So this should be fun; Summer Travel Fashion: Hits & Misses. I get promotional information about products that may or may not be intended for travel use. If I can spin them into a travel application, you see them here in Gear reviews throughout the year. Summer is here and travel gear buys have probably already been made. Here are some items to like…or not.
 

HIT Effortless yet chic, Cindy Karen’s safari-ready Cape Town pants ($78) are the perfect on-the-go basic.  Dress these up or down in their relaxed fit.  You can wear these on the cruise covering casual to a formal (by adding heels). Works for specialty restaurants as well.

MISS The idea is to keep your wardrobe smelling fresh while on the go with Alio’s Scented Freshener Pouch (2 for $15), They say “Each pouch is lightly scented to provide a subtle but not overwhelming fragrance while..,” stop right there. Odds that my idea of a subtle fragrance is not the same as theirs.

HIT MinusCal bar work as a breakfast or lunch replacement or just a healthy break from the ongoing food orgy on the ship. Full of fiber and protein, MinusCal promises to “keep you feeling fuller longer”… although this is not an issue for me. Gotta admire the spunk there.

JUST SAD. That there is a market for a product which keeps travelers from having direct contact with the aircraft is disturbing. Anyway, keep germs away with Seat Sitters ($19.75), a patent pending kit that protects against cold, flu and allergies in flight, or maybe in the ship showroom. This kit includes one disposable tray table cover with adhesive on the back, two sanitary wipes, one allergy mask, and one hand sanitizer.

Seat Sitter can also be a standalone reason for a party and a solid addition to any icebreaker plan. Actually, SeatSitters can also be used in movie theaters or….wait for it…a truly unique way to save a favorite lounge chair on deck.  Ok, now we’re talking! 

WIN These actually work. An effective jet lag jet lag product, Voke Superfood (60/$49.95) tabs provide almost instant mental clarity and focus in a convenient, all-natural chewable tablet without the annoying jitters that accompany other alternatives.

WIN Doing stuff you don’t normally do puts your brain in a different place. In this world, Llamas reign supreme in a newly launched card game, Llamas Unleashed. This farm-based adventure has players take turns playing cards in a race to assemble a herd of llamas, goats, rams, and alpacas while sabotaging their opponents to see whose farm is superior. You lost interest in this item just after “Llamas Unleashed” in the text above didn’t you? I did but the point is valid: Travel Stretches Brains

WIN You don’t have to compromise comfort for style with Lamo Footwear ($35.95 and up) Lamo has everything from moccasins to sandals made to enable enjoyable travel. That they smush really small in luggage is a huge plus. Shoes are hard to pack.

WIN… but mainly for the reminder: Multi-use gear is always a good idea. I suppose you get that here. The Wild Flower Vegan Leather Backpack ($98) by Urban Originals can be a backpack and transforms into a polished tote with the snap of a few buttons. The practicality and “cruelty-free” nature of this bag make it a contender this season. I’d have to see it. Better yet, I’d like to follow someone who is using one of these. See what they say if someone compliments them on it. If it’s “Thank you, it’s vegan leather” they think they need to explain the appearance for some other reason. Distracting.

MISS Let’s see the whole shoe. Sheesh. Said to be a “revolution in design, function and comfort.” This brand is quick to point out the star of the shoe: next generation insoles branded Insolia® weight-shifting by Vivian Lou. It’s the only insole scientifically-proven to prevent discomfort caused by high heels. Think: walking around on your tippy toes all day. #NotEasy.