Introducing FaceCradle Lite

Earlier this year I was lucky enough to take home a new, innovative travel pillow called FaceCradle. Not only is it perfect for the ever-diminishing airplane space, but it's great for tall people, and for using on trains and in cars as well. It has a bunch of different ways to use it, but it can be a bit heavy to carry around, even with the shoulder strap.

Now, FaceCradle comes in a Lite version, and tomorrow's the last day of the already fully-funded Kickstarter campaign. Want to get one of your own? Now you can for $29. It's 35% smaller than the original, which means it's a fantastic gift for the frequent traveler, kids, and ladies like me. You don't have to find room in your bag for it either, because it has a handy-dandy shoulder strap that you can wear like a crossbody bag and keep your hands free. 

I'll be doing a full review of the new version of FaceCradle next week, but you can rest easy knowing it's as useful and comfortable as the original, just less bulky. Being able to sleep, and sleep well, on a flight can make all the difference in how you feel upon arrival. Being well rested and not all achy when you get to your destination can help you feel like you've gotten off to the right start and give your vacation the kick off it deserves.

If you're a business traveler who flies frequently, you need to be refreshed and ready to go as soon as your plane lands, so make sure you get the sleep you need in the time you have. If you've been looking for a new travel pillow, this adjustable one will not let you down, because it works for everyone and any sort of sleeper. Head over to the Kickstarter page to become a backer now and get yours before everyone else.

Keep your eyes peeled for my review next week!

How To Entertain Yourself At the Aiport

I see you all rolling your eyes. You probably hate how much I adore airports. I download GateGuru and print out the map and highlight the places to check out when I have a layover, whether it's an hour or four. Two hours is ideal in my eyes. Does it bug you that I look forward to hours at the airport? It doesn't have to be a place of misery. Maybe my excitement can rub off on you...

SFO has a yoga room!

Why do I enjoy the airport so much? It could be that I live where the best airport is (Travel + Leisure has awarded it four years running), but I like most other city's airports, too. I'll tell you why: I view being at the airport as part of my trip. It's like a mall that also has a portal to another destination! (Yeah, I actually hate the mall, but it's the best comparison.) Once you start thinking this way, you might feel differently in the future too, not be one of those annoyed harried people who look at the route monitors with a permanent scowl. Listen, you'll eventually get to where you want to be, so chill out and enjoy yourself. Get  a snack or a beer, buy a new magazine and go check out what the airport has to offer.

Art collection

All airports now have some sort of art collection. Some even have their own galleries for those travelers who have quite a bit of time to kill. I always like to see the different things on display at different airports. Take some time to wander your terminal to check out the exhibits available. One of my favorites is the History of Flight "museum" in McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. They have a main exhibit and smaller exhibits throughout. 

Play area

Travel with kids can be trying and, after having to sit for hours without getting to flail or even stand up, jumping around and annoying people near the baggage carousel is not a fantastic way to burn off energy (or make friends). Head to the nearest play area, which almost all airports have, and let them climb and run and yell and whatever else so they can be ready to fly or for the next leg of your journey. Bonus is that they are usually airplane themed and lots of kids love pretending to be a pilot. 

Workout rooms

These may be few and far between, but if you're lucky enough to go through an airport with some, pack some shorts and a tee in your carry-on to do some running or strength training. Getting some exercise is a great way to stay alert and get moving after a long flight of being folded into a tiny space. If you normally get a workout in during the day, then you're not missing out by sitting on the plane.

Movies

You're probably bringing your laptop, so why not toss a couple DVDs in your bag to watch if you have 90+ minutes to spare on your layover. If you're lucky, you might be in one of those fancy schmancy airports that have an actual theater for travelers and you can see a new movie on a big screen.

Spa

Treat yourself to a massage, pedicure of something else a little luxurious. I've been lucky enough to get a manicure at the Butter London location in Seattle, but we've also hit up the Xpress Spas on trips as well. They do their best to make your treatments short and sweet, so if you have a tighter connection, you can still catch your flight.

Specialty souvenir shops

Bring home gifts to commemorate your trip for yourself or others. If you're just passing through, this is also a great way to sample some of the local flavor, whether it's candy or beer or whatever else. Fair warning, when you go through Portland (PDX) and think Oregon Rain sounds like a fantastic water choice, just don't.

Go sightseeing

If you have a fairly long layover, don't think you can't get out and enjoy your stopover city a bit. We had 8 hours in Vancouver, BC (YVR), rented a car and made a fun day out of it. Recently, we flew through Salt Lake (SLC) and they had a brochure about taking a two-hour tour into their historical center. They have an airport shuttle to drop you off and bring you back and they get tourists into town and a little extra money in their economy. That was pretty genius to me. 

Buy something you forgot 

Or entertainment. My favorite new shops are the 24-hour kiosks in airports. You can buy everything from travel-sized makeup to fancy noise-canceling headphones to an ebook reader. You pay full price, but if you forget that sunscreen you love from Supergoop! or the best ever Benefit foundation, you can get them at whatever time you're stuck at the airport.

What do you like to do to pass the time at airports?

Be a Savvy Traveler

While it's fun to travel the world, it can be less fun if you don't know how to do it properly. There are some customs that are very important to obey when you visit certain destinations. Nobody wants to offend another culture, even accidentally. I like to make sure I read up on the places I'm traveling to, but this infographic gives you a quick overview of some of the most offending acts.

Have you ever made a great faux pas in another country?