Reviews travel advice 2021 -

Sat Nav Smartphone: 6 Hacks Travellers Need To Know

Exploring a new country used to be a euphemism for “getting lost.” Today, it’s easy to maintain your course thanks to your smartphone. By opening Google Maps or any other navigation app, you can plot your route and arrive with time to spare. Although this might be less exciting and adventurous, it does negate the inevitable awkward conversations with locals. How do you say “where’s the nearest tube stop,” again?

Still, turning your handset into a makeshift satellite navigation system isn’t as straightforward as it appears. It’s a walk in the park at home, but it’s a different story abroad. After all, your phone might not be optimised for travelling. If it isn’t, you could pay a flat fee in foreign roaming charges, and they’re not cheap. Also, don’t forget about the lack of WiFi in far-flung places. Not everywhere is a big city with the most recent, up to date amenities.

To use your smartphone as a sat-nav abroad, you’ve got to think about the common issues to prepare it beforehand. There are plenty of ways to do it, but the easiest and less stressful methods are underneath. Follow these tips and your phone will be a Godsend on any trip regardless of the location.

Turn On Data Roaming

The first step is to switch on data roaming in your settings. This feature is the thing that stops your phone from working abroad as it does at home. Flick it from “off” to “on” and you’ll instantly connect to the local phone supplier. As long as you have signal, your mobile data should work as per usual, meaning you can open Google Maps without having to register for WiFi.

Playing around with your device is a simple way to find what you are looking for if you haven’t done it before. However, it’s also a surefire way to change settings that you want to keep the same, which is potentially problematic. Because every handset is different, it’s essential to Google yours and follow expert advice from bloggers and websites. The likes of Which? always have excellent troubleshooting posts. However, if you’re searching for varied information, this Gadget Cover article is perfect.

After all, you never know the consequences of turning on the data roaming function on your mobile. So, it’s good to listen to or read expert advice in case you need to perform an essential task that you’re unaware of, no matter how easy it sounds.

Switch Phone Supplier

The reason you might want to research data roaming is the price. When you go abroad, the rates sometimes double and triple, costing you a fortune if you use your phone a lot. Considering you’re going to be in new locations the majority of the time, it’s safe to say you will want to keep your phone handy to ensure you don’t get lost. While switching suppliers can be a hassle some job, it’s also necessary if yours doesn’t let you use your plan abroad as it does at home.

That’s the key – to make sure your package is inclusive regardless of your location. 3 is a company that’s well-known for this, but they aren’t the only ones. Smarty are also happy to help you turn your phone into a sat-nav on your travels. Plus, a Smarty SIM only data plan means you don’t have to overspend if you don’t have any intentions to send messages. Alternatively, it’s not hard to pick up a cheap, local SIM when you arrive and top it up with cash when it runs out of money.

Whichever option is the most suitable is fine. Just make sure you understand the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line.

Plan Your Trip In Advance

Sometimes, it’s not easy to use your phone even when you have enough data or a local SIM. Depending on the service, a handset can be about as much help as a chocolate fireguard! When you’re in the middle of a huge city and don’t know where to turn, it can be scary and daunting. Therefore, it’s imperative to plan your trip when you have a signal and internet connection.

That way, you can keep the street names in your head and memorise the route. If your memory isn’t what it was, there’s nothing wrong with writing down the journey in the ‘notes’ section of your phone. Then, you can cross-reference your location with Google Maps and the ‘notes’ app. However, it isn’t always necessary. A cool feature of Maps is that it keeps the blue line visible if you’ve recently planned your route. So, it might guide you from A to B regardless of whether the app is online or offline.

At least with prior planning, you can prevent poor performance once you leave the hostel or hotel.

Stop Off For WiFi

The fantastic thing about modern countries is that WiFi is everywhere. Whether it’s a coffee shop or a park square, there is usually a connection to piggyback off and re-evaluate. By doing this, you can decide whether you’re on the right track, and plan new journeys if you’ve got time to spare. Let’s face it – it’s not as if you won’t want a drink and a bite to eat at some point during the day.

However, public WiFi is riskier than it appears. Because it’s not private, hackers can access the server and see everything you’re doing. You might not think this is a big deal when you’re on Google Maps, but it is when they can continue spying after you log out. Who knows what they’ll see when you’re back at the digs checking your budget or purchasing stuff online. Thankfully, a VPN will ping your IP address across several locations so that nobody knows where you are, or what connection you’re using.

