By
Kathy Witt
If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that people long for adventure, discovery and experiences, regardless of the upheaval, interruptions and turmoil created by a pandemic.
In fact, more than eight in 10 American travelers are excited to travel in the next 12 months — the highest level since the start of the pandemic. That’s 82%, according to the February 28, 2022 “Update on American Travel Trends & Sentiment” from independent travel and tourism market research firm Destination Analysts.
Seventy percent engaged in trip dreaming and planning and 61.5% consider travel a high budget priority. Twenty percent of American travelers have plans for April and May travel. That number bumps up to 25% for peak summer travel.
Travelers want to travel and travel goods manufacturers, in spite of all the chaos they’ve faced themselves, are innovators in creating travel gear and accessories and improvements to help them achieve their goals.
Although The 2022 Travel Goods Show had to be postponed to 2023, these manufacturers have travel goods to show off now for travelers ready to do what they do.
Travel in smart company with Atlantis Chargella’s® Smart Traveler Power Bag, a carry-on essential featuring a built-in 10,000mAh power bank and wireless phone charging connection. Made of PU leather with high-quality stitching, the crossbody bag has multiple interior organizing pockets, including tablet pocket, plus exterior zip and flap-over pockets, carry handle and adjustable and removable shoulder strap. A cable is also included. MSRP: $149. Sales contact: Vartan Shaljian, info@atlantistime.com, info@chargella.com, 818-712-0572.
Cuddle up on your next flight or road trip with the Bon Voyage® 3-Piece Comfort Set from Sutton Home Fashions, featuring memory foam comfort pillow with matching eye mask and a 50” x 60” plush velvet throw. This multifunctional and fashionable, comfy and convenient set comes in four coordinating colorways: merlot/asphalt, navy/light denim, passport (solid and patterned) and Margaret, featuring light blue and floral print. The set is ribboned and ready for gifting. MSRP: $40. Sales contact: Jesse Sutton, jesse@suttonhomefashions.com, 212-392-5484.
Bugatti’s 6-piece Contrast Collection, which includes a travel organizer, backpack, briefcase, crossbody, messenger and duffle, is a timeless classic crafted in pebble grain vegan leather. The bags are designed for organization and versatility for the everyday commute and all travels. Collection colors include gray, navy and black, and each bag has a variety of individual features, including multiple pockets and compartments, padded laptop section, adjustable and comfortable (and in some cases removable) shoulder straps and more. MSRP: $110-$130. (The collection will be available in July on www.bugatticollections.com.) Sales contact: Alina Kupelian, alina.kupelian@bugattigrp.com, 514-832-1010 ext. 201.
We slouch three-fourths of the time while seated, putting up to 90% more pressure on our backs, causing stiffness and pain. According to a Spine Universe survey, significantly more people complained of back pain than neck pain while traveling on a plane. Cabeau® provides relief with its Incredi-belt™, a back support belt offering customized, targeted, inflatable lumbar support that moves with you — improving posture and reducing lower back stress and muscle strain on all body types. It quickly inflates with a single breath and deflates by depressing a valve button to the size of a soda can. Portable and feather-light, it has a water-resistant exterior and comes with a travel case. When integrated with Cabeau’s Incredi-heat™, it provides the ultimate therapeutic experience. MSRP: $29.99. Sales contact: David Sternlight, david@cabeau.com.
No need to bring a travel iron or borrow one at the hotel; deCrease is a miraculous spray that leaves your clothes wrinkle free. A special patent-pending crease-release technology from the UK, it leaves clothing looking wrinkle free, smooth and extra soft. deCrease is not only kind to the skin and to the environment, but it also saves on energy from ironing. The fragrance-free spray works exceptionally well on cotton, wool and linen. Simply hang, spray and sit back and watch the de-wrinkling magic happen. MSRP: $16. Sales contact: Oliver Van Emden, oliver@de-Crease.com.
