I'm Wirecutter's Travel Editor. Here's What I Bring to Every Vacation Rental.
So pick up a portable, easy-to-use option that makes excellent coffee: the AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press. This is a slightly smaller, more packable sibling to the original AeroPress single-cup 'syringe.' (Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I'm channeling the advice of my java-dependent partner and colleagues.) You might not end up needing to use it, but it's not extravagantly priced.
Over the years, I've constructed a network of audio devices that keep me safely within range of NPR's Morning Edition as I get ready for my day. They include an ancient but beloved clock radio by the bed, a shower radio in the bathroom, and an Echo speaker in the kitchen. Without my usual morning soundtrack, I feel unmoored, and this presents a problem when I travel. So I keep a portable Bluetooth speaker in my suitcase.
The one I have now, a bright red JBL Go 4, is waterproof, has good sound quality, and is adorably tiny (the size of two decks of cards glommed together). The bass is nonexistent, but for listening to talking heads and podcasts, that doesn't really matter. No matter what sound system a rental has (or doesn't have), with this little speaker, I can find the stream for my preferred station and listen away.
These beach sandals are the same as the women's version but cut a bit wider; we still think they run a little smaller than regular shoe sizes.
I don't wear flip-flops much at home, but when I'm traveling, they're a great substitute for the clogs I keep by the door for quick trips to the corner store or back deck. We recommend a couple of models in our guide to beach gear. The Indosole Flip Flops (which come in men's and women's sizes) cost less than $50. And they offer the best combination of quality, discreet looks, packability, and responsible manufacturing from recycled materials. Also, if your destination involves sand and surf, flip-flops are perfect for that, as well.
This portable, battery-powered alarm can detect elevated CO levels caused by broken or poorly installed fuel-burning appliances (dryers, water heaters, and the like). It won't detect smoke, though.
Any vacation rental should have working smoke alarms. Yet not everyone is aware of the deadly danger posed by carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that can seep into a building via a malfunctioning chimney, water heater, gas stove, or other combustion appliance.
Doug Mahoney, who wrote our guide to smoke alarms, suggests packing the First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector, a portable alarm from the same company that makes the in-home smoke-and-CO alarm he recommends. Unlike that alarm, however, the CO710 won't alert you to smoke — just to excess levels of carbon monoxide. (It does also display the temperature, though.)
Equivalent in size to a stack of three iPhone SEs, the CO710 weighs less than half a pound, so it's easy to slip into a carry-on if you're flying to your rental. (It is powered by a built-in lithium battery, though, so don't put it in your checked luggage.) We recommend having one alarm for each bedroom, and from now on, I won't travel without one.
This article was edited by Maxine Builder and Jason Chen.
What I Cover
I'm based in San Francisco, and I oversee a team of writers and editors covering travel gear and outdoors gear, including cycling gear.
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- Buzz Feed
37 Useful Travel Products You'll Want For The Future
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It can help relieve pressure on your back and tailbone so you can actually enjoy a long commute. This has even given reviewers with sciatica some relief! A magnetic folding pill organizer with seven different compartments so you can compactly fit your over-the-counter meds *and* your prescription ones. Once you're done taking your daily pills, just flip the two sides back in and the magnet closing will keep everything secure (aka your pills won't end up at the bottom of your bag). Now you won't have to waste time (and money) at a pharmacy when you have other fun things to do. A digital luggage scale that'll squash *any* anxiety that your bag is too heavy. Now you don't have to worry about forking over more money (for that big overweight bag fee) or ripping open your suitcase in front of everyone — with this, you can avoid both! 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Buzz Feed
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A set of compression packing cubes you'll soon wonder how you ever traveled without. Your clothes will stay nicely folded (or rolled if you prefer!) and they squish down nicely when you close 'em. As a result, there will be more room in your suitcase to work with! Yeah, you're a certified packing expert now. A travel-friendly eight-compartment pill organizer to ensure you stay on your daily supplement and medication schedule without packing a bunch of big bottles. It has EIGHT compartments and comes with labels so you know what's what! A packing list pad so you don't forget anything important *and* so you can start packing a bit more strategically. You'll have a clear idea of what needs to fit in the suitcase as you go down the list, which may make you feel like the smartest traveler alive when it works on the first try! A carry-on-friendly travel Gillette Venus razor when you're determined to stay on top of your body care routine while traveling *without* sacrificing too much prime real estate in your already-bursting toiletry bag. Problem solved! OR Alleyoop's -3-in-1 travel razor with a compact (TSA-approved!) design that'll occupy hardly any space in your bag. It comes with two triple-blade razors, a moisturizing bar, and a spray bottle! Now you can shave on your trip when you suddenly realize that you've missed a spot. A small but mighty luggage strap for a hands-free travel experience that allows you to easily bring *another* bag when you inevitably overpack — it happens to the best of us. Not to worry, this lil' strap has you covered! It's also great for carrying your sweater or travel blanket so you have more room in your suitcase that was about to explode. A set of Tozo wireless Bluetooth earbuds if you simply cannot fathom a busy travel day without your beloved playlist. 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This 4-in-1 lip liner, eyeliner, brow pencil, and highlighter ensures you'll have everything you need in one sleek pen that takes up less room. Tide sink packets if you just KNOW there's an outfit you'll wanna wear multiple times while traveling. Not to mention, you'll be able to pack lighter knowing you'll have the option to wash things before rewearing 'em. A mini lightweight flat iron, which is truly the perfect size for traveling — no ifs, ands, or buts about it! It heats up super quickly too. Your hair will stay ~flawless~ and you won't lose a lot of luggage space just by packing a styling tool. A digital luggage scale to help you pack the essentials without living in fear of those dreaded overweight bag fees. You won't be filled with anxiety when you head to the airport because you already know your bag is under the weight limit. You travel genius, you. 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