As a result, you won’t be a target as hackers won’t notice that your connection is public. VPNs cost a couple of pounds per month, depending on the company, so it’s a tool worth considering if you plan on using public WiFi regularly.

Purge Your Data

Whatever application you use, there is usually an option that lets you download the map offline. By doing this, you can bring it up and plan your journeys accordingly. There’s no need for an internet connection; as long as you have your phone, it’s ready to use as a sat-nav. This Keep Go list of the best navigation apps for travelling should come in handy at some point.

Unfortunately, it’s not a feasible option for lots of travellers as there is never enough free storage on modern phones. Most of them are packed with “essential” apps that you won’t want to uninstall, which means downloading a map is off the agenda. After all, they take up big chunks of storage space. But, if you’re ready to purge your data, you could have a safety net for any destination on the planet. All it takes is to be logical and less uptight about your apps. Do you use it often? If you don’t, then it can go and free up room.

Even if you do rely on an application, it might not have to be on your smartphone. Tablets are mobile devices with much more memory, making them perfect alternatives. A tip: segment your apps. Then, you can keep the travel stuff on your phone and the banking ones on your iPad.

Rely On GPS

Please don’t read through this and assume that you’re up a proverbial creek without a paddle. Just because none of these hacks applies to you at the moment doesn’t mean you’re a lost cause. Sure, switching supplier is difficult when you’re stuck with a long-term contract, and a local SIM won’t work if the handset is locked. Of course, deleting apps isn’t going to work if you already have the bare minimum on your mobile.

Still, GPS is a feature of all modern phones, and it has nothing to do with any of the above. As long as you have navigation software on your phone, which you should with Google Maps, the GPS will show you where you are and where to go next. Press the small arrow button at the bottom of the page and wait for a blue, pulsing dot to appear. Okay, it won’t advise you on stuff such as which bus or train to catch, but it will get you to the station. Once you are there, you can ask for help as most transport links employ English-speakers.

So, no matter how lost you think you are, GPS on your phone will always point you in the right direction. It’s a lifesaver.

Is There Anything Else?

Yes. A battery pack isn’t a feature of satellite navigation systems, but yours won’t work if it doesn’t have power. Therefore, you will want to carry a fully-charged remote charger in case your phone runs out of juice. It’s not funny how many travellers forget to take one and then can’t rely on the last resort: GPS.

What is it like to fly business class?

If you’ve been flying economy class most of your life, you could be wondering what flying business class is actually like. The price difference can be anywhere between $50 up to $3,000 more between economy and business, and is upgrading to business class really worth it?

You may also be wondering how business class differs between airlines, because no two airlines are the same. This not only applies to business class amenities offered, but rules and regulations as well – for example, the Delta business class dress code can differ from Emirates’.

So when answering what it’s really like to fly business class, there are a lot of variables to consider, and we’re going to explore them.

Business class: Short-haul versus Long-haul flights

For starters, business class may differ only slightly from economy class on domestic flights, with a bit of nicer seating and amenities – the differences become a lot more apparent on international flights.

Because domestic flights are typically much shorter, a business class upgrade may really only offer more comfortable seating on a short-haul flight. A gourmet meal wouldn’t make much sense on a 2-hour flight, so even though you’re in business class, expect soft drinks and snacks.

On long-haul flights, however, business class will provide you with a menu of fancier food choices, especially compared to economy class. International long-haul flights that exceed 7 hours or more will typically provide 2 meals during the flight. Of course, this is all contextual, and based on the airline itself. Some airlines are obviously higher rated than others, and you can check out some rankings, like this list of the top ten airlines for in-flight meals.

Business class amenity kits

Most airlines provide upgraded amenity kits to business class customers, which are typically stocked with a handful of “useful” items for the flight. Emirates’ business class amenity kit, for example, provides flyers with things like Gilette shaving cream and razors, Bvlgari lotions, and other name-brand toiletries. American Airlines’ amenity kit come in a pouch designed by leather accessory company This Is Ground, and includes skincare products from Allies of Skin.

Just like the in-flight meals, not all amenity kits are the same (or equal). But the amenity kits are really just a nice little “thank you” from the airline, what matters the most are the actual in-flight amenities. And again, all airlines are a little bit different, but let’s examine some of the unique business class amenities from popular airlines.

