Travel

You don’t have to be a celebrity to look like one with these awesome carry-on items. They will make you look and feel like a major celebrity. Check them out below and happy traveling.

1. An oversized shoulder bag

It is rare that you see any celebrity boarding a plane without an oversized bag on their shoulder. It is the perfect accessory for fashion and function. There are so many brands and styles that are affordable and you can fit  able to fit all of your carry-on items inside so easily.

A great bag that comes in several colors for whatever your style is. Fits everything you’ll need for your summer travels!

Vintage grain leather bag in a hobo style that looks fashionable and has full zipper closures so nothing falls out! (also available in red and brown)

This bag does double duty as a great carry on bag and then beach bag once you reach your destination – plus they’re cute!

2. Noise Cancelling Headphones

One of the most popular items that celebrities use when traveling are noise cancelling headphones. If you really want to get some rest or simply want to listen to some good music while flying then this is the product for you.  There are many brands on the market to choose from and range from very affordable to very expensive so just shop around and find the best pair for you.

Bose has long been known for their high quality products and these headphones are no exception. Travel in style, comfort, and functionality when you add these to your carry-on bag.

Whatever you’re listening to you’ll feel like you’re immersed when you’re wearing these headphones. They’re come with an adapter so that you can plug in and listen on most audio devices.

If you want to look stylish and have a great pair of headphones consider these. They are wireless and hold a charge for many hours. You’ll need bluetooth capability but they can connect to a variety of devices.

3. Facial Skin Spray

This is a must have if you want walk off the plane looking as refreshed as all the celebrities do.  It is not just because they were comfortable in First Class either. They pack a light skin facial mist to freshen up before deplaning.  Now you may have Paparazzi waiting for you but you will still look great for the rest of your day

With a light scent of citrus this is a great choice for someone that wants to hydrate and reduce excess oil.

This is like a liquid moisturizer and has a lot of nourishing components to do more than just moisturize but repair.

The perfect travel size to toss in your bag. This basic moisturizer is great to spray on while in flight or after landing.

4. Oil Absorbing Tissues

So you have your facial mist, but before you use it, you will want to blot your facial area with an oil absorbing tissue. If you have never heard of these handy tissues before they are very popular in Asia and ideal for travelers. The best part about packing these is not only their great function but they come in small packages and take up little room in your bag.

These purifying sheets are excellent especially if you travel wearing makeup – they won’t remove it, just the excess oil.

Not only do these come in a VERY cute case but the tissues are great to remove excess oil; with charcoal, green tea and mulberry.

Could you possibly feel more fancy than with these? Absorbent sheets that are infused with gold flakes? Yes please!

5. Eye Serum

If you want help with puffy eyes after a long flight, then go to your favorite cosmetics counter and ask for a good eye serum.  You can just throw it into your carry-on and can put in on under and around your eyes.And voila, your friends or family who pick you up will see a fresh and awake

These nourishing eye serums are offered in a trial or travel size. Hydrate your eye area and moisturize on the go – good for sensitive skin too.

A serum to help reduce puffiness and lines. This product comes in a travel size so that you can toss in your bag and go.

Admittedly not a serum but fantastic for hydrating and reducing puffiness especially for those who struggle with their eyes when flying.

6. Travel Jewelry Case

Pick a cool, yet functional jewelry case, so you can easily and stylishly pack all your jewelry and accessories to match your outfits that you packed. They come in hard cases and also cloth so pick what works for you and that you have room for in your luggage. If you go light on accessories you can also use this case to add in some of your beauty products to keep everything organized. 

With zippers and clips for all types of jewelry and a soft fold up design, this small jewelry organizer will fit easily in any carry-on bag.

A hard case with a vintage feel, pop this into your bag and have a functional jewelry box at your destination!

This organizer has lots of zippers to add a variety of things – including your beauty products if desired. A great organizing tool.

7. Stylish Sunglasses

When is the last time you saw a photo of a celebrity coming off of an airplane without sunglasses on?  If you really want to make a statement and feel like a celebrity go with a large frame. There’s so many different styles in your favorite stores so you should have no trouble finding a stylish pair to wear on your next trip. And yes go ahead and wear them in the airport terminal as well as when you board the plane.

Classic and stylish you’ll look and feel like a celeb when you step on the plane wearing these!

I LOVE these glasses because they’re insanely affordable and have loads of different styles. No excuse not to have a few pairs on hand!

It doesn’t get more stylish than Jackie O! You’ll look classically chic in these shades no matter where your travels take you.

8. Travel Blanket Throw Set

For comfort and style find yourself a blanket throw set that includes an ice wrap to keep you warm because we all know blankets on the airplanes and especially pillows are hard to come by.  Pick a really fun color so that you stand out that way you’ll really look like a celebrity too. Need more suggestions? I’ve got a whole post dedicated just to travel blankets.

Versatile Blanket Scarf

Choose a blanket scarf if you’re running low on space. Use it as a wrap in transit and a flight blanket in the air.

A soft light weight blanket to add to your carry-on bag. Use the attached bag as a pillow cover for the airline pillow.

Even if you have to travel in coach this set will make you feel like you’re in first class. Relax with these lovely cashmere travel set.

9. Fedora Hat

Wearing a fedora on the plane and off is a fun way to add some style to your travel outfit. We always see stars wearing cool hats as leave the airport so why can’t you?  You will see them in your finer department stores as well as discount stores so don’t worry about the price just go for the style.

