The Coen Compass

A+ Travel Accessories

Do you ever find yourself walking through the store and see that one item that you think will change your life forever the next time you need it, so you make that mental note and walk past it but then when you need it the next time, you forgot that item ever existed? Okay, maybe that is just me…. One thing that I wanted to prioritize in creating The Coen Compass Blog is sharing what I recommend as a travel agent, a mother, a wife, and someone who believes in the “perfect” accessory for the “perfect” occasion.

My goal is for this to be the first of many entries where I share just what I think on all of the travel items that I use, my clients use, or I have researched. I will be sure to let you know if I have not used the item myself and I am just recommending based on great reviews. Please feel free to send me your feedback if you come across a travel accessory that you love and feel as though you cannot live without. My hope is that together we will be able to find some really great products to use as we continue our adventures together.

Suitcases & Situations

Is it just me or is buying a suitcase a bit of a challenge? There are so many different options! The pink ones are cute, but then again my husband does not want to roll that through the airport so I really like the blue ones, but the size of the blue one is not the size I want, so then I end up with both the pink and the blue one and end up taking the red one we had at the house. I will admit, I tend to gravitate towards bags when it comes to purchasing items and there is nothing better than a cute pocketbook. However, when it comes to picking the right bag for the trip there is a lot to consider.

  • Do you prefer a larger suitcase or a smaller one?
  • Do you like the 360 degree turn?
  • What color do you want?
  • Does the whole set have to be the same color or do you like to mismatch?
  • Do you prefer the hard shell or soft luggage?
  • Do you accessorize with a duffle bag? (Umm, yes! Preferably with my initials if that is an option!)
  • Do you have to include a garment bag?
  • What about the toiletries? Does that bag matter too?

I will have to admit that the answer to every one of those questions varies depending on the trip and so sometimes it can be difficult to make the right choice when you are investing in your luggage. Here are a few of my favorite items that I have come across or have heard great things about!

  • Wrangler 20″ Spinner Carry-On Luggage – This item was one that I actually heard about on the TODAY show and thought it was a great one to start with! It’s a great price and is ranked 5/5 for being a cost effective carry-on. It has the 360 degree wheels and there are 5 color options to pick from. You can find one on Amazon.com for around $50. It is important to note that this item is carry-on approved so you won’t have to worry if it won’t be allowed or not. You can purchase one from our Amazon!
  • Samsonite Luggage – I cannot say enough great things about Samsonite and the product they create for travel. One of the first things that I love is that they have a 10-year warranty. Not to mention they have been in the industry since 1910, that has to count for something. They offer a variety of products in different sizes. My husband currently uses one of their leather backpacks for his day to day travels and its in excellent shape even after 5 years. They offer such a variety of items that are great quality. They even have toiletry kits, passport wallets and packing cubes available as well. There are some great prices that can be found on their online store. You can also visit a local Samsonite store near you for some great deals as well.
  • Vera Bradley – I have never met a cute bag that I did not like and Vera Bradley has some of the most adorable travel bag options that I want to make sure that I mention. I have several backpacks that I absolutely love to use when I am traveling as well as matching toiletry bags. One of my favorite items to recommend is the hanging travel organizer. This helps us to keep all of our items organized when we get to where we are going. They are great for your cruise cabins where your storage is sometimes limited. Also, the Disney patterns are my absolute favorite! This is a great gift for someone as well, and you can even personalize it with a monogram. (Other favorite items: the bag that goes across the body, the wristlets are perfect for travel, and the make up bags are great as well) Purchase one here on our Amazon!

Exploration of Electronics

I know that everyone has their own preference when it comes to electronics. Some prefer Apple over Android and others prefer a laptop over an iPad. Regardless of your preference on brand, there are so many great travel accessories that you want to make sure you do not leave home without. I do recommend that you do consider unplugging while you are on your vacation if it is possible. The “Do Not Disturb” option has become one of my favorite when I am wanting to be sure and get some much needed R&R.

