PopFlex Delilah Duffel

Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every workout, the PopFlex Delilah Duffel maxes out convenience with its shoulder and handle straps, designated cell phone and water bottle pockets, and built-in yoga mat straps. Bonus: it comes equipped with a luggage sleeve that slides easily over the handle of your rolling suitcase.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This travel gym bag is roomy enough that an efficient packer could use it for a weekend trip but small enough to pass as a personal item. 

Size: 16.73” x 12.59” x 8.07”

Gymshark Medium Everyday Gym Bag

A major player on the fitness scene since its founding in 2012, Gymshark doesn’t disappoint with its Medium Everyday Gym Bag. Outfitted with a shoe compartment, exterior organizational pockets, and a spacious interior, this 40L duffel can easily hold everything you need for a weekend trip.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The wet pocket, designed to hold your used gym clothes after a workout, is a great place to store your plastic bag of TSA-compliant liquids in case of spillage.

Size:  21.6” x 11.4” x 9.8”

Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag

If the lightweight design, removable straps, and whimsical color combos don’t sell you on the Cotopaxi Ligera Duffel Bag, the fact that it folds down into its own self-contained carrying case definitely will. Weighing just over 1lb, this bag has a separate side pocket for gym shoes, exterior zipper pockets for personal items, and can hold up to 45L at its max capacity.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: Able to compress into its own carrying case, this duffel stores away easily between gym sessions and can be packed away within larger luggage.

Size: 25” x 13” x 13” 

Haven Athletic Large Duffel

If you value organization above all, the Haven Athletic Large Duffel is the only option for your gym routine and in-flight needs. The subdivided interior features seven varying-sized sections, with a structured shoe tunnel at the bottom, two interior mesh pockets, and several exterior pockets. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The patented interior organization system was designed for the gym but can be easily used to keep travel gear separated and organized.

Size: 23” x 12” x 11”

The Beis Sport Duffel

Already known for their stylish and functional travel gear, it’s a guarantee that Beis’s take on the sport duffel is the perfect gym bag for travel. Its small size can easily pass as a personal item, and the stow-away backpack straps, removable shoulder strap, and built-in luggage sleeve make it a breeze to carry through the airport. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: A bonus ‘dirt bag’ is included, perfect for storing dirty gym shoes or organizing small items for easy in-flight access.

Size: 10″ x 17″ x 8.5″

Herschel Classic Gym Bag

This gym bag is all about the elevated vintage vibes, with its classic barrel shape, simple color scheme, and minimal branding. The fabric and lining are made from 100% post-consumer water bottles, perfect for the eco-conscious traveler, and the bag has an interior storage space of about 27L.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag can be carried by the handles or removable shoulder straps. 

Size: Not stated

UA Undeniable 5.0 XS Duffel Bag

Under Armour is notorious for its long-lasting and sturdy athletic gear, so it makes sense that an Underarmour Duffel Bag would also stand up to the test of travel. The characteristics that make it a top-performing gym bag—like the water-resistant finish, vented laundry pocket, and multi-carry straps—make it the ideal carry-on. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: The vented laundry pocket is the perfect place to store gym clothes after a workout or a change of clothes on your flight.

Size: 8.7″ x 8.9″ x 17.6″

Alo Yoga Large Traverse Duffel

It’s back to basics with this studio bag from Alo, but that doesn’t make it any less functional. This bag is ideal for those who prefer spacious, open interiors rather than pre-determined organizational systems. The sleek black handles, piping around the edge, and silver accents are perfect for the minimalist traveler.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This oversized gym duffel bag is perfect for packing large or uniquely shaped items or fitness gear.

Size: 22″ x 10.25″ x 13″

Tumi McCoy Gym Bag

The McCoy Gym Bag condenses the dependability of Tumi luggage into a reliable gym bag. The sturdy structure of this bag is reminiscent of soft-side rolling luggage, keeping its shape while allowing for flexibility when packing. Add a custom monogram for a flare of individuality and to prevent any baggage mix-ups. 

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This bag comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock, keeping your items safe while traveling and secure while working out.

Size: 11.0″ X 19.0″ X 9.5″

The North Face 42L Base Camp Duffel

This gym bag from The North Face that doubles as a backpack is a winner whether you’re saving your sore arms after a few reps or running through the airport to make your connection. The shoe compartment is on the side of the bag rather than at the bottom, freeing up valuable internal storage space.

