Packing efficiently is one of the secrets to smart, easy travel. And who knows better than a flight attendant what travel products can make life on the road smoother? That’s why I always pay attention to their travel recommendations because they always prove to be spot-on. For instance, this tablet stand that packs flat is a go-to for me at home and on the road and this portable kettle is nothing short of brilliant. RELATED: Stop Overpacking! 10 Things You Don’t Need to Pack
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The most recent gadget I’ve seen recommended by flight attendants is a mini flat iron, something I never really knew existed or thought about. I always pack my large, every day flat iron but any time you can mini-size a travel essential, it makes sense to do so. Over time, as everything I pack gets smaller and takes up less room in my suitcase, it’s a good thing.
With a constant barrage of stories about lost luggage and hefty fees for checking bags, it’s always best to pack with carry-on only if you can and avoid all the headaches and hassles that come with checked luggage.
A mini flat iron is considerably smaller than a standard flat iron and is a great tool for touching up your hair while you’re traveling. The BabylissPRO Nano Titanium Mini Hair Straightener is 6 inches long with half-inch titanium plates, so compact that it can even fit in a toiletry bag or makeup bag, and heats up quickly to 430 degrees. Some promising reviews say:
“I got this for an upcoming trip but have already used it a few times to touch up my blowouts throughout the week. This mini iron works very well and heat up quick to a good temperature. Would definitely recommend.”
“I’m a cosmetologist. I bought my first mini babybliss nano 0.5 inch iron in 2005 from a license-only wholesale beauty supply store. My first iron just recently stopped working. NEEDLESS to say, in the last 7 years, this little iron has been all over Europe and Asia. It did not blow out on outlet converters or blowout the outlet. It has been packed (without box) in suitcases and has been in check-in luggage on airplanes numerous times. I use it every morning to straighten out my bangs, smooth whispies along my part/crown and to make pieces of my natural wavy hair more uniform. I do not use this to straighten my full head . . . although I have done so 3 times. IT took a while but worked and lasted.
PROs:
– The price on amazon is the same price I paid for the original 7 years ago wholesale
– There is no wait time for the iron to get hot. It is meant to heat up quickly since it’s a travel iron. That is the reason for no temperature control. Plug it in wait 30 seconds and use. (Hold on to the rubber padding . . .it is hot but it’s meant to be for quick use) Common sense- turn it off when done and unplug to ensure long usage. if you need it again good thing there is no lag time.
– Lasts for 7 years with continuous use.
– It’s not fragile
– it works with outlet adapters globally
Cons
-None. I will report back if the one from amazon does not work the same as my original one. But so far the new one seems exactly the same. Packaging-everything.”
And speaking of great hair tools for home and for travel, the Revlon two-in-one hair dryer brush is a game-changer. This one device does the job of two (a hair dryer and round brush) and can straighten hair, too. So if you need any touch-ups, your mini flat iron can do that job. Read my full review of the Revlon hairy dryer brush here.
But one flight attendant with 30 years’ experience told Business Insider that a flat iron isn’t just for hair. In a pinch, it can be used to iron out wrinkles and creases in clothes, especially when you don’t have an ironing board. This is one travel hack I’m going to have to try!
KEEP READING:
–The Most Comfortable High Heels You Will Ever Wear … Seriously, They Are a Game-Changer
–An Easy Way to Get Healthy Right Now
–Why Packable Jackets Should Top Your List of Winter Travel Must-Haves
–Add These 8 Items to Your Toiletry Bag When You Travel
–Why Packing Cubes Are a Travel Essential
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Bought this almost 7 years ago and use it when I travel. Mine didn’t come with a heatproof pouch but I got one of those in Walmart (for full sized iron, so I just fold the excess over – still small enough). Love it for traveling and have used it in Europe, Australia. New Zealand and on cruise ships without problem.