At Home – SmarterTravel https://www.smartertravel.com The Best Trips Start Here Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:38:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.7 The Best Coffee Machines and Delivery Services https://www.smartertravel.com/best-coffee-makers-delivery-services/ https://www.smartertravel.com/best-coffee-makers-delivery-services/#respond Wed, 28 Aug 2024 16:35:18 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=421267 Stop spending money buying coffee every morning and save that money for your next trip. Recreate that charming little Italian café you found on vacation at home with you by combining the best coffee makers with the best coffee delivery subscriptions. Your morning cup has never tasted better—or been easier to make. The Best Coffee […]

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Stop spending money buying coffee every morning and save that money for your next trip. Recreate that charming little Italian café you found on vacation at home with you by combining the best coffee makers with the best coffee delivery subscriptions. Your morning cup has never tasted better—or been easier to make.

The Best Coffee Makers

The best coffee makers will make your drink just how you like it—in just a few minutes.

Capresso CoffeeTEAM TS

Capresso Coffee Team GS
Capresso

Capresso’s CoffeeTEAM TS makes it easy to have fresh-ground coffee without all the hassle of grinding your own beans—simply pour whole beans into the gadget’s air-tight hopper (so it doubles as a storage spot for your beans) and press a button to brew the coffee. The built-in conical burr grinder will perfectly measure and grind the beans for you before making you an amazing cup of coffee. In my tests, I found that the Capresso delivered consistently excellent coffee every time I used it, no matter how much I was making. I also liked that the grinder can be adjusted depending on how light or dark the beans you’re using are.

This coffee machine is programmable, so you can choose your grind settings, the number of cups, and the time that you want it to brew.

The Capresso now comes in white and stainless steel, so you can pick a model to match your kitchen. Pair it with one of Capresso’s bags of coffee beans, which are micro-roasted in small batches in Brooklyn, New York, and ideal for use in the drip coffee maker.

Cafe Specialty Grind and Brew Coffee Maker

Cafe Specialty Grind and Brew
Cafe Specialty

If you take your coffee seriously, look for a coffee maker that’s been certified by the Speciality Coffee Association. This organization puts at-home coffee makers through a series of rigorous tests, including brewing time and water temperature, to make sure it makes a quality cup.

We tested the Cafe Specialty Grind and Brew, one of just a few coffee makers to earn this coveted certification. The Cafe delivered a truly barista-quality cup of coffee at home, thanks to an adjustable burr grinder with six settings, flexible temperature control, and customizable brew strengths.

Travelers will love that the coffee maker is WiFi-enabled, so you can use the SmartHQ mobile app to start brewing a cup of coffee as soon as you step off your flight home. You can choose to brew a single cup right into your travel mug, or make an entire pot of coffee for a group.

My favorite feature of the Cafe is the removable water tank. I hate that other coffee makers don’t allow you to clean the water tank thoroughly and that you can’t see any build-up that has accumulated inside. The removable design allows for easy cleaning.

Breville The Grind Control

Two images of the Breville The Grind Control Coffee maker
Breville

Freshly ground coffee just tastes better, which is why the coffee you get at a cafe feels like more of a treat than what you make at home. Recreate that experience at home (without all the effort) with Breville’s The Grind Control. Featuring an innovative adjustable built-in grinder that’s surprisingly quiet, The Grind Control allows you to choose your grind level based on the type of beans you’re using for the best possible cup. Eight different strength settings allow you to customize your cup of coffee that’s as strong or mellow as you like.

Program The Grind Control’s autostart setting to wake up to a fresh cup of coffee that feels like it was made by a professional barista.

The Grind Control can brew into the included carafe, your own cup, or a travel mug—making it perfect for busy travelers.

OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Two images of the OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker, one fully put together and one desconstructed
Amazon

Pour-over coffee tastes great but requires lots of time and patience to make. Unless you have OXO’s pour-over coffee maker which makes the process as simple as making tea. The innovative design comes with a built-in water tank, so all you have to do is put the filter and grounds in the bottom and hot water in the top. You’ll have a perfect cup of coffee in minutes.

AeroPress

Disassembled parts of AeroPress (left) and person using AeroPress coffee maker (right)
Amazon

The AeroPress is a favorite among serious coffee drinkers, and it’s surprisingly easy and quick to use—plus this tiny gadget takes up zero counter space in your kitchen. The AeroPress can make regular coffee as well as espresso shots, and clean-up takes seconds. The included paper microfilters filter out all the grounds and grit, or you can use a more eco-friendly reusable stainless steel filter.

Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter

Two views of the Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter
Amazon

Brew a great cup of coffee in less than five minutes with Bodum’s easy pour-over coffee maker. Available in a 17-ounce, 34-ounce, or 51-ounce carafe size, it makes exactly as much coffee as you need. You’ll never have to buy another coffee filter again—the kit includes a reusable stainless steel mesh filter that filters better than paper and helps extract the aromatic oils from the beans.

Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer

Two views of the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer
Amazon

Wake up to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee with Hamilton Beach’s 2-Way Brewer. Just add the grinds the night before and program the coffee maker to start at whatever time you like, and it will automatically have a cup of coffee waiting for you when you wake up. Sleeping in? The warming plate will keep the coffee hot until you get to it.

To save on dishes and clean-up time, you can brew directly into your mug—or into the 12-cup carafe when you’re making it for multiple people.

Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

Two views of the Mr. Coffee Café Barista Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
Amazon

Make your own espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the touch of a button with this coffee maker from Mr. Coffee. The 15-bar pump system brews rich and strong espresso shots, and the automatic milk frother makes creating foam super simple. Just fill the easy-to-clean water and milk reservoirs and pick the drink you want from the touch panel, and the machine will do the rest.

The Best Coffee Delivery Services

A good cup of coffee starts with having the right coffee beans. These coffee delivery services will bring freshly roasted beans or even ready-to-drink coffee directly to your door.

Steeped Coffee

Steeped Coffee
Steeped Coffee

Campers (or anyone who needs a good cup of coffee on-the-go) will love Steeped Coffee. These unique coffee bags brew like tea, so all you need is hot water and a mug to get your java fix. Steeped partners with over 500 speciality roasters to offer a wide variety of blends, so you can choose from French roast, decaf, etc.

The coffee is roasted and then triple nitro sealed before being put into the brew bag, keeping the grinds fresh. All you have to do is put the Steeped brew bag in a cup, add eight ounces of hot water, and dunk the bag for 15-30 seconds (or longer if you want stronger coffee). Then, let the coffee brew for five minutes until you have the perfect cup.

Beanz by Breville

Beanz by Breville
Beanz.com

Breville makes one of the best at-home coffee makers around, and the company wants you to have good, fresh beans to use in it—so it created its own coffee delivery service, Beanz.com. Choose from a selection of curated coffees from the nation’s best small batch specialty roasters, or leave it up to the experts with a Barista’s Choice subscription. This plan will send you coffee that’s tailored to your taste preferences and equipment at a frequency of your choosing.

No matter which option you go for, your beans will be roasted to order so you receive only the freshest coffee.

Coffee of the Month Club

Cup of coffee surrounded by coffee beans (left) and bags of Amazing Clubs Coffee of the Month club coffee in a cardboard box (left)
Amazing Clubs

AmazingClubs’ Coffee of the Month club makes a great gift for the coffee-lover in your life—guaranteed. The subscription comes with a “they’ll love it” guarantee that promises your money back if you’re not satisfied.

Each month, the recipient will receive a curated selection of freshly-roasted Arabica beans from award-winning growers around the world. The shipment will include a fun newsletter with entertaining coffee facts, information about the beans, and brewing tips.

Redemption Road Coffee

Bag of coffee beans from Redemption Road Coffee (left) and wooden bowl of coffee beans with leaflets titles "Redemption Road Coffee" (right)
Redemption Road Coffee

Do something good with your morning cup of coffee when you buy your beans from Redemption Road Coffee. The company sources specialty grade coffee from farms round the world, and partners with the farms to give back to charity. Buy the dark roast from Malawi for example, and support the Mzuzu Coffee co-op which provides their workers with free health care and education.

Choose from whole beans, ground coffee, canned cold brew, or pods to have your coffee delivered just the way you like it.

Don Pablo Coffee

Man leaning against a wall by the ocean with an ad for Don Pablo coffee (left) and a bag of Pablo's Pride Guatemalan coffee (left)
Amazon

Travel the world through your morning cup with coffee from Don Pablo. Don Pablo sources specialty beans from coffee destinations around the world (including Brazil, Guatemala, and Colombia) and slow-roasts them in small batches, resulting in flavorful and fresh beans that are then shipped directly to you.