The FlyWithWine® 2-Glass Travel Case is tailor made for wine lovers who like to drink their favorite wines in their favorite glasses while not at home. Lightweight and easy to carry, it features a hard outer shell, attractive metal hardware and heavy-duty foam inserts to protect even the most fragile of glasses. The case makes it easy to travel with wine glasses to restaurants, wine tastings and other venues where the wine glasses offered don’t quite measure up. Wine glass case inserts accommodate most major branded universal (one size for all varietals) mouthblown and machine-blown glasses. MSRP: $110 (glassware not included). Sales contact: Marlene Hulten, marlene@flywithwine.com, 850-582-VINO (8466).
A good flight’s sleep is possible with Flyypod®, the world’s first technically engineered sleep pod. A luxurious alternative to the traditional travel blanket, it fits any plane seat and serves as a perfect barrier between you and the seat, headrest and floor. Soft, stylish and eco-friendly, it delivers hygienic warmth and protection during transit and a superior in-flight experience. Crafted from 100% recycled nylon with a Silvadur™ antibacterial shield and lightly filled with Themolite™, a 100% recycled down alternative, the pod is lightweight and machine washable, making it a must-have for anyone traveling in the age of COVID. MSRP: $220. Sales contact: Andrew Schofield, andrew@flyypod.com, +61 439 484 641.
Oenophiles will love protecting their wines on their travels inside the sleek and sturdy WITIS Breakproof Wine Carrying Bag from Hacienda Luggage. The insulated case with zipper closure holds two bottles of wine and fits tidily inside a piece of luggage. An adjustable and removable shoulder strap stows inside the bag’s outer zip pocket. The best news? The bottles are unbreakable when dropped from up to 10 feet. (Watch a video that tests this guarantee here.) MSRP: $79. Sales contact: Allen Li, haciendaluggage@gmail.com, 323-868-1670.
Here it is: A women’s work bag that is also elegant and compact, and not unnecessarily bulky. Meet the Elegant Women’s Briefcase by Hidesign. Sophisticated and well-structured, and with the slimness of an envelope, it moves from the office to an evening out with easy confidence. Available in black and brown cow leather and with a faux croco print, it has a grab handle and detachable shoulder strap. MSRP: $68. Sales contact: Vikas Kapur, vikas@hidesignusa.com, 530-933-4682.
It’s all about versatility with Hillside Industries’ Greenwich Hybrid Messenger Backpack Bag, able to instantly transition from backpack to messenger and vice versa, thanks to a one-of-a-kind patented approach: The full panel opening backpack allows users to quickly drop a shoulder strap to access items in messenger bag mode when on the go. Tall and deep, it brings 16 liters of storage, enough to swallow up camera, laptop and other essentials. A touch of luxury and utility comes via padded laptop pocket and quilted interior finish. MSRP: $149. Sales contact: Melissa Shen, info@discoverhillside.com, 626-215-0690.
No more meals on soggy paper plates with HYDAWAY’s 1-Quart Collapsible Insulated Bowl (MSRP: $29.95), launching in April, in patterns and colors inspired by the outdoors. The packable and reusable adventure-ready dinnerware, designed for the traveler living the all-season, all-terrain lifestyle, transforms from compact and collapsed to ready to use in a snap. An insulation sleeve protects hands and keeps food warmer longer and a spill-proof lid keeps bugs out and heat in until you’re ready to eat. A smaller 1.5-cup bowl is also available for $19.95. Sales contact: Niki Singlaub, sales@hydawaybottle.com.
Keep pills and supplements dry and organized during travels inside the Matador Waterproof Pill Canister. Featuring a slim silhouette and sleek casing, the canister slides open to reveal seven separate compartments, with room enough to hold up to a week’s supply. MSRP: $19.99. Sales contact: Derek Hancock, sales@matadorup.com.
The bag that means business: The hardwearing Hubbard Backpack from Milwaukee Boot Company, handcrafted in premium suede and full grain pull-up leather, offers a roll-top feature that is perfect for adding extra space on that return flight home. With additional waterproof protection thanks to its cotton drill, plus mesh lining for durability, this bag is tough, durable and road ready. In dark cognac, it is accented with antique brass hardware. MSRP: $189. Sales contact: Mark Kohlenberg, mkohlenberg@wdmfootwear.com, 414-731-5154.
