Score huge savings on a carry-on luggage set from Walmart!

For a limited time, pop over to Walmart.com where they are offering this StorageBud 2-Piece Carry-On Luggage Set for just $99.99 shipped (regularly $199.99)!

This set includes a 20” hard-sided carry-on, with convenient features like exterior padded pockets for your laptop and iPad, an exterior USB charging port, and even an insulated cooler pocket—all paired with smooth-gliding 360-degree wheels. Plus, stay organized in style with the matching cosmetic case, complete with a zippered compartment, mesh pocket, and elastic strap designed to fit seamlessly over your suitcase handle.

Not sure? Read a few reviews…

Check out all of our travel deals and tips here!

Grab a new tote bag at a hot price on HSN!

Today, May 5th only, hurry over to HSN.com where you can snag this Joy CleanBoss Expandable Pop Tote with Belt Bag & New Cooler Bag for just $34.95 ($135 value)!

Plus, new customers can score $10 off their first $20 order when they use promo code HSN2024 at checkout!

Note that this bag is only available for extended delivery and will ship on or around May 20th.

Grab these savings while you can…

This bundle includes a matching lightweight tote that expands to a jumbo tote for everyday use, a belt bag with RFID technology for safe on-the-go travel, and a leakproof cooler bag for keeping lunches, snacks, and drinks cool. And you can choose from multiple eye-popping colors!

Astronomers’ Library by Karen Masters

Indulge in this collection of the best astronomy books from the past 800 years. The Astronomers’ Library is a rich history of astronomy (and astrology) publishing across Europe.

This is a carefully selected arrangement of publications from all over the continent – Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. And of course, as the original world leader in astrology, the middle east is featured, with multiple books from Persia.

Humankind has looked to the heavens since the dawn of time, wondering what is out there, as well as how everything works and (originally) who was responsible for it. Every tribe, race and civilization has wondered about our place in the universe and what lies beyond and what lies within it, below our feet.

Lately, attention has turned to the origins of the universe. From the turn of the millennium, knowledge and ideas were recorded, first on tablets or rock, then in the form of simple manuscripts, and eventually in a much more elaborate fashion as illustrative and engraving skills evolved.

The advent of printed books saw the production of highly illustrated tomes that showed off the skills of the printers as well as the newfound knowledge of the scholars and artists that wrote them.

Many of these works pushed the boundaries of illustrated publishing (and continue to do so to this day). They commanded expert illustrators and skilled engravers and hence didn’t come cheaply. They were treasured in the libraries of the wealthy and their intrinsic worth has meant that there is an incredible wealth of beautifully preserved historic examples from the 14th century onwards.

The significant difference we acknowledge today between astronomy and astrology has a relatively recent past, and the stars have long been associated with creatures, gods, characters and all sorts of divine beings. The study of such has a long, fascinating history that is shown in beautiful detail in the pages of these many beautiful books, and the transition from seeing the stars as characters to understanding them as spinning, celestial beings and part of our huge universe is akin to witnessing the history of the world.

Review

The blurb will tell you almost all you need to know about the book. Professor and author Karen Masters takes us through the best historical books about astronomy/astrology (as for a long time these were synonymous) from around the world. She selects best examples of books and arranges them loosely in chapters such as Star Atlases, Mapping Other Worlds, Astronomy and Culture, and Modern Astronomy – which contains a great resource list for further reading.

Rather than sticking closely to European viewpoint, entries are from all over the world with many more Islamic, Asian, and Mesoamerican examples than I’m used to seeing in similar books. The names by which they’re known might differ but the stars are the same as is the fascination of those who gazed at them and tried to understand them. I did notice a tendency for Renaissance European illustrators to include lots and lots of stargazing cheeky cherubs.

The illustrations are gorgeous and the tidbits and nuggets of information that Masters shares about her selections are fascinating. Given the layout and wealth of images, plus the fact that the digital and hardback prices aren’t that much different, it might be worth it to get a hardback copy in order to better enjoy it. The price right now will probably limit the book to hardcore enthusiasts. B

AmazonBNKoboBook DepositoryGoogle

A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages: The World Through Medieval Eyes by Anthony Bale

A captivating journey of the expansive world of medieval travel, from London to Constantinople to the court of China and beyond.

Europeans of the Middle Ages were the first to use travel guides to orient their wanderings, as they moved through a world punctuated with miraculous wonders and beguiling encounters. In this vivid and alluring history, medievalist Anthony Bale invites readers on an odyssey across the medieval world, recounting the advice that circulated among those venturing to the road for pilgrimage, trade, diplomacy, and war.

Journeying alongside scholars, spies, and saints, from Western Europe to the Far East, the Antipodes and the ends of the earth, Bale provides indispensable information on the exchange rate between Bohemian ducats and Venetian groats, medieval cures for seasickness, and how to avoid extortionist tour guides and singing sirens. He takes us from the streets of Rome, more ruin than tourist spot, and tours of the Khan’s court in Beijing to Mamluk-controlled Jerusalem, where we ride asses across the holy terrain, and bustling bazaars of Tabriz.