Sun protection and style in one. This is a roll up hat so don’t worry about it breaking while you’re traveling.

A twist on a traditional fedora for those who want something a little bit different.

A classic, affordable fedora hat. With a price point that won’t make you feel too bad if you forget it when you go home.

10. Something to Read

Don’t forget to add some reading material to your bag! Of course celebrity magazines are always an option but if you’re more interested in something a bit more literary choose a great book (or three) for your flight and vacation.

You may also want to see the books I’ll be reading this summer here – A Globally Inspired Summer Reading List

For Grey’s Anatomy lovers this book will really resonate and get you engrossed. A great summer read.

Hitchcock meets Morocco? This suspense thriller is a great option for someone that wants something a little more engrossing than a beach read!

The 1960’s. Europe. A car. A love story and so much more. All the components of a great summer read.

One summer, before we lived in Morocco, but when we were here visiting, my mother in law asked what I was constantly looking at on “my screen.” The screen was an e-reader and it was of course a book. She was surprised that every time I was sitting in the house I would read. To me, it was a completely normal part of life. I grew up with a book in my hand and it is the one hobby I enjoy the most. I can’t imagine reading for pleasure not being a part of my life.

Recently, I’ve read several very good books and have at least ten more on my list to be read next. I put together this list however to give you some inspiration for your summer reading. The books I’m attracted to the most are historical fiction and novels set in places around the world I love. You’ll see that thread running through this list.

Books I Loved

These are a few of the books I’ve read in the last six months and really enjoyed – and think you will too!  If you’re looking for books to read this summer, start here. I’ve read them all and found them worth picking up.

I first read this author in her book Sweetness in the Belly and fell madly in love with her writing style. As soon as I discovered this book I snatched it up and devoured it. The story line is set in Vietnam and it’s a tale of immigrants, conflict, love, identity, place, and food. A fantastic read.

I’ve been recommending this book over and over again – and I’ve got MarocBaba to read it right now. It’s such a fantastic story that plays into current events, humanity and a little bit of science fiction but not so much that you’re left scratching your head. If you choose just one book, make it this one.

The title of this book threw me off and so it sat in my wish list for a really long time until something pushed me to buy it. I am really glad I did. Having grown up in the Midwest I could relate to the main character and the story kept me engaged. It was another story I read quickly because I kept wanting to see how it all would end.

The Beautiful American was not at all what I thought it would be but so much more. I really enjoy novels that center around World War II, and this one is set just after. It’s focus on the life of expats was what drew me in but the plot stuck with me. Probably not a beach read but a good choice for a more thoughtful and dramatic story.

This book got a lot of praise last year and it was on my radar. However, I rarely read books set around the Civil War because I just have a hard time connecting. This was not the case with this book. Similar in plot style to Exit West (which is often suggested to those who enjoyed this book), but a little more heart wrenching it tells the story of a literal underground railroad delivering slaves from the south to the north and the trials and tribulations along the way. A must read.

Not a novel at all but the story of living and loving in a global world. It’s the story of our family too and I’m looking forward to digging in.

Not a lot of books cover the post-World War II period, and fewer yet focus on the women and the situations they faced after the war. This book does just that. An engaging read from the very beginning.

In a postapocalyptic 2075 world the US is fractured into war zones and refugee camps and is much a story of “what if” as a coming of age tale of the main character Sarat and what life is like in these conditions.

I am actively seeking to read more stories by African authors and set in Africa. This fits both of those categories. In this story a Nigerian man returns to Lagos after living in New York City for 15 years and the book details that journey

Set in Indonesia and combining a bit of politics and a lot of food I’m really looking forward to “digging in” to this book. The book gets really mixed reviews so I’m looking forward to giving it  my own opinion.

A novel set in Israel/Palestine in the midst of the 6-Day War this book combines family, war and love. It’s a glimpse into the reality of life in the Middle East and asks the question, “what if you can’t go home?”

Set in 18th century Ghana this story tells the tale of two half sisters; one sold into slavery and one married to a British slaver. It traces the generations that follow across continents and hundreds of years of history.

A novel about jealousy, the unpredictable path of friendship, and the secrets kept in marriage, all set within the U.S. expat community of the Middle East during the rise of the Arab Spring. YES, I am itching to start this one!

That’s what I’ve read and am reading this summer! I hope you’ll enjoy some of these books too.

Looking for the best travel gadgets of 2018? If you’re like me then you LOVE your technology and are always on the hunt for something new to make life a little easier. Not all technology has to be electronic and as you’ll see in this post many travelers use modern technological conveniences to make life easier on the road.

I asked several other travel bloggers what their tech travel must haves were and put together this list to give you some new ideas! Obviously I don’t recommend packing all of these things for your next vacation but you might discover something new that will make your next trip a little easier.

The hardest part? Choosing which one you want to try next!

One of the best travel gadgets I have is a portable electronic luggage scale. I first realised this was something I needed when I was moving to Canada and all my luggage was over, including my hand luggage. My checked luggage was at 32kg which is the max and it resulted in me having to throw some items away to get within the limits. 

I now travel frequently and sometimes use different airlines and visit multiple destinations. They often all have different allowances for both checked and hand luggage, so by having a small and portable luggage scale means that I never have to worry about going over as I can easily keep an eye on it

Mike of Travel and Destinations

When I ask a stranger to take a photo, it always turn out terrible. One of the best gadget that a solo traveler can have is this amazing selfie stick. This is not a normal selfie stick as it has an in-built tripod which allows for handsfree photographs.

