Favorite Travel Gear - Viajera Filipina

These are some of my favorite travel gear that I take on any trip lasting more than 24 hours.

One of the challenging aspects of traveling is bringing the right kind of gear that will make your life out on the road little easier, comfortable and a bit more civilized, all while keeping within the allotted luggage space and weight restrictions. Here are some products that have been worthwhile for me to bring along.

1. Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet – $9.99 on Amazon

As much as it borders on the realm of TMI (too much information), we’re having this conversation about personal hygiene. Maybe it’s an Asian thing but toilet paper wiping especially for Deed Number 2 never seems to be enough cleaning. Many Filipino houses have the ever-present “tabo” or water dipper, a large, deep plastic ladle that holds enough water to get the necessary cleansing done. Outside of the comfort of own homes, we are forced to improvise with paper cups and water glasses. Until now.
This travel bidet by Brondell holds 400 ml of water and squirts a stream at an angle. It might take some getting used to in order to get the perfect aim, but once you get it, you are rewarded with a hygienic experience that also helps cut down on toilet paper consumption.

Brondell Travel Bidet

2. Travelrest Travel Pillow – On sale on Amazon for $26.95 (regular price: $29.95 to $53.95)

Sleeping comfortably in a cramped airplane seat in economy class is a life skill that not many get to master. While this pillow does not expand the space allotted for you, its unique shape provides more resting surface for your head and body that gives you a better chance of dozing off while in flight. You could use it pretty much anywhere you can nap: in the car, bus or train. It can also serve as an extra or personal pillow if your accommodations do not provide you with enough. Blowing it up with air during mid-flight does tend to attract curious looks, but those quickly turn into longing gazes when your fellow passengers see you snuggled up against this bass clef-looking contraption.