We also learn of rumored fantastical places, like ones where lambs grow on trees and giant canes grow fruit made of gems. And we are offered a glimpse of what non-European travelers thought of the West on their own travels.

Using previously untranslated contemporaneous documents from a colorful range of travelers, and from as far and wide as Turkey, Iceland, North Africa, and Russia, A Travel Guide to the Middle Ages is a witty and unforgettable exploration of how Europeans understood—and often misunderstood—the larger world.

Review

This looked interesting and for the most part it was. After an opening chapter on what travel means (just keep going through this), Bale dives into various historical accounts of (mainly) Europeans venturing far from home for various reasons though the last chapter covers a few journeys made to Europe, Africa, and the Arabian peninsula by people traveling westward from China and Mongolia. 

The most time is spent on religious pilgrimages to Rome, Jerusalem, Egypt, and other parts of the Middle East by European Christians. Maybe this was covered so extensively due to the availability of texts? It’s interesting but does go on a bit. Honestly, the conditions sounded as horrendous as the pilgrims probably found them to be. Traveling simply for wanderlust or pleasure didn’t appear to be that popular though perhaps the Europeans who left home for this reason decided not to go home and thus left no records? Trade was another major incentive to leave home and several merchants and traders left accounts of what they went through trying to buy and sell or set up trade hubs and links in foreign lands.   

The book jumps back and forth from various sources to cover different aspects of a typical journey that might have been made rather than sticking with one person’s narrative for a whole trip. Some travelers were enthusiastic while others were grimly determined and also expecting things to be ghastly. For pilgrims, the suffering along the way seemed to enhance the payoff of the trip (shortening time in Purgatory by years or totally for those who made it to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem but check the 1450 guide in Rome to see exactly what indulgences are available and how much time you’ll save or how to get one soul out of Purgatory!). Some traders loved the chance to see new places while others caught cities or rulers having a bad day. One Chinese traveler was awestruck by Hormuz while a Mongolian Christian enjoyed sitting in a beautiful garden in Naples overlooking a sea battle.  

Bale doesn’t shy away from the fact that – just like today – people had their prejudices and preconceptions. Some of these are racist. Some people are great to travel with while others are grumps. What got written about depended on what a person thought was important rather than what we might love to read about today. 

Several fun tidbits of information are included such as an exchange rate so you know how far your plapparts will take you (also change money in Bruges where there’s a bank), don’t forget a staff (support and beating off bandits) and a bag, where to find a licensed guide in Venice who won’t cheat you while booking your travel on to the Holy Land, some travel costs in Egypt and the Holy Land (just accept that you’re going to be stiffed for money all along the way), that the locals who aren’t making money off of you will probably be annoyed by you (jeering and stone throwing are probable), some handy phrases translated into Greek, Albanian, Turkish, and Arabic, medical advice for those traveling overseas (some of which is … not bad), India has both manticores and unicorns, and when traveling from Tana to Khanbaliq (Beijing) don’t be chintzy when hiring a dragoman – splash out and hire a good one,. 

The little snapshots of things I hadn’t expected – life in a caravanserai (like a modern travel pit stop); that people from all over the world had traveled much farther into distant lands than I expected; that an Italian saw and saved two Tartars in bondage in Italy, one of whom he’d met before on his travels – were what made the book for me. It ends with sources, references, and further reading.  When it’s all said and done, it appears that travelers and traveling experiences haven’t changed all that much over the centuries. B      

AmazonBNKoboBook DepositoryGoogle

Otherworldly Antarctica: Ice, Rock, and Wind at the Polar Extreme by Edmund Stump

With stunning original photographs, an Antarctic scientist and explorer takes us to one of the most sublime, remote, and pristine regions on the planet.

The interior of Antarctica is an utterly pristine wilderness, a desolate landscape of ice, wind, and rock; a landscape so unfamiliar as to seem of another world. This place has been known to only a handful of early explorers and the few scientists fortunate enough to have worked there. Edmund Stump is one of the lucky few. Having climbed, photographed, and studied more of the continent-spanning Transantarctic Mountains than any other person on Earth, this geologist, writer, and photographer is uniquely suited to share these alien sights.

With stories of Stump’s forty years of journeys and science, Otherworldly Antarctica contains 130 original color photographs, complemented by watercolors and sketches by artist Marlene Hill Donnelly. Over three chapters—on the ice, the rock, and the wind—we meet snowy paths first followed during Antarctica’s Heroic Age, climb the central spire of the Organ Pipe Peaks, peer into the crater of the volcanic Mount Erebus, and traverse Liv Glacier on snowmobile, while avoiding fatal falls into the blue interiors of hidden crevasses. Along the way, we see the beauty of granite, marble, and ice-cored moraines, meltwater ponds, lenticular clouds, icebergs, and glaciers. Many of Stump’s breathtaking images are aerial shots taken from the planes and helicopters that brought him to the interior. More were shot from vantages gained by climbing the mountains he studied. Some were taken from the summits of peaks. Many are of places no one had set foot before—or has since. All seem both permanent and precarious, connecting this otherworld to our fragile own.