Favorite Double-Duty Feature: This gym bag backpack comes with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, perfect for protecting your tech while traveling or stowing your laptop during a post-work gym session.

Size: 20.5″ x 8″ x 12.5″

The post The 10 Best Gym Bags That Double As Carry-Ons appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’ve ever tried to navigate in a place where your phone has weak or no celluar service, you probably wished you could take advantage of offline phone GPS. Fortunately, you can: GPS signals are raining down around us at all times, and your phone can connect to them without any real reliance on your cellular company, impact on your data plan, or dependence on the phone mode you are in. These signals are free for all of us to use, so long as we have the right apps and a device with which to connect.

In fact, you can even use an older, retired phone as a GPS unit, so long as the apps will still run on the operating system. Then, once you get back to civilization, your regular smartphone will still be fully charged and ready to go.

How Accurate Is My Phone GPS Without Data?

Most of the apps I have used measure GPS coordinates to tenths of a second, which is accurate within four to 11 meters, depending on where on the planet you are plotting (accuracy improves as you move toward the poles).

If that isn’t close enough, technology is in development that will make some phones accurate to within 10 centimeters.

You Don’t Have to Be Offline to Use a Phone as GPS

Many of the most popular uses for GPS are for folks who are off the grid without access to Wi-Fi or cellular connections, but the technology’s usefulness is not limited to the backcountry by any means. First, we all know that cell coverage is hardly ubiquitous even in developed areas; heck, my kid’s central New Jersey soccer practice field shows “no service” so often that some parents drive a mile down the road during practice to connect.

Another benefit is preserving battery life; GPS uses are particularly beneficial when you are doing things in areas where cellular service is available but poor, which causes your phone to burn up battery life trying to connect. Using offline phone GPS can also help you conserve data. This is useful when traveling abroad, where data plans are often costly and limited.

Finally, many location-based apps gobble up data voraciously. Your phone’s GPS tracking allows you to use them in offline mode, incurring no data penalty so long as you preload maps and information while connected to Wi-Fi.

Certainly, your cellphone can do more without a cell connection than you might think; here are five of the best.

Track Your Flight in Real Time

Let’s start with my favorite way to use phone GPS without data: to track the flight I’m on in real time. There are a few apps that do this, but I use Flyover Country, created by University of Minnesota researchers and funded by the National Science Foundation.

The app offers options to view road maps, terrain maps, and satellite maps, including information on geology, underwater core samples, mammal and dinosaur fossils, and landscape features for various destinations as you pass over them in flight.

To use the app you need to input and preload all the data along the route while still on a Wi-Fi or cell connection. Then, once you go into airplane mode, all that information is available as you fly, along with your ground speed and altitude.

You’ll need a window seat for this to work well; in fact, on some flights I have found that I had to have the phone almost against the window to obtain and hold a reliable GPS signal.

Go Backcountry Hiking

Smartphones are becoming go-to tools for many hardcore backcountry travelers, who can spend days or even months out of range of cellular signals. Many find phones more space- and weight-efficient than dedicated GPS units, particularly since phones can take photos, too.

This excellent how-to guide makes a compelling case for a smartphone as your go-to GPS tool. It includes some very good battery life management tips, noting that some phones can last five to 10 days without a charge with careful use.

A few of the best backcountry navigation apps include Gaia GPS, AllTrails, iPhiGeNie, and ViewRanger.

Track Your Fitness

A booming number of fitness applications work with offline GPS, including MapMyRide, Strava, MapMyRun, Runkeeper, and MapMyFitness. For most of these, using your phone GPS without data will allow you to track your run, walk, hike, or other outing offline. While you need a connection to take advantage of some of the apps’ features, using them on GPS-only mode preserves on battery life and data usage, which can be a helpful upside when you are tracking long bike rides or runs.

Fitness Armband for Your Phone

The most quintessential time to save data and money is during your workout, complete with a robust armband of course.

Note Your Exact Location

There are all kinds of ways this can be useful, such as saving your spot in an airport parking lot or sharing your location with someone else to facilitate a meetup. I know folks who have used GPS coordinates on their phones to mark and/or share things like trailheads, campsites, turn-offs for dirt roads, fishing spots, waterfalls, and abandoned ruins.

