GET THE LATEST IN TRAVEL GEAR

BY MICHELE SPONAGLE

It’s time to dust off your suitcase and get exploring again. Perhaps a cruise vacation is in your future, or an extended stay at an incredible luxury villa. If you have not travelled recently, you may want to update your packing list with these innovative items.

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS

We often travel to seek peace and quiet. These comfortable noise-cancelling earbuds ensure you’ll always have it everywhere you go, thanks to the very latest technology. You’ll get high-fidelity audio when tapping your toes to your favourite tunes. A special setting allows you to also hear your surroundings while listening to music, ideal if you’re jogging or cycling, for greater safety. $349, bose.ca

HEYS SMART LUGGAGE 21”

It may look like an ordinary bag, but it has a lot of useful technology built into it. Made from 100 per cent polycarbonate, it uses a special app, which allows travellers to lock and unlock their bag remotely. The handle has an integrated scale feature so you know how much your bag weighs, good for preventing over-packing. Plus, this suitcase (shown in burgundy) also has a proximity alarm, which will sound when you’re a certain distance away from it, ensuring you can keep track of your stuff easier. $599, ca.heys.com

DIANE KROE DESTINATION DRESS

If you have room for just one dress (shown here in wine), make it this versatile one. It can be converted into a number of styles, from an elegant halter to a classic wrap dress. It’s designed using a lightweight poly/spandex fabric that’s silky to the touch and doesn’t need ironing straight out of your suitcase. Made in Canada, it is available up to size 20. $225, dianekroe.com

VANS LA COSTA SLIDES

It’s always a battle trying to figure out what shoes to pack. Your best option is to take ones with plenty of versatility. These lightweight, flexible slip-ons are ideal for walks on the beach, time spent poolside or at the spa, and just walking around your hotel suite. Made from synthetic rubber, they offer a good amount of cushioning and support to keep your feet comfy. $45, vans.ca

TRAVEL JOURNAL

Every moment of your extraordinary journey is worth savouring and remembering. Jot down your impressions, your dreams and future plans in this compact journal (just 20 centimetres long). You can easily tuck it into a backpack or carry-on bag. It has 98 unlined pages, perfect for those who may want to sketch the beauty seen during their trips. $34.90 US, airportag.com

M MISSONI SUNGLASSES

The famed Italian luxury fashion house, known for its beautiful knitwear, brings its legendary design sense to its new sunglasses. This pair from the collection, constructed from lightweight plastic, has high-quality lenses that offer protection from ultraviolet rays. Add a dash of tropical colour to your wardrobe, while attracting admiring glances at your strut on the beach. $157, edel-optics.ca

PELICAN 1060 MICRO CASE

If you’re planning an action-packed holiday, you’ll want to keep your cell phone safe. This tough polycarbonate case from Pelican is waterproof, dustproof and crushresistant. Whether you spend your days zip-lining in the rainforest, doing an ATV tour through the desert, or going kayaking on a beautiful lake, your mobile device will be very well protected. $47.95, mec.ca

FORWARD WITH DESIGN FRAME TOTE 2.0

It’s a carry-on, a knapsack and a gym bag. A separate inner compartment is ideal for wet bathing suits and sweaty workout gear. Constructed out of nylon, it’s a roomy, well-designed tote that looks modern and sleek. $110, forwardwithdesign.com

SUN BUM TINTED FACE LOTION SPF 30

When you’re trying to save on space in your toiletry bag, think multi-use products. This easy-to-apply sunscreen protects skin against UVA and UVB rays, while leaving it shine-free. It is lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy. It is also suited to sensitive skin since it is fragrance-free, vegan and friendly to the environment. $23.99, sunbum.com