Review

Fifty years ago, geologist Edmund Stump began a love affair with the beautiful but also brutal world of Antarctica. Luckily for us, he’s also a great photographer and he snapped gorgeous pictures of the continent while doing scientific research there. Major bonus points that he accomplished this in an age before drones.

Think of purest white—the brilliance of all colors—and fathomless blue. Sprinkle in a few dark rocks and the total lack of green and you have Antarctica’s minimal pallet.

If someone offered me a chance to visit Antarctica, I’d be hard pressed to turn it down regardless of my risk of panic attacks while flying. Seriously, it wouldn’t be pretty. But if I could see IRL what I see in these images? I might take a deep breath, live better with chemistry, and go for it.

We were suspended on a transparent surface surrounded by bits and pieces of sparkling crystal, tinged blue beneath the waterline. A dome of matte gray illuminated the shadowless landscape. Ringing the cove were steep walls of ice fed by glaciers from the slopes above. Their faces bore the scars of tension and release where they had calved the icebergs that spread throughout the cove. The ice of the walls was young, only faintly blushing blue.

The book is divided into three sections: Ice, Rocks, and Wind. Stump adds geographic information for each image as well as describes his time there. There is a lot of scientific geology-speak to explain what readers are looking at which is helpful but Stump is also awed by his surroundings.

In the lifeless world of Antarctica, the wind is an animate force active in human-time— miles per hour, a heartbeat. It may be fierce, it may be calm, it may be steady, it may be restless or fickle or faint. Sometimes it isn’t even there at all. It is the bearer of cloud and the deliverer of snow. It can be a fearsome force, roiling through the mountains.

I found myself spending more time studying photos, inhaling this truly “otherworldly” place. Some photos made the landscape appear to be an intimate 50 or so feet across only to have the author reveal a scale of miles instead. Other images are up close and have a span of mere twelve inches. This is another book which is probably best as a coffee table hardback edition. B

If I had one hour more to savor Antarctica, it would be on a névé—a snowfield, circled at a distance by low mountains, snow gracefully rising to narrow ridgelines. A light breeze would nip my nose to remind me of where I was. The midnight sun would be low in the southern sky, casting long shadows and a faint alpine glow. And I would be standing in the midst of a field of the most exquisite sastrugi—wind-carved snow—as far as the eye could see.

AmazonBNKoboBook DepositoryGoogle

Pick up these Disney deals during your next Aldi run! 

Run over to your local Aldi where you’ll find some fantastic deals on Disney merchandise like pillows, doormats, backpacks, and clothing!

You’ll need to hurry because items do not last long in the Aldi aisle, and once they are gone, you may not see them again.

Here’s what we spotted…

Looking for more magical Disney deals? Head this way…

Fly for less to start the summer off right with Jet Blue!

Looking to get away? Jet Blue’s Fly as You May Sale has started, and through May 2nd, they’re offering one-way flights starting at just $46 to select cities for travel on select dates (excludes Thursday and Friday travel) starting May 11th through June 19th. Jet Blue offers flights all around the US, Puerto Rico, and to the UK.

Plus, they offer so much more than just flights! Head to the Jet Blue site and check out great deals on vacation packages, hotels and even rental cars.

Looking for the best time to fly? Check out Jet Blue’s Best Fare Finder! Just head here, enter where you’re flying from, your destination and how many travelers and they’ll show you when the cheapest time to fly is. This is such a great way to compare prices and check on cheap flights. It’s also a good way to track how much prices are going to be as you get closer to being ready to book. You can also see some sample fares available on this page!

Check out these sample fares we spotted:

• Flying from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA as low as $46
• Flying from New York, NY to Fort Lauderdale, FL as low as $59
• Flying from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL as low as $64
• Flying from Raleigh-Durham, NC to Fort Lauderdale, FL as low as $65
• Flying from New York, NY to Portland, OR as low as $69
• Flying from Orlando, FL to Buffalo, NY as low as $74

Earn rewards when you book with Jet Blue!

Jet Blue offers a True Blue rewards program that lets you earn every time you book with them. You’ll earn 2X True Blue points when you book on JetBlue.com or on the Jet Blue app. The points never expire and can be redeemed for any seat with no blackout dates!

Don’t have enough points for a full flight? They offer Cash + Points bookings where you can use as many points as you have (starting at 500 points) and then pay for the rest of your flight. Plus, the more you fly, the higher reward levels you’ll reach and you’ll start to earn even more points!

Here’s some of our favorite traveling tips…

• Stop overpacking with these travel tips!
• Save the most on trips with this booking timeline
• 22 Brilliant Dollar Tree Items to Buy for Your Next Vacation

Heading to the beach? Don’t miss out on these tips!

As many of you know, I love visiting the Great Smoky Mountains yearly.  

