Welcome to GADGETS. Here you will find some of my favorite travel gadgets to make the journey feel like your favorite cozy blanket. Whether it’s items to ease the airport shuffle, the plane ride, and hotel life TO feeling safe and secure and ready to embrace the adventure ahead.

WATERFLY ANTI-THEFT SLING BAG: I carry this bag. It’s designed for ease of carry and safety. A slim waterproof nylon bag with plenty of pockets. It can be worn over or under a coat or sweater for extra layer of security. Lays perfectly tucked under the arm, allowing for hands free movement and carry [make sure you specify right or left hand to ensure it lays for ease of access]. *Fit may vary.

TIP: A GOOD HABIT is to avoid leaving your passport, money, extra credit cards, or other personal items in your hotel room. I’d even caution on using a room safe. There are no guarantees.

BAGSMART HANGING TOILETRY BAG: It’s important to keep in mind that not all accommodations have sink counter space in their bathrooms. I’ve found a hanging toiletry bag to be invaluable and easy. There are many to choose from and sizes range from large to small. This is what I pack. It’s medium size [standard] and only takes up a small amount of coveted luggage space. Just unzip and hang on hooks, (if they have them), door knobs, or shower sides. I’ve even hung mine on a door hinge. Be inventive. If you have to hang outside the bathroom, just take in what you need to shower and hygiene and put them in the sink or on top of toilet tank (close the lid first), and you’re set. Be BAGSMART!

TIP: Bring small travel-size product. It will keep your bag from bulging like an over-stuffed turkey. I realize we all have our “favorites,” but I have learned to find the equivalent in the travel sizes that will do for most trips. PLUS, much of what you take with you can be found in most cities. On a recent trip to Ireland, baggage was left on the tarmac in London and we arrived with the clothes on our back. We went to store and the staff gave us all the product we needed for free (this may not always be end result). I like the mousse so much better, that’s all I buy now.

PFEYRPK COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES: (Don’t try to pronounce it). I have found these particular cubes to be just the right size and compression strength for travel. If you can’t fit what you need in these cubes, [minus coat or sweater. Use compression bags for these), then you’re packing too much. It’s best to roll your clothes to reduce the wrinkle factor. Cubes are a great way to organize your clothes so you don’t root and rummage through your suitcase.

AMAZON BASIC COMPRESSION BAGS: Use compression bags for bulky items, like coats and sweaters or items you won’t need at the beginning of the trip. Best rule, is limit what you take. You can always pick up a souviner sweater. No, you won’t need that pretty yellow jacket that’s been hanging in your closet for since Adam. Resist! These particular bags have a hand pump that is easy to use, lightweight, and takes up “zero” luggage space. I use mine for my pillow. Yes, I take my pillow.

TIP: What I like best about compression bags is they keep your clothes fresh and free from suitcase smell while being an excellent way to bring those dirty duds home.

TIP: It’s easy to get carried away by packing with compression bags. With all the extra space in your suitcase, “overpack” becomes a side effect. Only use them for bulky items. Remember, checked bags are allotted 50 pounds max on most airlines.

TESSAN POWER ADAPTORS: Make sure you pack power adaptors for the country you are traveling to. I use these when in Europe.

TIP: Don’t forget them when you leave the hotel.

TESSAN UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR: is also recommended if you want to centralize your charging needs in the evening.

LLYZZ USB C to USB: adaptors are a great product for connecting my USB C cords to the USB ports when you have upgraded devices.

TECHMATTE USB C to LIGHTENING: A must when you upgrade a device with a USB C charging port and are still using a lightening charging cord.

KUULAA PORTABLE POWER BANK: Will use this one on my trips this year. It’s MagSafe, and attaches to your phone, so no cords and now balancing phone and battery. Good for a charge. If you feel flush, buy two and double your charging power while out “on the trail.” I like it for it’s slimness and no nonsense carry ability.

MOPHIE USB C CAR CHARGER: Whatever you do, don’t forget this if you are on a self-drive trip. This is a staple for me. I use my phone for navigation and this allows me to charge, and since it’s dual ported, it allows for companion charge as well. A life saver! HERE’S ONE with a USB and a USB C port.

BEST PRODUCT LUGGAGE SCALE: I like this type. No batteries to replace, it has a tape measure for making sure luggage meets overall dimensions, and can be calibrated back to zero and set to desired weight and locks in. Plus, you can also use it for measuring the fish that ‘got away.’

AIRFLY BLUETOOTH TRANSMITTER: Have you ever wondered how people on planes can use their own headphones to watch a movie or listen to music? Well, wonder no more. This little dude gives you the freedom of “no strings attached” flying [or driving or going to the gym or listening without disturbing others, etc].

TIDBIT: DID YOU KNOW there is a Peak in Joshua Tree National Park named for a woman who’s tireless efforts resulted in this desert area being set aside, first as a National Monument [Joshua Tree National Monument] and then as a National Park? Her name is synonymous with the likes of Ferdinand Hayden [YELLOWSTONE-no not the TV series], John Muir [YOSEMITE], Enos Mills [ROCKY MOUNTAINS], and Majorie Stoneman Douglas [EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK] for their efforts in recognizing the overwhelming beauty of these lands, and the significance in setting them aside for future generations, environmental preservations, and cultural studies. Her name is Minerva Hoyt and the Peak is called Mount Minerva Hoyt rising 5,405 feet above the desert floor - and you can Hike It!