Travel

Will Travel: Aspinal of London's Hepburn Vanity Case

Long before endless security lines and reservation snafus existed to reduce even the most seasoned traveler to a tired, disheveled mess, travel was a glamorous affair. Holidays were an occasion to collect beautiful new wardrobe pieces and ladies dressed to the nines for high-society airplane flights. Hearken back to that era with Aspinal of London's Hepburn Vanity Case ($475), made of soft croc-embossed calf leather. Measuring almost a foot tall and 8 inches in diameter, it is the perfect size for all of a lady's luxurious essentials. Choose from black, brown, pink or purple. Available at aspinaloflondon.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Aspinal of London.

Will Travel: Balanzza's Digital Bag Scale

You just can't help it, can you? On the return trip home, your luggage always requires two people to close it: one to sit on top and the other to keep all those newfound treasures from bursting out at the seams as you struggle to zip the bag closed. This proclivity has led to numerous raised eyebrows at the check-in counter and copious fees from exceeding the per-bag weight limit. Something's gotta give. Although Balanzza's Digital Bag Scale ($25) can't exactly cure what ails you, it can ensure that you better proportion your packing—and perhaps ship some things home via Airmail—before getting slapped with those fines. Able to weigh up to 100 pounds, this clever gadget is small and portable but quite powerful. So go ahead and grab that extra teak-wood carving or vintage kimono—you know you can't resist. Available at sahalie.com.

–Caroline Rath,  ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Sahalie.

Will Travel: MD Skincare's EZ4U 2 GO

Tired of toting around a plastic baggie full of your essential beauty products in tiny, TSA-approved 3-ounce receptacles? (And hating the fact that travel requires your beauty products to be relegated to unpretty things referred to as receptacles in the first place?) Why bother with all that when you can cleanse, tone, fight wrinkles and moisturize all in one step with MD Skincare's oh-so-travel-friendly EZ4U 2 GO towelettes ($10 for seven packets). A simple towelette holds all sorts of portable magic courtesy of botanical-based antioxidants, astringents and alpha hydroxy acids—perfect for a quick in-flight facial treatment! Available at mdskincare.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: MD Skincare.

Will Travel: Tumi's Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit

Seasoned business travelers know the perils of venturing into other countries with bags stuffed full of American electronics; sometimes client proposals absolutely must be emailed by 8am EST—whether you can plug your power cord into the foreign wall socket or not. Never fear! Tumi has every possible base covered with its Ultra Slim Universal Power Adaptor Kit ($195). Simply plug it in via wall, auto or airplane, then vanquish foreign outlets with your James Bond-caliber gadgetry. Bonus: The whole kit comes in a day-planner-esque case that will significantly lighten your carry-on. Available at tumi.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com  

Photo: Tumi.

Will Travel: GoldLantern's Portable WiFinder

For some travelers, WiFi is an amenity; for others, it's an absolute necessity. But just because you're jonesin' for it doesn't mean it will be easy to find—that is, unless you have a GoldLantern WiFinder ($19). This fantastic little gadget attaches to your keys to seek out wireless connections on command, no matter where you are in the world. With just a touch of a button, the crimson LED lights probe the surrounding area (up to about 300 feet) to help you get your WiFi fix—without crossing signals from other electronics, such as cell phones. Available at goldlantern.com.

–Caroline Rath, ModernLuxury.com    

Photo: GoldLantern.

Will Travel: Bigger & Brighter's Mr. Brightside Laptop Lamp

Dare not disturb your slumbering suite mate or airplane seat mate? Meet Mr. Brightside ($8.99) from Bigger & Brighter. This little guy plugs into your laptop's USB port and illuminates the keyboard with a special curved-shade design. Plus, its flexible neck allows for easy angle adjustment so you can direct light right where you need it. Now, if only it could do something about that snoring. Available at biggerandbrighter.com.

–Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Modern Luxury Magazines  

Will Travel: USBCell's Rechargeable Batteries

Don't you hate it when your camera's battery power dwindles down to nothing? Now you can recharge on the go with USBCell's rechargeable AA batteries (about $17.50 for two). The clever little devices plug into any USB port to recharge, eliminating waste (no new batteries needed) and hassles (no trip to the drugstore required). Charging for just a few minutes will yield several hours of use. Available at usbcell.com.

–Isaiah Freeman-Schub, Modern Luxury Magazines  

Will Travel: Paris: Made by Hand

You know the way to Gucci, Pucci and Fiorucci. But with big designer brands taking over every nook and cranny of the city's real estate, it's gotten harder to find those one-of-a-kind secret shops. Want to uncover that truly unique gem? Just thumb through Paris: Made by Hand ($19) to find your answer. In her new book, author and occasional Vogue photographer Pia Jane Bijkerk reveals (through words and images) more than 50 Parisian shops that specialize in fait main, or made-by-hand clothing and accessories. Want to know the address of the fabric manufacturer that Coco Chanel commissioned to make her distinctive tweeds (the same one that still makes them for the fashion house today)? Or are you dying to know where A-listers Sophie, Brigitte, Emanuelle and Juliette picked up their vintage dresses for the Cannes film festival? There are even sections catering to domestic goddesses that reveal where to find the very chicest in ceramics, home furnishings and decorative objects. The book is divided into 10 different "wanders" and arranged by arrondissement to help organize your shopping jaunts. Available at randomhouse.com.

–Richard Nahem, JuliB   

Will Travel: Sleep Sanctuary's Bedtime Balm

Feeling a little anxious about that red-eye? Calm yourself—help is on the way. Sleep Sanctuary's Bedtime Balm ($29) might just be the new topical answer to Xanax. A soothing blend of beeswax, cocoa butter and nourishing oils, the balm emits a comforting aroma, making it the perfect in-flight companion. Simply rub a small amount between your hands until it warms up, then smooth it onto your temples or along the back of your neck. See? Now you really can sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Sweet dreams! sleepsanctuary.com.

–Kim Peiffer, ModernLuxury.com Contributor