When we travel to the mountains, we escape the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and marvel at the scenic views.

Usually, my family takes our vacation in either Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, but this year, we went to another side of the smokies.

For a two-day getaway, my family and I stayed at the Historic Tapoco Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Cheoah River in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

This hidden gem has been a mainstay for outdoor adventurers, gearheads, and nature enthusiasts since 1930. It is located on the peaceful side of the Great Smoky Mountains, with few tourists, so you'll have a relaxing getaway from all the crowds and noise.

I live 30 minutes north of Atlanta, so the drive to Robbinsville, NC, took about 3 hours. So, traveling from Atlanta would be 3 1/2 hours.

The drive up the mountains was a thrilling adventure, especially when navigating through Nantahala National Forest and the winding roads of the Tail of the Dragon, a favorite among motorcyclists and sports car drivers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lou Martin (@missloumae)

And the wow factor doesn't stop there!

Upon entering, the classic decor is prominent throughout, and the sweet scent of maple-pecan fills the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

Guest Rooms

Historic Tapoco Lodge has several guest rooms to choose from. They offer nine elegantly furnished rooms and suites in the lodge and 18 cabins throughout the 120-acre property.

Only two adults can be in a room, so we got two rooms, one for Mr. M and me and one for my daughters. Since each room has only a king-size bed, our daughters took the suite that had a living room so one of them could sleep on the couch.

Our guest rooms, called Laurel and Rhododendron, which are named after flowers, are beautifully decorated with a retro twist.  

I love the exposed bricks and pipes detailing, the classic-style refrigerators and microwaves, and our favorite, the black and white tiles in the bathrooms. And boy, the bathrooms are a room in itself; it's enormous!

The rooms offer comfort, with plush beds, cozy seating, and breathtaking river views in each suite. Our stay was a tranquil retreat, and the girls loved having their own suite! But we were just across the hallway, keeping a watchful eye on them.

And heads up, there is no elevator, and the guest rooms are on three floors, so you must carry your luggage up the stairs. So, I suggest to pack light. But I'm sure someone from the lodge can help you take your belongings to your room.

I noticed one room on the first floor, the Evergreen, for those needing an accessible room.

Another thing to note is that the lodge rooms are for adults only; however, some of the cabins are family-friendly.

Dining

Several dining options at the lodge include an on-site tavern, fine dining on the weekends, and breakfast served daily. The on-site tavern offers a casual dining experience with various American fare, including burgers, pizzas, nachos, wings, and quinoa bowls. The fine dining option on weekends provides a more upscale experience. 

Breakfast is served daily and includes various options to suit all tastes. I tried all three dining options, and our meals were scrumptious! We didn't need to leave the property to find something to eat; Tapoco Lodge had meal options that everyone enjoyed.

I had the Rustic Chicken Marsala on the first night, which was my favorite. The chicken was topped with a savory garlic mushroom sauce and served with a potato cake.

The Tapoco Tavern offers indoor and outdoor seating along the river for a delightful dining experience. 

Amenities

And let's remember all of the activities! Tapoco Lodge offers diverse options, from tennis and basketball to axe throwing and pickleball. 

There's rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking for the more adventurous types. And for those seeking relaxation, there are spa services and 15 hiking trails to explore.

We attempted a couple of hiking trails, but our shoes were unsuitable for hiking. The path was filled with puddles, and we didn't want to damage our footwear.

Next time, we need to have good pairs of hiking boots.

Also, the lodge offers several weekly events to keep guests entertained. These include live music performances, movie nights, and guided hikes. 

These events are a great way to meet other guests and make the most of your stay at Tapoco Lodge.

Book your Next Stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge

Our stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge was great due to excellent service, beautiful rooms, delicious food, and lovely landscaping and scenery. The experience left us not wanting to leave.

I highly recommend booking your next stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge! 

You can visit their website or call their front desk to make a reservation. 

They offer a variety of room types to suit different needs and budgets, and their friendly staff are always ready to assist you with any questions or special requests you may have.

Historic Tapoco Lodge

14981 Tapoco Rd.

Robbinsville, NC 28771-688

Shop our favorite travel accessories and travel products!

Searching for the best travel products for your next trip? We’ve picked the best travel accessories to grab so your next trip is a breeze.

1. Apple AirTags are the best travel accessories for the forgetful traveler and will give you peace of mind when you check your luggage.

Stashing an Apple AirTag in your luggage is one of the best hacks if you’re worried about lost luggage. They take up minimal space and will allow you to track your bags at all times. You can even consider buying a 4-pack of Apple AirTags and connecting them to other important things like a keychain holder for your keys, a passport holder, and more! This is especially great for travelers who tend to be forgetful.

2. Walk from A to B hands-free with this genius luggage cup holder.

Traveling through the airport can feel cumbersome when you’re toting around your suitcase, purse, coffee, phone, and all the other essentials you need before you board. We love this luggage cup holder because you can fit two drinks and there’s even a pocket and zipper compartment on the back for cash, your passport, and whatever else you need at arm’s reach.

