Bag Alert – What’s in Your Bag?

Heather Boothman
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19
Bag Alert – What’s in Your Bag?

A common question that we all have is “What are the essential items to take when traveling?” I am sure we would all love to say everything but realistically we have to be smart about our decisions when packing our bags. The more practical answer is an array of tech items that help keep us organized and ensure that we remain ‘connected’ at all times. Of course, this is a crucial component of not only maintaining a travel blog but also a way of life nowadays!

I am sure that many would see this as a sad state of affairs that we rely so heavily on technology but given the abundance of products that surround us, we all need to keep up-to-date with our tech travel products. Let me ask you this question “What’s in your bag?” I am going to share with you a variety of technology products that have made my life so much better not only when traveling but in everyday life.

What’s in Your Bag?

Before going into specific details, below is an overview of the tech products I generally carry around in my bag!

Let’s take a look at each of the above items and I will share with you some of my experiences as to why these are such crucial tech products in my life. Perhaps one or two of these would fit nicely into your everyday life!

1. BlueLounge CableClip

BlueLounge Cable Clip (Large)

The BlueLounge CableClip is a great way to keep those hard to manage cables neat and tidy. I always have an issue with my cables popping out of my bag, but with this clip, I don’t need to worry about it. It is perfect for travelers to be able to get what you need out of your bag without just grabbing a handful of wires.

BlueLounge carries 3 different sizes of clips large, medium and small starting at $9.95. I have found this to be particularly useful for my MacBook Pro given that Apple cables tend to unravel fairly easy!

2. Dark Energy Reservoir – Portable Battery Charger

Dark Energy Reservoir Portable Battery Charger

The Dark Energy Reservoir – Portable Battery Charger is a compact device that provides a charge for a smartphone up to 6 times. It comes with the charging cable, plug and a fashionable looking case for the charger. The Reservoir design is the coolest part of this device, as it is very lightweight and sleek for all of us who only want to carry what we need. There are 3 LED lights on the front to indicate the battery life of the charger.

You can purchase a Reservoir from Dark Energy for only $99 which may seem a little expensive in comparison to other similar devices in the market, but this is durable, lightweight and of course very stylish.

3. Travel Lite Screen Wipes

Travel Lite Lens & Screen Cleaning Wipes

Travel lite have various wipes for everyday use but we get the most use out of the screen cleaners. These are streak free and you can use them on multiple devices before disposal. Starting at $2.49 these wipes are great for anyone.

If you want to know more on these wipes check out a post that we have featured earlier with more great products.

4. 13” Macbook Speck Case

One thing about MacBooks is that the aluminium exterior tends to scratch fairly easily, so in order to prevent that I would encourage you to look no further than a Speck case. The case easily clips on to your computer and has a very stylish look and feel.

Most people love that the Apple logo lights up and the Speck case enhances this illumination. Even though it is quite pricey at $49.95, it is nice having that peace of mind knowing that I have good quality protection and is easy to clean and maintain.

5. Inateck 4 USB Plug

I always carry the Inateck 4-USB plug with me as it is a very convenient device when you always carry at least 4 devices that all charge the same way. We have all been at the airport with one outlet and all of our devices need charging! Well, you no longer need to pick which device to charge as you can charge all of them at the same time.

This great accesory is only $14.00. To learn more about this plug check out our earlier post that has more items from Inateck.

6. Orbit Key

OrbitKey & BlueLounge Kii

When we travel our keys are always making noises but this is where the OrbitKey comes in very handy! There is a screw that goes through the hole and can hold up to 7 keys then tightens to keep them organized. It is very lightweight and dust-resistant.

Another cool addition is that there are accessories that you can add to this keyring such as a bottle opener and a USB Key that are useful to have with you as well. It might be rather expensive considering what it is, but for $29.95 what it does is an ingenious tool that I use every day.

7. BlueLounge Kii

Bluelounge is known for its clever innovation and unique design, and they definitely proved this with the Kii. This little Kii is designed to be on your keyring and is a USB to Lightning stick. It is something that is always with me when I happen to forget my cable or didn’t bring enough. As you can see from the image, it fits perfectly alongside my OrbitKey and is an integral part of my collection as I am always needing to find a USB to Lightning connection.