The free My GPS Coordinates app (available for iOS and Android) has functions to email or text your coordinates directly from the main screen, and even shows the accuracy of the GPS signal (it tracks my office desk within 16 to 33 feet depending on signal access).

To share locations you obviously need connectivity, but you can log them using GPS and then share or recall them later.

Use Mapping Apps Offline

Finally, there are heaps of full-featured offline mapping applications, including the ubiquitous Google Maps and Apple Maps. Many of these are unfortunately somewhat limited when it comes to GPS-only navigation; Google Maps, for example, allows you to pre-download a 50-square-kilometer map for temporary offline use, which will help in some situations but isn’t much use on a longer road trip. To find alternatives, see 10 Best GPS App and Navigation App Options for Android and The 5 Best Offline GPS Apps for iPhone.

Cell Phone Car Mount

Make navigation a little safer with a car mount stand, adaptable to almost all smartphone sizes.

Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a biweekly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trends—and how they could affect your travel plans.

The post No Signal? 5 Ways to Use Your Phone GPS Without Data appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Want to have that same experience every time you walk in your front door at home? We tested out a variety of fragrance methods, from candles to diffusers, to find out which were the best at making our home smell like a five-star hotel. Try out our picks and feel like you’re on vacation every day.

Jupiter Smells Rich Mykonos Candle

Your house may be hundreds of miles from the beach, but it can smell like you’re on an exotic vacation in Mykonos with Jupiter Smells Rich’s candle. Notes of wild orchid, jasmine, lemon blossom, vanilla, and sandalwood conjure up an island getaway.

This luxury candle is made from 100 percent soy wax and has an all-natural beeswax-coated wick to ensure a clean burn. The scent will linger throughout your house long after you’ve blown out the flame.  

Broken Top Sea Salt Surf Reed Diffuser

A diffuser is one of the easiest and safest ways to make your home smell like a hotel. A diffuser is a small vial of scented liquid that disperses the fragrance through wooden reeds. Unlike a candle or plug-in, you can just open up a diffuser and forget about it.

Our favorite diffuser is Broken Top’s Sea Salt Surf, a beautiful glass bottle that efficiently distributes perfume throughout a room for up to four months. When the scent starts to fade, simply flip the reeds to refresh the scent. We love the Sea Salt Surf scent, which blends jasmine, sweet cream, and driftwood for an unforgettable beachy smell.

Enviroscent

Worried about what you’re breathing in with all of the artificial air fresheners on the market? Enviroscent does things differently, with a focus on making its scents cleaner, healthier, and safer. All of its products use pure fragrance oils in concentrated form (with no additives) and are packaged using renewable and recyclable minimal-waste materials. Scent your space via the stix + stand diffuser, a car vent clip, or a spray.

No matter which method you choose, it’s all flameless and liquidless to eliminate danger and mess. There are many delectable scents to choose from, including a blend of lavender tea and honey, which smells incredibly relaxing and delicious.

Hillhouse Naturals Candle and Diffuser

For a fragrance that will fill your house and last a long time, look to Hillhouse Naturals. This company was founded by a mother/daughter duo who make the products (with the help of a team of women) on their family farm. They use local ingredients, most of which come straight from the farm. Hillhouse Naturals’ diffusers last for an average of three to four months, which is significantly longer than most other diffusers on the market. The soy candles also burn longer than regular wax candles and don’t have the dangerous chemicals that can be found in mass-market candles.

You’ll find plenty of unique scents here, including travel-themed varieties like the lakeside diffuser, which smells like “spectacular sunsets upon fresh cool waters” and conjures up past waterfront vacations.

Scentfill

Scentfill offers a healthier alternative to traditional plug-ins. The company makes refills that are designed to fit into Air Wick oil warmers but are made with 100 percent plant-based and natural oils rather than chemicals. The fragrances are much more complex and luxurious than what you’d find from a drugstore plug-in—choose the Relax Blend with lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus to make your home smell like a high-end hotel.

Most scents will last between 30 and 60 days if the warmer is set to low, and the refills are reasonably priced at $5.77, making this an affordable option for home fragrances. 