For gamers who take gaming and protecting their gear seriously, Mobile Edge offers gaming console-compatible backpacks specifically designed to hold, protect and mobilize gaming consoles with its Core Gaming Tactical Backpack (MSRP: $149) and Core Gaming Special Edition Backpack ($129). Both hold the most popular models of gaming laptops and/or consoles and offer plenty of storage to safeguard and organize all their tech. Inspired by the tactical gear used by law enforcement and the military, the Tactical Backpack is designed to take a beating while protecting contents within. The checkpoint-friendly Special Edition Backpack features a pre-wired universal power bank pocket and quick-charge external USB 3.0 Charge Port with built-in charging cable. Sales contact: Paul June, pj@mobileedge.com, 714-399-1400.
Ms. Jetsetter saves the day (every day) with the Ms. J Makeup Case. Portable, lightweight and compact, it keeps makeup organized while on the go. Inside the quilted case are compartments galore, including a top compartment that holds the included professional-grade travel-size makeup brushes and small compact mirror. The bottom compartment is roomy enough for all the cosmetics you want to take on the road. A mesh pocket in the top is sized perfectly for a blush compact for those quick touchups. The case comes in black, garnet, navy and rose gold. MSRP: $16.99. Sales contact: Tracey McGhee, tracey@msjetsetter.com, 708-945-3816.
As gorgeous as its name implies, the 2-piece Jewel Collection by Puíche from Prima USA Travel comprises carry-on and vanity case for organized and gracious travels. In scratch-resistant ABS hardshell featuring a rhombus design on the front, the carry-on is finished with accents in brown and dashes of gold on wheels and zipper to add that touch of glam. Features include a spacious compartment with zippered separator and mesh organizer, four 360° double spinners and adjustable telescopic handle. The matching vanity case has a built-in elastic strap to slide over the carry-on and keeps cosmetics and other essentials organized in a compartment with inner elastic straps and two pouches. MSRP: $330/set. Sales contact: Nelson Jung, njung@primausatravel.com, 323-838-0801.
The Pursesuitz Pocketwear® Tank Top now comes in pink, navy, camouflage, white and black and in three different levels of support. Level 1 is perfect for casual strolls, with front waist pockets to store essential items securely and hidden from view. Level 2 offers a bit more support in the bust and pocket closures to keep essentials in place when moving around. Level 3 provides the most support, with a built-in shelf bra and elastic around the waist so the tank top doesn’t creep up — especially handy when participating in active travel adventures. Travel with functional pockets and without the worry of pickpockets or purse snatchers. MSRP: $74-$94. Sales contact: Barbara Zabawa, bzabawa@pursesuitz.com, 608-628-9379.
Que slims down the silhouette on its Convertible Totepack for a look that is pure sleek chic in its 3-way carry convertible bag constructed of 100% recycled plastic. Made for travel and every day, it can be slung over a shoulder or carried as a traditional backpack or shoulder bag. It features padded and adjustable shoulder straps, plus a roomy interior and exterior zip and side pockets. It is available in black. MSRP: $169. Sales contact: Jean Wu, jean@getque.com, 818-940-5205.
It’s all in the wrist with Reliefband, offering 100% natural, fast-acting and long-lasting treatment of nausea in a wristband, without drugs and without side effects. The patented, clinically proven and FDA-cleared technology gently stimulates the underside of the wrist to reduce nausea and provide relief. It is offered in three styles: Premier is a sleekly designed USB rechargeable band that is splash- and spray-proof; the waterproof Sport is also USB rechargeable and has interchangeable bands; and the Classic is the original design, a battery replaceable band that is splash- and spray-proof. Sales contact: Corey Cornacchio, corey.cornacchio@reliefband.com, 267-235-0753.
