1. Pinch Provisions Miniemergency Kit – These kits are my new favorite obsession. I got one for my birthday, and ever since, I don’t leave the house without it. They include everything, and once you have it, you don’t know how you survived without it. This is especially useful when traveling abroad because it is so small it can easily fit in your large carry tote. It literally has everything you could ever need. CON: Once you use something you need to order more mini things. What I’ve started to do is look for my own mini stuff at the dollar store and put them in my kit myself. The pack even had room for me to add my own mini hand sanitizer (for when you’re roaming the street markets in the Middle East and desperately need to clean your hands so you can eat your delicious Kabob)!
http://www.pinchprovisions.com for lots of colors or at Urban Outfitters (usually only has one or two different styles in stock) - $16 well spent
2. Tory Burch York Tote – This fashionable tote is the most practical and useful luxury bag I’ve seen in a while. It includes a wonderful padded center zippered pouch (perfect for your laptop) and includes five more pockets on the inside, including one with a zipper. While the bag doesn’t have a closure, I find that my belongings do not fall out. It’s a pretty deep bag, and the structure of the tote provides a place for everything. I like all the colors, but for travel, go with black or luggage (better known as camel). Something I really liked about this bag is the weight. It’s not too heavy (unless you add your laptop) and I like the limited hardware, so it is not too flashy. For the price, you’re getting a lot. Most of the other large Tory Burch Totes/Purses are at least $100 more expensive. CON: I would not recommend bringing this bag if you have limited space (for example, you’re going backpacking through Europe). This is more of a fashion forward tote that you can use when you’re living the life of luxury, not necessarily trying to pack 2 months of clothes in something that is as small as possible.
http://www.toryburch.com/york-buckle-tote/22149613.html or at Nordstrom or Bloomingdales -- $295
3. Moovit: Live Transit Info Application – This app allows you to find your way around an unknown city easily and quickly. It’s free on the App Store, and helps you map a trip using buses, trains, or subway. It includes arrival times, updated line schedules, local station maps, and service alerts/changes that may affect your trip. The app supports major US cities (including NY, Chicago, Miami, SF, Boston, LA, DC and many more), as well as hundreds of worldwide cities in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Russia, Netherlands, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico City, Peru, New Zealand, Philippines, Malaysia, Greece, South Korea, and Norway. It’s easy to use and great for navigating around a city you are otherwise unfamiliar with. Use it at home to test it out before using it abroad! CON: The app often displays information in the language of the country you are in. It may be difficult for some users, but overall, I was able to figure it out without speaking the language.
Available for Apple, Android, and Windows Phones – FREE
4. Mophie PowerStation – This bad boy has saved me too many times. They have so many different ones, and I would recommend going with whichever model you think suits you best. They have powerstations that can provide you with anywhere from 2X extra battery to 8X extra battery. If you are like me, and use your phone constantly, especially when traveling, this is a must have! It’s compact, and light, but also important to have if you will not be close to an outlet for many hours. It charges back up quickly, so plug it in while you’re sleeping, and it will be ready for the next day no problem. CON: You have to charge it after using it, duh.
http://www.mophie.com/shop/universal-batteries or at your local electronic store or Apple Store – $49.95 - $129.95
http://www.pinchprovisions.com for lots of colors or at Urban Outfitters (usually only has one or two different styles in stock) - $16 well spent
2. Tory Burch York Tote – This fashionable tote is the most practical and useful luxury bag I’ve seen in a while. It includes a wonderful padded center zippered pouch (perfect for your laptop) and includes five more pockets on the inside, including one with a zipper. While the bag doesn’t have a closure, I find that my belongings do not fall out. It’s a pretty deep bag, and the structure of the tote provides a place for everything. I like all the colors, but for travel, go with black or luggage (better known as camel). Something I really liked about this bag is the weight. It’s not too heavy (unless you add your laptop) and I like the limited hardware, so it is not too flashy. For the price, you’re getting a lot. Most of the other large Tory Burch Totes/Purses are at least $100 more expensive. CON: I would not recommend bringing this bag if you have limited space (for example, you’re going backpacking through Europe). This is more of a fashion forward tote that you can use when you’re living the life of luxury, not necessarily trying to pack 2 months of clothes in something that is as small as possible.
http://www.toryburch.com/york-buckle-tote/22149613.html or at Nordstrom or Bloomingdales -- $295
3. Moovit: Live Transit Info Application – This app allows you to find your way around an unknown city easily and quickly. It’s free on the App Store, and helps you map a trip using buses, trains, or subway. It includes arrival times, updated line schedules, local station maps, and service alerts/changes that may affect your trip. The app supports major US cities (including NY, Chicago, Miami, SF, Boston, LA, DC and many more), as well as hundreds of worldwide cities in the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Russia, Netherlands, Israel, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico City, Peru, New Zealand, Philippines, Malaysia, Greece, South Korea, and Norway. It’s easy to use and great for navigating around a city you are otherwise unfamiliar with. Use it at home to test it out before using it abroad! CON: The app often displays information in the language of the country you are in. It may be difficult for some users, but overall, I was able to figure it out without speaking the language.
Available for Apple, Android, and Windows Phones – FREE
4. Mophie PowerStation – This bad boy has saved me too many times. They have so many different ones, and I would recommend going with whichever model you think suits you best. They have powerstations that can provide you with anywhere from 2X extra battery to 8X extra battery. If you are like me, and use your phone constantly, especially when traveling, this is a must have! It’s compact, and light, but also important to have if you will not be close to an outlet for many hours. It charges back up quickly, so plug it in while you’re sleeping, and it will be ready for the next day no problem. CON: You have to charge it after using it, duh.
http://www.mophie.com/shop/universal-batteries or at your local electronic store or Apple Store – $49.95 - $129.95