Asakuki’s 5-in-1 Aromatherapy Device

Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and a humidifier with Asakuki’s 5-in-1 Aromatherapy Device. This ultrasonic essential oil diffuser has a large 500-milliliter water tank that allows the diffuser to run for 10 to 15 hours at a time. An auto-off safety will switch off the diffuser when the water runs out, so you don’t have to worry about monitoring it. The Asakuki’s fan is ultra-quiet, so you won’t even notice that it’s on.

Use your own essential oils with the diffuser to create the perfect custom scent for your home. 

Lavender Linen Room Spray

Lavender is one of the most calming and relaxing scents and will help give your home that hotel spa smell. Spritz this lavender linen room spray on your pillows, and it may just help you improve your sleep as well.

Once you start to associate the smell with sleep, you can even pack the room spray and take it with you to help you sleep better in unfamiliar hotel rooms. 

Skandinavisk Candles

For the ultimate hygge experience, light a candle from Skandinavisk. This company takes inspiration from Scandinavia to create unique fragrances like Hav (sea), Lykke (happiness), and Koto (home). Each candle is beautifully designed around a theme, like the Nordlys candle (Norwegian for northern lights), which comes in a painted glass holder that looks like the sky.

The candles will scent a mid-sized room for up to 45 hours, and the glass can be reused as a plant holder or decorative vase once it’s empty.

The post How to Make Your Home Smell Like a Hotel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

While many airlines have started a luggage tracker on their apps, not all have, and there is always a chance it could get lost. 

Luggage tracking devices are becoming more popular to help travelers ensure their luggage can be easily found if lost. (Or, if you are like me, you need it in your regular purse because you never know where you put it). 

What Kind of Luggage Tracker Is Best? 

There are two different types of trackers: ones that use Bluetooth technology and those that use GPS/Cellular technology to track your items. 

Bluetooth trackers will trace items that are within range using your phone, or, when they are out of range, will tap into other phones with the Find My app, and send a signal to your phone. 

GPS trackers use GPS technology to locate the tracker no matter where it ends up. These trackers typically require a subscription for use. 

Which is best for you depends on many factors – the main one being how often you travel. If you travel several times a year, a GPS tracker with a subscription makes the most sense, as it is the most reliable and will find your bag no matter the circumstances. 

The Best Luggage Trackers

Apple AirTag

Perhaps the best feature of the Apple AirTag is that if you are an iPhone user, you can track where your luggage is even if it is miles away, thanks to the “find my device” feature that connects Apple products. 

• Type: Bluetooth/Find My Apps
• Battery: Replaceable
• Subscription Needed: No

Chipolo

Chipolo has three types of products: the Chipolo One, Chipolo Spot, and the Chipolo Point. All come in either a small, round tracker or as a card, and the main difference is the Chipolo One works with any device using the Chipolo app, the Spot works with the Find My app on Apple products, and the Point works with the Google Find My app. 

• Type: Bluetooth/Find My Apps 
• Battery: Replaceable
• Subscription Needed: No

Tile

This popular Bluetooth tracker will help you find any lost bags, even if they are far away- assuming someone with the tile app is near your bags. The Tiles Community Find option notifies you when any phone with the Tile app is near your bags, so you can pinpoint your bags even if it is out of the Bluetooth range. 

• Type: Bluetooth/Find My Apps 
• Battery: Replaceable
• Subscription Needed: No

Tracki GPS

If you want to ensure you can find your bags anytime, the Tracki GPS is your solution. It uses WiFi and/or GPS and has a 2-5 day battery life; you can track it live on a map, leaving you relaxed, knowing you’ll find your luggage no matter where it ends up. 

• Type: GPS/WiFi
• Battery: Rechargeable
• Subscription Needed: Yes

GEGO GPS Luggage Tracker

The GEGO GPS Luggage Tracker will find your bags no matter how far away you are from them. With a subscription, the app on your phone will pinpoint them thanks to GPS. It includes a baggage recovery service, and if they can’t locate your luggage within 96 hours, you’ll be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per bag (for up to 2 bags per subscription). Subscriptions are available for as little as $14.99/month and can be canceled anytime. 

• Type: GPS
• Battery: Rechargeable
• Subscription Needed: Yes

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

This waterproof GPS tracker lasts weeks or months on a single charge, depending on how often it gets pinged. It works with cellular and GPS data, so you know you can find it anywhere in the world. 

