The Busy Traveler's Guide To Black Friday

I was watching old Anthony Bourdain and Rick Steves videos the other day and now I relate to them on a whole different level. Instead of just dreaming about visiting faraway places, I felt like I was having a conversation with them as they shared their experiences. I have to give credit to my predecessors because they are still unrivaled.👏🏽

Amazon must hate me. I'm the type of person who buys 5 different brands of the same product, selects one, and then returns the others. 

This tendency might annoy Amazon, but it also means that I have a good eye for travel products,... which benefits all of you!

Here are some products to grab just in time for Black Friday…

…Do you want the official list or the real list?

Here's the OFFICIAL list:

• Bluetooth adapter: Who uses headphones with wires anymore? Plus, the wired headphones the flight attendants give you on the plane are horrible. If you already have Bluetooth headphones, use this device instead. The best part is that if you have a friend, they can also connect to the device, allowing multiple people to join in. Link
• Sleep mask: Use an eye mask to block out the blinding light from that annoying neighbor who's reading a book during a flight. Link
• Luggage handle: Even if you're on team carry-on, some of your luggage may still need to be weighed before boarding the plane (mostly for international travel). Don't get caught having to pay extra or needing to check your luggage! Link
• Compression socks: I swear by these. Compression socks help prevent blood clots and varicose veins. Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Buy an affordable pair on Amazon. Link
• Apple AirTags: Even if you don't like checking in your luggage like me, sometimes it's unavoidable. I had to check my luggage from Budapest, and it got delayed. But it wasn't a problem because I knew the exact location of my luggage the entire time with these tags. Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. In case you lose your luggage, you can easily locate it using the AirTags. These tiny tracking devices can be a real lifesaver! Link
• Smart Phone holder: If you're all about ergonomics, you should definitely check out the TrekStand Phone. It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad. It can also be hung on the seat in front of you, allowing you to look straight ahead and comfortably watch your devices. Link

Travel Gear

• Use packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier. I particularly like packing cubes that have separate compartments for clean and dirty clothes, so my dirty clothes NEVER mix with the clean ones. I always stay So Fresh and So Clean during my travels. Link
• Downy wrinkle remover: You all know I swear by Downy wrinkle remover. You need this in your life! I have 5 bottles at home and bring them on all of my trips. Link
• Toothbrush: I bring this electric toothbrush with me because it provides a better brush than a conventional toothbrush while still being lightweight. Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. It even has space for laptop bricks. Give it a try! Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. I carry two with me during my travels, so I have one on the road with me and another back home recharging. Link

Now here's the unofficial list 🤫:

• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Many people think the effects of aging are a real problem (..and they are), but most of the time, it's just stiffness. Use this mat to become more flexible. Traveling is no excuse to be out of shape. Link
• Lock: When going to a local gym, the worst thing is putting your belongings in a locker without a lock. That paranoid feeling won't go away. Put your mind at ease with this lock. Link
• Protein shaker: I love my shaker. This one is awesome because it has a bottom container that holds even more whey protein. This means I can be on the road for hours while still feeding my muscles! It's the small things that make me happy. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up! If you're a drinker, you want to make sure you're still fresh the next day after partying and pounding shots. For a night out of drinking, I take a packet before and a packet after. Link

What do you bring on your trips?

Cocktail of the Week

French 75 is a classic cocktail from France that originated during World War I. It was named after the French 75mm field gun, as the drink is said to have the same kick as being hit by the weapon. The cocktail gained popularity in Paris and eventually made its way to the United States.

Recipe for French 75:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons simple syrup
• Chilled champagne

Steps to prepare French 75:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or a Collins glass.
4. Top off the glass with chilled champagne.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy the refreshing and bubbly French 75 cocktail.

Random Travel Thought

If you don’t give your body a rest, it will take it for you!  

Follow me on Instagram.  

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com*: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing*: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.
  
  *Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

View Previous Posts