The difference between this model and other selfie stick-with-tripod is that the tripod here is in-built, whereas other models come with an attachable (and bulky) tripod. When the legs are shut, it looks and feel just like any selfie stick, making it extremely portable Simply place it on a flat ground, frame your shot, and snap away! It comes with a Bluetooth remote, but you can also use a timer or the timelapse mode on a Gopro for candid shots.

Some examples of photos taken with the selfie stick-cum-tripod.

Owen of My Turn to Travel

The one thing which I never forget when I plan a short or long trip is my travel case for small accessories and electronics.The case is a medium sized handy material where I keep my mobile,cameras,torch lights, batteries,fm radios,watches,flash lights and some other important accessories.It is durable and portable and the good thing is that I can carry it wherever I want without many hurdles.

Another important feature is that it is readily available in Amazon stores at an affordable price without spending too much money. I just love this case as it has helped me a lot without worrying too much about the safety and carrying too many bags during any trip.It can be inserted easily in the bag that you are carrying alongside with you without any hassles.

Somnath of Travel Crusade

I won’t leave home without myTravelTap water filter bottle.  This nifty little piece of engineering lets me drink tap or river water because of its ingenious filter system. I not only save $$$ (because even in SE Asia buying bottle water costs on average US$20 a month), but I’m not putting two or three plastic bottles in a landfill every day.    The technology in the filter removes 99.9% of viruses, protozoa, anthrax and pathogens.  The filter auto shuts down when full, although it will filter around 1600 litres of water before that happens.  The British Army and disaster relief teams use this technology too.  AND it doesn’t leak when the bottle falls on its side!  When I’m in an area where the tap water is safe to drink, I just unscrew the filter and it’s a reusable water bottle too.  It’s a simple idea that saves me money and the world from an ecological nightmare!

Note: This bottle is not available in the US. For a similar product, I have linked to Lifestraw bottles.

Sarah of A Social Nomad

Purchasing or renting a mobile WiFi device can be a cost-effective way to maintain an internet connection while you are on the road. I don’t go anywhere without my Skyroam Solis 4G LTE global WiFi hotspot. This easy to use, palm sized gadget easily fits into my backpack or jacket pocket. It promises unlimited WiFi in more than one hundred countries. For under $10 per day you can connect up to five devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) at time. You pay only for the days you use. With 16+-hour battery life, you can take with you for a full day of exploring and never worry about it running out of juice. Plus it acts as a power bank to keeps your devices charged wherever you go.

Dana of Dana Freeman Travels

Just a couple years ago if you wanted to take your phone around at a water park or while doing some type of watersport, you needed an expensive case to keep it dry. I was happy to find a very inexpensive fix when I went to a waterpark in Texas last year. Looking around there were tons of people wearing a plastic dry bag pouch around their necks. This allowed them to carry a protected phone around with them. You can also check the time easily and see if you have any notifications through the plastic. I found one online for $7 and bring it everywhere now.

Dan of Honeymoon Always

The travel gadget I don’t leave home without with is definitely my noise cancelling headphones. Not only is the sound quality great when listening to music or watching a movie but they also cancel out that dreary hum from the plane engine.

Maybe you just want to chill or get some work done at a cafe or other public place, switch them on with or without music and you will feel like you are in your own space.

My favourite way to use them though is when I’m trying to get some sleep on a plane. I connect them to my phone and then play the “sleep well” app, this is a guided meditation which then plays a low sleep inducing sound. I get good chunks of sleep this way and I no longer dread overnight flights.

Kaylie of Happiness Travels Here

As people who love to travel with laptops, a DSLR camera and lenses, and all sorts of electronic accessories, the peace of mind that our Pacsafe brings us is unmatched. Lightweight and extremely durable, the Pacsafe is a portable safe designed to attach to whatever the strongest item in your hotel/hostel/apartment is when traveling: the bathroom sink, the base of the toilet, the bed frame in a pinch.

When we go out for the day, particularly in places where the rooms feel less secure, we place all of our electronic gear, our passports and backup credit cards into our Pacsafe, lock it to the strongest thing in the room, and set off far less worried about theft than we would be otherwise. In some destinations, we use it on a daily basis, and to us, it is worth every penny!

Kate of Our Escape Clause

A handy little gadget that simply clips on to your smartphone, the rechargeable Selfie Ring Light is a great tool to enhance your photos. There are three different brightness settings to remove shadows and wrinkles from faces, but I personally find it more useful as a backlight for food photos and to improve the quality nighttime shots in dark bars and lounges. For less than $15, it’s a great thing to throw in your purse that makes all your photos look like they were shot with a professional camera.

Lauren of The Downlo

As a professional travel blogger and photographer, Since 2012 I never traveled without my Canon 5D Mark II. It was my number one camera for taking great pictures. But making travel videos with it was a different story. It was simply too bulky and heavy. I decided to buy the Canon G7X Mark II exclusively for making travel videos. But I have to admit that my DSLR stays at the hotel a little bit more often nowadays. It’s one of the most popular camera’s for vlogging but the point-and-shoot camera takes incredible pictures as well. Perfect for traveling light, without compromising on quality.