You can customize your coffee by roast (light, medium, or dark) and also choose between whole bean or a variety of ground styles (including drip, pour-over, espresso, or cold brew). Don Pablo has a wide variety of coffee to choose from, including low-acid, organic, and decaf options. No matter what kind you pick, your coffee will be fresh and delicious when it arrives.

Grady’s Cold Brew

Glass of cold brew next to a plate of beignets (left) and three glass jars of Grady's Cold Brew (right)
Grady's Cold Brew

Get a taste of New Orleans without trekking all the way to Cafe du Monde with Grady’s Cold Brew. Made for those who like their coffee strong, Grady’s is a dark-roast coffee that’s blended with a hint of chicory to give it that special New Orleans flavor. Order it in ground-coffee form or in Grady’s genius cold brew bulk bean bags that let you make cold brew in bulk without all the time and mess. Or, treat yourself to an even easier way of making cold brew—Grady’s all-in-one Spouch, a ready-to-pour pouch with a spout filled with bean bags. Just add water and brew for 12 hours.

Nora’s Naturals Coffee

Bag of Nora's Naturals coffee (left) and woman reading literature from Nora's Naturals with superimposed products to her left (right)
Nora's Naturals

Make your coffee do more for you than just wake you up in the morning. Nora’s Naturals Coffee sources single-origin coffee that’s grown in volcanic soil so it delivers a high amount of antioxidants in every cup. The coffee is grown in Nicaragua and hand-roasted in Santa Barbara before being shipped out to you. Chose your desired roast (dark or light) and between whole bean or ground for every bag.

Bean Box

Bags of coffee from Bean Box (left) and person making pour over coffee from Bean Box coffee subscription bags (right)
Bean Box

A Bean Box subscription lets you customize your experience from the ground up, letting customers choose between whole bean or freshly ground, quantity (one or two 12 ounce bags), and frequency (every week, every two weeks, or every month). Subscribers can also choose from fun flavor profiles for their deliveries, like Dark & Toasty or Light & Bright, or roll the dice and let their Curation Team choose the best blend for you.

Looking to treat yourself or your friends? Bean Box also offers curated coffee boxes, like the World Coffee Tour or the Chocolate + Coffee Tasting Box, along with a Coffee of the Month Club membership.

MistoBox

Flat lay of various bags of coffee from MistoBox (left) and person making pour over coffee from MistoBox coffee (right)
MistoBox

Try out coffee from all over the country with a MistoBox subscription. You’ll be paired with an expert coffee curator who will learn your tastes to match you with the perfect beans every month. MistoBox sources coffee from more than 60 of America’s award-winning artisan coffee roasters and delivers freshly-roasted beans to you each month. Allow your coffee curator to surprise you, or pick what sounds good from nearly 600 different choices of coffees and add them to your Brew Queue to try.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Overhead shot of person holding a cup of coffee next to a bag of Blue Bottle Coffee (left) and an overhead shot of bag of Blue Bottle Coffee (right)
Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle produces small-batch, sustainable coffee that is roasted to order and shipped within 48 hours. Their selective library of blends is curated by certified Q graders to ensure that their coffee is high quality and boldly flavorful.

Customers can choose to receive deliveries weekly, every two weeks, every three weeks, or monthly, with options ranging from single-origin coffee and traditional blends to instant coffee and cold brew.

Hawaii Coffee Company

Lion Coffee from Hawaiian Coffee Company photographed on a beach (left) and Kona Coffee from Hawaiian Coffee Company photographed surrounded by coffee beans (right)
Hawaii Coffee Company

Hawaiian coffee is famous for a reason—it’s smooth and delicious. Treat yourself to 100 percent Kona coffee from the Hawaii Coffee Company, or to the more affordable (but still easy to drink) 10 percent Kona Blend.

Trade

Three bags of coffee from brands you can get in the Trade coffee subscription (left) and a person opening a bag of Dune coffee (right)
Trade

Take a virtual tour around the U.S. via your taste buds with Trade’s coffee subscription service. Take a short quiz about your tastes and preferences, and Trade will help you discover new flavors and roasters from across the country. You’ll get great coffee as often as you want it, plus help support small coffee roasters.

If you don’t want to commit to a subscription but want to widen your caffeine horizons, Trade sells one-time purchase Starter Packs that let customers try out the roasts they have on offer. At the time of writing, Trade was offering up to four free bags of coffee with purchase of a Starter Pack.

