Travel—whether for business for pleasure—is on the rise thanks to a booming economy and the increasing popularity of airlines offering lower airfares. Whether consumers are flying the friendly skies, driving across country, or planning a vacation, those who travel want convenience, organization, and the comforts of home when they are hitting the road. There is an array of accessories that can make travel experiences a pleasure—such as luggage, bags, blankets, fanny packs, and electronic gadgets.
Grethe Adams of Southern Plus points out that a blanket is a “must” on longer flights for car rides. “Our 9017 Saddle Up Blanket is a compact and lightweight option while the 9022 Southern Plush provides ultimate warmth and luxury,” she details. “The comfort of cuddling up with your own blanket on the plane, train or bus is priceless, whether you’re a germophobe or not!”
Adams continues that a great bag to carry belongings in is also a must. “A traditional tote bag is a versatile option and is preferred by many,” she notes. “Some important features to consider for a good travel tote is a zipper closure to keep your items secure, pockets for easy access, durable yet lightweight fabric. The company’s favorite tote is its Activa tote, which is made of a feather-light performance fabric with sealed zippers for an ultra-sleek look. “Its charcoal color palette is universally appealing and exudes a chic vibe,” she elaborates. “However, for others a backpack is the ideal travel companion. Aside from being easier on your back due to better weight distribution, a backpack often provides larger volume and additional compartments and pockets. We offer several options in our line but my favorite for travel is the 7844 Collegiate Backpack with padded shoulder straps, multiple pockets and an iPod port.”
BIC Graphic has also “rolled out” some new bags, including the Osprey® Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40, which features a rugged design and burly fabrics to keep gear, clothing, and other travel essentials safe. The company’s KAPSTON® Pierce Garment Bag is a modern garment bag will carry a dress or suit sleekly and comes in Navy and Gray. Additionally, the Color Block Travel Pouch and Ripple Print Travel Pouch stow smaller travel items safely and worry-free! Both items come in several colors.
Over at Beacon Promotions, the Aliso Canyon Backpack Sling features full grain buffalo hide and a mini size that makes it perfect as a purse replacement. This distressed bag is great for men or women and features a poly drill lining that finishes and protects the interior. Plus, the Tallulah Canyon Backpack Sling—garment-washed brown sheep skin—has multiple compartments for organization so it is ideal for commuting.
Bay State also has a number of travel items designed to enhance the travel experience. Josette Bosse notes that Mini Scissors are the perfect companion that offer power cutting ability, and are available in Blue, Red, and White. The Clear Sight Microfiber Cloth easily cleans away dust, fingerprints, and smudges. She notes it is “perfect” for cleaning glasses, phones, tablets, and much more. The cloth features scalloped edging and comes neatly folded into a plastic case for neat and clean storage. It also comes in Blue, Red, and White. Bosse adds that a new item is also trending—the Traveler's Silicone Straw with Carabiner Case—which clips to backpacks and purses. Made from food-grade silicone, this straw has a cleaning brush.
Starline has addressed the “surge” in travel electronics products with the 5W Duality Wireless Charger—a thin, lightweight dual wireless charger pad with an ABS plastic shell and non-slip feet. It charges through most protective cases and includes a USB-Type C charging cable. The company also offers an Atune Bluetooth® Earbuds with Charger Case that features Bluetooth® wireless earbuds housed in a 350 mAh recharger case with up to four hours of play/talk time and a recharge time of one hour. It includes a Micro USB charging cable and manual.
Another travel product trending at Starline is the Urban Peak® 16 oz Camber Trail Vacuum Tumbler—available in White, Navy Blue, Gray, Black—made of stainless steel, double walled, vacuum insulated, and comes in a drawstring pouch. It features a unique, spill-proof AS plastic flip top design with Tritan snap locking closure lid.
Adams at Southern Plus adds that a great travel accessory—which is not always top of mind—is a rain poncho. “It’s lightweight and portable, perfect for providing instant protection against rain and wind while sightseeing,” she comments. “It’s particularly great for school trips, bus tours, and for cruise ships when carrying an umbrella may be cumbersome and impractical.”
No matter the reason for travel, distributors should emphasize the importance of travelers having memorable experiences; and thus, recommend items that enhance a passion for travel! Adams of Southern Plus concludes, “Connecting your brand to comfort, as well as the excitement of travel, ensures a lasting and positive impression for your client’s brand.”