtesy Zinka

Also fun is the fantastic collection of colored nosecoat protection – colors include black, red, blue, pink, yellow, green, orange, flesh and white.  Great for your child’s next sports game too!

Buy Zinka at  www.zinka.com

Courtesy Campo Marzio Design

Begun in 1933 by a Roman craftsman, Campo Marzio has a rich history of producing some of the most beautiful writing instruments in Murano glass and represent some of the best items in its collection of vintage pens.

Today Campo Marzio is reviving the studio’s original production of well-crafted, exceptionally designed office products.  While their writing and desk accessories are exquisite the Campo Marzio’s Moda laptop bag, featuring colorful, durable nylon fabric, is exciting and stylish.  The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap and two sturdy synthetic handles.  It opens wide to five interior pockets, one with extra padding and a velcro support for your laptop and features easy storage for pens, mobile phone and wallet.  Holds up to a 17″ laptop. $90

Campo Marzio Boutiques are located in London, Madrid, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Riyadh, Venice, Milan and Cape Town.  The collection can also be found in numerous department stores, chain stores and bookshops throughout Italy and all over the world.

Buy Campo Marzio bags at www.katepaperie.com

Visit Camp Marzio Design at www.campomarziodesign.it

Courtesy Knomo

This London brand was started in 2004 by three friends seeking the perfect bag: stylish, functional, covetable and multi-functional.  Knomo creates bags with passion that aim to make your life a little easier and more enjoyable.  And each bag is produced in luxurious quality materials that are durable.

The Berkeley Larissa, a portfolio-briefcase, is perfect for those who like to travel light and in style.  The bag features a detachable shoulder strap so it can be carried on the arm or shoulder.  A large exterior pocket provides nice storage for your phone, iPod and keys. Colors: Red, Brown, Black, Ivory.  $195

Courtesy Knomo

The Bayswater Lola is a great everyday shoulder bag that features a quilted pouch with a shockproof protection strip through the base for your laptop.  The soft and lightweight design is made from durable nylon, while the soft shoulder straps are leather.  Lola has a large zipped compartment at the front with section within for various small items. $169

Courtesy Knomo

The Berkeley Rubi bag in Nutmeg Croco has all the same great features and is simply stunning. $325

Visit Knomo Bags at www.knomobags.com

Courtesy Tucano

Italian Tucano makes fantastic computer bags that are well-constructed, sleek and functional.  There are so many great cases you’re bound to find one that works for you.  The Workout Slim Bag is lightweight and durable,  with flexible tuck-away handels, external storage pockets and a padded inner laptop compartment.

Made of a water resistant nylon fabric and fits a 13″ laptop. $59.99  The Workout Expanded Bag offers all the same great features and more room – fits a 13″ or 17′ laptop.$69.99

Courtesy Tucano

The Tarta Quilted bag features an Anti-Shock System that allows the safe transport of laptops.  Also includes multiple compartments and pockets to keep you organized plus a small quick-access pocket for mobile phones.  The back pocket can be transformed into a panel for suitcase transport.  $129.99

Courtesy Tucano

The Leggera Laptop Tote offers classic handbag styling with a modern twist.  Lightweight, durable and easy to maintain nlyon fabric with leather details. $139.99

The Finatex Extra Small Multimedia Vertical Messenger will fit your iPad nicely in the inner compartment and an additional pocket can hold your MP3 player or mobile phone.  The shoulder strap has a clever zipped inner passage for earphone cables. $34.99.

Visit Tucano at  www.tucanousa.com

Courtesy Flight001

Courtesy Flight001

Courtesy Flight 001

A system of 6 different bags the SpacePak series is Flight 001′s answer to maximizing suitecase space and avoiding luggage check-in.  The bags compress clothes, enabling you to pack more while keeping items neat, clean and tidy.  The line features a Clothes Bag $46, Suiter Bag $65, Underwear Bag, Lingerie Bag $42, Kids Bag $42, Shoe Bag $30 and Wet Bag $18.  The SpacePak Toiletry Bag $42 is really handy – great size and hangs if needed.

Buy SpacePak at www.flight001.com

Travel Industry Reporter and Planner Kate Rice told me about SquareMouth – an exhaustive resource for travel insurance.  Travel plans can go array but your serenity can remain intact if you’re prepared!  SquareMouth compares over 250 travel insurance and international medical insurance products.  Based on your needs numerous travel insurance plans are listed from which you can either buy immediately or compare using their comprehensive research feature that thoroughly investigates every feature of each policy.

Visit Square Mouth at  www.squaremouth.com

Visit Travel Expert Kate Rice at www.thevacationperspective.com