Lifestyle
12 Awesome Summer Travel Essentials
Everyone is a traveler nowadays. Whether it is for business or leisure, traveling can become very hectic very quickly. If you are an entrepreneur or social influencer, you are probably traveling even more as part of your business. We’ve crafted a list of travel essentials that will make constant travel a bit easier. While creating this list of tools, we wanted to keep in mind: price, size, weight, available options and gear it towards a wide audience.
1. Compressed Mini Towels
Mini towels that expand when you add water is a great addition to your travel essentials. Long flights can really put a toll on your body. If you are traveling to a business meeting or have a reunion once you getting off your flight, you want to look and feel refreshed. Keep a couple of compressed towels, like the ones from Prospector Co., in your bag and quickly run to the restroom after your flight to wash your face. There are so many possible uses for these towels. Going on a hike? Coming up to a river, stream or a body of water, expand one of these towels to wipe yourself down a bit. Camping? Now you have dish towels.
2. Social Influencers on a Budget
Visuals are so important nowadays. For many travelers, pictures are a way to capture moments to reminisce on further down the line. For social influencers, these pictures are a way of sharing a place, history or culture that will captivate others to visit a location or try a new dish. Photography gear can get quite expensive and heavy to carry around. A mini camera that prints pictures instantly can capture moments as they happen. The Instax SQ10 is perfect for the traveling artist. The pictures have a retro look that differentiates from your average photo.
3. Mini Tripod
Small and lightweight, this item can be tossed into your backpack without you even knowing that it is there. When it is time for a group or solo picture, quickly attach your phone or small camera, set the timer and RUN! Have some fun with the group with pictures that will bring back fun memories. It is also easier and more comfortable to hold the legs of a mini tripod when taking videos while walking than it is to hold onto the device. Starting at around $10 on Amazon, there are many options of mini tripods to add into your travel essentials. Ones with legs that expand, ones with legs that can bend in all sorts of ways and even ones with magnetic legs.
4. Phone Camera Lens
Not everyone wants to carry around an extra camera while travel but most people do have a smartphone. These iPhone lenses are small enough to fit in your pocket and are quick and easy to attach to your phone. Most sets only comes with three types of lens: macro, wide and fisheye. Attach the wide angle lens to capture more of the landscape or fit more people into your group selfies. Attach the macro or fisheye lens to get a bit artsy. A quick search on Amazon will return many lens options starting at around $20.
5. Pocket Wi-Fi
Sometimes, public Wi-Fi just doesn’t cut it. You may be working on your next big project and need to make sure your data is secure. Invest in a pocket Wi-Fi like the Hippocket to get connected wherever, whenever. This is also great to add to your travel essentials if you are traveling to a remote location with limited access to your cellular data plan or Wi-Fi. There are many options for a pocket Wi-Fi. Ones with daily payments for a certain number of data, others that only charge for what you use, international ones, etc. Do some research and analyze your own data usage to figure out which one is best for you.
6. Multi Port USB Wall Charger
Most of us carry multiple devices that needs charging at the end of the day: phone, tablet, battery pack, GoPro, etc. Don’t go unplugging lamps in hotel rooms looking for an extra wall outlet. Many of these multi port USB chargers, like the Moshi Wall Charging Kit allows you to charge up to several devices at a time. You also won’t have to run around the room collecting your devices in the morning.
7. Hanging Toiletry Bag
Perfect for those who are constantly traveling for business or a quick weekend trip. This handy tool will keep you organized. Hang this bag from a hook, towel rack, or even the doorknob in the bathroom to avoid having to whip out your essentials every time you have wet countertop. Counter space is often limited, especially if you are sharing a bathroom with someone. Keep your essentials in a hanging toiletry bag out of the way and well organized. There are many styles to choose from for these bags. Do some research to find out what your preference is but keeping in mind: weight, size, durability, compartments and the size of the hook. You will want something with a big enough loop to hang on thicker objects.
8. Quick Dry Towel
Whether it is because you do not like to use the hotel’s towel or want to be able to shower in the morning before moving on to your next destination, a quick dry towel is a great option to add to your travel essentials. Most dry in less than half the time of a regular towel and is much more compact. Great for traveling light and when you are quickly moving from location to location without much time in between to wait for your towel to dry before packing it back in your luggage. It is also a good choice for days when you are going on a water excursion. You can dry off quickly after your activity and wrap it around you without feeling like you are wrapped in a wet blanket.
9. Emergency Laundry Kit
You packed just enough clothes for your trip but you accidentally spilled something on yourself or sat on something wet. With the laundry kit, plug the sink, throw in a couple of laundry sheets, do some washing, and you are all set! Nice and clean. An emergency laundry kit is a must-have for your travel essentials.
