Travel Essentials from the Red Carpet

“Awards season” in Hollywood may now be a memory, but entrepreneurs participating in pre-awards show events hope introducing goods to celebrities and other “influencers” will translate into mainstream public success long after the last envelope has been opened.

Designer gowns, fine jewelry, status watches and luxury beauty products get a lot of press, of course. However, because well-traveled celebrities with kids make up a good number of the attendees, there are several “real world” items doled out the general public can afford and will relate to. Here are some of the Oscar “winners” in the category of useful travel items:

Hypo: The Denver, Colo.-based company offers a range of nearly weightless sport shoes and accessories for men, women and teens. Founder/CEO Sal Coca noted his goal was to have the “Hypo” name be a first choice among families and individuals looking for a balance of comfort, style and convenience in their outdoor travel gear.

© Elyse Glickman

Honeydew Sleep Company: Anybody wary of hotels and airlines from a cleanliness or comfort standpoint will embrace the company’s Scrumptious home- and travel-sized pillows in non-allergenic and eco-friendly materials that can easily be adjusted for firmness by removing or adding the stuffing.

Olympia U.S.A. Luggage: The company’s new Lansing Under the Seat Wheeled Carry-On is promoted as a business carry-on, but holds snacks, diapers, a clothing change and other items just as beautifully.

Climate Control insulating phone cases: These machine-washable, neoprene, cross-body pockets, available in a variety of colors and pop prints, protect most smartphones and other small electronics from extreme heat, humidity, moisture, cold and outdoor activity “knocks” with a patented insulating gel. They will also restore an overheated or frozen phone in less than 60 seconds.

Zicam Medicated Fruit Drops: While the tasty fruit gummies are clinically proven
to shorten a cold when taken at the first sign, Zicam reps also suggested taking the homeopathic cold remedy, with two unique formulations of zinc, when traveling from one climate extreme to another or when flying … both situations where resistance to colds may drop.

Zicam. Photo: Elyse Glickman

Sabre Red Personal Safety Products: Parents traveling with teens or sending them away on their first study abroad program may want to include these self-defense accessories in their duffle or care package. The Sabre Red range includes pepper spray sets with practice devices, personal alarms and drink test kits (to snuff out roofies and other hazardous additives).

Lil ‘O Blossom Baby Skincare: A new, handcrafted line of sweet smelling, beautiful products for babies and toddlers is available in TSA-friendly kits.

Scribble Watches by Chalk: While upscale watch brand Chalk Lifestyle has models priced at $250 and up, they also offer stylish, durable Scribble watches for $25 that are readable, waterproof, and irresistibly colorful.

© Elyse Glickman

Nonda: Road-tripping families take note — these automotive accessories allow anybody to upgrade their well cared-for older cars with the security features and safety-related bells and whistles of newer models. Gadgets include backup and rear-view cameras, “Smart Tire” safety monitor and smart car chargers.

Safesha: Everybody should have a trusty hand sanitizer in their go-bag. However, why not add a touch of luxury with non-drying and moisturizing variations in delicate scents of lavender or sweet orange?

The following did not walk the red carpet at awards parties, but deserve a nomination for their innovative qualities.

• Maxlite 5: The creators of “The Original Rollaboard”luggage now offer a new collection of 16 pieces, including “rollaboard” and spinner carry-ons and checked luggage, along with a variety of totes and garment bags.
• goBaby: The Airbnb for baby gear on the go provides traveling families an easy way to rent strollers, car seats and other items for their children during trips from families living at their destination. Currently, there are 6,000 registered users across 35 states.
• Plane Pal: The inflatable nylon cushion fills the space between a child’s seat and the seat in front, so children (ages 2–8) can stretch out and fall asleep or relax without their legs dangling.