These are a Few of My Favorite (Travel) Things…

Claudia Fenner is a writer, photographer and travel enthusiast who is a stay home mom of three in Dix Hills. She loves to plan her family’s vacations and helping her friends and relatives with their vacation ideas.

Memorial Day is almost here, pack your bags… It's travel time!

Oprah has her “favorite things.”  Julie Andrews as Maria had her “favorite things.”   

Here are a few of my favorite travel things …

There are many products and companies out there that simply make traveling easier, less expensive, more organized and sometimes just more fun!  

1. A reasonably priced bag that does it all is the Kipling Alvar nylon bag. It’s cross body for added security, comes in many colors, and has lots of zippered pockets to safely store your passport and other important papers.  Kipling also sells matching nylon wallets and small pouches, that securely clip on to a “leash” inside the Alvar bag so you can keep your money in there without the worry of somebody pick pocketing your wallet without you knowing it. You can purchase the bag and the wallet at www.kipling-usa.com, many online luggage retailers, www.amazon.com or Macy’s.  

2. My vote for the best travel hairdryer comes from Brookstone and can be bought in the mall or online at www.brookstone.com. The “Ionic Dual-Voltage Travel Hair Dryer” is $45 and worth every penny. There is a  switch on the back that changes the voltage from use in the USA to overseas.  If you are going to Europe remember to flip the switch to 220V right before you leave or else when you plug it in your hotel room in Europe you will immediately blow the fuse there.. been there.. done that.  Never a happy moment when you have to call the front desk and tell them your room is dark. It perfect for use on your vacation as well as every day at home.  

3. One thing some travelers forget about when planning their vacations is where to park at the airport while they are away. A company that always exceeds my expectations is The Parking Spot. With locations at JFK and LGA this company takes the stress out of airport parking. You can go to www.theparkingspot.com and make your reservations online for no charge.  Be sure to sign up for their free loyalty club because you earn points with every park. They have printable discount coupons on their website, your AAA card provides a good discount as well. They even give weary travelers (that’s you) bottled water on your way out.

4. Looking to open a credit card that will give you points for your favorite hotel chain or airline? My favorite  website to find out the best way to maximize your frequent flier miles and for the best credit card perks is www.thepointsguy.com. On their Facebook page, in addition to the valuable benefits information, it also has incredibly interesting travel tips and first hand experiences to enjoy. Where else can you read a complete comparison of first class amenities among all airlines or which coach seats are the smallest?

“In American there are two classes of travel – first class, and with children.”
– Robert Benchley