Emirates: Direct boarding from a private lounge that offers free wifi and an unlimited buffet. On the flight you have a personal minibar next to your seat, 4,500 channels of entertainment, and an on-board bar and lounge where you can order cocktails.

Singapore Airlines: SA offers a unique “Book the Cook” feature to business and first class customers. You can choose your in-flight meal 6 months in advance, and your main meal 24 hours before departure, from a pretty huge menu of over 70 meals.

Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways has been ranked as having the best business class in the world by numerous travel reviews, as you can expect things like a personal 17-inch LCD screen, on-demand meals served in multiple courses, seats that recline into flat beds, and more.

So is flying business class worth it?

Flying business class over economy will always be “worth it”, it’s just important to have realistic expectations. As we mentioned, short-haul flights won’t be as luxurious as long-haul flights, and you should research the exact amenities offered by different airlines, so you can figure which one offers business class features you’d enjoy the most.

Overall though, flying business class is a luxurious experience, and worth it if you’d like to upgrade over economy class, but not break the bank with first class.

Royal Holiday Vacation Club Reviews Safety Measures To Help…

Everybody needs a break from time to time. Working hard may fill your bank account but push too much and you will burn out. The symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, high blood pressure, and frequent illness. According to statistics, the average US adult puts in almost 40 hours per week, 47 weeks a year. Find a good balance by taking the vacations you deserve. Go with your family, your partner, or your friends. You can even go by yourself if you like the freedom of solo travel. Make a list of your favorite spots and visit them one by one.

Mexico has always been one of the top destinations among Americans, and that’s why the Royal Holiday Vacation Club has chosen to focus here. It’s near, it’s affordable, and it’s a beautiful country. You can catch a direct flight to the best tourist spots from most of the big cities. You can stretch your dollars thanks to the low cost of living. The beaches are nice, the facilities are top notch, the culture is fascinating, and the food is excellent. Tourists often come back for more. That is a testament to just how wonderful the place is for anyone needing some rest and relaxation.

The Royal Holiday Vacation Club owns properties in some of the famous resort towns in Mexico including Puerto Vallarta, Veracruz, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Mazatlan, and Los Cabos. These are all located around the coast either facing the Pacific Ocean to the Pacific Ocean to the east or the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Guests can expect clean beaches with clear waters that is impossible to resist. The accommodations are spacious and inviting, while the service is responsive to the traveler’s needs. What’s more, Royal Holiday Vacation Club reviews safety measures regularly to adapt to the changing times.

This is an important point given the less than ideal reputation of Mexico in the press. Those who have never traveled across the border may believe that it is chaotic and dangerous in the country, yet the truth is far from this. The travel warnings that have been issued usually focus on the areas around the border itself. This is where banned substances have become a security threat. It is also where immigration has become a burning issue. Elsewhere, however, Mexicans live a relatively peaceful life. In fact, there are a lot of areas in the US that have higher crime rates.

In the top tourist destinations, the locals know just how vital it is to keep the peace and make their guests feel safe. Police visibility is evident in these places so visitors should not worry about security. They should take the usual precautions when traveling abroad but there is no need to be fearful of physical harm. You can check the crime rates in these areas to confirm that they are really a cause for alarm. In any case, the police are well-trained and can speak English to facilitate communication with the tourists. You can easily seek their help at any time.

As for Royal Holiday Vacation Club safety measures, there is private security in place to guard the perimeter and ensure that the guests can have a care-free vacation. People can even arrange transfers from the airports to the resorts and vice versa. This way, they can be sure that they will be in good hands as soon as they reach Mexican soil. Trusted chauffeurs and well-appointed vehicles will be used to fetch holidaymakers for guaranteed comfort. If you would like to know more about the Club’s safety measures in each place, then get in touch with the company to ease your concerns.

How is Technology Helping Make Travelling More Convenient?

Whether we can’t get enough of technology or we find that it’s the enemy of the new world, there’s no denying that it has changed how the world works. Today, technology makes everything easily accessible with just a click of a button in any field or industry and traveling and tourism is no different.

Who doesn’t love to travel? Any seasoned traveler will tell you that taking a trip heals the soul and ignites the passion of loving life. If you follow any Instagram travel account, you will witness an abundance of stunning photos all around the globe. And that’s just the thing. Technology, social media, and smartphones have made travelling so simple that it’s easy to document every step you take. We uncover the ways technology has made traveling more convenient.