The Kii comes in 2 different colors, black or white and is also available in the 30-pin to USB starting at $19.95

8. Nice Gulp Cablekeeps

Nice CableKeep- Gulp

When you travel as frequently as we do, organization is incredibly important. You have probably noticed that throughout this post that a lot of what I carry is to enhance the overall organization in my bag. One of my major pet peeves is finding loose cables tangled and difficult to find. To help in this situation, Nice invented cablekeeps to organize cords as well as creating a stylish way of using your chargers.

An interesting fact about cable keeps is you do not have to stress over finding a name for these little guys, Nice has already named them – meet my new friend Gulp (see image above)!

You have your iPhone or iPad charger that slides into the cablekeep and the cable wraps around the fin and then can clip into place. Various ones are offered in several colors for $13.00.

9. iPad Mini Speck Case

iPad mini’s are extremely small and lightweight which makes this device the best and easiest way for us to keep up with the rest of world while we are traveling. I have a Speck fit folio case on mine and it is not heavy or bulky.

I am able to maintain having a device that is lightweight and protecting my device with this case that comes in various colors and styles for $39.99

10. Jot Pro Stylus Pen

Having a stylus pen is great however have you ever used a fine point stylus? I never did, a stylus is a stylus to me but once I used the Jot Pro I realized my theory was completely wrong. The fine point allows endless possibilities with the precision disc to aid in this challenge. Having a dampening tip also makes the strokes quieter and more comfortable to the user.

The Jot Pro also has a rubber grip for comfort and a magnetic cling for easy storage. This is definitely worth the $29.99 price tag.

11. Jackery Leaf Rechargeable Phone Case

Jackery Leaf Rechargeable iPhone Case

Let’s take a quick reality check and ask ourselves a question – how long are you on your phone every day? Well, one of the major problems with using your phone all the time is the battery life that diminishes rather rapidly!

Now when I need to charge my phone I use a Jackery Leaf that comes with 2 cases and a rechargeable battery charger. The case has a slot in the back that allows the charger case to snap into place. Some charging cases on the market require them to be on your phone the entire time but with this one, you snap on the charger when you need it and it snaps off to reveal your case underneath.

Competitors in this market are around $100 but the Jackery starts at only $49.95 which includes the 2 cases, battery case, and a headphone jack.

12. Audiofly Earphones

Audiofly is an amazing brand with a huge selection to choose from. We all have individual tastes and I know that this market is saturated but I wanted to introduce you to this brand primarily for their comfort level and also as they offer noise-canceling functionality which is key for long-haul flights. These are well worth the $39.99 for the best pair of in-ear headphones in this price range.

13. BlueLounge Messenger Bag

Most of the bags that I have carried in the past are heavy and have semi-accessible compartments, but this is where the BlueLounge Messenger bag excels! It is very comfortable and with a large, open main compartment for my computer, it provides easy access to anything you would need. It has front mesh pockets to easily store the little things that I need access to and zipper pockets to safely secure the smaller items.

The best part that I like about this bag is that it is easily adjustable while I have it on and has a custom aluminum quick release buckle. It is also water resistant and is an environmentally friendly fashion statement.

You may think that $139.00 is a little expensive but it’s money well spent to know you have everything you need to carry in one place! Plus it’s a great fashion accessory as well.

That’s My Bag

Many of the items in my bag are not necessarily critical to enhancing our travel experience, however, they definitely make traveling and everyday use much easier and more organized. In turn, this enhances your overall experience as you have everything readily available throughout your day to day routine.

I am always on the lookout for that next technology product that will help us with our travels, so let’s turn this over to you and ask you the following questions…

What’s in Your Bag? What items are your necessities? 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from several of the above brands for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Seattle CityPASS – Experience 5 Amazing Attractions

Chris Boothman
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22
Seattle CityPASS – Experience 5 Amazing Attractions

Whenever we visit a destination for the first time, we are always interested in exploring the top tourist attractions. Of course there is much more to experiencing a location and there is nothing better than finding those hidden gems along the way, but many of the leading destinations around the world have historic or iconic landmarks that are worth visiting.