Driftaway Coffee

Two flat lay images showing various bags of Driftaway Coffee
Driftaway Coffee

A Driftaway Coffee subscription starts with a five-profile tasting kit. You’ll rate each coffee in your kit, and Driftaway will use that data to match you to your perfect coffees for future deliveries.

The coffees are sourced from small coffee farms, and each delivery will include a story about the origin of the coffee.

Need to get your coffee situation sorted out at home ASAP? Get one of Driftaway Coffee’s Work From Home Coffee Kits, which include the tasting kit, a coffee maker (an Aeropress, a Hario V60, or a Moccamaster) and a Porlex Mini or Baratza burr grinder.

Volcanica Coffee

Glass pour over coffee maker next to a mug of coffee (Left) and bag of Volcanica Coffee (right)
Volcanica Coffee

No matter what kind of coffee you like, Volcanica Coffee is sure to have it. Shop by categories like blend, region, decaf, organic, low acid, rainforest, shade grown, cold brew, and more.

Or try one of the many gourmet flavored coffees, which contain no sugar and come in flavors like bourbon scotch toffee, gingerbread, french vanilla, and Island Breeze.

Intelligentsia

Flat lay of bags of Intelligentsia coffee (left) and overhead shot of cup of coffee on a wooden table (right)
Intelligentsia

Never run out of coffee (or tea) again with Intelligentsia’s subscription service. Choose the amount you want delivered and how often, and if you want whole beans or pre-ground. Browse the Intelligentsia coffee or tea offerings and pick the ones you like, or tell Intelligentsia which flavor notes you want, and it’ll pair you with the perfect beans.

Coffee is available from around the world, with a focus on ones that are currently in season. Don’t want to commit? You can buy bags of coffee without the subscription.

goodboybob

Brass pour over coffee set up (left) and bag of goodboybob coffee surrounded by coffee beans (right)
goodboybob

goodboybob roasts its coffee every Tuesday and ships it out every Wednesday, so your beans are guaranteed to be fresh. The classic subscription starts from $18 per delivery and is sent out every month, and you can choose how many bags, which coffees, and which roast you want.

Or treat yourself to the rare subscription, which starts at $150 per month. This delivery features hard-to-find, award-winning coffees that are worth the price tag. These roasts are shipped in a custom, reusable wooden box and come in jars to keep the beans extra fresh.

Atlas Coffee

Person drinking coffee while opening their Atlas Coffee of the Month club (left) and overhead view of a bag of coffee from Atlast Coffee of the Month club overlayed on a map of the world (right)
Atlas Coffee Club

Spice up your morning coffee routine with Atlas’ Coffee of the Month Club. The service curates micro-lot coffees from around the world and sends you a fresh 12-ounce bag each month. Your box will include freshly roasted coffee beans, a flavor notes guide, a fun postcard from the coffee’s country of origin, and brewing tips. You’ll expand your palate and discover new coffees that you won’t find in a store.

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How to Recreate the Westin Heavenly Bed at Home https://www.smartertravel.com/how-to-recreate-the-westin-heavenly-bed-at-home/ https://www.smartertravel.com/how-to-recreate-the-westin-heavenly-bed-at-home/#respond Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:59:55 +0000 https://www.smartertravel.com/?p=455989 If you’ve ever spent the night tossing and turning on a sagging mattress, you know that few amenities matter more in a hotel room than the bed itself. Unfortunately, before you arrive, it’s hard to know if you’ll like the bed in your hotel room or if you’ve just booked yourself in for a night […]

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If you’ve ever spent the night tossing and turning on a sagging mattress, you know that few amenities matter more in a hotel room than the bed itself. Unfortunately, before you arrive, it’s hard to know if you’ll like the bed in your hotel room or if you’ve just booked yourself in for a night of terrible sleep. This lack of consistency is why the Westin Heavenly Bed has such a devoted following, with travelers swearing by its comfort across all Westin locations. No matter which Westin they check into, guests know exactly what to expect from the bed, right down to the pillowcases. The bed is so popular that Westin has sold more than 500,000 mattresses to travelers looking to bring the sleep experience home.

Westin Hotel Bed
Westin

Introducing the Next-Generation Westin Heavenly Bed

The Westin Heavenly Bed is about to get even better, as the hotel brand is rolling out a new and improved version across its more than 240 hotels worldwide. The next-generation Heavenly Bed boasts upgrades like a temperature-regulating gel-infused memory foam mattress, hypoallergenic bedding, and a duvet insert designed to keep hot sleepers cool throughout the night.