3. This packable travel blanket will keep you warm and doubles as a pillow. 

Don’t forget travel products that will keep you warm and comfortable! The EverSnug travel blanket is fluffy, soft, and easily fits on top of your luggage. As a bonus, it doubles as a pillow and comes in 6 colors!

4. Take a mini travel umbrella that will fit in nearly any bag. 

Weather can be unpredictable when you travel so being prepared with the right travel products can make or break a good time. You’ll be stress-free with a mini umbrella in tow. This compact umbrella is just 5.5 inches when folded up and comes with its own travel case. It comes in numerous colors, is 100% waterproof, and offers UPF 50+ and 99% UV protection. 🙌🏼

5. GoToob bottles are innovative silicone bottles that can store anything.

GoToob travel products are top-of-the-line when it comes to storing toiletries! Each bottle is made of sturdy FDA silicone and is made in the USA! There’s a lifetime warranty, and the bottles are leak-proof. We especially love the innovative locking lid that can double as a keychain for easy accessibility for stuff like hand sanitizer.

6. Use this magnetic silicone makeup brush holder to keep your brushes separate from cosmetics. 

Any makeup enthusiast knows how important it is to keep brushes clean. So this silicone holder is great for keeping your brushes more sanitary and also keeps them from getting your favorite cosmetic bag dirty. I especially love the self-closing magnetic slot so it’s easy to get your brushes in and out when you’re getting ready.

The same company also makes a silicone beauty blender case for just $6.99 too!

7. Bring a travel-sized razor that will take up less room.

Venus is a brand many women know and love so we couldn’t love the idea of this travel razor any more! You’ll get a mini razor and an extra blade replacement which conveniently fits in the included pink case! Even with the case, it’ll still take up half the space of your traditional razor and is still just as ergonomic to use.

Shop travel-sized razors for men!

8. Pack belongings in these waterproof bags so they stay safe at all times.

The packing options are limitless with 30 of these bags in tow! From your passport to your toiletries, you’ll easily find many uses for these bags. Plus, they’ll make any road trip or going through TSA a breeze. We also love that they have built-in labels so you can add your name, address, and telephone number or flip them over and customize it yourself!

9. This pill organizer can fit more than you think. 

This three-pack of pill organizers is perfect to get all medications, first aid, and vitamins all in one place! It’s made of hard cereal shell fiber, durable, and spacious with eight compartments, yet it’s still compact. There are even sections large enough for first-aid items like bandaids.

Consider splurging on this magnetic set that’s unlike any other travel accessory on the market!

10. Stash these sleep masks in your bag to sleep better while you’re on the go. 

These oversized silk sleep masks will be essential to help aid in better sleep during a redeye or a long road trip. You’ll love these masks so much, you’ll find yourself wearing them even when you’re not traveling. 😴

11. A jetsetter self-heating mask will help you feel refreshed after a long flight.

The Jet Setter Sleep Masks are self-heating and can leave you feeling totally refreshed. Plus, they’re a good disposable option if you won’t have a way to keep a silk sleep mask clean.

12. Sleep soundly and drown out the noise with this mini machine. 

For those of us who love white noise and can’t sleep well without it, this Mini LectroFan will be a lifesaver! It’s a tiny but mighty machine that fits in the palm of your hand so it’s super packable and will drown out sounds in noisy hotels.

13. A universal travel charger is useful to have if you’re traveling to another country.

This handy universal travel adapter has built-in US/JP/CN, AU, EU, and UK sockets which cover more than 150 countries worldwide! On top of that, it also has USB connectors which universal adapters don’t always come with. That means you can charge multiple devices at once and avoid the problems you may encounter trying to convert plugs during your international journey.

14. A sturdy cup holder that’s collapsible is a must-have before your next big road trip.

A large cup holder is perfect for stashing water bottles, snacks, and even coloring supplies that will help keep kids occupied on road trips. Our top pick on Amazon is even collapsible and has a strap on the side for keeping maps and other documents close by.

15. Magnesium supplements can help reduce stress and keep you regular when your routine is interrupted. 

If you didn’t know, magnesium contains tons of benefits! These include stress reduction, bowel regulation, prevention of migraines, and other helpful advantages. It even helps to avoid dehydration. Simply mix this CALM Magnesium Powder with water. It tastes like refreshing raspberry lemonade and is extremely bioavailable. Consider using a smaller container with enough servings for your trip if you can’t fit the whole container in your luggage.

Oh, and did I mention it has over 31,000 5-star reviews?  🤩

Want a supplement pill instead? Check out our team’s favorite Magnesium tablets.

16. A collapsible tripod will fit in any luggage and allow you to take epic photos. 

Taking a tripod that’s easy to transport will allow you to take some epic photos to remember your trip. Our team especially loves this collapsible one because it can fit in any size of luggage or backpack and comes with a remote so you won’t even need to deal with the hassle of a timer.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to be in the most amazing shots of your trip so be sure to grab this one like I did. You’ll have zero regrets!