Relief from dangling feet is just one step away with the patented RestAngles®, the lightweight and portable posture tool that creates a more ergonomic sitting experience. Weighing only 12.625 oz, this versatile travel gadget can be adjusted to a 3” platform, 4” platform, wedge or flat configuration. The sides clip together for a secure and stable 8.75” x 7” platform for the feet. When not in use, the footrest folds flat and can be tucked into backpack, bag or brief to be packed along on travels and everyday use. MSRP: $45. (Note: RestAngles anticipates product will be available in summer 2022.) Sales contact: Candy FitzPatrick, candy@restangles.com.
A perfect travel companion in a post-COVID world, Seatdreamzzz’s reversible Travel Blanket provides maximum comfort and warmth with one side in soft microfleece and the other in a polyethylene material that feels like your favorite puffy jacket for warmth and water-repellency. As a bonus, the blanket can be used as a pillow when zipped. Machine washable, lightweight and packable, it brings the comfort on car and plane travels, outdoor adventures, picnics and other on-the-go adventures. MSRP: $49.99. Sales contact: Laurel Alyn-Forest, laurel@seatdreamzzz.com, 541-638-0444.
Keep personal travel gear like credit cards, cash, passports, keys, phones, medication and other private items secure, tucked inside the portable Travel Safe Box from SINOX Co. Measuring 8.5” x 5.25” x 2.33”, this little black box is lightweight and comes with a detachable cable loop for additional security. MSRP: $22-$40. Sales contact: Anna Chen, ks_sales9@sinoxlock.com, +886-2-82276730, ext. 1570.
Conquer brain fog, improve focus and recharge naturally during travels with Café Energy Spray from SpectraSpray™ Global. Boost energy with a few spritzes of this made-in-the-USA vegan “Zen Energy” oral spray with delicious mocha flavor to satisfy chocolate cravings. Sugar-, gluten- and dairy-free, it features a unique ultra-rapid absorption formula that boasts activated B vitamins that are used quickly by the body. These are paired with adaptogenic herbs — including ashwagandha, astragalus, green tea, ginseng and beet root, plus mango — proven to help you adapt to everyday stressors, including those associated with travel. The spray, which has an absorption rate three to five times higher than energy drinks without the caffeine crash, comes in a 5” tube with 30 servings. MSRP: $22.95. Sales contact: Janet Ryan, support@spectraspray.com, 800-964-0650.
Help little ones become organized travelers by packing and using their own toiletry case. Stephen Joseph knows what kids like — unicorns, rainbows, mermaids and dinosaurs — and brings these fun patterns and others in bright and bold colors to its kid-size cases. Machine washable and with a wipeable liner, these travel sidekicks are made to hold kids’ bedtime essentials and bath time toys and coordinate with the Stephen Joseph duffel bags and rolling luggage. MSRP: $15. Sales contact: Connie Rector, connyr@stephenjosephinc.com, 806-791-2877.
Made to meet the increasing demand for waterproof and airtight luggage, bag and backpack zippers in a wide variety of specifications — length, width, color, special functionalities — is TIZIP® WaterSeal HH series of zippers. Designed and produced in Germany, it combines the latest waterproof zipper technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability. A 2-slider version of the WaterSeal, it allows travelers to safely stow and transport belongings, whether it’s a hike in the mountains, holiday at the beach or business trip across the country. MSRP: approximately 9,44€-42,35€ depending on length. Sales contact: Martin Gillert, mg@tizip.com.
Redefining wine travel is the patented Vinarmour™ Wine Carrier, a luxury travel tote that is the first-ever puncture-resistant wine travel bag on the market. Kevlar and Dyneema fabrics (used in making military body armor) prevent puncture of the inner bag, allowing for worry-free travel with a bottle. It’s not just for airline travel alone though, as it maintains wine temperature better than a neoprene tote for trips outside or out to dinner. The heritage-style exterior of Scottish waxed cotton and Horween® leather gets better with age and use. It is available in vintage burgundy and harvest brown. Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. MSRP: $298.95. Sales contact: Brian Hart, brian@vinarmour.com, 206-719-1818.
Featured in our photos are Que’s Convertible Totepack, Mobile Edge’s Core Gaming Tactical Backpack, and Bugatti’s Contrast Collection Messenger Bag.
Models: Lori Fountain, Isaac Chase, and Jared Reimer
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