The Travel Shop

Cath's verdict The cheaper first generation works beautifully. You get hands-free video, photos, and live translation without pulling your phone out every five minutes. A game-changer for street markets and cultural moments.

Cath's verdict The upgrade option: lenses shift from clear to sunglass tint automatically. Great if you're moving between indoors and bright sun all day — which, in Jordan and Italy, you will be.

Cath's verdict Non-negotiable. One in every checked bag, one in my travel wallet with my passport, one on my keys. If your bag gets misdirected, you'll know exactly where it is before the airline does.

Cath's verdict I've worn this for three years straight. If you struggle with travel anxiety, jet lag, or poor sleep in strange hotel rooms, this wearable device delivers gentle vibrations that genuinely calm your nervous system. Made in Pittsburgh, which I love.

Cath's verdict A few drops behind the ear and you're covered for buses, boats, trains, even roller coasters. I never travel without it. Small, lightweight, no drowsiness.

Cath's verdict Ten dollars. That's it. Silk feels infinitely better against your skin than the cheap foam masks airlines hand out, and at this price I keep one in my luggage permanently and one on my nightstand at home. If you're serious about sleep — on the plane, in a bright hotel room, adjusting to a new time zone — this is the easiest upgrade you'll make.

Cath's verdict If you travel with vitamins, medications, or supplements, this is a game changer. One compact organizer holds everything — no more rattling bottles taking up half your toiletry bag. It comes with white labels so you can mark each section. I love anything that makes packing more organized and this delivers.

Cath's verdict Individually wrapped, chewable ginger candy. Brilliant for nausea on winding mountain roads or rough water crossings. I toss a handful in my day bag on every trip.

Cath's verdict This snaps magnetically onto the back of your iPhone — no cables, no fumbling. A lifesaver on long travel days when you're navigating airports, sightseeing, and your battery is running on empty. Slim enough to slip in a pocket or day bag without adding bulk.

Cath's verdict I pack one per person. Works in every country — and you'll need it. Even within Italy, you can encounter two or three different plug styles in a single hotel room. This covers them all.

Cath's verdict Five dollars. I throw a set in my tech bag on every Italy trip. When you're in a room with four outlets in different styles, you'll be glad you have extras. Smart insurance for $5.

Cath's verdict I've used Bose for a decade and have no reason to switch. Over-ear headphones are dramatically more comfortable than earbuds on a 10-hour flight. These are the ones I reach for every time.

Cath's verdict The top Bose competitor right now — and currently half price, which makes it an exceptional deal. Strong noise cancellation, great sound quality, and a sleek look.

Cath's verdict The best in-ear option if you prefer earbuds. The soft silicone tips make them far more wearable for a long flight than the original AirPods, which have no cushioning at all.

Cath's verdict Essential if you own wireless headphones. Plugs into the old-fashioned headphone jack on the plane's seatback entertainment system and transmits audio to your Bluetooth headphones wirelessly. Tiny, inexpensive, invaluable.

Cath's verdict TravelPro is what flight crews use — lightweight and built to take a beating. The softside sits open on a luggage rack without taking over your hotel room. I recommend the 25" medium over any large size: anything 27"+ hits 50 lbs before you know it.

Cath's verdict Hard vs. soft is personal preference. Just note that hardside luggage opens like a book — it needs floor space to open flat, which can feel cramped in a boutique hotel room. Great protection for fragile souvenirs though.

Cath's verdict My go-to carry-on. Lightweight, fits overhead bins reliably, and holds up to serious travel. If you're only doing a short trip or traveling in business with generous allowances, this is all you need.

Cath's verdict When you're ready to buy once and never think about luggage again, this is it. Briggs & Riley's lifetime warranty is the most serious in the business — they repair or replace anything, no questions, no receipt needed. The medium check-in is the right size: enough room for a real trip without blowing past the 50lb weight limit. This is the luggage you keep for decades.

Cath's verdict Always in my bag, no exceptions. For noisy airplane neighbors or a loud hotel room, a good pair of earplugs is the simplest fix. My secret weapon: pair these with noise-cancelling headphones over them and you can sleep through almost anything. I've used this combination on overnight flights and in hotels next to busy city streets — it works.

Cath's verdict If pressure changes on takeoff and landing bother you even a little, these are essential. On international flights those phases stretch much longer than a domestic hop — your ears feel every minute of it. I keep a pair permanently in my bag even when I'm feeling fine, because a surprise cold or allergies on travel day can make flying genuinely painful. A tiny thing that makes a real difference.

Cath's verdict Built-in water filter works anywhere — tap water, outdoor streams, you name it. I fill it after security and never pay for airport water. In destinations where tap water quality varies, this is peace of mind in a bottle.