17. Laundry sheets are easy to pack if you’re planning to do laundry on your trip.

If you want the most convenient, travel-friendly, and NO fuss laundry detergent that takes up minimal space in your suitcase, THESE are for you, friend. We also love these laundry sheets because they’re completely mess-free, biodegradable, and easy to customize to your loads of laundry. That means if you need to spot clean a piece of clothing, you can rip a piece off and wash it in the sink! More than anything, these will save you from coming home with loads of laundry…literally.

18. Packing cubes will help keep all of your clothes more organized. 

The key to a neat suitcase is travel organizers and this set happens to be the #1 best-seller in travel organizers. It comes with eight accessories that organize different items, including cosmetics, underwear, shoes, laundry, and more. These cubes are versatile and compatible with all your favorite luggage.

Our Hip sidekick, Rachel, also loves this compression sack which is ideal if you’re camping.

19. This large travel backpack is the perfect travel gear to replace your carry-on. 

Trying to ditch a carry-on? This backpack is for you! With this backpack, you can probably do more than carry-on luggage! It counts as a personal item, fitting under the seat in front of you, and has a ton of space. The idea of ditching carry-on fees sounds pretty nice, right? Plus, this is something you can use for work too!

20. The My Pillow is great for picky sleepers. 

Hotel pillows can be unpredictable and long flights can be uncomfortable so if you’re a picky sleeper, grab a MyPillow before heading out for your next trip. It’s exceptionally travel-friendly since it can roll up into its own travel case taking up minimal space. Our Hip sidekick, Bryn, said this was a lifesaver when she traveled internationally.

Consider an inflatable travel pillow if you really want to go all out.

21. Compression socks are essential for those looking to be more comfortable during long flights and car rides.

On long flights, blood clots are a serious concern if you don’t move around for a long period of time. Luckily, compression socks can help prevent them! We picked this Physix pair because it has over 52,000 5-star reviews!

22. Always keep your phone charged with a wireless battery charger.

You’re likely planning to take a lot of photos and videos if you’re traveling somewhere fun! Avoid the FOMO on epic pictures and bring a slim, wireless charger with you! It will take up minimal room in your bag and as a bonus, it’s also compatible with other devices like your AirPods and iPads.

23. Sanitizing wipes are useful for any road trip or flight.

Maybe sanitizing wipes seems like a no-brainer, but the time I traveled with a pack of these, it totally transformed my comfort levels! Stashing a pack of these in your bag will allow you to easily wipe down anything from airplane seats to sticky hands. I even used them to wipe down handles on an e-bike I rented at the beach. Needless to say, you’ll think of a million ways to use these and you’ll be glad you have them.

24. Vacuum storage bags could be a lifesaver on your next road trip.

If packing cubes aren’t your thing, these air-tight vacuum storage bags are the next best thing and could easily fit in your roof rack if you’re planning a long road trip. These will allow you to more than double the amount of clothes you can bring along for the ride and is a great option for large families with little space too.

25. Road trips will be mess-free with a collapsible trash can in tow. 

Never have a messy car again with this affordable car trash can. It’s collapsible, easily wipable, and perfect for all your fun adventures to come! I love having this when traveling with kids so all our trash can make it in there. Plus, I can change out the plastic grocery bag when we stop for gas and have a freshly emptied trash can when we hit the road again.

26. A portable water bottle will save you money on numerous drinks.

I always think it’s a good idea to bring an empty water bottle when traveling because you’ll get multiple uses out of it. Plus, you’ll save money since you’re not buying a plastic water bottle and it’s more eco-friendly too. I rated the Ozark Trail the best road trip water bottle, but I also tested many more of the best water bottle brands on the market for every adventure.

27. A menstrual cup is a game-changer and won’t put a damper on your trip.

You don’t have to worry about the hassle of packing or changing tampons or pads while traveling when you use a menstrual cup. There are many other benefits like being able to swim with them or forgetting about them for 12 hours at a time. This means you’ll likely forget it’s even that time of the month and won’t ruin your good time at the beach or pool. Plus, it’s better for the environment and its reusability will save you cash!

Read more about why I think this is the best menstrual cup on the market.

28. Our Hip CEO uses this budget-friendly carry-on to make getting through the airport a cinch and says it’s one of her best travel products.

It may go without saying that carry-on luggage is important to have for your next trip. The iFLY luggage is our Hip CEO & founder, Collin’s, absolute favorite because of the fun color options and easy-to-turn wheels. Most importantly, it’s super affordable compared to many other stylish options on the market, but still delivers all of the high quality you want.

Psst…iFly luggage often goes on sale for WAY less! Check out the hottest iFly luggage deals now!

29. This passport holder will double as a wallet too and is a must-have International travel accessory.

Protect your passport with an adorable cover holder that keeps your passport safe and stylish! A passport holder may seem like something you don’t necessarily need. However, this option comes with credit card holders, making it a two-in-one wallet and passport holder! When it comes to traveling abroad, this is a lifesaver.

