According to the US Dept. of Transportation, Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. During the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips increases by 54 percent, and during the Christmas/New Year’s Holiday period the number rises by 23 percent, compared to the average number for the remainder of the year.
David Gregg – New Product Journalist/BehindTheBuy.com’s Senior Editor introduces the NEWEST travel products to help us lighten our luggage load, streamline time in the security line and avoid Holiday travel nightmares, like lost luggage and even worse – GETTING SICK!
LG Tone Infinim
LG’s new Tone Infinim headset delivers great sound thanks to a partnership with audio leader Harman/Kardon. The Tone Infinim combines a stylish design and glossy metallic finish while providing ergonomic comfort to wearers, thanks to LG’s innovative retractable wire management technology, that leaves no exposed wires to tangle. The jog button allows users to fast forward and rewind effortlessly, as well as a sound and vibration alert function to inform of incoming messages, current time and battery status. All this while offering the longest standby time —550 hours (17 hours talk time) —among behind-the-neck type Bluetooth headsets!
While it’s compatible with all Bluetooth devices, it is optimized for LG’s new G3 smartphone.
BEST PRICE FOUND: $149.99 www.LG.com
Slingbox M1
The new Slingbox M1 is the most affordable Slingbox that Sling Media has ever produced. Designed for the mainstream user who wants to have remote access to all of their home TV channels and shows as well as access to DVR content on personal computers, tablets and phones, the Slingbox M1 is offered in a compact form factor that fits easily into an entertainment system. In addition, the Slingbox M1 integrates WiFi for simple network connectivity and utilizes the new Slingplayer for Desktop app for PCs and Macs. Furthermore, Sling customers will now be able to configure their new Slingbox M1 with a mobile device via the Slingplayer app for iPhone and iPad as well as Android-based phones.
Slingbox M1 features include:
-Dual-band 2.4/5Ghz WiFi connectivity and Ethernet port
– Absolutely no monthly fees for the Slingbox M1 or SlingTV
– Watch and control live TV on a tablet, phone, PC or Mac
– Easy and quick setup and playback via PC/Mac desktop apps, as well as iPhone, iPad and Android phone apps
– Watch on a second TV anywhere via Apple TV® and Roku®
– Play and schedule DVR recordings
– Component and composite input/output
BEST PRICE FOUND: $149.99 www.sling.com
Victorinox Swiss Army Spectra 2.0 – Extra-Capacity U.S Carry-On
Providing extra capacity for your air journey, this ultra-light, wide-body case is constructed of break-resistant 100% pure Bayer polycarbonate and meets most global carry-on regulations including IATA.
· Comfort grip, one-touch, dual-trolley aluminum handle system locks into three different positions – 41” (104 cm), 39” (99 cm) and 37” (94 cm)
· Dual-caster wheels feature soft tread offering ideal traction for a smooth roll across any surface while also providing 360° maneuverability and zero weight-in-hand
· Corner guards and zipper bumpers provide added protection to areas of the case most prone to impact and abrasion
· Zippered mesh divider wall stretches for easy packing
· Y-shaped compression straps cover a greater surface area to keep folded items secure
· Top haul handle for easy carrying
· Integrated Travel Sentry® Approved lock allows U.S. TSA screeners to open the lock without destroying it, and relock it after inspection
· Swiss Tracker Bag Tracking Program will reunite you with your bag anywhere in the world should it ever be lost – for free
· The Access Lock Combination Recovery Program allows you to register your lock combination on victorinox.com and recover it if it is ever forgotten
· Removable ID tag for security and convenience
· Covered by the Global 10-Year Limited Warranty
BEST PRICE FOUND: $299.99 http://www.swissarmy.com/us/product/Travel-Gear/Category/Collections/Spectra-2-0/Spectra-Extra-Capacity-U-S-Carry-On/31318303
TrakDot Luggage Tracker
Trakdot helps travelers and airlines quickly resolve the problem of misdirected luggage, particularly in situations where late check-ins may cause luggage to miss a flight. The Trakdot luggage tracking device can be placed in any checked bag and will alert the user by reporting airport location in real time to any cellular telephone via text or e-mail.
After traveling in “airplane mode” in flight, upon landing, the luggage locator system automatically transmits airport-specific information on the whereabouts of checked baggage. Even if the Trakdot-protected bag does not reach the desired destination, passengers will still have the assurance of knowing the exact location of their luggage.
BEST PRICE FOUND: $49.99 http://www.trakdot.com/en
Viraguard AntiBacterial Hand Wipes
Viraguard AntiBacterial Hand Wipes clean and sanitize in 1 step and kill 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses (will kill HIV, MRSA, HEP C and many others – (Full list of germ, bacteria, fungus and virus ViraGuard products can kill)
Viraguard 25 Individual, Travel Packet AntiBacterial Hand Wipes:
One Step Waterless Sanitizer
Contains hand protecting emollients.
MRSA Hand Wipe is Dye Free – Won’t stain hands or clothing.
Quick Drying with no sticky residue
Uses patented Viraguard MRSA Hand Sanitizer
Contains 25 individually wrapped, full size 6.5″ x 6.5″ wipes
Small easy open packet only measures 2.5″ x 3.0″
Convenient and easy to use
Accepted by the TSA for Air Travel.
BEST PRICE FOUND: $13.65 http://www.cleanertoday.com/hand-sanitizing-wipes-p/v-indwrap-25.htm
Kyocera Brigadier Smartphone
There are a few cell phones out there that get a TON of attention, but they’re fragile, expensive and not right for everyone. SquareTrade, which sells insurance for cell phones, recently said that more than 1 in 10 people using that phone from that fruit company have cracked or shattered displays. And by God don’t get them wet!
Kyocera has become one of the nation’s leading brands of cell phones by offering devices that are waterproof, rugged and very affordable. We all have accidents with our phones, but whether it’s a drop from the pocket, a sudden rainstorm or a dip in the sink, Kyocera phones are made to survive life’s challenges and keep you connected.
The Kyocera Brigadier boasts a Sapphire Shield display that is virtually scratchproof, IP65/68 dust and waterproof ratings, and it meets the US military’s MIL-STD 810G standard to withstand shock, vibration, extreme temperature, blowing rain, low pressure, solar radiation, salt fog, and humidity!
BEST PRICE FOUND: $99 with 2-yr contract at Verizon Wireless http://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/brigadier