Seattle CityPASS Overview

After deciding to visit Seattle and the State of Washington for the first time, we immediately donned our research caps and found a number of landmarks that we wanted to visit. The Space Needle, Aquarium and Pacific Science Center were just a few that we noticed in the Seattle region. This is where the CityPASS comes in handy!

Explore 5 of the following attractions for the all-inclusive one-time rate and you are all set. Priced at only $64 for adults and $44 for children between 4-12, this is an incredible 46% off the face value of all the general admission prices combined.

Here are the Seattle CityPASS attractions you can experience:

• Space Needle (Two visits)
• Pacific Science Center or The Museum of Flight
• Seattle Aquarium
• Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour
• EMP Museum or Woodland Park Zoo

Even if only 2 or 3 of these are on your bucket list, I would highly encourage you to consider the CityPASS because not only does it provide discounted rates, but it also enables you to skip many general admission lines so you don’t have to worry about queuing for hours.

Thanks to CityPASS, you can now experience 5 of the top attractions in a variety of cities around North America and after using these in Houston earlier this year, I can attest that these are extremely beneficial if you are a first-timer to any of the cities that CityPASS offer their great deal.

Space Needle

Undoubtedly the most famous landmark throughout Seattle and possibly the Northwest part of USA, the Space Needle is an iconic structure that is worth visiting both day and night. Well, thanks to Seattle CityPASS you can do just that and visit the Space Needle twice over a 24-hour period.

It goes without saying that the views are spectacular overlooking the metropolis of Seattle along with the Olympic National Park mountain range and Cascade Mountains on the other side, weather permitting of course!

I will say that visiting the Space Needle was at the very top of my bucket list and I didn’t leave disappointed. Despite the poor weather, we were still able to capture some great memories and gaze across the Pacific Northwest taking in the stunning natural scenery that is common in this part of the States.

You can read all about our time at the summit of the Space Needle here along with some pretty spectacular views over the Seattle region.

Overall Rating – 9 out of 10 (The views around Seattle alone make this a memorable experience! Added to this you can visit twice in 24 hours and you have an awesome attraction)

Seattle Aquarium

After heading to the top of the world at the Space Needle, head over to the Seattle Aquarium to explore some of the local marine life common in this part of USA. Sea otters play a major role at the Aquarium and are certainly characters with unique personalities. Mischievous, playful and ponderous, the sea otters are always willing to provide a show to visitors at the Aquarium.

But the Seattle Aquarium is much more than just home to these otters. Everything from octopuses to a myriad of exotic looking fish species are present throughout the variety of exhibits.

Overall Rating – 10 out of 10 (A definite must-see attraction in Seattle, especially if you have any interest in marine life or you just want to learn more about Puget Sound)

Pacific Science Center

Seattle has many amazing attractions but if you are looking for a fun-filled, family experience then check out the Pacific Science Center. This is a great learning experience for all the family with interactive, hands-on exhibits along with two IMAX theaters that offer a variety of shows to further your understanding of scientific theories.

We opted to visit the Pacific Science Center rather than the Museum of Flight primarily because we had decided to visit the Boeing Future of Flight Museum during our trip and also because we both love these interactive experiences. Even though many will think this is primarily designed for children, there is something here for all ages to enjoy.

You can read all about our experience at the Pacific Science Center here.

Overall Rating – 8 out of 10 (The IMAX experience make this a great attraction in addition to the interactive exhibits throughout the center)

The Museum of Flight

If you decide to purchase the Seattle CityPASS, one of the toughest choices is deciding whether you want to explore the Pacific Science Center or visit the Museum of Flight. Although we chose the former, the Museum of Flight offers enough for both aviation fanatics or anyone interested in learning more about the development of airplane technology over the years.

Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour

One of the best ways to see any city on the coast is to head out into the open water and peer back at the gorgeous skyline. Seattle is no different and courtesy of the CityPASS, you have the opportunity to take a one hour long Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour that takes you around Elliott Bay and the Seattle Harbor. Weather permitting, the views around the city will be stunning and you may also be fortunate to see the majestic backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges around Seattle.