30. Take a lululemon belt bag to keep your passport and other travel products & essentials close by at all times. 

Our Hip sidekick, Bryn, said her lululemon belt bag was a lifesaver during her International trip to Greece. She was able to keep her passport concealed, yet easily accessible, in the back zipper pocket. Plus, it holds all of your other essentials like a small wallet, phone, chapstick, and more. For under $40 shipped, we think this name-brand bag is one of the best travel products everyone should own!

31. Use a jewelry organizer that you can easily throw in your cosmetic bag. 

Jewelry is one of the peskiest items to travel with because it’s so easy to get tangled! This organizer is extremely packable and can fit quite a bit of jewelry! It has plenty of room for rings and earrings, and the mirror flips down so you can stash away 3 necklaces.

Are you more of a maximalist when it comes to jewelry? Check out this BAGSMART Travel Jewelry Organizer.

32. Keep your shoes separate from clothes with these washable shoe bags. 

There’s nothing nastier than throwing your dirty shoes into your luggage full of clean clothes. You can fit multiple pairs of shoes in each of these shoe bag organizers and they’ll keep the dirt and germs off your pretty white top.

It also has a waterproof lining inside for easy cleaning and a strap on the back so you can conveniently slip it over your suitcase if you don’t have extra room inside. As a bonus, it’s even complete with a zipper compartment for your passport!

33. These organizers are one of the best travel items for multiple glasses. 

This is one of the most game-changing travel products if you wear glasses, have a family of sunglasses to store, or need a pair to go with every outfit. It unrolls to reveal 5 separate slots to store glasses and straps to keep every pair safe!

Consider this sunglasses case that’s under $20!

Don’t book your trip before checking out these travel deals.

Keep your vehicle tidy with these genius car organizer ideas!

Fuel your car with these clever organization ideas. 🚗

Enjoy the journey, not just the destination with these genius car organizer ideas and hacks. Working on the go, enjoying a quick bite, running errands, or road tripping just got a whole lot easier! 👏🏻

Here are the best car organizer products to get your car geared up:

1. Never have trash on your floor again with this handy collapsible trash can you can hang anywhere.

Trash accumulates quickly in cars especially while towing kids around daily or embarking on a road trip. This handy collapsible trash can is one of the best car organization hacks. It’s easy on the eyes and can go just about anywhere in the car, making sure nothing makes it on the floor again.

Grab some special-sized trash bags for seamless cleanup or I’ve found plastic grocery bags to work just as well – either way, the snaps on each side will keep any bag in place. Best of all, when you’re not using it, it folds flat for convenient, easy storage between your seats.

2. Increase your storage capacity with this versatile car console organizer.

Double the amount of cup holders in your car with this useful car organizer. I found that it easily holds up to 6 full water bottles. Plus, I also love that you can use the slots for other things like stackable snack containers, bananas, a mason jar with colored pencils, and whatever else you like to have during a trip.

As a bonus, there’s a strap on the side for papers or whatever other documents you may need while on a trip. In addition to placing it on the console, it works as a car organizer for the backseat too!

3. Keep small items from falling with this car seat gap organizer.

From cash and keys to snacks and hand lotion, this handy car organizer will not just keep your smaller belongings in one spot, but it’ll also keep you from losing items you’re likely to drop on occasion. Best of all, it has a slim design and multiple colors so it’s universal with almost any vehicle with a small space.

Here’s an alternative to close the gap altogether:

If you need an alternative to keep all your small items from falling between the seats altogether, we’ve got ya covered. The genius Drop Stop, as seen on Shark Tank, slides over your seat belt catch and pushes down to fill in the gap. 👏🏻

Grab one from Walmart, or score a two-pack for both front seats on Amazon. Either way, you’ll never be looking under your seat for your phone or keys again!

4. Think outside the box and grab a waterproof roof bag to store all your extra stuff. 

Perfect for your upcoming road trip or camping expedition, this waterproof roof bag is one of the best car organization accessories. It comes in four different sizes so you can easily store and organize all your essentials while keeping them out of sight too.

It’s durable, highway-safe, waterproof, has no harmful chemicals, and even comes with a non-slip roof mat to protect your car’s exterior.

5. A car visor organizer is a functional way to store much more than your old CDs.

There’s a good chance you’re no longer hauling around all your favorite CDs on your car visor, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still double as a functional car organizer in the current day. You can stash frequently used rewards cards, pens, headphones, and so much more. In fact, it even has a zipper so anything that’s important can stay safe & secure inside too.

6. Use a handy magnetic vent mount to keep your phone at eye level.

If you’re always using your phone to navigate to your next destination, consider keeping it at eye level for a distraction-free experience. Over 20,000 5-star reviewers on Amazon have already done it using this car organization hack! 🙌🏻

Even better, this magnetic clip is even strong enough to hold an entire tablet too! Although, reviewers did recommend grabbing a two-pack to provide more stability while driving.

