7 Gadgets to Make Travel Comfortable

Tips and gadgets that can make flying more comfortable in any class:

MiFi Mobile Wi-fi Hotspot
Our world is digital. Though there is a whole tangible world out there to see. While traveling, it is great to stay connected and update your friends and fans on your whereabouts. Travel is more comfortable when you have easy access to information and resources as well as sharing, social media, and reviews. Mifi gadget lets you create a wireless hotspot at any location. It is connected and engaged through your smartphone using cellular service. The MiFi works at a distance up to 30 ft and will provide internet or network access to any WiFi enabled peripheral device. It small enough to fit in your pocket. Easy to pack and go. Note that the MiFi would most likely require service from one of the wireless providers.

Luggage Touch Scale
To travel in comfort is to travel light. You would feel a lot more comfortable rolling around a simple lightweight carry-on bag rather than an over stuffed suitcase. If you do need to pack a little extra and check in your luggage, make sure to weigh it with a at-home luggage scale before getting to the airport. The luggage fees would add up quickly for over weight suitcases.




Entertainment system
Time flies faster when you have something fun to do. Situate yourself comfortably in-front your favorite movie or TV playing on iPad or other tablets, and you won't notice how 2 hours have quickly gone by. While there is some entertainment provided by a few airlines, these days you have to pay for most good movies. Instead you can catch up on your favorite shows and videos by downloading them earlier. And make to bring with a comfortable pair of noise-cancelling headphones, since those provided by airlines are not comfortable on the ears and are not free.



Pillows
Comfort of home while you are traveling can be brought to you by a travel pillow. Kick back relax and catch  up on some sleep or just rest your head comfortably for a flight. The pillows come in all kind of shapes and sizes. There are inflatable, foam, velvet, and down. They can be placed behind your head, around your neck, or in-front of you. Take a look at the grid below for the multitude of varieties.
Recently I found out about the Hoodiepillow® Travel Pillow. It is a genius innovation. Whenever I fly, I have a hard time falling asleep, so the pillow to get me more comfortable and a hood to drawn out distractions is great for me to catch some zzz. Additionally, I thought it was a good idea because, while I am not totally germ phobic,  I don't like putting my head on the seat headrests as I have know idea who was there before or when was the last time they were cleaned. With the hoodie, my head is comfy and is not directly on the headrest.


Sustainable tents to enjoy the Nature
Camping is fun. Though its a testament to being out of your comfort. With these tents, however, the camping trip would be one with the nature. They are self sustainable with solar-powered LED lights, roofs, and LCD screens. Some of these tents use solar energy to generate electricity, which can be used to charge portable gadgets. Easy to set up yourself up in nature and be eco-friendly. Seven sustainable tents to enjoy the Nature

Did You Know?:
- Check in early to get prime pick of seats, get into coveted group A, and do not get involuntarily bumped from an overflowing flight are those who check in last usually get the bump.
- JetBlue offers 34 inches of legroom
- Exit row seats while provide more comfort, now also come with additional fees

What do you bring with you on your trip to make it comfy and fun? 
Let us know below

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Best Gadgets for Watching Movies While Traveling

Favorite gadgets for kicking back while en-route:

Smartphone
Convenient small and most have a great display. These are also the gadgets that are usually already accompanying you on the trip. You are able to download movies and shows directly or on some devices use external storage such as SD card to store the data. And if you are on a flight or location that also offers wi-fi connectivity, you can stream them or load them on the spot.

Tablet/iPad -
The screen size, resolution and crisp clarity makes watching movies on tablets a great experience. While phones are nice, the screen is way too small to enjoy the entertainment for an extended time or as full-featured.
As most of these cool devices come with large storage, loading up several movies at once prevents fumbling around for discs and save space in a bag.
If you did not get a chance to download some entertainment for the road, there are also kiosks at airports where you can rent or buy movies on a computer flash drive. No need for a TV signal, a disk, or a movie-streaming Internet connection.

Cinema Seat for iPad is a great gadget for just this purpose, watching movies while riding in the car. It goes on the back of the seat and becomes an entertainment unit for the passengers.


iPod touch -
Do not discount these music gadgets. iPod can also play movies or shows loaded up on its hard drive. The new generations have great displays and they are significantly cheaper than smartphones. They are even better for travel, especially with kids. There are no cellular charges to worry about or that it might get damaged and lose a lot of the data usually stored on a phone.

Kindle Fire -
A smaller version of most tablets, Fire by Amazon, is great for reading books as well as watching movies. Unlike its brethren, previous versions, that have e-ink, these e-readers come with color display that is ready for website and movie viewing. Once the movies are downloaded and installed you don't need to be connected to enjoy.