Denise of In Het Vliegtuig

One gadget I don’t leave home without on my travels is my remote clicker. As a solo traveller, I love to try and capture pictures of me on my adventures. And when you’re hiking somewhere remote (for example, along the Pembrokeshire Coast path) there is not always someone to take your photo. The remote clicker works great with my camera, I simply set my tripod up then can jump around (I like jumping photos) to capture my shot. It’s small and easily fits in your pocket, in fact, it’s so small I’ve nearly lost it a few times! This not only works for solo travellers but couples or families that want to include everyone in the photo

Becky of Becky the Traveller

Olympus OMD E10 Mark lll
I’ve been using this Olympus mirrorless for over a month and after testing it against different weather conditions and, destinations and situations, I have realized it is perfect for anyone looking forward to packing as light as possible without compromising the quality of their photography.
Pair the body with a wide angle lens and a telephoto one plus a tripod and you are good to go!

Inma of A World to Travel

I almost never travel without this gem of a tripod in my bag. I have a compact Canon EOS M6 mirrorless camera and this tripod can hold it perfectly well. I have been able to shoot some excellent timelapses with this. My husband carries a DSLR and the best part is, this tripod can hold that as well! Of course, not with the huge telephoto lenses. This is excellent for those strenuous hikes where you can’t carry too much. The legs are sturdy and unlike other cheap mini tripods, this is made of a durable material. The ball head is the easiest I have worked with. Just press, adjust the camera and move on! And if I take the right holder for my phone and action camera, this can hold them with the same ease as it holds anything else. This is also excellent for vlogging because it gives you a perfect distance away from the camera. The only downside is that you cannot be sure whether you have set the camera in a flat angle. But that is true with any mini tripod.

Anuradha of Travel Highway

If there is one thing I never travel without it is a travel towel. I never know when I’ll be staying in a hotel, Airbnb, hostel, or camping and will need an extra towel so there is always one in my bag.  Not only that, but they are eco-friendly, as using one prevents hotels from constantly washing once used towels.

Travel towels are not normal bath towels. Oh no – they are so much more. A good travel towel should be lightweight, quick – drying, Anti-microbial, compact, and comfortable.  I’ve has my Youphoria travel towel for almost three years now, and it has held up through all my camping adventures through Africa and beyond!

Seriously, get yourself a travel towel for your next trip! They are cheap and can easily save you when you are in a bind!

Natasha and Cameron of The World Pursuit

I love camping and making road trips, but it can be a challenge to power your devices when you are wild-camping in a beautiful secluded spot of nature. Or when you are hiking in Nepal and must pay to charge your phone/camera/tablet in the cozy tea lodges. For those moments I have my portable solar panel!

This lightweight panel (12.8 oz/363g) can charge your smartphone, GPS and most USB devices directly. For tablets and camera’s you’ll need to charge a power bank, for example the Venture 30 Power Bank and with this power bank you can charge those devices as well. Of course you’ll need sunny weather and a bit of time, but on a good camping trip those should be available in abundance.

Lotte of Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog

Cold Brew Coffee Bottle
I care about my coffee. Like a lot. I lived on a coffee farm in Nicaragua for a month just to learn more about it.

I’ve played around with more brewing methods while traveling than I can count (melitta pour over, aeropress, Costa Rican chorreador), but when I started using this cold brew coffee water bottle, I stuck with it. First of all, cold brew is my favorite (it’s smoother and wayyy less acidic! NO heartburn!). This water bottle has a little filter inside that you fill with coffee, then you fill the bottle with water and let it sit for 24 hours. It can sit in heat during long travel days – just pop it in the fridge before bed. You can even cold brew iced tea with loose leaf tea (I like earl grey with lavender buds). If you want hot coffee one morning, just pour it into a mug and microwave it. You have to play around with it a few times to get your perfect cup, but once you do, it’s SO EASY to clean, use, and carry around, and so tasty. I’m obsessed!

Elizabeth of Temporary Provisions

Having been through all sorts of sizes the past few years, I’ve become more conscious of my figure. So I adapted a healthy diet and got into working out. I got so consumed with this lifestyle to the point that I make sure I get enough calories and protein in a day. (I’m not anorexic but I just want to look good when I need to take off my shirt in public.#humblebrag)

Someone that’s on the go as I am, working full-time and some traveling here and there , I just can’t live without my trusty portable battery powered blender where I make my protein smoothie anywhere! These portable blenders are gifts from above. It is like the outdated Blend n’ Go but with a built-in motor. I’m still amazed of how flexible it is and you can charge it anywhere through a USB cable.

I always love it when traveling when I take a quick stop at the grocery to buy some ingredients for my smoothie. With Just one press of a button , I ‘ll have my customized smoothie and back to sightseeing again. That is such a huge convenience for me. Talk about on the “On the go” on another level! If you want to maintain your physique while traveling , then the portable blender is the way to go.

Anything under Our Stars

The Safe-Go is a small portable safe that locks to a beach chair, stroller, bench, tree, (whatever!) that can hold your valuables. I seriously love this travel gadget, and bring it with me everywhere! Everyone who sees it wants one immediately, it really is genius! The SafeGo holds a wallet, keys and two iPhones easily, which is typically what I have along at the beach. I am so happy to be able to go into the water or take a stroll and not have to worry about where I am going to hide my phone! When we’ve traveled with kids we’ve also used it to lock our stroller to a beach chair, which is also an awesome hack when you’re traveling with kids.

Kaitlyn of Tear Free Travel

Generally when I travel there are never enough outlets near the hotel bed for me to charge all of my electronics at once. I have to prioritize, generally keeping my phone and laptop near me while scattering my other belongings around the room wherever there’s an outlet available, sometimes even having to charge electronics in the bathroom.