10. Wi-Fi Locator in Apps
Recently, Facebook rolled out a feature to find wifi spots near you. This is a great feature for those who are running low on data, digital nomads who need to get some work done, or travelers who wants to find the next place to eat or visit. If you are not on Facebook, there are plenty of other apps that will help you find free wi-fi. For example: TWC Wi-Fi Finder and Wi-Fi Map are highly reviewed apps.
11. Google My Maps
Most of us use Google Maps while traveling. If you like to plan before a trip, you can easily create, organize, share, and collaborate using My Maps. With the option for creating layers, you can organize where to eat, sleep and see into separate layers or organize by different days of the trip.
12. Facebook Travel/Blogger Groups
Instead of the same must see places you find in most travel lists, ask fellow travelers specific questions about their personal experiences. Many of these groups include travel bloggers who have lots of experience, resources, and knowledge they would love to share. It is free to join the groups, but if invest some time, you may really grow a connection with people from around the world. Maybe even make new friends to show you are ready when you visit their city. Here are a few active groups to start with:
Ultimate Travel Group
Nomads
Travel Advice by Travel Bloggers
Travel Bloggers United
Starting your fitness journey this year will be your wisest decision. Whether you visit your nearby gym or do it at home, using the right exercise equipment is crucial. But don’t go overboard when you’re doing the latter! Our fitness buffs have your back! We’ve tried some of the best fitness equipment of 2024, and here’s our list.
1. Fitness watch
Getting a fitness watch should be your first tool when starting your fitness journey. It lets you record your daily activities, check the calories burned, remind you to move, and track everything you do—even your heart rate! Apple offers fitness watches that also sync with your phone, but here are some affordable ones on Amazon:
Fitbit Sense 2 – $299.95
Garmin Epix Pro – $1,099.99
2. Resistance bands
Resistance bands are portable and affordable if you’re always on the go. They promote strength training and also improve stability.
Fit Simplify – $9.95
WSAKOUE Resistance Bands – $29.99
3. Kettblebells
If you frequent home workouts, getting a kettlebell can let you exercise with less fitness equipment. It can improve strength, power, and endurance. Kettlebells are excellent for developing overall fitness.
Amazon Cast Iron Kettlebell – $17.40
WeGym Soft Kettlebells – $169.99
4. Pull-up bar
A pull-up bar is one of the best fitness equipment at home. It’s convenient, and you can move it around. This is also great if you want to work on your upper body strength.
Ally Peaks Pull-up Bar – $31.89
Sportneer Pull-up Bar – $39.99
5. Exercise bike
If you’re willing to invest in extensive fitness equipment, an exercise bike should be one of the first things to get. It offers multiple benefits, primarily working on your cardiovascular fitness! Getting on an exercise bike every morning, even for 30 minutes daily. This fitness tool is excellent for strengthening your legs and burning calories!
Yosuda Exercise Bike – $249.99
Ativafit Folding Exercise Bike – $365.49
6. Treadmill
If you’re fond of running, getting a treadmill is a way to do it regularly. Sometimes, weather conditions prevent you from going outside to run. With a treadmill on standby, you can do it anytime while watching TV, listening to music, or watching over your children.
Umay Folding Treadmill – $319.99
NordicTrack T Series – $2,999
7. Rowing machine
If there is one fitness equipment I make a beeline for at my local gym, it’s a rowing machine. This equipment might seem simple, but a few rows on this bad boy will leave you feeling like you ran for miles. A rowing machine is excellent for endurance training and a great full-body workout.
Yosuda Rowing Machine – $299.99
Snode Rowing Machine – $399.99
8. Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the most versatile fitness equipment you can have around the house. Whether you’re doing circuits or weightlifting, dumbbells will surely elevate your workout routine. You can perform different kinds of exercise programs with dumbbells! Plus, it helps you gain muscles, lose weight, and boost your overall health.
Amazon Basics Dumbbells – $14.93
ProForm Dumbbell Set – $299
9. Step platform
Using a step platform is a form of low-impact workout. This could be a cardio workout alternative if you’re worried about regular jogging or running impacting your joints. It works both your upper and lower body strength!
Yes4All Step Platform – $48.99
Yes4All Step Platform – $18.99
10. Yoga mat
You can’t start your fitness journey without a yoga mat. Getting one lets you perform exercises wherever, whenever! This is an excellent fitness companion for your cooldown exercises or stretching routines.
Amazon Basics Yoga Mat – $20.19
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat – $136.76
Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024.
1. iRobot Roomba j7+
The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.
Price:
- $642.80 on Amazon
2. iRobot Roomba s9+
We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
3. Eufy S1 Pro
If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.