• Type: GPS and cellular
• Battery: Rechargeable
• Subscription Needed: Yes

RavPower Bluetooth Smart Tracker

This tracker is strictly for Apple products, using the iPhone Find My app. It will track your items using Bluetooth if it’s nearby, and if it is out of range, it will find it using the Find My network- any products near the tracker with the Find My app will ping it, showing you where it is. 

• Type: Bluetooth/Find My Apps
• Battery: Replaceable
• Subscription Needed: No

eufy SmartTrack Link

Similar to both the AirTag and RavPower Tracker, the eufy SmartTrack Link is a budget alternative for iPhone users. Integrating with the Find My app, you can easily track your item no matter where it is in the world. 

• Type: Bluetooth/Find My Apps
• Battery: Replaceable
• Subscription Needed: No

The post Best Luggage Trackers appeared first on SmarterTravel.

ABEO Vista Mid Boot

Featuring ABEO’s trademarked built-in BIOsystem® orthotic footbed, the Vista Mid Boot provides anatomical support and cushioning disguised in a stylish package. These water-resistant boots have a rubber outsole and can be used on pavement or trails—their adaptability makes them one of the best boots for travel. 

An ultra-plush fleece lining inside will keep your feet warm on even the coldest days. 

Danner Logger 917

The best boots for travel are ones you can walk for many miles in (but still pair with jeans and wear to dinner). Made from full-grain leather, the Danner Logger 917 boots fit the bill. These sturdy boots have Gore-Tex liners that keep moisture out while still being breathable. 

The Loggers feature a unique molded polyurethane instep that cradles the heel and supports the arch of the foot. This half-length insole has a perforated design that helps air flow within the boots.

Blondo Raquel Waterproof Bootie

Blondo boots are famous for their waterproofing, and the Raquel Booties are no exception. These fashionable short boots can handle rain or snow, and the lug sole helps you keep your footing on wet days. 

The side zip closure and stretchy ribbed elastic shaft panel make the Raquels easy to take on and off, so you can wear them on the plane without too much hassle at airport security. 

Frye Tyler Chelsea Boot

Looking for a timeless boot that you can wear anywhere with anything? Opt for a Chelsea boot, a classic footwear choice that’s always in style. Frye’s Tyler Chelsea Boot is a great pick for men. 

Made from handcrafted leather and with Goodyear welt construction, these boots will last you through thousands of trips. The boot slips on easily, and elastic gore side panels create a fit that’s always comfortable. 

Sorel ONA RMX Glacy Boot

If you’re in the market for the best winter boots for travel, Sorel’s Glacy Boots are one of our favorites. This sneaker-boot hybrid combines all the comfort of your favorite pair of running shoes with the warmth and protection of a snow boot.

The Glacy boots are fully waterproof and have a fleece lining plus an insulated interior to keep your feet ultra-toasty. 

Columbia Ice Maiden II Boots

Headed to a really cold destination? Pack the Columbia Ice Maiden II Boots which are rated to temperatures as low as -25 degrees. These cozy winter boots feature 200g of lightweight insulation, a faux fur collar, and a tongue lining to help lock in the warmth. 

The Ice Maiden Boots are waterproof, of course, and also have the brand’s trademarked Omni-Grip outsoles, which provide incredible traction even in icy conditions. 

Cole Haan Original Grand Chukka

Chukkas are another stylish boot choice for men, and we love the Original Grands from Cole Haan. These boots are great for dressier evenings or work trips, but feature a lightly cushioned insole that helps keep them comfortable for long days on your feet. 

These chukkas weigh just 14 ounces, making them easy to pack.

The post The 7 Best Walking Boots for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Whether you’ll be spending most of your time stuck in a conference center on a business trip, partying with bachelorettes, or gambling at the casino, it’s important to pack these essentials. This is the ultimate Las Vegas packing list. 

Clothing

When deciding what clothing to pack for Las Vegas, keep in mind the wide temperature swings you’re likely to experience during your trip. It may be hot outside during the day, but casinos, restaurants, and conference centers are often overly air-conditioned. Las Vegas is a desert city, so temperatures can drop significantly once the sun goes down. The answer: packing lots of layers.