US-based Android fans should check out Project Fi, Google’s innovative low-cost phone carrier that covers 135+ countries. US monthly rates consist of a flat fee of $20 for unlimited calls and texts plus data at $10 per gigabyte. Overseas rates are identical except that calls are 20¢/minute. Fi is currently only available to US residents and on Google phones like the Pixel or the budget-friendly Android One Moto X4. Older Google phones also work; I’ve used Fi on my Nexus 5X in eight countries without a hitch. Love crossing a border and having instant coverage. No more local SIM cards or roaming charges!

Ingrid of Second Half Travels

Most of you would agree when I say that the secret to happy travels is less baggage. If you want to enjoy more and worry less then travel light.  What’s that one thing you think of when you think of travel? Of course, Camera! That’s a must! We all love to take a zillion of pictures of us at the lovelylocations we travel to. Photographs are the beautiful reminders of the moments we spent at the
places we visited.

A good and professional camera like DSLR can take up a lot of space and add to your baggage as it’s bulky. Carrying it around your neck or on your shoulder all the time can spoil the fun. Don’t we all want to make lasting memories with ease! To avoid the hassle, I use my One plus 5T mobile phone with pro camera features. It has seriously turned DSLR redundant for me. It’s pocket-friendly, convenient and never fails to surprise me with its camera performance. I just click a picture, use filter (editing apps) and share it instantly on all the social media channels. Made my life as a traveller easy!

Anjali of Travel Melodies

From safari camps in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to goat-hair Bedouin tents in the middle of Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert, we tend to travel to a lot of places where keeping your electronic devices charged can be a bit of a challenge. In some, access to electricity is limited to just a few hours each day. For those situations, the LightSaver from PowerFilm is a surprisingly powerful little solar panel for its size. It measures 18.5 inches long and 7.8 inches wide. But it’s designed to be ultra-portable, rolling up into a pocket-sized (1.5-inch) package not much bigger than a roll of quarters. It fully recharges with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, and its 3200 mAh battery is strong enough to charge your phone and one other small electronic device every day.

Bret & Mary of Green Global Travel

One gadget I have found particularly useful on my travels is a headphone splitter. It is very cheap to buy, and simply turns one headphone port on a phone or laptop into two ports, so then two people can listen at once. There are numerous times when travelling, where you have long periods of doing nothing, whether it be at a train station or airport, or on the actual journey itself. I love to in this time listen to music or a podcast, or watch a film/TV show.

However I’ve found sharing this experience is a great way to bond with fellow travelers, by enjoying the same entertainment as them, such as listening to a true crime podcast together, can make a 16 hour Indian bus journey fly by (well at least make it seem slightly quicker than it is!)

Nikon lens cleaning pen is the most useful thing in my camera kit (after my camera of course). The lens cleaning system has a retractable soft brush for dust and a flat disk-shaped chamois for removing dirt and smudges. The pen isn’t filled with liquid so it doesn’t leak. It’s the size of a marker so it doesn’t take up much space in my bag and I can easily slide it into a pocket for a more intensive photo shoot.

All of that for only about $7. It’s a workhorse for me and I don’t travel or go shooting without it.

Carol of Wayfaring Views

TripIt Phone App

One of our favorite iPhone apps for traveling is TripIt. This fantastic app keeps all of our travel plans in the one spot including an area to upload things like passport details in case they are lost on the road. It makes travel, especially with our kids, so much easier as there is no fumbling through emails trying to find our bookings. We just use the lite version that is free but for longer term travellers, the pro version may be useful to get information like real time flight alerts and easier ways to find alternate flights if yours is delayed or cancelled. We highly recommend this app.

Kate of Rolling Along with Kids

The Travly Photo App

As an avid amateur photographer I love taking photos with my iPhone. While snapping away all the time can easily become an addiction, it can be frustrating when it comes to organising photos on the phone. In 1.5 years I managed to get +8000 photos on my iPhone! After moving photos onto USB keys and storing them on iCloud, I was happy to come across Travly, a free photo journal app that allows me to snap shots directly from within the app. Moreover I can create beautiful geo-located photo albums that I can share through email or Facebook. But there are more special features, read on to learn more about how to manage photos on iPhone.

Michela of Rocky Travel

One travel gadget that I won’t be leaving home without is my new DJI Mavic Air drone.  For the longest time I resisted buying a drone because I was worried it would take too much room in my luggage and I like to travel super light.  But this new drone is both foldable and ultraportable.  It is super small (it can fit in a pocket) so it does not take much room in my bag. I love that I can use it to take amazing aerial photos and video of beautiful landscapes that would be impossible to get with a regular camera.

Matilda of The Travel Sisters

As a traveler, I swear by carrying a universal adapter.  For years, I’ve traveled with the same universal adapter, which is a must for anyone who travels abroad.  I find that carrying a universal adapter saves me money as instead of needing to buy a new hair straightener, I can drag the same American hair straightener with me that has traveled to countless countries with me.  Even when visiting countries close to each other, you might have very different plugs (e.g. Indonesia and Malaysia), so it’s best to prepared if you’re visiting more than one country on the trip as some countries are isolates compared to their fellow countries (e.g. Japan with American plugs).