It Makes Booking Easy

Anything can be booked online these days; with an array of websites and apps at our disposal, it’s a wonder we’re not traveling every weekend! Nowadays, you can easily book a suitable hotel room, your flight tickets, and even your airport parking spot for when you leave your car. All bookings are fast, affordable, and can be amended any time you please; according to the folks at Parkos.com, you can get the best deals just by booking online that has up to a 24-hours cancellation option, free of charge. You can even book your tours, concerts, or events you wish to attend at your destination online.

It’s Makes Traveling Affordable

Because we have access to anything online, we can also compare prices throughout the many online booking platforms. You can compare different flight fees, hotel rooms, and transportation options. It’s also a chance to make use of last-minute deals on some websites. Many of these platforms aim at providing you the cheapest way to travel.

It’s Easier to Plan a Trip

Long gone are the days when you had to find brochures or buy heavy guide books on the destination you’d like to visit. Now, there are blogs, travel websites, or even social media accounts dedicated to providing in-depth reviews and guides on many destinations. You can easily look up whichever country you’d like to visit, and you’ll find out where to stay, what to eat, what mannerisms to adopt, what their culture is like, how to move around, and so on. This helps you drastically in planning your itinerary down to the last detail.

It Allows You to Always Be Connected

As mentioned above, there are a lot of travel Instagram accounts where travelers post fun information and gorgeous pictures daily. Using a smartphone while traveling has made it easier to take instant pictures, capture beautiful moments, and post immediately. You can also film something interesting in real-time and allow your friends to live vicariously through you. Always being connected is also great to keep in touch with your loved ones; you’ll be able to contact them through video chat or phone calls even when you’re miles away! We’ve got to hand it to technology for keeping us in the loop.

It’s Eco-Friendly

If used right, using technology can be extremely environment-friendly. Basically, it means you’ll use less paper or documents and will only use virtual, digital, and online documents through your smartphone or tablet. No need any more for paper airplane tickets as everything can be digital. You can check-in online, have e-tickets, and online reservation e-mails. This, of course, saves a lot of hassle of carrying around documents that you might lose, and it saves the environment!

It Provides Instant Finds

Even with all the planning, there are times when we’re in a new city, and we need something urgent like a ride or a bite to eat. A ton of apps were created to establish a smoother trip for you and your travel buddies. You can easily look up sightseeing options close to you, nearby must-try restaurants; you can navigate yourself to wherever you want with online maps, or even book yourself a car for transportation. Everything is made easy.

You Can Even Work

For business travelers, it’s often a hassle to stay in touch with business back home. However, technology has made it super easy to always stay connected with your work, no matter where you go. You can travel the globe attending conferences, meetings, or any business-related event and bring your work with you. It’s like you’ve never left your office; you can catch up on emails, make video conference calls, and follow-up on any task.

Travelling is now one of the easiest things you can do thanks to technology. The world is just at our fingertips as we have access to anything from online bookings, travel guides, connecting with our loved ones, or even our work. Our world may feel like it’s too large, but the digital age has made it not only accessible but tiny and easily explored as well.

These Are the Top Brand Watches in the World

As is the case with most products on the market, not all models and types of watches are of the same quality and prestige. Top brands always combine only the most impressive craftsmanship with the utmost style and aesthetics. The results are breathtakingly beautiful watches, with unbelievable prices. In this article, we will go over several of the top brand pieces available. Moreover you can also find online shops in different countries like if you want to find watch shop in Japan you can easily check just on click.

Audemars Piguet

This company was established in 1875 by Edward-Auguste Piguet and Jules-Louis Audemars. They make 36,000 amazing timepieces each year, and their watch movements are used by both Tiffany & Co and Bulgari. The luxury watch brand is credited for making the first steel luxury sports piece in the world, which was the Royal Oak in 1972. Then in 1993, they made the first oversized watch, the Royal Oak Offshore. As you can see, this brand loves to set standards in the industry.

Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest manufacturers of expensive luxury watches in the world. The company was founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron in Geneva, Switzerland, all the way back in 1755. The brand of fine watches is one of the members of the Richemont Group, and their products truly reflect their centuries old heritage. Their craftsmen utilize precise detailing alongside the traditional shapes and styling of them, and they are truly unique. Many famous and legendary historical figures have worn their models, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Harry Truman, and Pope Pius IX.

