If you are looking for a pocket size guide to the luxe lifestyle in Miami that is sleek, savvy and even a bit witty, check out the LUXE City Guides. This series of guidebooks, 30 in all,  just added Miami to the line-up. Written by over 20 local contributors, this lifesaver of a book lets you know about the hottest hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars and spas in the area. Additionally, you will learn about services, shops and hidden secrets that only the locals know about. Even better, the LUXE guides take in zero advertising dollars, therefore you know the recommendations are the best the city has to offer. The guides are short, sweet and to the point.

You don’t have to worry about these guides to be outdated, as they are updated every year, and give you updates throughout the year via the Internet. Can’t decide on an itinerary for your trip? No worries, as shopping and activity itineraries are available to mix and match. Available for $9.99 on their website.

Image courtesy of Hawkins PR.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Your answers are solved with the new Cradlepoint PHS300 Personal Hotspot. This device is designed to work with your cell phone whenever you are without an Internet Connection. It creates your own personal hotspot with a built in firewall. It can definitely be a lifesaver when you are trying to conduct business on the road.  It’s compact and portable, and it’s the perfect travel companion. Available online for $179.99.

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• Snack & Play Travel Kit: This is the perfect addition for kids that are always on the go, in the car that is. This attaches to your child’s car seat and provides a flat, safe area for your child to eat and play. By using this you child will keep his or her toys on the tray meaning less stopping to find that dropped toy. If your child travels by stroller or airplane more often, no problem, as it easily attaches there too.
• Oopsy Daisy! High Chair Hair Care: What happens when you are on the road all day with your child and his hair and face are less than clean. The High Chair Hair Care is a perfect product to use on the road. This natural rinse-free hair care allows you to wash your child’s hair without any water or added mess. In addition, they also carry an Oopsy Daisy! No Bath Bubble Bath for a no rinse, quick bath.
• Portable Playtime: Now your child can be a big kid with this portable playtime backpack. This backpack converts into a playmat and fits perfectly onto a airplane tray table. Pockets hang over the sides and it’s able to hold up to 20 toys. No more digging around for the lost toys. You’ll also have a sanitary place for your child to snack and eat.

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I rely on my GPS all the time. Honestly, what would I do without it? Sometimes, though, the location that I’m driving to doesn’t register and I don’t feel like doing a search on my phone. There’s always 4-1-1, but I really cringe at paying that extra fee, when really – why do they have to charge you? How do they manage to stay in business when there’s free services that do the exact same thing?

Well if you don’t know about these free services already, program them in your phone now:

• 1-800-FREE411 (Oh, and since I hate when you are given a number with letters, because whose phone is really laid out that way anymore, here’s the correct number: 1-800-373-3411)
• 1-800-GOOG-411 (That’s 1-800-466-4411)

Photo Credit: Kristbjorg @ flickr

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What happens when you have to travel on the busiest day of the year? Does your luggage seem to blend in with everyone else’s bag that moves around the carousel? Does the threat of losing your luggage overtake your body with anxiety? Here’s a stylish and memorable way to personalize your bag – making sure no one is mistakes your bag for their own. Custom bag tags from Tabitha Geary.

The goal of Tabitha Geary is to preserve your cherished memories. They create a line up of retail products that turn your photos into priceless treasures. For example, their photo tags can be designed with any photos that you like. Each tag is designed using a durable hard plastic material – on one side is the photo, on the other you can put all your contact information. Whether you want to put a photo of yourself, a loved one or a favorite travel destination, you are sure that no one will have an identical tag. Better yet, the cost for the tags are only $15 and they are available online.

In addition, Tabitha Geary carries a line up of personalized products such as ornaments, custom canvas collages and memory kits.

Photo credit: R.B. Boyer @ flickr

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Photo courtesy of k101 Agency.

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Let’s start off with MomSpit. This is a no-rinse cleanser for your hands and face and let’s admit it’s a whole lot classier. This product is available in a 2 oz or a 7 oz container so it’s perfect for either your purse when you are traveling or for your countertop. Simplicity and convenience are key and MomSpit does both. Apply a small event on your hands or face, rub in and you are good to go.  Milk mustaches, gas grime or spilled coffee, Momspit cleans them all leaving your skin clean and moisturized, plus it smells good. With scents like Fig & Green Tea, Lemon & White Tea and even an unscented version, you will find this a pleasant product to add to your collection. Plus, it is alcohol-free.

Whether you have children, spend time in locations away from convenient sinks or find waiting in a bathroom line at the airport to wash your hands a waste, you will love MomSpit’s convenience and versatility.

Available at Amazon.com

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

When I heard about Queasy Drops, I was like — BINGO! This would have been my answer, well everyone’s answer. Queasy Drops were originally developed for pregnant women to ease morning sickness and for those undergoing chemotherapy, but they are also extremely effective in helping deal with motion sickness. Suck on a Queasy Drop prior to leaving, and then periodically throughout the day and you will be able to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Queasy Drops come in different flavors, and even as lollipops for that child in you. They are also all-natural so you don’t have to worry about them interfering with your medications. For a list of ingredients, check out their website and go to nutritional information.

photo credit: madalena-pastana @ flickr

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Bethesda Sunscreen Soap is an all-natural sunscreen soap produced by Bethesda skincare. The bar soap contains a minimum SPF 10 and a multitude of vitamins and minerals to help soothe and aid in protecting your skin from the sun. In addition, it also moisturizes, deodorizes and is simple to throw in your suitcase. You won’t have to worry about getting stopped at airport security for having liquids or having it spill in your bag.

If you are worried about how your sensitive skin will react, fret no more, as this soap is all-natural, non-oily and hypo-allergenic. This is just a smart product that makes sense.

In honor of the founder’s sister, who is suffering from cancer, the company offers something known as the Melanie Policy.  This policy offers a free bar of soap to anyone who is suffering from cancer or knows of someone who has cancer. Sadly, I’m sure we all fit into this category. To qualify, send the name, address and the recipient’s condition to store@bethesdaskincare.com, and make sure you reference The Melanie Policy.

Image used with permission from The Cannon Group.

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