Related articles:
7 Cool and Useful Things You Can Do With Airplane Mode
How to Get Your Phone and Tablet Travel Ready
Amazon Prime - Why I Use It For All My Travel and Gadget Needs
What Are the Rules For Gadgets On A Flight These Days Anyhow?

Notebook

You can watch movies here too, though unless you already have to bring one with you these could be quite cumbersome and take up too much space while traveling. There are, however, some light versions available and they have a nice large hard drive where you can store your multimedia files. Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is only 3 pounds and can be converted and used as a tablet also.


Portable DVD player
Much easier to travel with than a notebook. They are also much smaller in size. That is one of the reasons that it would be rare that you would be asked to remove a portable gadget during airport screenings.
The immersion that DVD player provides will also help in drowning out the five screaming babies sitting in the rows in front and back of you. See noise-canceling headphones below :)


Portable Video Players -
Similar to DVD player portable video/audio technologies, with devices expected to be available in the second half of this year. In essence, a portable video/audio player allows you to record video from a variety of sources, including VCRs and cable TV, then view the programs either on the device's small color display or on a large screen when the device is connected to a TV. These devices also let you play audio files, including MP3s.

Apps for movie streaming:
Netflix
Amazon instant video
Crackle
Popcornflix

You would also want to have a long with movie watching gadget a good pair of noise-isolating headphones. Some airlines offer earphones, though you would need to pay for them. It is not expensive, but considering how uncomfortable they are and how bad the sound is, wouldn't you want your own pair that lets you tune in and tune out. (See Travel-friendly music gadgets) Use them with your CD, DVD, MP3 players and personal or laptop computers, netbooks, home stereos and of course airline in-flight entertainment systems. A great pair of headphones provide full immersion as well keeps the noise out to help you enjoy your onboard entertainment.

Top 5 Movies to Watch While Traveling:
1. The Incredibles
2. The Bourne Ultimatum
3. Rush Hour
4. Ocean's Eleven
5. The Game

Did You Know?:
Noise-canceling headphones - Wikipedia

Grab some great games and other apps for free @ Amazon Apps

How do you entertain yourself while traveling? Let us know below








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Airplane travel gadgets to keep you moving

  The first time I came across the Knee Defender, I thought it was an interesting idea that might be useful. Though at the time I did not know/understand how beneficial it could be to have this gadget along with you on a plane. That is until I had to flight several times on business.
  Most of the time, flying for pleasure, I try to get ready to relax and have no need to drag the laptop or anything like that. So even though the space in the seat is small, I manage well enough. However, flying during business hours, I had to get some work done while in-flight. Out comes the laptop. And flying economy class, you already have little room between you and the seat in front. That room seems even smaller once you open up the laptop. And then it happens. The person in front is thinking what I am usually thinking on such flights and that is relaxing. So they press the button and push their chair backwards. Some passengers even assume there is no one behind them nor care and try to push it all the way. Making it very uncomfortable for the neighbor in the back and forget about one trying to see things on already half closed computer. This is also the moment when, thinking back to it, it would have been great to have the Knee Defender.
So scanning the web for cool travel gadgets, I once again came across it. This gadget seems to be too good to be true. It is simple in design, just a couple of pieces of plastic, and is quite small in size as seen in the picture comparison to a house key size.

  Knee Defender™ helps you stop reclining seats on airplanes so your knees won't have to. It is adjustable to help provide as much protection as you need. This gadget has been selected as an effective and even essential product from the large pool of available travel gadgets.
  Another gadget for airplane travel featured on GadgetDuck is the Scanner Bag. There are quite a few things to consider when packing your carry-on. Most importantly make sure it abides by all TSA Regulations and Recommendations. With all of these things to consider, going through the security check point can be never racking and bothersome. The Scanner Bag makes it a bit easier by keeping all of the things that you would need to take off and pull out of your pockets and dump somewhere in one spot. Your cell phone, keys, jewelry, pen, iPod, iPhone, coins, Blackberry®, and whatever else that might set off the detectors can all be packed safely in the bag. Moreover, since it attaches to carry-on there is no chance of leaving anything behind. The bag stays with the rest of your stuff before and after the scan so you can just pick up your carry-on up and go without delaying to put everything back where it was.