The Best Clothing to Pack for Las Vegas

• Cardigan or blazer for layering
• Casual shorts, shirts, and dresses for daytime
• Swimsuits
• Dressier evening outfits for clubs or nice restaurants
• Sport Jacket for men (some restaurants that still require dinner jackets)
• Lightweight jacket for nighttime 

Shoes

You may think of Las Vegas as a sedentary destination, but you’ll be surprised at how many steps you rack up. The Strip is over 4 miles long, so be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget to pack sandals you can wear to the pool during the day and dressier shoes for evenings out. 

What Shoes to Pack for Las Vegas

• Sandals 
• Good walking shoes
• Dress shoes

Miscellaneous

In Las Vegas, you need to guard against the sun, dehydration, hangovers, germs, and blisters. Packing these miscellaneous items can help you stay safe and comfortable.

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Portable charger
• Electrolytes
• Cash for tips
• Bandaids for blisters
• Advil
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Eye mask
• Ear plugs

The post The Ultimate Las Vegas Packing List appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Snow Peak Kanpai Bottle 500

The Japanese-designed Kanpai Bottle 500 from Snow Peak is vacuum-sealed and made from double-wall stainless steel that’s lightweight and won’t retain tastes or odors. The Kanpai Bottle will keep drinks hot or cold for hours.

The Kanpai comes with three lids—one to lock in heat, one to freeze for chilled beverages, and one for sipping on the go.

Simple Modern Insulated Water Bottle With Straw

An insulated water bottle with a straw is a necessity if you’re worried about spills, smudging your lipstick or staining your teeth with cold brew. Simple Modern’s Insulated Water Bottle comes with a BPA-free straw lid that’s dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean between trips.

Even with the built-in straw, the lid is leakproof. 

Stanley Iceflow 64 Ounce Insulated Tumbler

Perfect for road trips or anywhere where you want a lot of water, the Stanley Iceflow holds up to 64 ounces of liquids. The double-wall design keeps drinks cold for up to 20 hours, and iced for up to four days. 

A built-in flip straw makes the big bottle easy to drink from, and it also has a handle to help you carry it around. The entire bottle is dishwasher safe, so you can wash it after every use. 

Zojirushi Insulated Water Bottle

If you want to be able to pack your water bottle inside your bag without worrying about leaks, invest in Zojirushi’s Insulated Water Bottle. The bottle’s lid has a spill-proof lock that makes accidentally opening it practically impossible.  

The lid breaks into two parts so you can give it a thorough cleaning in between uses. 

Contigo Aubrey Kids Insulated Water Bottle

Want your kids to hydrate more? Get them Contigo’s Aubrey Kids Insulated Water Bottle. The child-sized bottle holds 13 ounces of liquids, and will keep whatever’s inside cold for up to 14 hours. 

The water bottle comes in fun colors so you can pick your kid’s favorite, and a unique pop-up straw design features a spill-proof valve that helps prevent accidents even when the spout is open. 

Tervis Clear Insulated Water Bottle

Most insulated water bottles are made from steel, but Tervis’ is made from a BPA-free plastic that’s microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. Tervis’ water bottles are made in America out of an impact-resistant material that can withstand falls without cracking or shattering.

The bottle’s tapered design helps it to fit in bike cages and backpacks, and its lids feature a loop for easy carrying.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The 6 Best Insulated Water Bottles for Travel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

These six tiny fitness gadgets take up hardly any space in your suitcase and will help you work out and recover more efficiently—so even if there’s no hotel gym, you won’t have any excuses not to get moving.

Theragun Mini

After a hard workout or a long flight crammed in coach, your muscles could use a little help with recovery. The tiny Theragun Mini packs in a powerful vibration that knocks out knots. This travel-sized Theragun is 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than the brand’s regular massage guns, so that you can take it anywhere. 

Download the Therabody app, and the Bluetooth-enabled massage gun can connect to a library of personalized wellness routines that take the guesswork out of using the device.

Jlab Audio JBuds Mini

Whether you’re hitting the hotel gym or going for a run, workouts are always better with music. 

The JBuds Mini are the smallest earbuds on the market, with a case that’s 50 percent smaller than other Bluetooth models. 

The JBuds’ Mini packable size doesn’t mean sacrificing battery power or performance—the case can provide up to 20 hours of charge, and the sound quality is crystal clear. We also love that the earbuds seamlessly switch between different types of hearing options, including a Be Aware Audio setting that’s designed to let in ambient noise for safety while you run or walk—something that’s key in an unfamiliar environment while traveling. 

