It's officially the time of year when traveling becomes a little challenging. Weather delays, extended layovers, and crazy long lines that rival those at Disneyland. What one can really use after a long day en-route is a yoga class to stretch out the back and get back in touch with your usual transcendent self. And one great way to do that is through Om Pass, which will tap you into 350 different studios across the country. Peace, prana, and all the light within is right at your fingertips no matter where you are. Namaste!

It's been said that a good book will take you to another place. And this book, Novel Destinations takes it a step further, literally going to those places.  Authored by two National Geographic Traveller contributors, the book explores all the different settings that inspired some of the greatest US and European novels. From Edgar Allan Poe's house in Baltimore to the Scott and Zelda museum in Montgomery, this book goes into detail about many of the places and landmarks that inspired many of the literary classics we know and love today.

I'm embarassed to say I'm "that girl." The one who has to make the bus pull over so I can hurl at the side of the road. Then when I got pregnant and the world was my personal bus ride, a friend of mine introduced me to the wonder of motion sickness bands. They've changed my life, but they aren't exactly cute. Someone somewhere must've known that even motion sick girls need a little cuteness with their utilitarian remedies, because these motion sickness bands come in striped, cherry blossom, or daisy chain designs. Truly, these bands are, well, sick. If you are one who gets queasy at the mere sight of a bus or train, get thee to a drugstore at once and pick up one of these beauts. You--and your fellow passengers--will be happy you did.

My BFF was born on Halloween, and as fate would have it, is the classic cool blonde Hitchcock would've adored. Like anyone who has all that mystery going on, she's drawn to the unusual--and dare I say, the macabre. So I think my fabulous friend needs to have this SBL by Alexander McQueen luggage set for her birthday. The torso-inspired wheelie has the outline of a sternum in the front and a spine in the back. Combined with the coordinating croc-embossed pieces, the whole collection has just enough of the mystique and unusual to offer imaginative travelers a little bit of trick and treat.

Going somewhere special? Put down the Igloo Cooler. I repeat, put down the ice-filled beast. Instead, show up at your destination with something much, er, cooler. This signature gold champagne cooler not only holds a bottle Veuve Clicquot, but two custom champagne flutes. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway with your SO or girls' trip with your BFF, now you can show up at your hotel or hosts' home ready to get the party started in style.  

I don't know about you, but for me, the hardest part about flying is not being bored stiff, but just being stiff. Many times I've wished for an in-flight masseuse, so I'm intrigued by this contraption, Shiatsu to Go. Portable and battery-operated, it's ideal for the achy traveler, and unlike the in-flight masseuse, you can enjoy while the "fasten seat belt" sign is on. Just inflate it, lean back, and be the envy of the rest of the stiffs on the plane.

A couple months ago, I was the unlucky recipient of a speeding ticket. My lawbreaking ways proved costly, and I would’ve taken great joy in enclosing my fines in this note card  stating, “Your Blood Money is Enclosed.”  For those like myself who enjoy their correspondence with a side of cheekiness, Stationer 16 Sparrows has created a whole line of cards incorporating cute designs with witty—and sometimes naughty—comments. Cynical, funny, and a little bit sweet (just a little bit), this stationery is perfect for the sarcastic girl who cares enough to send the very best.  

From suitcases to Sprite, all the airlines are charging different fees for different items, and it almost seems one needs a spreadsheet to keep track of who's charging for what. Smarter Living has come to the rescue with just that, The Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees--a "one-stop reference guide" that breaks down all kinds of extra charges airline by airline. This will come in especially handy when comparing airfare. A lower base price may end up costing more by the time you add in your booking, bags, and beverages. Though I'm never excited about extra fees, at least now they won't come as a surprise.

Oh what a week it's been. Economy woes. Industry woes. And don't forget, Mercury is still in retrograde. Seriously, what we all could use is a retreat at a fabulous eco-hotel like Boon Hotel + Spa. Located in the Russian River Valley, it's close enough to be considered a staycation, but far enough to detatch yourself from the hustle and bustle. Whether you're taking a Boon bike ride, enjoying a spa treatment, or even spending some quality time with your pooch (yep, they take dogs), I can't think of a better way to take the edge off, can you?

 

I don't know about you, but I never feel the same when I have to pack a regular old toothbrush for my travels. But, lugging around my big Sonicare system is a royal pain as well. Now my dilemma is over with the Sonic Travel Toothbrush. It's portable and runs on a AAA battery so no charging is necessary. Buy one for yourself and the other Sonicare junkies in your life. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.