Unfortunately the weather was not in our favor so we opted against heading out on the tour but hopefully on our next trip to Seattle we will have time to experience this great attraction.

EMP Museum

Visiting Seattle just wouldn’t seem right if you didn’t hear some Jimi Hendrix playing around a street corner or two. Why not head over to the EMP Museum to explore many of the significant moments and memories in the history of Rock and Roll. Another interactive experience similar to the Pacific Science Center, this is a great spot to find the musician hidden inside you.

Woodland Park Zoo

Every zoo we have visited has a unique characteristic that makes it memorable and I am sure Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is no different. The variety of animal species on show and the spectacular close-up viewing opportunities for visitors make this a great alternative to the EMP Museum if that doesn’t interest you. The only problem again is deciding which of these two great attractions to reject!

Summary

So there you have the Seattle CityPASS options!! We visited three attractions and even if time only permits you to visit two or three on the list, it is still a worthwhile purchase as you can save time and money with this pass.

As I mentioned, the most difficult choices you will have are the two alternatives where you have to pick one attraction or the other. Perhaps you will decide to visit one and then pay general admission rates for the other, but either way I can guarantee that you will have a great time exploring some of the best attractions Seattle has to offer.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Seattle for providing us with 2 Seattle CityPASS booklets for our trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Travel Tech 101 – Accessories to Turn an iPad into a Laptop

Chris Boothman
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11
Travel Tech 101 – Accessories to Turn an iPad into a Laptop

Whether you are a travel blogger or simply someone that enjoys traveling, the likelihood is that you will want to ‘stay connected’ while on your travels. The question is – what device(s) do you take?

Today I want to make a case to support the argument that an iPad can do everything your laptop can, especially with a few accessories that make life so much better. If you have followed our Travel Tech 101 series, you will recall we are firm believers of Inateck’s products so it is no surprise that we were immediately ready to use their brand new iPad Bluetooth keyboard and iPad Air case.

Technology is always evolving and trying to keep up with the latest advancements is a near impossible task. As travelers, we are always looking at becoming more efficient and finding the most portable devices to take with us on our travels. At the same time, it is of paramount importance that the devices we take with us allow us to keep our website updated and also social media platforms, along with other less important capabilities such as photo editing software.

Can an iPad replace my laptop?

I have always been a huge proponent of taking my laptop with me. I used to carry around an Acer Aspire One netbook, which was small, portable and allowed me to perform the majority of day-to-day tasks required. After purchasing a MacBook Air in 2013 and suffering the ill fate of the screen going out, I continued in the world of Apple by upgrading to a MacBook Pro with Retina 13” which I really love. However, portability wise it is still lacking a little so I am always on the lookout for something to take on our travels.

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

We have asked ourselves the question about whether an iPad can replace our laptop on several occasions but each time we have found something lacking that makes it difficult to justify making the switch. This argument is one that will likely always have pros and cons and the best way to answer this question is to simply say this is down to personal preference and what your specific needs are within a device.

Turn an iPad into a Laptop

I have used a variety of different iPad models including the Mini, the iPad 2 and now the Air which I am most impressed with due to the sleek look and lightweight feel (I am sure the Air 2 is even better but for now I am satisfied with the first edition!)

It’s a million dollar question in the technology world about what accessories should be created to turn an iPad into a laptop, but we think Inateck have done a great job with their iPad Air cover and a wireless Bluetooth keyboard to enhance your experience especially when on the road or taking a long flight somewhere.

iPad Air Cover

Protection is key right? At least that’s what we always hear, especially when it comes to fragile electronic devices! Imagine spending $400-$600 on a product that the first moment you drop it, will likely break into a thousand pieces! Well, that’s the harsh reality with an iPad so it is crucial that you look after it both when using and also when stored in your backpack.

The new iPad Air protection case from Inateckprovides this added piece of mind when you have it stored away. I LOVE this case; not only because of the protection but also because of how cool it looks. I despise the look and feel of OtterBox cases (sorry fans of this brand!) and I want something that will keep my device safe yet still look stylish. I also love the look of this case because it goes synonymously with the MacBook Air/Pro sleeve that I have from Inateck.