“Understanding the devoted fanbase the legacy bed has garnered over the years; our goal was to listen and carefully review every aspect of the guest and associate experience, ensuring each update was both intentional and impactful,” Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Marketing and Brand, Marriott International, said regarding the new design. “We are confident that it will exceed the expectations of both loyal and future Westin guests across the globe and again raise the bar for the comfort of our guests.” 

As a Westin Heavenly Bed devotee myself, I was curious if the new sleep system was really any better—and if it would feel as luxurious at home.The Westin Store, Westin’s online store, allows travelers to recreate the Heavenly Bed experience at home, selling every aspect of the bed for delivery. I tested the Westin Hotel Sheet Set, which includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, two white pillowcases, and two border pillowcases; along with the Hotel Duvet Cover

The Westin Hotel Sheet Set

My favorite thing about sleeping in a luxury hotel bed is how crisp and cool the sheets feel, even on the hottest days. The Westin Hotel Sheet Set delivers this same experience at home. The 310-thread count sateen weave, made from a blend of lyocell and cotton, is incredibly soft and breathable. This blend also features eco-friendly credentials, as the lyocell is derived from eucalyptus and other botanical fibers.

The fitted sheet has extra deep pockets, which means it stayed in place on my pillowtop mattress and didn’t pop off as some cheaper sheets do. I also loved the sateen weave finish, which resisted wrinkling and made my bed look instantly elegant. 

The Westin Hotel Duvet Cover

Westin messy bed
Westin


The Westin Hotel Duvet Cover has a stylish new design. A subtle organic pattern jacquard stitched into the fabric enhances the all-white look. Even after accidentally abandoning the duvet cover in the dryer for a few hours, it emerged wrinkle-free, thanks to the cotton/microfilament fabric blend. 

The duvet cover also helped me sleep cooler at night, even though I wasn’t using a Westin duvet insert.

Overall, I found the new Westin Heavenly Bed to be an improvement over the beloved former iteration—and that the bedding is just as luxe at home as it is in the hotel.

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The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Travelers https://www.smartertravel.com/gift-ideas-mothers-day-gifts/ https://www.smartertravel.com/gift-ideas-mothers-day-gifts/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:10:45 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=171336 Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve rounded up 24 of the best gifts and gadgets for your favorite female traveler. Find the Right Gift for Mother’s Day Mother’s Day Gifts: Travel-Related Bellroy Travel Folio Help your mom keep the whole fam organized while traveling with this chic passport holder and travel wallet. […]

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ve rounded up 24 of the best gifts and gadgets for your favorite female traveler.

Find the Right Gift for Mother’s Day

Bellroy Travel Folio

Two views, one open and one closed, of the Bellroy Travel Folio
Bellroy

Help your mom keep the whole fam organized while traveling with this chic passport holder and travel wallet. It fits two passports, four to eight cards, cash, and multiple boarding passes. This zip-up style also has RFID blocking technology, which protects documents, cards, and passports from RFID skimming, i.e. electronic pickpocketing. The environmentally-certified leather wallet also comes with a three-year warranty.

Otterbox Phone Case

Defender series iPhone case from Otterbox in black
Otterbox

Give mom an indestructible phone case, no matter what model phone she has. Otterbox offers dozens of accident-proof cases for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, and more. Throw in an iPad case or Apple Watch bumper as an added bonus.

JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

JBL Tune Flex True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Amazon

If mom isn’t the most tech-savvy, then these affordable wireless earbuds might just be the perfect Mother’s Day travel gift. This pair supports true wireless and Bluetooth capabilities and comes with a charging case of its own.

Crossbody Phone Case

Multiple views of a crossbody leather phone case and wallet
Amazon

Go totally hands-free with these useful and usually inexpensive phone cases. They offer the convenience of a crossbody bag, with many options including a built-in wallet, zippered storage, and protective cases. This Mother’s Day gift is perfect for walking the dog, circling the park, or grabbing a coffee.