Patek Philippe

Patek Phillipe & Co is a Swizz luxury brand that was founded in 1851, and their forte is dealing with rather complicated mechanics and a traditional style. These watches are some of the biggest status symbols available, and throughout history, many members of royalty have worn their pieces. They are true art, and their inspiringly classic and unique designs are well recognized around the world. The brand is very consistent with their marketing and promotional campaigns, and are as famous as ever.

Blancpain

This brand is a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, and like most high-end brands, they were found centuries ago, in 1735. They have gone under major developments and their growth was thriving during the whole of the 19^th century. They are constantly updating and modernizingtheir production, and tend to come up with major innovationswith their great watches. The company has a wide range of different types, including both minimalistic and elaborately pieces.

Rolex

Rolex is arguably the most identifiable brand of luxury watches. The manufacturer is an internationally acclaimed and coveted by the society as a status symbol, and the watch to have if you make it big. Their timeless form and function are legendary, and they have been ever present in popular culture. This British brand is always represented with the consistently classic designs they come up with. Forbes recognizes the product maker on their list of the most powerful global brands in the world. In addition, Rolex is the largest luxury watch brand when it comes to numbers, as they produce 2,000 pieces each day.

Best travel hair dryers for different types of hair

Its not easy keeping your hair in check while you travel, am I right?

You have your own routine when it comes to taming your hair and travel often messes up that routine (and your hair-do!)

Its not always practical to carry around your beloved hair-dryer that you use back home, and its confusing as hell to pick the right travel hair dryer for your crazy curls or untameable locks!

So I’ve put together what I think are the best travel hair dryers of 2020.

My best travel hair dryers

These are the latest and greatest travel blow dryers that are portable and travel friendly in one way or another. I will keep this list updated as I conduct more travel hair dryer reviews.

I’ve included travel blow dryers of different features, sizes and budgets so you have a good range to pick from.

Powerful – Remington PRO Ultra lightweight

First I have to mention my favourite at the moment. This beast packs an impressive 2300 watt motor which means its hot and powerful! It gets up to temperature instantly and has a number of speed and heat settings. If you’re like me you’re constantly playing around with the controls for different parts of your hair and different levels of moisture.

One of the greatest things about this is it weighs so little! Seriously its so light it that it adds hardly any weight to your luggage whether you’re packing a full suitcase or just a carry on. While the handle doesn’t fold like some of the best travel hair dryers its weight and power make up for it massively.

Its also very quiet thanks to its high quality fan which means it wont wake up the entire building like some cheap blow dryers do. In fact its so quiet its up to 50 quieter than standard Remington models. Full product details are here.

Its often hard to reach sockets when you’re travelling, sometimes the electrical outlet isn’t anywhere near a mirror or bathroom, but this hair dryer has an extra long cable which I found so useful!

I especially liked the “cool shot” feature which essentially means you can cut off the heat instantly by holding down a button on the handle.

This gives a quick sharp blast of cold air to your hair which helps set it in place. Let go of the button and you’re instantly back to hot air. I’ve never owned a blow dryer that could do this before and was sceptical it would make a difference but I have to say it really does seem to work.

Lastly one very cool feature that makes it extra useful for travel is the Ionic conditioner which essentially ionises the air as its blasted out, this helps dry your hair quicker, perfect for speeding up your preparation for the day or a big night out in a new city!

Lightweight yet salon quality
Quiet yet powerful
Great features and controls

Check here for the latest price

Best controls – Beurer Style Pro HC25UK a

This one features in my best travel hair dryer list for a number of reasons. I’m fussy when it comes to features and either love a dryer or don’t get on with it almost instantly. I’m happy to say this little beauty was a dream to try out on one of our recent trips.

Its lightweight without feeling to flimsy, weighing more than the Remington but definitely less than a standard hair dryer I use at home.

The folding handle means you can fit this blow dryer in to an even smaller space. Its a shame it doesn’t come with a little bag to keep it and the cable neatly together but its easy to wrap the cable around the device to keep it all snug and tidy in your suitcase.

Read the full product details here.

It has a 1600 watt output which while lower than the Remington is still a respectable amount for a travel hair dryer.

One of the neatest features is you can use it in countries that are 110V rather than 240V.