But this iPad case is not just about protection because there are a couple of hidden features that make this a perfect companion with your iPad Air and supports the statement that you could replace your laptop with an iPad!

Here are some of the key features of the iPad Air case by Inateck:

  • High quality soft felt inside and outside that ensures the iPad remains scratch free;
  • Magnetic buckle also adds an extra layer of security so that the iPad doesn’t fall out;
  • Case has dual functionality and a built-in support function to work as a stand with the magnetic buckle holding up the front of the iPad.

If you need any more convincing that this product is worth trying, a price tag of only $10.99 will surely sway you to opting for this case! If there was ever a bargain in the world of technology, I am convinced that this is it. Try it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard

So you have the case to protect your iPad and also serve your needs as a functional stand, but there is still the problem of using an iPad as a typing device. Could you imagine typing a long blog post, long e-mail or a paper as a student using the touchscreen function? Maybe you could, but I know I couldn’t so I want something that I can use in tandem with my iPad.

Welcome to the new wireless Bluetooth keyboard by Inateck. Ok so there is an abundance of wireless keyboards in the market that serves the same purpose as Inateck’s but at the same price point from my experience, the other competitors are less reliable. Perhaps that was just my unfortunate experience but this keyboard is far superior to anything I have used previously.

One of the key advantages of Inateck’s Bluetooth keyboard is the size. I have previously used iPad cases with built-in keyboards but honestly, the keys are either too small or not ergonomically friendly. Inateck provides a full-sized keyboard and an aesthetically pleasing appearance to make this a great addition to your backpack!

Here are some of the additional key features of the wireless Bluetooth keyboard by Inateck:

  • Bluetooth 3.0 technology providing high-speed connectivity between keyboard and iPad;
  • Operating hours over 60 days;
  • Low noise keyboard;
  • Compatibility across Mac OS/iOS, Android and Windows platforms.

Inateck’s low pricing philosophy continues with this wireless Bluetooth keyboard and for only $18.99 this can be yours!

Summary

Inateck have produced two high quality products here that will help turn your iPad into a laptop…Ok so maybe you still need more convincing and honestly so do I because I am such a fond lover of my MacBook Pro!

I am a firm believer that there is huge potential out there for the tablet in general to replace the laptop but I am still not completely sold that we are there just yet. For just over $30, you can have two great accessories that will transform your iPad into a more user-friendly device especially when traveling and you want something more than just a device that you can watch a movie or play Angry Birds! Regardless of your opinion on the iPad vs. laptop debate, Inateck has designed accessories here that is well worth purchasing.

What is your opinion on this debate of iPad vs. laptop? Do you think we technologically advanced enough yet with any of the products on the market to replace the laptop with a tablet device?

*Disclosure of Material Connection: A Brit & A Southerner was not financially compensated for this post. We received free samples from Inateck for consideration of review purposes only. This is solely our personal opinion/experience*

Saturday Snaps #17 – L’Arc de Triomphe

Chris Boothman
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0
Saturday Snaps #17 – L’Arc de Triomphe

arc de triomphe paris

Location: L’Arc de Triomphe is located in the heart of Paris, France

Author: Chris & Heather Boothman (A Brit & A Southerner)

Description: We decided this week to share with you one of our favorite images from our travels to Paris in December 2013. Visiting Paris around Christmas is amazing, not only because you get to experience the variety of Christmas markets along the Champs Elysees but also the iconic landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe sparkle in the winter chill.

The Arc de Triomphe is situated in the centre of Place Charles de Gaulle at the end of the Champs Elysees. We really enjoyed our time walking the full length of this iconic strip and then gazing up at this towering structure that is undoubtedly one of the focal points throughout Europe.

This French icon represents those that fought bravely and lost their lives during both the French Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic War. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lays beneath the Arc de Triomphe and represents all those that died in both world wars and were never identified.

We visited the Arc de Triomphe on several occasions and even this wasn’t enough because it is just one of those landmarks you could keep revisiting and see something different every time.

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