Hyperice Venom Go

Get relaxing heat and soothing vibrations anywhere you need with Hyperice’s Venom Go wearable massager. The tiny device fits in the palm of your hand and can be affixed to any sore or tight spot on your body with reusable adhesive pads, allowing you to massage hard-to-reach spots like shoulders. 

Choose from nine combinations of heat and vibration levels—Venom Go’s vibration is even quiet enough that you could use it on a plane to relieve tight muscles.

Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Keep track of all your fitness goals with the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, a versatile GPS-enabled sports watch that can be used for everything from hiking to snorkeling. This rugged watch can last up to 300 hours without needing a charge.

Download maps and plan your route ahead of time—Suunto utilizes five different satellite systems, so you’ll be able to navigate through even the most remote environments. You can also use the watch to create your own custom workouts, like an interval run or cycle.

The 9 Peak Pro can monitor several fitness goals, including steps, calories, sleep, stress levels, etc.

Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are the most portable piece of fitness equipment that you can pack. The Fit Simplify set is an affordable option with five different resistance levels, an instruction guide with sample exercises, and a carrying bag. 

Use these to get in a great strength workout anywhere you travel—no bulky weights required. 

Gaiam Foldable Yoga Travel Mat

If the thought of lying on a hotel room floor to work out grosses you out, pack Gaiam’s Foldable Yoga Travel Mat. This thin mat folds into a 10-inch x 12-inch square that fits easily in your suitcase. 

The light padding and sticky texture make this mat essential for yoga or workouts on the road.

The post The 6 Best Travel Fitness Gadgets appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Fortunately, you can pack a few small things to vastly improve your chances of sleeping well—even if you wind up in a bright and loud hotel room or are trying to catch some shut-eye on your overnight flight.

Dagsmejan Nattwell Sleep Tech Pajamas

Can’t get your hotel room to the perfect temperature at night? It won’t matter with Dagsmejan’s Nattwell Sleep Tech Pajamas. Made from Dagsmejan’s trademarked Nattwell fabric, these breathable pajamas are designed to help you regulate your body temperature and sleep better. 

The fabric is six times more breathable than cotton and are moisture-wicking to keep you dry even in the hottest environments.  

The Nattwell fabric is available in shorts for hot sleepers, and all the clothing in the line is tagless and constructed with flat seams for ultimate comfort. 

Cabeau Air TNE Pillow

Sleeping on a plane can feel like an impossible task. Most travel pillows simply don’t work, allowing your head to bob the minute you slip into slumber. Cabeau’s new Air TNE pillow solves this problem, closing the standard u-shaped loop with an adjustable chinstrap that provides 360-degree support and stops your head from slumping forward. 

The TNE is inflatable, allowing you to add just enough air to keep the neck supports at the perfect height and saving room in your carry-on.

Loop Quiet Earplugs

Noisy hotels, loud plane cabins, travel partners who snore—there’s a reason earplugs are one of the first things we always pack on a trip. Loop’s Quiet Earplugs feel like the first-class version of traditional bulky foam earplugs. Made from soft and flexible silicone, these sleek earplugs are comfortable even for side sleepers, and they’re discreet enough that you can wear them through the airport or on the plane without attracting attention.

We especially love the tiny carrying case the Loops come with, which helps keep them clean and protected during travel.

Lavender Sleep Spray

Several studies have shown that lavender can help with sleep quality, and it’s an inexpensive and drug-free way to relax and fall asleep faster while traveling. Spray this essential oil blend on your pillowcase the next time you travel to feel calmer and sleep better. It won’t stain your pillowcase; if nothing else, it will help cover up any musty hotel room odors.

Manta Sleep Eye Mask

If you’ve ever been woken up by annoyingly bright sunlight shining through hotel room curtains that don’t close completely, you know how essential an eye mask can be. We recommend Manta’s Sleep Eye Mask, which completely blocks out light.

The eye mask has lightweight foam cups that provide total blackness without putting pressure on your eyelids, allowing for the rapid eye movement that’s important for deep sleep. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best Kids Luggage Overall: JetKids By Stokke BedBox

This suitcase from JetKids has it all: the ability for kids to sit on it and be pulled, an included backpack that easily attaches to the suitcase, swivel wheels, and you can use the top and included pad to transform any airplane seat into a mini bed for kids to stretch out on.  