So this is places like North America, Taiwan, Panama, Honduras and Barbados. All you need to do is adjust the voltage control on the bottom of the device with something like a knife or screwdriver, or in my case I used the handle of my nail clippers.

There’s 2 heat levels and 2 fan speeds so a bit less control than the Remington but enough to get the job done. There’s also a cold setting of course but this is a normal on / off switch rather than “cold shot”. So not quite so easy to control but what you lose in controls you gain in portability. I found the controls to be quite fiddly when compared to more expensive hair dryers, so you get what you pay for!

Still this is a great little blow dryer, perfect for travel, powerful enough to get the job done and reduces the need for a power converter which is super handy. You will still need a plug adapter though as it usually comes with a UK plug.

Super portable with a folding handle
Works with both 110v and 240v
Lightweight
Great durable build quality

Check for the latest prices here

Best results – Dyson Supersonic™ Fuchsia Hair Dryer

Could this be the best hair dryer in the world? Well its certainly touted as one and the price would suggest so. Still I was very excited to be able to review this as Dyson is a name you come to expect with high quality products.

This hair dry looks nothing like any of the others and there’s good reason for that. The Supersonic uses Dyson’s own “digital motor” technology which means the motor is actually in the handle. The rest of the dryer is shaped to suck in air and blast it out towards you with precision. Because the motor is out of the way there’s no need for a suction filter to stop wayward hairs getting sucked in an creating that awful burning smell you sometimes get with blow dryers.

It certainly looks futuristic and I love the pink accents too.

It is by no means the lightest of the hair dryers I’m reviewing. a full 0.7kg in weight which is fairly bulky but its compact size means it’ll take up less space in your suitcase. The added weight is all thanks to the advanced technology built inside. Even though it weighed more it actually felt lighter.

I know that sounds odd but its all to do with the shape. Standard dryers feel front heavy so you tend to lean them back in your hand to compensate. With the Dyson hair dryer its perfectly balanced so you’ll find you hold it slightly differently.

And wow it really does kick out some air with that tech too. A very different motor whine compared to a normal hair dryer, its one of the quietest hair dryers I tested but that little fan is spinning some 110,000 times a minute!

Read all the product features and prices here.

Because of its shape and the way you hold it I found the controls were a little bit more fiddly than they maybe could have been. Controls are usually where you’d place your thumb but with this hair dyer the buttons are a lot smaller so you find yourself hunting around for them. I’m sure I would get used to it in time.

This was the only travel hair dryers I reviewed that came with its own travel carry case and I loved that!

Its great to keep the nozzles and device all in one handy carry case so I’m not hunting around for them in my bag. It also helped to keep the cord nice and neat.

The attachments were some of the best I’ve ever tried too. I even let my girlfriends have a go with a few that suited their hair types. The diffuser was fantastic for my curls and considering the power output of this thing it did one of the best jobs, almost salon quality I’d say. The “Smoothing nozzle” was great for my friend’s long straight hair while the “Styling concentrator” did just that, focussing the blast of hot air at just the right section of hair.

There’s 3 speed settings and 4 heat settings with precise temperatures at each. a huge 100C at the top level which I never dared go near with my hair, 80C which is “regular” while the lower levels are for gentle drying and what they call “constant cold” which is really 28C.

Its the first dryer I’ve used where I was told to ignore the wattage which is 1600W. The heat and air throughput was fair better than blow dryers that use another 600 watts or more.

It has the Ionic conditioner built in of course and feels very solid, rugged and portable. Definitely the best hair dryer I’ve tried in a long time but with a price tag to match.

Very quiet and VERY powerful
Futuristic design and amazing build quality
Great range of controls
Comes with a travel bag!
Balances very well in your hand
Expensive but worth every penny!

For the latest price check here

Yours Professional Hair Dryer 2300W LED Temperature Display

Here’s a brand I hadn’t heard of before but was offered a review of and was pleasantly surprised!

Firstly you can’t fail to notice the temperature digital LED display on the side of the hair dryer. For the OCD in me this was great to see. Depending on the thickness and wetness of your hair you should adjust the temperature to avoid over-drying.

There’s 3 heat settings on this dryer and 2 fan speeds. I found myself using only the lower 2 heat settings the most and adjusting fan speed up and down depending on where I was drying and how wet my hair was. Occasionally I’d check to see what the temperature was too, OK I got a little obsessed with that! Its like living in the future!!!