Why good to have on a trip:
- Keep what little space you have in airplane seat
- Save your knees and your eyes when working during flight
- With Scanner Bag, speed through beginning of security check
- And get out of there just as fast

Getting Through Security

Getting a Good Flight's Sleep

Top ten Labor Day destinations

Top 10 list of Labor Day destinations as compiled by Hotwire:

1. New York, NY, $195

2. Boston, MA, $129

3. Chicago, IL, $90

4. Las Vegas, NV, $95

5. San Francisco, CA, $135

6. Toronto, ON, Canada, $93

7. Vancouver, BC, Canada, $116

8. San Diego, CA, $94

9. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, $59

10. Washington, D.C., $89

Explore more deals on Hotwire.com:

The secret is out ... Comfortable in-flight Travel supplies

While flying to the business meeting that I mentioned in the previous post, I got reaffirmation just how uncomfy airplanes can be. It is especially more so these days with a lot less extras available on planes. There were no blankets on the seats, no giving out of headphones to listen to music and or videos. We did get a tiny bag of peanuts and pretzels.
Awhile back I came across Magellan's site that has a large variety of travel supplies. It has clothing, accessories, gadgets, trial-size items, guides, and much more. The latest portion of the site that I found is the Get Comfortable En Route collection. It is an awesome gathering of things that would make a flight a lot more comfortable, clean, dry, and relaxing. As part of its listings this collection, of course, also has headphones. I have mentioned noise-canceling headphones in several of my entries (10 Travel Gadgets for the warm weather travel, Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?, How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work?) and just how much of a benefit they are for a relaxing and more enjoyable flight.
Travel Pillow is a great idea to have along to not strain your neck or end up on someone's shoulder while relaxing or taking a nap. I have one and usually take it with me for a long flight, though I did forget it for this one.
On the flight back home, the plane did not even have a built in video player in the back of the seat. So it was up to you to entertain yourself and hopefully you have some airplane travel gadgets. I had a laptop with me that provided something to do and get good use out of the time, however it did not last long as the battery was drained. So having a portable multimedia player is also a great idea to have. And once I upgrade my phone from a media phone to a smart phone when I am up for a renewal, I will have multimedia player with me anywhere I go. Can't wait. Though for now, it was a good book and some Sudoku puzzles the rest of the flight

Other great collections:
Ease Airport Security Checks
Getaway Essentials
Packing For Carry On

Make boring business trip and meeting more exciting

This week I was on a business trip for a great big small company sales conference.

While out and about one of the sales reps pleasantly surprised everyone when she turned on some music. It was surprising since the music was loud and for the most part clear, yet it was not coming from a boombox. It was from an iPhone that was connected, at least at that time, to a set of small rectangular speakers. Quite a few people were interested to find out what kind of speakers those are and how come she had them with her on a business trip. Her answer was very interesting and both cool regarding the gadget and insightful regarding its application.
The speakers that she had along were Jawbone JAMBOX. The 12-ounce box can produce extreme high and low frequencies from a small dome speaker. The Jambox promises up to 10 hours of continuous play. She brings this little gadget, which is about 6x2x2 inches, to meetings with clients. That is such a great idea. What is a better way to lighten up a mood of another business meeting and break the ice than with some good music. Music revitalizes, divert, and entertains. The client coming into the room with one expectation, but a greeted with a much better one.
This speakers can be connected either through Bluetooth or wires. Since the sales person already has her iPhone with her at all times, her music is also there waiting to be released. It makes a great accessory for a trip to lighten the mood and share the tunes.

Comment below and let us know if you use any gadgets to entertain the clients or yourself that might be a bit of a different tune

Why good to have on a trip:
- compact size
- great sound
- easy connectivity, can be used with no wires
- music lightens the mood and great to share

Did You Know?:
Music has the ability to strengthen or weaken emotions. It can calm, inspire or energize you. It transcends language, culture, gender and age. Music affects us whether we know it or not. Music can help you concentrate or distract.

Top 10 travel gadgets for Dad on the go

1.Portable laptop/tablet
Laptops are getting smaller and lighter and if you can you should bring one along. With a laptop you can go online, read emails, check Facebook, watch movies, store photos and videos. They are convenient to have period. And now with the tablet it is even easier to take one on a trip.

Laptop/tablet reviews:
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,9,00.asp
http://www.consumersearch.com/laptops/compare
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,2806,2358246,00.asp


2. i/Android Phone
A smart phone lets you access travel tools such as emails, maps, GPS, compass, check the Internet for hotel and restaurant reviews etc.
The iPhone/Pad/Pod is essential for killing time while traveling on buses, trains, and airplanes. With amount of apps available these days for these and Android phones you can keep everyone entertained for ours, find useful information, and simply find and listen to music while on a trip.


3. Travel related Apps

Best travel app I have seen yet! It is awesome and it's free

(NOTE: Language packs must be purchased from within the app)

Wi-Fi Finder - Instantly find Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are online or offline(free)
FlightTracker - Live Flight Status Tracker
Currency Converter- up-to-date exchange rate information for over 100 currencies and countries(free)
Spanish Phrasebook - 630 spoken phrases
Google Translate - Translate words and phrases between more than 50 languages
TripIt - Travel organizer (free)
GasBag - gas price finding applications (free)
Shazam - quickest and easiest way to discover more about music, identify the track, buy it, check out the videos, get the lyric
Gowalla - social travel guide and passport on your phone (free)
Truphone - transforms your 2nd or 3rd generation iPod Touch into a phone (free, though rate charges apply)


4.Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Music just makes the day go faster and helps you immerse in your own world and your relaxation. Give your dad a music interlude with comfortable and stylish noise-cancelling headphones to provide him with some uninterrupted personal time.

