affordable travel accessories Archives

*Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.*

Last November, I published a nifty little post called Travel Enthusiasts Rejoice! Hot Picks from TSC. In the post, I outlined some of my favourite picks from The Shopping Channel, including an awesome collapsible luggage packing shelf from Heys, an outfit-saving mini steamer and a gorgeous accessory holder. Well, based on the popularity of the post, I’m back! And this time, I’ve got a little something for you too – the chance to win a $250 Gift Card from The Shopping Channel!

But first, I’ve got three more travel-ready picks that are sure to make your life easier, especially when on location in Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, or anywhere in the world (lucky you). All are available at the ALL NEW www.tsc.ca, an updated and redesigned website featuring fresh graphic treatment and layout, improved usability, ease of shopping and nearly 100 per cent bilingual functionality.

Heys Handbags St. Tropez North/South Top Tote

I love a good, deep handbag when travelling, and this stunning colour block purse – currently on sale for $83.88 – is just the ticket. The tote features polished hardware and twin shoulder straps that help create a bag that is both roomy and elegant. Inside, you’ll find a backwall zip pocket and two media pockets, perfect for stashing your mobile devices, passport and wallet.

For a touch of elegance, the pebbled leather is set off by polished light gold hardware, including a Raisa by HEYS East/West logo plate. All in all, the perfect fashion statement – and functional carry on!

Specifications: Zip top closure; Exterior: back zip pocket; Polyester lining; Handle drop length 9 ½”; Imported 11 ½” x 5 ½” x 15”; Fabric: Leather; surface wipe.

CHI Smart Mini Travel Dryer With Diffuser

Yes, I know hotel rooms are equipped with hair dryers. No, I don’t trust them – at all. They’re often too weak, don’t come with a drying nozzle, and worst of all – are handled by a bazillion people. In the bathroom. Can’t even deal.

Hence, I always pack my own hair dryer, but it wasn’t until recently that I acknowledged at least 10% of my luggage is overtaken by the large, heat styling tool. Then I was turned on to the CHI Mini Travel Dryer.

What it is: The CHI Smart travel dryer is a hard-working, yet extremely compact hair dryer that helps deliver beautiful hair wherever you go. Included is the travel hair dryer with diffuser and concentrator.

What it does: The CHI Smart travel dryer helps reduce frizz. The even heat distribution helps dry hair gently and is perfect for any hair type. The 1000 watts of power helps deliver amazing results, and the dual voltage feature is perfect for travellers. Retails for $65.00….

It was around this time last year that my family returned from our Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas adventure; a media trip that set off a flurry of family travel activity for the next six months. And while it felt like our suitcases were permanently stacked in the corner of the bedroom, awaiting the next trip – trust me, I was not complaining.

However, I did learn something from the experience: travel in the 4th quarter puts much stress on me, both physically and mentally. Not only is it my busiest time professionally (ahem, have you seen how many Twitter Parties I’ve got on the go? There’s literally 1-2 every week leading up to the holidays), but since Christmas is my favourite time of the year, I like to savour the season while surrounded by family and friends – not in airports or hotel rooms. Hence, I made a conscious decision to cease all travel from October – December this year, preferring instead to get my home, and my family, ready for the holidays.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m not in planning mode for 2014! I’ve got a slew of staycations, family travel opportunities and even a romantic getaway (for two) planned. I’m so looking forward to both media events and a real, bona fide vacation next year!

Last month, while cruising on The Shopping Channel (TSC), I found some amazing pieces that I just couldn’t resist. They’re perfect for toting along on my upcoming adventures, and since I consider myself quite the family travel enthusiast, I’m so eager to share them with y’all. Here are my top picks for affordable travel necessities that are easy to pack, easy to use, and most importantly, easy on the wallet!

1. Heys JetPack Collapsible Luggage Packing Shelf, $37.97

I am pretty much in love with this product. You see, I have a distinct phobia of bugs… especially the ones that like to travel. Hence, I never unpack clothes from my suitcase, as I have little trust in the purity of hotel dressers and drawers to be be a bedbug-free zone.

Of course, this means that for every trip, I find myself squatting beside my suitcase on the floor, trying to access the outfits I had painstakingly packed. And rummaging through an already jammed suitcase? Not so much fun. Enter the Heys JetPack Collapsible Luggage Packing Shelf.

“The Heys JetPack is a Collapsible Packing Shelf that makes the perfect companion for any traveler. This ingenious and lightweight luggage piece will make packing more organized, more efficient and stress-free. No more unpacking your luggage one article at a time. Now, with one bag, you can do it all at once and still remain completely organized. Simply fill its shelves with your neatly folded clothes, compress the shelf with the built-in strap and put it in your suitcase. The JetPack also features exterior pockets for small accessories. When you get to your hotel or destination, simply hang the JetPack on a closet rod and loosen the compression shelf. You’ll be able to quickly and easily see all of your clothes with the help of a 360 degree swivel hook. Once you try it you’ll agree that this piece makes an indispensable must-have for anyone who travels.”

GAH! Ingenious! Not only can you pre-pack your clothes in the order you’d like to wear them, but they all stay perfectly pressed and organized. And the best part – hang the JetPack in the closet, and alleviate bedbug fears!

(In case you’re wondering, the shelf weighs 2.2 lbs. So as long as you pack conservatively, it won’t put a dent in your maximum weight allowance. And, it comes in nine pretty colours to match your personality. I’m partial to fuchsia!)…