See the full product description here.

While this doesn’t have a foldable handle it is very lightweight and small compared to salon quality hair dryers, yet it still packs an awesome punch with a 2300 watt motor which means quicker drying times. Essential when you’re travelling!

One of the greatest features was its super long cable at a whopping 3 metres!

This was brilliant for using almost anywhere in my hotel room even if the socket was miles away from the mirror (why do hotels do that!?!). There’s also a handy loop at the base of the handle which I used a few times during my travels.

While its not a brand I’ve used before I’ll certainly be considering in the future.

Powerful yet small
Futuristic temperature display
Great controls
Very long power cable which is perfect for travel!

Check the latest price here

BaByliss Travel 2000W Hair Dryer

I’ve long been a fan of BaByliss products, having owned one of their larger hair dryers for years. They are known for producing good quality reliable hair dryers so I was keen to see what their travel baby could do.

Firstly a mention about power, I really wasn’t expecting such awesome power from such a small and compact hair dryer. Its build for portability but sure does pack some heat! A whopping 2100 watts which is a lot for a device of this size.

It also has an iconic conditioner which is a must really. It dries my hair in no time and helps to tame my wayward curls, no mean feat I can tell you. It also has a temperature control sensor keeping it at a steady 70C on full power. More than enough to get the job done quickly.

This baby BaByliss hair dryer has 3 heat controls and 2 speed controls, I actually rarely used the top 2 heat controls as the lowest setting was enough for me. I found the controls a little fiddly at times which may be why I didn’t use them all that much. But its so powerful that my hair was dry in no time and it really wasn’t an issue.

You can see more produce details here.

The “Curl enhancing large diffuser” was quite impressive. I usually don’t get on with diffusers as they have a habit of falling off the hair dryer. This is often because the plastic contracts with the heat loses grip on the diffuser. Not so with this little hair dryer.

This is probably the first travel hair dryer I’ve used that never let me down with the diffuser.

With its folding handle and super light weight body (Just 0.4kg) it felt so small and easy to carry. While the cable isn’t particularly long (1.9m) it did the job and for its size delivered a lot more than I expected.

BaByliss sure do know how to make a good hair dryer!

Super powerful for its size
Very travel friendly, lightweight and portable
A diffuser that actually stays on
Great build quality you’d expect from Babyliss

Check the latest prices here

Budget hair dryer – Red Hot Benross Compact 1200W

Maybe it was the “cool red” colour that made me try this one. Maybe it was the budget price (Around £10 in the UK). Either way I was keen to see what all the fuss was about with the Benross travel dryer.

This is definitely in the “budget” category as you wont find all the bells and whistles of the hair dryers I’ve mentioned above. Still if you’re looking for something super simple and small then this is worth checking out.

Its one of the lightest hair dryers I’ve tested weighing little over 0.4kg which is partly thanks to its small size and partly the shorter power cable at 1.75 metres. Either way its very compact and light which is great for any trip overseas. It definitely wont be using up much of your baggage allowance.

Its so small at just 12cm by 16cm by 18cm, perfect if you’ve just got a carry-on case or small backpack.

With 1200 watts of power its considerably less than some hair dryers but still gets the job done. I find with under-powered hair dryers I have to move them around more aggressively. Less power doesn’t mean less heat, it usually means less wind so keeping it still for longer could over-dry your hair.

You can view the product in more detail here.

There’s 2 speed settings on this and no heat settings. So this is really is your basic model, but it functioned just fine and once you get used to its heat and air flow it does a decent enough job.

One great feature is its dual-voltage, just grab a penny and switch it from 240v to 110v. This really is a great little trick to have as it means it’ll work perfectly in whatever country you visit.

One interesting quirk is that it has a built in over-heat safety system which you’re likely to encounter sooner or later. Because its less powerful it takes longer to dry your hair. This means after around 2 minutes the hair dryer will become quite hot and eventually shut down to avoid overheating. Its actually a good thing as it’ll last longer, you just need to wait a few seconds before you can turn it back on and continue.

The lightest and smallest
very cheap price with basic functions
Dual voltage for use in any country

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More of the best travel blow dryers added soon

I’ll be reviewing more over the next few months and will add the best of them to this list. If you recommend any particular model do share it with me in the comments below.

What to read now?

Why not check out my Travel beauty essentials list or my useful packing tips for beach holidays.