Visiting new places is always exciting, but the traveling experience might not be. For one, you don’t have all the conveniences you would if you were back home. Some people might call you crazy for wanting to bring your washing machine with you, but we understand. That’s why we’ve come up with 18 travel versions of home appliances, gadgets and conveniences.
1. Laundry Bag ($79): When we travel, all we worry about is having enough underwear, socks and clean clothes. But what do you do when it’s time to throw the dirty clothes into the hamper? Uh oh. This laundry bag from West Elm may seem pretty pricey, considering we’re stuffing our sweaty, stinky clothes into it, but it’s portable and has two compartments inside for separating. That way, you don’t have to sort out lights from darks when you return home. An added bonus is that it looks like a normal bag. No more using those plastic hotel laundry bags as a carry on anymore.
2. Portable BBQ Suitcase ($53): We know what you’re thinking: Why in the world am I going to need a separate suitcase just for a BBQ grill? Well, perhaps you won’t need it for business trips or visiting family, but the Portable BBQ Suitcase definitely comes in handy for any 4th of July getaways or camping trips.
3. Mini Folding Cutting Board ($10): When you’re vacationing, you may not be cooking, seeing as you’ll be exploring the restaurant scene. For longer trips though, you’re going to have to cook some of your own meals… or you’ll go broke! This miniature, foldable cutting board is the perfect solution to your cooking needs.
4. Small Hanging Travel Case ($17): Back at home, your shower is organized a certain way with the help of bathroom organizational tools. When you’re traveling, you’re going to have to find a new temporary home for your shampoo, conditioner, face wash, makeup remover, body wash… you see where this is going, right? There are just too many cleansers and not enough space in the average hotel shower to balance them all on the tub’s ledge. A hangable travel case helps so much with that dilemma. Also, you won’t have to unpack and repack all your shower things. They’ll already be in your traveling case!
5. Mini Ceramic Styler ($30): Ladies, when you’re packing for a long weekend getaway, which one do you choose — curling iron or straightener? What if there was a way to take a hybrid of both? Conair has this nifty two-in-one ceramic styler that can curl, straighten and fit inside your purse. Check out Conair’s miniYOU collection to see other hair stylers that you can take on trips.
6. Travel Alarm Clock ($26): Considering we live in a digital world where everyone relies on their phones for everything, bringing a travel-sized alarm clock may seem flat out useless. But you can never be too prepared when it comes to waking up for that 7 a.m. business call. That’s why having an alarm clock (the kind without all the fancy features and that you know how to work) can be extremely useful on trips.
7. USB Portable Humidifier ($30): Traveling means new environments, new people and new foods. It can be all-around pretty stressful and cause a lack of sleep or even a head cold. This USB-powered portable humidifier works with all water bottle sizes and automatically shuts off after eight hours.
8. Transformable Baby Bag ($150): Traveling with a six-month-old baby can be a little worrisome for the baby, the parents and anyone within earshot. That’s why this transformable baby bag is a must-have for all jet-setting families. The bag itself is extremely light, has many pockets and, when you open it up fully, doubles as a diaper changing station or even a comfy crib. So if a relaxing baby makes a stress-free mommy, the $150 price tag is so worth it.
9. Scrubba ($55): This tool is great for long trips where you would need to wash your clothes, but don’t have time to look for a laundromat and don’t want to pay for the hotel’s laundry charges. The Scrubba is your portable washing machine, lined with little nodules all over the inside to create a washboard effect. It uses minimal water and only takes about three to five minutes of manual scrubbing for washing-machine-quality results. Just be sure you have somewhere to hang up your clothes to dry.
10. Travalo ($20): Who knew it’d be possible to transfer your favorite full-sized perfumes into travel bottles? Travalo has a leak-proof design, and it’s made from aircraft grade aluminum so you’ll have no trouble going through security.
11. AirPort Express ($99): Metro airports meet Apple’s AirPort, which allows you to have your own personal WiFi during your layover or even in your hotel room. Because really, who wants to pay for overpriced, weak hotel WiFi?
12. Karma ($149): If you don’t have an Apple device, then Karma can be your WiFi hub. The Karma Go is a hub that provides 4G LTE nationwide coverage. After purchasing the hub, it’s $14 for every gigabyte you use. Your data never expires, and you only pay for what you used that month. You don’t need to sign a contract, and there aren’t any other additional fees. Karma Go will begin shipping next month, and if you reserve one within the next week, you’ll get $20 worth of free data automatically.
13. Collapsible Travel Cup ($8): If you’re traveling with your furry friend, having a collapsible travel bowl for food and water is a must. This particular one comes with a carabiner so you can clip it onto your carry-on and always have it ready to go for your pal.
14. Jewelry Travel Case ($45): At a first glance, this travel case looks more like a pencil case and even after opening it up, no one would ever think that this case holds your precious bling. With its multiple compartments, it can hold a variety of jewelry without having your necklace chain getting tangled around a hoop earring.
15. Portable Intruder Alarm ($13): This one is for those of you who like to feel extra secure and safe. Installation is super easy, and if someone opens your door, the little alarm is going to set off a blaring siren that’s powerful enough to scare off your intruder. A $13 well-spent!
16. Travel Steam Iron ($30): Your clothes were jammed into that carryon for three hours, so they’re going to need a little wrinkle releasing. This miniature steam iron is perfect for traveling because of its compact size and non-stick press plate.
17. Filtered Water Bottle ($20): Wherever you’re going, whether you’re a tourist or a local returning home, you should always have fresh, filtered water at hand. The Eau Good water bottle uses a filtering technique that the Japanese have used since the 17th century. That same technique is used in most water filters today, through the use of natural charcoal. When you first fill your bottle, give the charcoal six to eight hours to activate. It’ll purify your water for the next six months. Afterwards, your water is potable and stylishly portable.
18. Micro Pocket Projector ($300): If you’re on a business trip, this mini projector is a must-have. It’s HDMI-compatible with most devices, like smartphones, tablets and laptops, and the rechargeable battery lasts up to two hours — perfect for PowerPoints and slideshows. The projector can get as big as 50″, and its LED projector lamp creates great quality images. It also has a built-in speaker so you won’t need to bring any on the trip with you.
Which travel-sized options caught your attention? Talk to us in the comments below!