Karen of Wanderlustingk

I never travel without a mini LED flashlight/lantern. This device isn’t just a flashlight. When placed upright on a flat surface (e.g., table or desk), it also functions as a lantern so you have a hands-free light source. I’ve taken mine on camping trips but it’s been most useful in developing countries where power failures and rolling blackouts are commonplace. You just never know when you’ll need it. From India to Rwanda, my mini flashlight/lantern has provided me with light when I needed it most.

The great thing about it is that it’s small and lightweight – a hand-held device that fits in your hand and takes up little space in a backpack or suitcase!

Helen of Not Without My Passport

One travel gadget I never leave home without is my power bank. My power bank can charge my phone, GoPro, Kindle and all my other USB cable gadgets through the USB ports. I have two power banks, one I use to carry in my purse if I am out all day, and another, larger, heavier one that I use for long days traveling in the car when I need to charge my electronics. I love them because it makes sure I don’t have any gadgets without power or function. They’re a lifesaver!

Nikki of Traveling Ginger

The Joby Gorillapod is a game changer for travellers. Its flexible legs easily allow it to be placed anywhere, whether on fences, poles, trees and of course flat surfaces. This comes with benefits. Easily take long exposure shots on crowded streets and hook it up at any angle to shoot from different perspectives. Best of all, it takes up minimal space, unlike a traditional tripod. Despite its flexible legs, the Joby Gorillapod is sturdy and allows you to take clear, crisp images. It plays towards the convenience factor and I’ve preferred it over my traditional tripod many times. It’s small, light and great for travel.

Samah of God and Wanderlust

My Kindle is the one gadget I never leave home without. As an avid reader and someone that will take any and every opportunity to pick up a book it’s been my constant companion for years. While I love reading paper books, they don’t travel very easily and I love being able to choose from my BIG library whatever I am in the mood for. Living abroad I learned to adapt and rely on my Kindle for English language reading material. You never know when you’ll be stuck sitting somewhere for hours! Plus, this version has a really long battery life. I only have to charge it every few weeks and I use it daily.

Me! Amanda of MarocMama

The holiday season is almost upon us! To help make shopping a bit easier, I have put together a few gift recommendations in my traveler’s gift guide. These suggestions are gifts for people who love to travel or gifts for people that dream of travel.

Travelers have a passion for new adventures. Finding the right gift will help them discover a brand new adventure. It could also help them remember past adventures they have taken.  Many of these recommendations are things that travelers love to have but often forget or opt out of purchasing when the travel budget gets tight.

Get out your list and let’s get to it and find the perfect gift for the traveler on your list!

GoPro: A fantastic way to document adventures. It’s what ever traveler wants to have in their travel bag!

Swiss Army Knife: These pocket knives always come in handy one way or another. A great choice for the traveler who likes outdoor adventures.

Noise Canceling Headphones: Keep those travel noise at bay with a set of nice headphones.

Set of 5 Reusable and Foldable Shopping Bags: These bags are great to take along on travels for added space.

World Traveler Recipe Keeper: When traveling, you come across some wonderful recipes. Collect them in this recipe keeper for future use.

Palais des Thés Signature Tea Set: A great way to have a taste of the world without leaving your kitchen.

World Globe Ornament: Deck the halls with this miniature world globe ornament.

• Secrets of National Parks Book: Give the gift of an expert tour guide with this book that is full of secrets about the National Parks.

• World Map Throw Pillow: Add some travel decor with this colorful throw pillow.

• Travel Posters: These fun travel posters make the perfect gift.

Sony Digital Camera: This camera is compact, which makes it perfect for travel. Plus, this type of camera gives high-quality results.

World Map Wall Clock: A handmade clock that displays a map of the world. A great gift idea for a globetrotter.

Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set: A good set of luggage will last a lifetime. This set is a great option. It has a hard shell and it comes in a variety of bright colors.

Solar Powered Clip Light: Shine some light on the subject (or book!) with this handy light that doesn’t require batteries or plugs.

Power Bank: Keeping devices charged while traveling doesn’t have to be a challenge with this power bank. Works with all different types of electronics.

evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray: Rejuvenate with just a few spritz. Great way to stay clean and fresh during travels or while camping.

My Favorite Place Decorative Globe: A world globe that has a meaningful message.

Etched Globe Decanter Set: This stunning set is handmade and comes with a decanter, stand, and glasses.

Monogrammed Luggage Tags: Personalized luggage tags are always a welcomed gift for a traveler.

Luggage Hanging Scale: Know exactly how much your luggage weighs to avoid any extra charges while flying.

Power Adapter: This handy gadget works in 150 countries.

Travelers Guide: Is the traveler on your list out of destination ideas? This guide has 75 travel destination suggestions.

Umbrella: Because the weather never stopped a traveler. Having a good umbrella is something often overlooked but a very welcome gift!

Vintage Landmark Postcards: You can use these as note paper, bookmarks, and even thank you notes.

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle: Fresh water is just a sip away with this two-stage filter water bottle.

Shoe Bags: Separate shoes with the help of these reusable bags.

Infinity Scarf with Secret Zippered Pouch: For quick and safe access to your money and other valuables… it is also fashionable.

Travel Makeup Brush Set: This set of makeup brushes are compact enough to throw in a bag without taking up a lot of space.

Sleep Mask: Traveling is hard work! Sleeping in odd places can be difficult. You can make it a bit easier with this sleep mask and pair of earplugs.

Earphone Winders: Earphones are always getting tangled. Avoid the problem with this set of earphone winders.

