Review: Travelon’s Multi-Purpose Packing Cube

If you’re into being totally organized when you travel, then you probably have packing cubes. I don’t use them for all my clothes, but I do like to use them for things like undergarments, swimsuits and having an extra outfit on-hand when we take a road trip or just in the car while on vacation. I love being able to just grab the cube and go or toss it in the dresser in the room, so all the underwear stay in one place and don’t get lost in our stockpile of shorts. Having everything neat and easy to get to is important and helps to get out the door faster in the morning.

If you are a packing cube user, then you know that you often have to have several different kinds to do everything you want. Travelon likes to be innovative and give travelers exactly what they need and want and so the multi-purpose packing cube was born. One side is like a regular cube, the other side has three mesh pockets and in between is a snap out zipper pocket.

If you have fancy bras you always worry will get crushed in your travel bag, you need this packing cube. The normal side has a rigid flap that you can insert in the bottom, so it has structure to keep the cups of your expensive bras safe. Of course, my husband also said it would be fantastic for dress shoes when traveling. He’s not wrong, because in that case, you can keep the dirty bottoms of your shoes away from your other clothing and other stuff inside the packing cube, too.

On my trip to Vegas, I used the mesh pockets for all my undergarments. My bras can easily slip into the pockets, and my carry-on was hard-sided, so I wasn’t worried about them losing shape.

The normal side was where I packed my husband’s boxer briefs and socks. It is large enough to fit at least five pair of underwear and three or four pair of socks.

That great little snap-out envelope was the perfect size for our swimsuits and waterproof phone pouches. When we headed over to visit family, we knew they would want us to jump in their pool, so I pulled that pocket out, added a tube of sunscreen and a plastic bag – to put our wet suits into when finished swimming – and tossed it in the trunk. We were easily prepared and didn’t have to carry a soggy bag back, because I just stuffed the plastic bag back into the snap-out pocket.

When coming home, you could definitely use it for putting dirty clothes and keeping your clean stuff odor-free. Business travelers could use this handy pocket for ties, so they stay flat.

Obviously, there are a lot of ways to use your packing cube. You could use it to pack your baby needs, like diapers, extra clothes and toys, or snacks or use just one side for unmentionables and the other side for accessories.

Because the cube is lightweight, it won’t take up more room in your bag than necessary or add extra weight. If something liquid makes a break for it in your bag, your cube is water-resistant, and will keep the insides dry and undamaged.

When you get home and put away all your stuff, the packing cube folds flat for convenient storage. I love the colors that the cubes come in. You can get classic black or bright colors that are easy to see in your luggage.

Other details

Where you can get it: On Travelon’s website or Amazon

Colors it comes in: Black | Berry | Aqua (shown) | Lime

How much it costs: $25.00

Other specs: 190T ripstop nylon, 13 x 9.25 x 4.5”, piped edges for structure

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Do you use packing cubes when you travel? 

Disclaimer: I received the Multi-Purpose Packing Cube from Travelon for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Road Trip With Your Pup

Moment of brag: TripAdvisor has declared me a budget travel expert and asked me and 19 other bloggers their favorite affordable vacation destinations. Check out the article here.

If I could, I'd take my dog  everywhere. Unfortunately, she isn't welcome everywhere even though she's small and better behaved than most children. When we travel, we usually leave her at home with my parents, but if we road trip it, chances are pretty good that she's going along for the ride. (See what I did there?) If your furry best friend likes to jump in the car and take a vacation (even a short one), here are some great tips to make it friendly and fun for them as well.

Keep cool - So, its pretty hot in the car and in the summer. Our car doesn't have that fancy dual a/c switch to control the front and the back separately (I have a Kia Rio, it's not THAT big), so to keep the dog cool while driving, we basically have on Max AC and point the vents all at the ceiling so the air gets to her and we freeze our faces off. Another great idea is a Kool Collar. We just bought a new one and it simulates evaporation sweat - because dogs can't do that and wear fur coats all the time - by using ice or their fancy ice packs. We use it at home, we use it at the beach, we use it at the park. No panting. My dog loves it.

Hydrate! - Just like you, dogs need to keep hydrated. If you don't have one of those non-spill bowls that are all the rage for travel times, stop for water breaks for everyone, but mostly for your pup, because they don't have thumbs for opening a water bottle.

Make pit stops - Your dog also can't let you know they are dying for the potty. All that extra water has to go somewhere. Check out the rest areas along your way and plan to stop every few hours to let them do their business and stretch their legs. If you also have kids, you're probably doing this anyway. Then you won't be driving 19 hours straight and swear off road trips forever like that last time.

Comfy up the car - Make sure your dog feels comfy and safe in the car, especially if they get nervous like mine. We bring her bed so we can also bring it inside wherever we stay for the night. She also has her own car seat that allows her to see out the window, be contained and also take a nap.

Make their crate awesome - I'm not a crate person, but only because my dog spent much of her life in one her first three years and I was sad for her, so I gave her the choice. She spent less and less time in there, so we put it in the garage. If your dog loves their crate, or it's the best way to travel with them not climbing all over everyone and getting in the way, make sure it's comfortable enough to spend hours at a time in. Get them a cushion or blanket so it's soft and inviting.

Bring home with you - Just like I like to have a little bit of home with me, dogs feel comforted by something familiar. Bring along a gave blanket/pillow/bed and some toys and they'll be happier.

