Impress Your Travel Companions
Sure, you can make do with a scratchy airline pillow--if the airline still hands one out--and you'll survive if the minibar only stocks Dewar's when what you really want is Macallan. But this isn't really about making do, is it?
The right accessories help smooth out the never-ending bumpiness of modern travel; they even civilize it a bit. (Just because it's ultimately a losing battle doesn't mean we shouldn't fight the good fight.)
If nothing else, this frivolous gear will drive your seatmate mad with jealousy--and one must take one's comfort where one can.
Gourmet getaway bag: New from Built NY, the company known for stylish neoprene wine totes. builtny.com, $25, no phone orders.
Luggage tags: In a variety of patterns, some Pucci-esque, many psychedelic. From Tepper Jackson. 800/227-0314, plumparty.com, $13.
Travel candle: By San Francisco--based ElizabethW; scents include hyacinth and magnolia. 800/781-6126, elizabethw.com, $20.
Eye masks: L.A.-based Strawberry Jim has 18 styles ranging from the cute to the hilarious (such as one that says i'm with stupid, which works best when you're flying alone). 213/278-7127, strawberryjim.com, $25.
Flask: Designed by Carl Mertens, in brushed stainless steel, from legendary Manhattan store Moss. 866/888-6677, mossonline.com, $100.
Towelettes: Herban Essentials wipes are antibacterial, antiseptic, and gentle on skin. And they come individually wrapped. 805/565-0273, herbanessentials.com, $14.
Slippers: Quilted silk with suede soles and a travel pouch, from Hong Kong luxury brand Shanghai Tang; in pink and navy. 888/252-8264, shanghaitang.com, $70.
Alarm clock: Muji's travel alarm folds into an aluminum case the size of a business-card holder. 800/447-6662, momastore.org, $28.
Photo frame: Aspinal of London's travel frames are calf leather with a moiré silk lining. 888/325-3302, aspinaloflondon.com, $65 (includes shipping from the U.K.).
Scrabble folio travel edition: The small, ridged board holds tiles steady--particularly useful on turbulent flights. 800/843-2665, barnesandnoble.com, $15.
Passport case: Graphic Image's covers are made from ultrasoft Moroccan goatskin: Because you want to make a nice impression on the immigration officers. 800/232-5550, graphicimagenewyork.com, $38.
Pillow set: Satori Comfort Sets come with a microbead pillow, a matching fleece blanket, and a heavy-duty plastic carrying case. 212/206-0421, satoripillows.com, $70.