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Getaway Gear

by Sandra Ramani

Traveling can be an adventure—and so can trying to stay healthy, happy or well-rested while you’re on the road. With everything from airport delays to new beds and unfamiliar foods contributing to the stress of travel, it’s important to stay flexible and open—and bring along some products that can help. 

Soothe travel-weary stomachs, magically make extra room in your bag, ward off airplane germs and more with these finds.

Go-Getter

The new Gear Warrior International Carry-On from Eagle Creek is sturdy and lightweight, and made from 100 percent recycled PET fabric, constructed from plastic water bottles. With expandable compartments and front compression straps, it also comes in two-wheel, four-wheel and non-wheel models. $279; eaglecreek.com

Anti-Bacterial

When that flight, public transport trip or bike-share ride has you feeling like you need a shower, swipe on Ducalm Shower Wipes. Made with extracts of marshmallow root, aloe, oat and cucumber—and free of parabens, alcohol, sulfates and phthalates—these extra-thick un- scented cleansing cloths provide easy on-the- go cleansing, and can safely be used from head to toe. Starting at $1.50; ducalm.com

Sleep-Inducing

Tackle jet-lag, insomnia and the sounds of a new city with the LectroFan Micro2, a portable sound machine designed to promote sleep and relaxation. Choose from 11 unique, non-looping sounds (from “brown” noises to ocean surf), or connect your wireless devices via Bluetooth. Sleek and small enough to fit in a purse, the Micro2 has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 40 hours. Available in three colors. $35; soundofsleep.com

Relieve Pressure

Both in the air and on the ground, atmo- spheric pressure can cause everything from blocked ears to migraines. When on a flight, pop in the all-natural EarPlanes earplugs— tested by U.S. Navy pilots and featuring a signature CeramX filter—to help regulate any air pressure popping or pain. In disposable and reusable versions starting at $9; cirrushealthcare.com

On the ground, the WeatherX earplugs safely help regulate headaches and pain caused by weather-related barometric pressure changes, thanks to a ceramic inner filter that manages air flow in and out of the ear canal; use them with the free new WeatherX app to track impending pressure fluctuations. $12; weatherx.com

Both products are available in adult and kids sizes.

Keeping It Clean

Knowing about all the germs that live in an airplane (side note: apparently the headrest is the most contaminated spot), entrepreneur Gina Hoensheid created SeatSitters, a clever “shield” for your next flight. The kit includes an eco-friendly, reusable/washable cover to fit over your whole seat, plus a disposable tray table cover, two sanitary wipes to clean the armrests and a face mask to protect from airborne allergens. Nut-free stickers let those around you know about any allergies; the Kids version also comes with crayons. $15; amazon.com

Rest Easy

Using herbs like lemon balm, skullcap, chamomile and lavender—all organically grown in Los Angeles—the Poppy & Someday Peaceful Easy Feeling Tincture, a dissolve-in-water tincture, helps put a troubled or jet-lagged body to rest, ease insomnia and soothe any tummy troubles that might arise from that street cart snack you ate on the road. $18; poppyandsomeday.com

Boost Immunity

Inspired by Ayurvedic herbal traditions, Rishi Turmeric Ginger Tea is a perfect carry- on-bag companion to help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and soothe sore throats and upset stomachs while traveling (and during cold and flu seasons). The mix of or- ganic ingredients includes anti-inflammatory turmeric, digestive system-friendly ginger and licorice root, and vitamin C-rich orange and lemon oils and peels. Sachet boxes starting at $9; rishi-tea.com

Healthy Snacks

As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Trevor Cates aims to cleanse and balance the body inside and out. Keep healthy on the road with her handy, pre-separated The Spa Dr. Products Daily Nutrients Packets and yummy gluten- and sugar-free Thalia’s Bars (made with dark chocolate and coconut), and keep skin supple and hydrated with The Traveler Collection, which includes TSA-friendly sizes of her four-step clean-and-green skincare system. Starting at $59; thespadr.com

Looking Good

Style hair in half the time with the Revlon Salon One-Step Straight & Shine XL Heated Brush, a recently launched heated tool that features an extra-large styling surface, snag- free plates and gentle nylon bristles—so you can detangle, straighten and smoothen all at once. In addition to saving travelers' time, the tool is equipped with dual voltage, so you can use it anywhere in the world. $49; target.com

Expansive

We’ve all been there—you pack light for a trip, but on the way back home, all that shop- ping makes it impossible to close the zipper. Biaggi’s ingenious ZipSak Boost! Expandable Micro-Fold Carry-On Line can help. 

This model starts off as an overhead-sized four-wheeler, then expands another six-inches to a check-in size when you need more room. And when you’re home, it all folds down into a small, easy-to-store pouch. Available in six colors, and with handy packing cubes for added convenience. Starting at $95; biaggi.com

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