Coffee and Espresso Maker: With the tote that is included, this makes a great to go coffee set up for anyone who has to have coffee made the way they like.

Leather Toiletry Bag: Go with this bag for a more rustic option.

Waterproof Cosmetic Bags: This bag is a great way to keep cosmetics safe while on the go.

Packing Cubes: The perfect way to stay organized while traveling. Separate your clothing and toiletries and make finding what you need a snap.

Travel Jewelry Box: Keep rings, watches, bracelets, earrings, and more, safe and in their place with a travel jewelry box.

Travel Gift Card: You can’t go wrong when gifting a travel gift card. There are a ton of different options to choose from…. airlines, Airbnb, hotels.com, or even a Starbucks Gift Card.

1,000 Places to See Before You Die: Explore the world with these great travel destination ideas listed in this book.

Travel Bottles: Take along your favorite soap and shampoo with this set of travel bottles.

Multi-Function Stylus: This traveler’s gift idea has several uses. It can be a flashlight, stylus, and a writing pen. The perfect tool for those on the go.

Carry On Cocktail Kit: Enjoy a cocktail on your flight with all the extras needed to make a favorite drink. There are different drinks to choose from such as a margarita and Moscow Mule.

Kindle Paperwhite: The perfect way to pack a million books and pack only one slender device. This is a MUST for travelers who love to read!

Travel Stub Diary: This handy travel journal keeps all of your ticket stubs in a safe place. It reminds me of a ticket stub scrapbook.

Travel Journal: Travel journals are an important part of traveling. They help travelers document their adventures with pen and paper. This one would make an incredible gift for any traveler. It also comes with a pen and a gift box.

Brass Compass: This compass comes has an engraved quote perfect for those with a traveling heart, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams live the life you have imagined.”

World Map Laundry Bag: Dirty clothes have a stylish place to stay until laundry day comes around with this world map laundry bag.

Family Travel Document Organizer: This is a great travel accessory for traveling families. It keeps everyone’s important documents safe and secure.

Multi-purpose Rfid Blocking Travel Passport Wallet: Keep irreplaceable passports, ID’s, money, and more in this sleek and useful travel wallet. There are several colors to choose from.

Solid Perfume Stick: The perfect travel size that gives you a quick clean up mid travel.

TSA Approved Luggage Locks: Keep belongings safe with a set of luggage locks… TSA approved, of course. I like these because they come in a variety of colors along with a unique shape which can help you identify your luggage amongst a sea of similar suitcases.

Watercolor World Scratch Off Map: Hang this map on the wall and scratch off the different locations as you travel around the world. Beneath you will find a beautiful watercolor that fills in the countries.

What caught your eye on my traveler’s gift guide?

I fell in love with a few items I am going to gift myself this year!

Happy Travels!

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Perhaps you are at a loss as to what to get your friend who is a chef or the perfect food gift for men in your life. Food gifts are good for everyone! Your shopping problems are solved! You’ll find 30 gifts for foodies that will surely please the average foodie to the high end foodie on your holiday shopping list.  From books to clothing and everything in between, read on to find that special someone the foodie gift of their dreams!

Camping For Foodies Hammock With Attached Carrying And Accessory Bag – Know someone who loves to relax in the great outdoors, unplugged from the world, with book and drink in hand? This hammock features a pouch, perfect for storing beverages, snacks and the latest good read while lounging in the trees.

Camping For Foodies Campfire Funny Design Apron – Camping loving foodies will appreciate the humor and convenience of the tool holding pouches on this campfire designed apron. Help them stay clean, safe and lighthearted as they whip up breakfast in the wilderness.

Foodie Fight: A Trivia Game for Serious Food Lovers – Game night just got a little tastier with this version of trivia – 1,000 questions ranging from exotic cuisine to food history to celebrity chefs. Paired with some gourmet popcorn and candy, and you’ve got yourself a delicious foodie gift basket to give away.

Chef Essential 6 Piece Knife Set With Matching Sheaths – A modern and sleek designed knife set will make any chef giddy. These tools feature non-slip handles, carbon steel blades, and protective sheaths (eliminating the need for a knife block) and are perfect for veggies, fruits and boneless meats.

Camping For Foodies Flexible Cutting Mat – Whether it get hung in a camper, in the kitchen or at the cabin, this cheerful, flexible cutting mat makes chopping and transferring food to pans a breeze, not to mention it’s easy on the budget!

1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover’s Life List – Readers will take a journey through the world’s best dishes in this ideal book for foodies. Full of the simple to the exotic cuisine items with references on where to find each (whether it’s a restaurant, recipe or ingredient), your food loving friends are sure to have mouths watering and a new bucket list of food experiences to search out by the time they’re through.

Rösle Stainless Steel 9-inch Mincing Garlic Press – Garlic presses aren’t all created equal – we’ve gone through plenty of them to know that a quality tool is worth every penny spent. If you know someone who loves to create delicious, garlicky dishes, this garlic press is the ultimate – they will be thanking your over and over. And just maybe, you’ll get an invite for dinner!

Chicago Cutlery 18-Piece Knife Block Set – Any cook knows that quality kitchen tools make the difference when navigating through recipes. Quality knives are an absolute must, especially when they come with a lifetime warranty. Give a gift that will last a lifetime with this set of Chicago Cutlery and set your loved one up with all the precision essentials they could want.