  • Headphones – I started to recommend one particular style over another but then I realized that just as fast as I posted this blog, there would be another new style released and my information would be obsolete. I just want to recommend that you travel with a great pair of headphones. I personally use my Air Pods and if you have the noise canceling option, when you put both of them in your ears, you can grab a great nap on board your next flight. When you are sitting on the beach somewhere and want to relax your mind, turn on some tunes or even start that next audiobook! (Or if you really want to be entertained and lifted in your spirit – go take a listen to our podcast: Coenology )
  • Portable Charger Power Bank – I know I recommend that you unplug but I also recommend that you stay plugged in, literally! There is nothing worse than to feel like you are stranded somewhere and your phone battery has died. Be sure to pick up a power pack power bank that you can keep with you at all times just encase your phone battery needs a little boost. There are several great options to choose from. We personally use the Anker brand and it has been very reliable. Be sure that you select an option that is compatible with your device. (Purchase Here)
  • Travel Adapter – This is a must if you are a world traveler or you travel with anyone who seems to never be able to find their charger (moving on). A travel adapter will be sure that you are ready for international travel so that your devices will be able to charge in the power sockets. I recommend the EPICKA adapter (please note that if you are planning on needing this for a blow dryer then you will need a converter not an adapter). This device can be used in over 200 countries. You can find more details on the link provided for you, they are a great price on Amazon. Don’t leave home without this!
  • iPad or Tablet – One way to pass the time during a long layover at the airport is to catch up on all of your favorite shows on your streaming app. Be sure to pack your iPad or tablet with you when you travel so that you have a way of passing the time when it is needed, or if you enjoy reading a great book then you will want to download a few to take with you! (The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite gives you that real page feel when you are reading but keeps you from having to pack all of those books in your luggage)
  • Portable Speaker – I know that you may be thinking this might be a little too much but I absolutely love listening to music so I am sure to pack our portable speaker when we travel. Be sure that you get one that is water/weather proof for all of your poolside adventures. I usually begin the day with playing my tunes while I am getting ready and the portable speaker comes in handy. We use the Bose SoundLink Color II . We have also used the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 and it works great as well if you need something more cost effective.

When we travel, electronics are something that we are sure to bring along for the journey. One thing that I would recommend adding to your travel suggestions is the use of a cable organizer bag. This keeps from putting all of your chargers in different places and then not being able to find them when you need them the most. You can find a lot of great options on Amazon as well. This FYY Travel Cable Organizer comes in several color options and is very cost effective.

Last But Not Least

I am convinced that 50 lb. in the travel world is not the same 50 lb. I am familiar with. it seems to me that even when I think I am packing light for the adventure, I am living life right on the edge. Nobody wants to pay those extra fees for having an overweight suitcase! Investing in a portable luggage scale is a must! You can attach it right to your suitcase and get an accurate weight before you arrive at the airport. No more standing on the scale, and then stepping off to grab your suitcase and calculate the difference. Purchase a portable luggage scale, and that way you can take it with you just to be sure that all of your souvenirs are within the guidelines as well for the trip home. (Purchase Yours Here)

Nothing says nap like a long flight! You certainly want to make sure that you do not leave home without grabbing your neck pillow so that you are comfortable when you are grabbing a snooze along the way. I like to keep one in the car for those long road trips as well. (Napfun Neck Pillow)

  • Silicone Bottle Covers – These are great for making sure that some of your liquid items like shampoo and conditioner do not spill out!
  • Compression Packing Cubes – These items are carry-on approved and comes in a set of 6! You will be sure to fit all of the outfits right inside so you have plenty of room for your souvenirs!

Honorary Amazon Favorites

I hope that something I have shared with you here will help you to take your travel to the next level. The destination is certainly worth going to see, but it is the journey that makes the trip! I want to encourage you to share all of your travel favorites with me! I would be glad to feature them in a blog posting so that someone else can benefit from it. Take a moment to share this with someone and be sure to like, follow and share my travel information on all of your social media platforms.

If have any travel information that you are needing or if you are interested in booking a vacation with me, please feel free to contact me so we can get started! I would love to help you plan your next vacation! Be sure to subscribe to The Coen Compass below!

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