Stay on schedule - If you feed and walk your pup on a schedule, try to keep as close to that timetable as possible (even if you're giving extra walks and treats -because exercise makes you hungry). It'll keep them from getting confused and feel more normal even in a different place.

Do some research - Make sure you know where you can take your dog and where you can't. Find the number of a vet near where you'll be staying. Just in case. Look for dog parks and pet-friendly dining establishments. Many people bring their dogs to the Oregon beaches, so a lot of stores don't mind you shopping with a well-behaved pooch.

Plan ahead -- Make sure you're prepared for all the things you're going to do or. Might happen while you're away from home. Here's a list of what to plan for:

• bring an extra collar/leash, because you never know when one will get broken or lost.
• their fave food is obvs to some. Don't take this as an opportunity to have them sample new cuisines. It'll just make them sick.
• Invest in Doggles. We have a pair of Doggles sunglasses for Rikka to enjoy sitting out in the sun. If your pup likes to stick their head out the window, a pair of dog goggles are good for protecting their eyes from flying debris and might save you a trip to an unknown vet.
• Going hiking or somewhere hot? Get your pup some shoes. Their paws are pretty sensitive, do you gotta protect them, just like your own feet.
• Pack a carrier. My little one gets tired fairly easily, so when she starts to lag behind we scoop her up and carry her in a doggie sling. She can rest and still be part of things. It's also good for when we head into some shops.
• Download some phone apps to find dog parks, rest stops & dog-friendly restaurants.
• Things happen. Look up your route along the way and find emergency vet addresses and numbers to have on hand just in case.
• Don't forget meds/supplements if your dog normally takes them. You can always keep them in the cooler with your snacks and beverages.

How do you like to travel with your dog?

5 Fun and Frugal Day Trips from Portland

Traveling to Portland is great (and our airport has been rated #1 for the 3rd year in a row by Travel + Leisure). There are so many things to do in the city and suburbs when you visit, but if you’re looking to get out and do something less “hustle and bustle,” you may consider a frugal day trip. You can have a great time on your travels by doing a bit of planning and even spend less.

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Multnomah Falls – An hour drive east of the city will take you the second highest year-round waterfall in the United States at 611 feet. The drive on I-84 is a beautiful one next to the Columbia Gorge. Once you arrive, you can park for free and then admire the falls from the ground. To get a closer view, you can hike to the bridge and take the obligatory photo. For those who are more adventurous and brought their good walking shoes, hike the remaining mile to the top of the falls to get a totally new point of view. After your exploration of the falls, have lunch at the Multnomah Falls Lodge, browse the gift shop, wander the visitor’s center or get a cup of coffee from the kiosk out front. There’s so much to do while keeping most of the money in your wallet.

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Tillamook Cheese Factory – Take a trip to the coast and make a pit stop at the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory.  Admission is free for you to take a self-guided tour and watch how cheese is made. Nearly one million people visit the factory every year, so you know it’s a great tourist attraction. Bring your camera, some comfortable shoes and your appetite, because the 30,000 square foot visitor’s center has cheese and ice cream to sample and purchase. Tillamook makes over 40 flavors of ice cream, but you can’t get all of them at the grocery store, so the factory is a great place to try any of them. Like what you tasted? Get a cone or buy an insulated bag to take any ice cream or cheese you loved back to your hotel. If you’re really hungry, The Farmhouse Café is on-site for actual meals. Hit up the gift shop for other fun goodies.

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Oregon Garden and Gordon House – South of Portland you’ll find Silverton. It’s home to the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in all of Oregon. For $7 admission to the gardens and $5 for a tour of the Gordon House, enjoy both remarkable and historical architecture and a variety of plants and flowers. Multiple gardens are grouped together to form the Oregon Garden demonstrating the diversity of the plant-life in Oregon. The gardens also include gift shops, events, historical sites, activities and even a resort for those wanting to stay in Silverton and experience more that it has to offer.

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Hood River – Only an hour’s drive from Portland, Hood River sits right along the Columbia River Gorge. With beautiful views of Mt. Hood, you’ll also find plenty to do in and around this little town. The winds whipping through the Gorge provide ideal conditions for kite surfing and windsurfing and this area has become known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World. You can rent equipment for both activities – as well as for kayaking and sailing – take lessons or sit along the shores and watch others practice or even participate in windsurfing competitions. The area is also home to many orchards and vineyards. Spend your days wine tasting or picking fruit, such as apples, pears, cherries and peaches, or take a ride on the Mt. Hood Railroad’s scenic route.

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Cottage Grove – Oregon has no shortage of beautiful scenery, but a romantic drive through the country never hurts either. Two hours from Portland is Cottage Grove where you can drive the Covered Bridge Tour. This loop has six of Oregon’s historic covered bridges, which can be driven in a few hours. The route is open all year long and provides picture-postcard views. Stop for more historical architecture in the city of Cottage Grove, with buildings dating back to the 1920s, and a bite to eat if you haven’t packed a meal for your road trip.

Portland is a great family-friendly destination, as well as one for a couple’s getaway. Not only can you enjoy all the benefits of a metropolitan city, but also the desert, beach and mountains all within close proximity. It also a very budget-friendly destination if you know where to look. Want to know more cool things to do here? Check out my 48 Hours post.