7. Store all your work gear in one convenient spot with this front seat car organizer.

Sure, we all know about the kid-friendly back seat car organizers, but if you’re looking for one at arm’s reach, this universal organizer is just what you need!

With sections for notebooks, laptops, iPads, reusable water bottles, pens, chargers, paperwork, and anything else you can think of, this organizer can handle all of it… and then some! Plus, the convenient top strap allows you to easily transport it from point A to point B, too.

8. Work while on the go with this steering wheel travel desk.

While it’s definitely not recommended to use this handy tray while driving, it couldn’t be more functional if you spend a lot of downtime in your car!

Simply hook it on your steering wheel and you’ll have an instant and super sturdy ergonomic workstation or place to eat a hot meal. Waiting in the school pick-up line or working remotely during soccer games just got a whole lot easier. 🙌🏻

9. Make eating on the go with kids a total breeze with this travel caddy car organization hack.

Need a solution for the kids in the back? This caddy hack just made eating on the go so much easier and is a fantastic car organizer to use if your family is prone to eating on the go. Store a drink, fries, chicken sandwich and so much more all in one convenient place.

Only need one or two? You can scoop up individual caddies for even less at the Dollar Tree.

10. You can even keep all your condiments organized with this dip clip.

For those who enjoy a dippable snack during their drive, we have a solution for your most beloved dipping sauces! No more sliding around or dropping them on your lap. With these easy-to-use clips, all you have to do is secure it to your vent, and you have a totally elevated eating experience. 😂

While some people may be concerned with sauce getting in your vents, my Hip sidekick Stetson, says they work perfectly and none of your precious Chick-fil-A sauce will go to waste. 👏🏻

11. Don’t forget about the junk in your trunk! Tidy it up with this versatile collapsible car trunk organizer.

A trunk is a vulnerable place to lose all things while sliding around unharnessed, so make sure to get ahead of the game with this product. This car trunk organizer is waterproof, collapsible when you don’t need it, and even has sturdy velcro strips on the bottom to ensure everything stays in place.

Store anything from reusable bags, sports gear, gym shoes, snacks, car cleaning products, and even wipes in the side pockets. You won’t know how you lived without it before! You can also leave it empty and place your grocery bags inside after shopping so you’ll never have groceries rolling to the back of your trunk again. 😉

Try these 9 easy garage organization ideas next!

Here’s how to snag discounted Busch Gardens tickets!

Today, April 23rd only, head over to Groupon where they are offering up to 60% off Busch Gardens Tampa Admission Tickets!

There are lots of ticket choices available, from weekday pricing to tickets with all-day dining vouchers, and even combo park tickets to SeaWorld or Adventure Island! With summer vacation just around the corner, this is a great opportunity to plan a family vacation without blowing your budget.

Choose from these Busch Gardens Tickets…

Save 50% off these trendy western-print Wrangler Backpack Diaper Bags!

Through April 30th, head over to Amazon where you can snag a Wrangler Western Diaper Bag Backpack for as low as $32.84 after an automatic 50% discount at the final stage of checkout when you click this exclusive link!

Here’s the deal…

These trendy-looking Wrangler diaper bag backpacks have a wide opening, adjustable cushioned backpack straps, and sturdy top handles with a snap closure and a clip for your keys.

There are five inside pockets, side pockets, and three insulated front compartment pockets. Plus, there is a slit you could use to pull out wipes or tissues.

Several online reviewers mention using these as college and work backpacks for hiking/camping and traveling due to their organizational features and wide-open tops!

Not sure? Check out a few reviews…

Sign up for our email list so you never miss a hot deal!

Here’s how to snag discounted theme park tickets!

Through May 22nd, hurry over to Groupon where they are offering up to 80% off Theme Park admission tickets!

We spotted hot deals on single and multi-day tickets to LEGOLAND, Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and more. Some ticket options even include all-day dining!

Now is the perfect time to start planning a summer vacation the whole family will love at one of these amazing theme parks!

Check out these EPIC theme park ticket deals we spotted…

Valid for up to 4 child tickets. Must purchase before June 14th.

We found the perfect Soft Puff Weekender Bag at Target AND it’s on sale!

While supplies last, head over to Target to score this A New Day Athleisure Soft Puff Weekender Bag for just $38.25 shipped (regularly $45)!

Don’t forget, Target Circle Card holders (formerly called the Red Card) get an extra 5% off and free shipping! 

Made from recycled nylon, this soft, puff weekender bag is perfect as a large diaper bag, a gym or sports bag, a travel bag for short trips, or your carry-on bag!

It measures 5.5″ (H) x 23″ (W) x 10″ (D), and reviewers state that it will fit under the seat on airplanes. Plus, it has a sleeve on the back to slide over a suitcase handle.

It features multiple interior and exterior pockets, and the padded double handles and adjustable shoulder strap allow you to carry it several ways. It can also be easily wiped clean!

This weekender bag has lots of great reviews…