Price:
- $999 on Kickstarter
4. Shark ION AV751
If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.
Price:
- $319.99 on Amazon
5. Neato Botvac D8
The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.
Price:
- $699.99 on Amazon
6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision
Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
7. Dreame X30 Ultra
This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.
Price:
- $1,399.99 on Amazon
8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.
Price:
- $899.99 on Amazon
9. Dyson 360 Heurist
The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.
Price:
- $399.99 on Amazon
10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.
Price:
$949.99 on Amazon
Do you need a good night’s sleep but your mattress is ruining that? It’s time to find a brand-new mattress to relieve yourself of the stress of the day and doze off without a hitch. Learn more about the Bedstory 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress and what people think about the product here!
BedStory
BedStory has helped millions of sleepers get quality sleep with their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. Since 1983, the company has sold its products to over 90+ countries. Plus, they ensure that only state-of-the-art technology makes it to their products to improve people’s sleep. Additionally, their product line is made in the USA, ensuring quality standards are met every time new products are manufactured.
Specifications
Price: $369.99 to 559.99 (tax included)
Mattress Sizes
The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Plus, it comes in 12 or 14-inch sizes, too.
Mattress Layers
Have a restful sleep with six layers of comfort. The soft-knit fabric is on top that helps your mattress breathe. Plus, it keeps you cool while you sleep. It has a fire-resistant barrier and the gel bamboo charcoal memory foam. Plus, it has high-density foam, pocket springs, and base foam.
Lumbar Support
Have terrible back pain and want to alleviate it during sleep? BedStory has lumbar support embedded in its mattress. Pocket coils and orthopedic foam act as lumbar support while you slumber.
Cooler and More Refreshing Sleep
Their memory foam infuses gel and bamboo, making it feel cool on your body as you sleep soundly. It’s also made out of knitted fabric to let the mattress breathe. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about odors since it has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties. Plus, it also dissipates heat.
Motion Isolation
Do you or your partner toss and turn all night long and can’t get a wink of sleep? BedStory reduces the noise of joints shuffling all around. It’s all because the springs absorb any noise that could disturb your slumber.
Mattress Expansion
Since this is a bed in a box, it will take time for your brand-new mattress to expand to its original state. The BedStory mattress expands within 48 to 72 hours.
Delivery, Warranty, and Return
Expect your brand-new BedStory Mattress to arrive within 2 to 5 business days! The wait will all be worth it once it arrives at your doorstep.
Your BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will have a 10-year warranty.
Regarding returns, you can try sleeping on the new mattress for 30 nights’ worth of sleep. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the mattress, a return is possible within a 100-night window.
Certifications
You’ll be safe and sound when sleeping on a BedStory mattress since it’s CetriPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Certified. This ensures that you’re sleeping on a mattress without any harmful chemicals.
Recommended Bedframes
BedStory suggests that you can place the memory foam mattress on a platform, box spring, or slatted frame bedframe for an optimized sleeping experience. You want to make sure that you’re putting the bed on a solid bedframe to let the mattress expand properly and let you sleep without any disruptions.
The Ideal Sleepers
Like many products, the mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy their slumber with this mattress. However, it’s good to know who’ll love sleeping in this bed all day long.
- Light and sensitive sleepers
- Babies
- Elders
- People experiencing regular joint aches and pains
Maintaining The BedStory Mattress
Most beds last seven to ten years. After all, it’s expensive to change mattresses regularly. During your sleep tenure with BedStory, you can care for it to make your mattress last long. Here are tips from BedStory to help you maintain the mattress.
- Don’t eat on the bed
- Use a vacuum to remove dirt or debris
- Spot clean stains using detergent
- Put a mattress protector
- Rotate the mattress to avoid further wear and tear. Rotate it every 3 to 6 months
- Air out the mattress
- Don’t jump on the bed
What Do Sleepers Think?
BedStory sleepers love the mattress firmness. It’s medium-firm, so if you’re looking for something soft, you’re better off buying a mattress topper to make it soft. Plus, some sleepers find it easy to sleep faster. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about aches and pains upon waking up or during the middle of the night.
However, BedStory isn’t for everyone. For instance, some sleepers find that the mattress doesn’t expand or inflate to its actual size. Other sleepers say that firmness isn’t enough for them. Plus, other sleepers experience aches and pains while sleeping on this mattress.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the BEST mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be the next mattress to grace your bedframe. Many sleepers rave over the mattress since they sleep easier, faster, and better. Plus, some experience less or no pain upon waking up, which is a game-changer for many sleepers. Finally, it’s value for money considering the specs. You don’t need to change your mattress regularly. Plus, you can return the mattress if it’s not a good fit!
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