Lodge EC6D33 Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven – Whoever said you have to spend a fortune to own a quality dutch oven!? The Lodge brand makes durable, stylish and easy to use/clean dutch ovens that are perfect for any kitchen. The 6 quart size is great for family meals with a few leftovers to go around.

The Food Lovers: Joy of Eating Cookbook – If you know someone who loves food but is trying to lose weight, this cookbook offers ideas for healthy yet tasty recipes that can still make tastebuds sing.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs – Inspire the little chef in your life with this lighthearted children’s book that imagines what life might be like if food fell from the sky.

The Deluxe Food Lover’s Companion – Seeking a unique gift for foodies? This dictionary-style reference to any kitchen question. Whether it’s an ingredient substitution, a measurement conversion, or wanting to understand the difference between a red, white and regular ginseng, this book holds 7,200 entries of useful information for the chef – or home cook – in your life.

Uideazone Mens 3d Delicious Food Bacon Print Tee – Could this be one of the best gifts for foodies? It is if you know someone who never sems to have enough bacon in their life! This t-shirt is the perfect piece for their wardrobe, not to mention great for a few laughs when opened.

The New Food Lover’s Companion – Whether a novice or pro in the kitchen, this reference guide has something for everyone. With breakdowns of food labels, cooking technique definitions, microwave oven conversions, substitution charts and more, many seasoned cooks have called it their “food bible” and swear they couldn’t live without it in their kitchen.

I Love my Food and Exercise Journal – Help loved ones reach their health goals for the new year with this food and exercise journal. With an easy to follow format, users can document their food intake, calories consumed and exercise achievements for each day to find that healthy balance between food and movement on a daily basis.

Food Jewelry – Grilled Cheese Earrings – In my foodie heart, there is a soft spot for the comfort of a grilled cheese – buttery bread sandwiching gooey cheese makes me so happy inside, and I can’t be the only one out there. Grilled cheese earrings are sure to be a conversation piece in any foodie’s wardrobe.

Foodie Top 100 Restaurants Worldwide – Top food critics joined forces to compile this list of 100 reservation-worthy restaurants from around the globe. With pictures, menus, critics’ tips and more, this book will inspire any traveling foodie to seek out the most innovative spots to nosh on their next travel adventure.

Men’s I Love Chipotle, Funny Spicy Food Lover Shirt – A shirt for that friend who can never get enough spice – you know the one, who always requests 5/5 on the heat factor at a restaurant, smothers anything from meat to potatoes to eggs in hot sauce, and when you share a spicy recipe with them, it’s never quite hot enough for their preference. Instead of buying them hot sauce (again!), opt for something a little more unusual.

Simply Organic Gourmet Top 24 Spices Set – Stock up the pantry with this 24 set of kitchen essential organic spices. This is the perfect gift for spice lovers who might need their kitchen restocked with something they are sure to use and love.

I Love Heart Food Protective Slim Hybrid Case for Apple iPhone 6 6s – Sleek and simple in design, if your foodie friend has an iPhone, help them cover it with words they love.

Women’s I Work Out Because Burritos Are Freakin’ Delicious! T-Shirt – If you know someone who loves to eat, loves to (or at least chooses to) workout, and has a great sense of humor, this shirt is sure to bring a smile.

Kids Jame’s Designs: I Love Spaghetti – Who doesn’t love a good, old fashioned, plate of spaghetti!? Kids will get a kick out of wearing one of their favorite foods on their own foodie styled shirt.

Foodie Craze the Food & Wine Trivia Game – Let your foodie loved one test their knowledge on cooking, food, wine and history with this unique game designed for the food lover, no matter how “seasoned” in their cooking experience they may be.

The Foodie’s Coloring Book – This gift is perfect for those whose motto is “cooking is art”. Paired with a set of colored pencils, and you’ve got yourself the perfection combination of art and food in this beautifully designed adult coloring book.

Kamenstein 20-Jar Revolving Spice Tower with Free Spice Refills – Give the gift of flavor with this revolving spice rack which features 20 kitchen essential FDA-approved spices. This rack is perfect for those who love to cook from scratch, as spices can be refilled for free for up to 5 years!

Little Foodie: Baby Food Recipes for Babies and Toddlers – Does your food loving friend have little ones at home? This cookbook proves adventurous foods can be part of the diet at any age. Baby and toddler recipes include unique purees all the way up to toddler finger foods, which include a chicken tajine and even a toddler-approved sushi bar.

Food, Inc – Food and politics come to play in this movie on how corporate America controls the food industry. If you know someone who likes to dig a little deeper into the processes bringing food to the table, this is an intriguing film to share.

Trader Joes Essential Everyday Seasoning and Spices Gift Set for foodies – Trader Joe’s might be one of my favorite grocery stores with all of the unique world foods they offer, not to mention the crazy good deals they have on cheese! Don’t have a Trader Joe’s location near you? Trader Joe’s exclusive seasonings can now be purchased online, and make a great addition to any kitchen.

YUM: plant-based recipes for a gluten-free diet – This unique cookbook offers healthy, plant-based meal ideas for gluten free dietary needs and makes cooking with new ingredients fun and educational- a great addition to any cookbook collection for those with special dietary needs and restrictions.

Lady Cameo Silicone Mold Food Safe Craft Mold – Know someone who loves to host themed parties or is all about the details when it comes to their baking and cooking? Now they can create one-of-a-kind candies, mints, ice, butter or even fondant pieces with this Victorian styled cameo mold.