Noise-cancelling headphones give the ability to listen to what they want while avoiding outside interference and help reduce the risk of hearing impairment as well. These headphones also provide excellent music quality. With high sensitivity, excellent impedance and a wide frequency range. Frequent travelers consider noise-cancelling headphones a necessity rather than a luxury. This gadget would be something that is at the top of the list of things to take along on flight or ride. They can:
- reduce the whoosh of airplanes' ac and engines
- tune out snoring neighbors
- drown out kid noise
- just help you tune out

Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?

Cool Find of Today: How Do Noise Reducing Headphones Work?

5. Water bottle 
Reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated during the trip, keeps the liquid cool, and can be used over and over instead of buying and carrying multiple water bottles. Hence these bottles save money, space and weight. And they also help save our planet.
It is well known that to avoid waterborne creepy crawlies you should not drink tap water in places where you are not sure about its quality. Having a reusable water bottle with you instead, you can fill it up at a hotel or other sources of safe drinking water before heading out.
Also bottled water available for purchase has a significant impact on the environments we visit. A better choice and also much cheaper would be to take a reusable water bottle. That combined with a water purifier would make travel more budget-friendly, healthier, as well as eco-friendly.


6. Compact Digital Camera
A digital camera is probably the most essential travel tool so make sure you have one ready for your next trip.
When going on longer trips or tours, that would be better taken in without a lot of bags to drag around, it is great to take along a point-and-shoot camera. As mentioned in post Rechargeable batteries charger - saves money saves planet, it is more convenient to have a digital camera as well as rechargeable batteries. Some small cameras nowadays can take great shots that are almost as good as some semi-pro ones. Get your dad ready for the trip and his stint as a photo journalists with a digital camera with a 10x (or there about) optical zoom to have some great resolution memories. It would also be great to have a little folding tripod like the one from Gorillapod with the digital camera. Gorillapod is a very bendy tripod. It goes just about anywhere with its flexible legs that can wrap around objects and let you take pictures without having to hold the camera. This way you can get a whole shot of the family without leaving dad behind the camera.

7. GPS
One of the most annoying things about going on vacation is getting lost. If you've never been to the area and aren't good at reading a map, then consider taking along a GPS. You'll be surprised at the number of options that you have for a GPS device. You'll find a number of pocket size, easy to use options in GPS, with more coming out every year. There's no excuse to get lost anymore!


8. Charging pad/pod
Most travelers are taking along a cell phone on their trips nowadays. A cell phone charger could certainly come in handy if your battery runs out and you aren't near your hotel, right? There are options for cell phone chargers that using hand crank technology, and an even smaller option that uses 1 AA battery to charge up your cell phone for a full 5 minutes of use. That should be long enough to call the hotel and get directions back to it or to call a taxi.

This would especially be great when traveling and have your cell phone and a couple of cameras and a GPS with you.  The Chargepod comes with 6 adapters to accomodate different types of connections as well. And you can tell that it is designed as a travel gadget since it is also compatible with all foreign 120/240 V adapter wall plugs. It is compatible with most phones, PDAs, MP3 players, GPS and portable gaming systems.

Charging pad - lets you charge multiple electronics at once without having to plug all of them in an outlet. Only the charging pad gets plugged in and all other gadgets are placed on top of it. The devices are charged using inductive charging. It is a wireless charging method used for mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs

9. Digital Travel Clock & Photo Frame
Foldable digital travel clocks are great to have as you can set them up ahead of time and would not need to figure out the ones provided in the hotel rooms each time you travel. Dad can tote these with him wherever he goes as they are light and some can be set for multiple time zones. Perfect solution for the dad who travels a lot.
Moreover, the digital clocks with photo frames are great gift for dad or other frequent travelers so that they can always keep photos of their friends and family with them as the picture viewer comes built into the clock. Upload your favorite family photos and wake up to them every morning no matter where you are in the world


10. Swiss Army knife
Swiss Army knife - its a classic multi-tool. Everything you need and more within one device. The basic models include a blade, scissors, nail file with a screwdriver tip, tweezers, and a key ring. Now it also comes with tech gadgets such as USB, flashlight, digital clock and thermometer. Dad would be glad to have this gadget along (make sure it travels in checked-in luggage) on a trip as it can be very handy in numerous situations and make him feel like a regular Macgyver. Check out multiple versions on SwissArmy site http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/default.aspx?category=multitools&

Did You Know?:
With regular headphones you have to turn the volume up several decibels to drown out the noise around you. Even raising the music a few decibels can cause permanent significant damage to hearing.