Best Kids Carry-On – State Mini Logan Suitcase 

The State Mini Logan Suitcase has it all – pockets for organization and easy access to everything your child will need while traveling, plus its 360-degree spinner wheels make for easy maneuvering around the airport. The perfect size for them to haul it around themselves means their grown-ups will have their hands free for their gear. Available in nine fun colors and designs, from strawberries to lightning bolts, your kid will surely find a style that suits them. 

Best Luggage Set for Kids – Travelers Club Kids Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set

Your kid will have everything they need for travel with this set from Travelers Club. It includes an 18-inch carry-on wheeler, a backpack to use as their personal item, a lunchbox for snacks to take along on their trip, a luggage tag, and a travel pillow for when they need a quick snooze. Available in ten fun patterns. 

Best Budget Kids Luggage: Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack

Let’s face it: kids often love something one minute and hate it the next, so spending a ton of money on a bag for them isn’t practical. Most patterns in this rolling backpack from Rockland cost less than $30 and have plenty of pockets for your kid’s belongings. Available in eight fun colors and patterns.

Best Rolling Duffle Bag For Kids: L.L. Bean Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag

Even for kids, practical sometimes is best, and L.L. Bean’s Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag may not have any vibrant patterns, but it gets the job done. 

Best Hard-Sided Kids Luggage: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

This carry-on from Amazon Basics will stay with your child from preschool through high school. Durable, easy to use, with inner pockets for organization, it expands when you need more room. Available in four colors. 

Best Ride-on: Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase

Your kid will inevitably, at some point during travel, declare themselves too tired to stand or walk. That’s where a ride-on suitcase comes in handy. The Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase lets kids sit and be pulled by their grownups and is lightweight and durable. Available in eight fun animal-themed colors. 

Best Kids Duffel Bag: Wildkin Printed Duffel Bag

This basic duffel bag from Wildkin is lightweight and roomy, making it perfect for short trips. With an interior zippered compartment, an outer pocket, removable shoulder straps, and various fun patterns, it’s the ultimate kid-sized duffel. 

Best Travel Backpack: abshoo Classical Basic Travel Backpack

This water-resistant backpack is lightweight, with four independent compartments for easy traveling organization. Available in over twenty colors and patterns. 

Best Personalized Kids Luggage: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Spinner Luggage

Personalize your kids luggage with this hardback spinner from Pottery Barn. Not only do they come in loads of fun patterns, but you can add their name or initials – great for families with multiple kids who fight over whose luggage is whose. 

Best Luggage for Little Kids – Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage

There is something about a toddler pulling their bag behind them that is so cute. When they are sporting this rolling luggage from Stephen Joseph in their favorite design, they will be cute and practical. The handle locks at two different heights, so as your child grows, they can still easily wheel it behind them. It fits carry-on requirements yet is roomy and has plenty of pockets for organization. Available in fourteen patterns.

Best Luggage for Teens – Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner

Teens love their gadgets, so having a charger is necessary while traveling. This carry-on from Samsonite has an integrated USB port with the lock, making charging a breeze while on the go. On top of that, Mom and Dad will be happy with its durability and functionality.

Best Luggage for Families with Multiple Kids – Tach V3 3-Piece Hardcase Connectible Luggage

If you’ve ever found it hard to keep track of all of your kids luggage while at the airport, look no further than the Tach V3 3-piece connectible luggage. Each piece of luggage (carry-on, medium checked and large checked) easily connects to the other, making wheeling your luggage a breeze. They are durable, easy to wheel, and have built-in usb charging ports. 

Best Lightweight Kids Luggage – Carry On Light Expandable

At less than 5 lbs, this carry-on is lightweight yet durable. It expands, so if your child packs a bit more than planned, there is extra space. It has an integrated TSA lock, is made from vegan-friendly materials, and has a lifetime warranty. 

Light + Nine Kids Travel Suitcase

Light + Nine Kids Travel Suitcase is like Crocs as a suitcase – the unique design with perforated material allows kids to add Nimix (think Croc’s Jibbitz)- an array of fun characters and letters to make the suitcase their own. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to wheel around.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The post The Best Luggage for Kids appeared first on SmarterTravel.