YETI Insulated Travel Mug

Two sizes of YETI insulated travel mugs in light teal and dark blue
YETI

Keep Mom caffeinated through anything her day-to-day—and future travels—may throw at her with an insulated travel mug from YETI. These mugs are designed to tough out the great outdoors, keeping both hot and cold beverages at the perfect temperature. Save space by opting for the smaller stackable 10 oz. mugs or, if she’s looking for something stronger than a latte, try the Rambler 24 oz. mug, YETI’s take on a beer mug that keeps brews icy cold.

Mother’s Day Gifts: For the Home

YETI Lowlands Waterproof Outdoor Blanket

Multiple views, folded and laid flat, of the YETI Lowlands Waterproof Outdoor Blanket in Navy Blue
YETI

From beach picnics to lining the back seat of the car for your family pooch, YETI’s outdoor blanket is an ideal gift for the no-fuss mom. It even comes in a convenient carrying case and is machine-washable. Other standout features are that this comfy blanket has a waterproof layer and that it easily shakes off pet hair.

Artifact Uprising Wood Block Prints

Cardstock photo prints and wooden photo holders from Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising

Gift mom a personalized photo album with this simple yet beautiful woodblock stand. Send 12 of your favorite travel photos to Artifact Uprising and the company will print them on thick card stock and voila—you’ve got a personalized gift within days.

Other places to shop customized prints include Etsy, Framebridge, and Shuttterfly.

COSORI 12-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven

Amazon

Whether Mom is a foodie looking to perfect her favorite recipes or just trying to speed up her meal prep, this multi-purpose toaster oven will be a delightful surprise. Not only is it reasonably priced, but it serves as an air fryer, toaster oven, broiler, rotisserie, and more. The 12 presets include: pizza, roast, airfry, toast, bagel, bake, broil, cookies, rotisserie, dehydrate, ferment, and keep warm. Plus, there’s an included recipe book (featuring over 100 ideas) for even more cooking inspiration.

EcoVessel Wine Tumbler

EccoVessel wine glass
EccoVessel

Take your favorite drink on-the-go with these triple-insulated, stainless steel tumblers. Priced under $25, it’s an ideal gift for the mom who loves a park picnic or day at the beach.

ChappyWrap’s Places Blanket

ChappyWrap’s Cape Cod map blanket laid over a couch on a porch (left) and a flaty-lay of ChappyWrap’s Cape Cod map blanket (right), part of the ChappyWrap’s Places Blanket series
ChappyWrap

While the jury’s still out on our summer vacations, remind mom of one of her favorite places with an ultra-plush blanket from ChappyWrap. With maps of locales like Cape Cod and Maine, you can keep her cozy while planning the next family getaway.

Mother’s Day Gifts: Clothing & Accessories

Allbirds Tree Loungers

Allbirds Tree Loungers in off white
Allbirds

This pair of stylish slip-on shoes from Allbirds make for the perfect understated, yet practical gift for mom. Wear them around the house or save them for the next family beach vacation. The versatile style means they match with almost anything and the slip-on function makes them ideal for errand running and city walking.

Baggallini Machine Washable Travel Bag

Baggallini machine washable cross body bag in mint
Baggallini

Baggallini’s line of machine washable bags, purses, backpacks, totes, and pouches is the perfect gift for a mom who’s always on the go. Ice coffee spillage, kids’ snack crumbs, or a burst tube of lip-gloss are not a match for these convenient accessories — just throw the bags in the wash on a gentle cycle, air dry, and watch the mess disappear.

The Day Crossover Sandal from Everlane

Close-up of a pair of The Day Crossover Sandal from Everlane in brown (left) and model wearing the The Day Crossover Sandals from Everlane with an all white outfit in an empty room (right)
Everlane

Keep mom comfy and fashionable with these spring and summertime sandal staples. Between the premium leather, flexible footbed, and on-trend style these shoes have it all. Not only do they match almost everything, they’ll be her go-to pair of shoes all summer long.

Bombas Gripper Slipper

Bombas Gripper Slipper in red and blue
Bombas

From the creators of some of the top compression socks on the market, these cozy slippers are the perfect gift for mom this Mother’s Day. They feature a flexible sock-like upper, a soft and warm brushed lining, and rubber grips on the soles give more traction than traditional socks. Bonus: it comes with a travel case for easy packing.

Cotidié Evelyn Drape Waist Shirt

Model showing multiple angles of the Cotidie Evelyn Drape Waist Shirt
Cotidié

Gift mom this classic shirt, with a twist. The moisture-wicking and stretchy material mean this shirt is the queen of double-duty. Whether she’s a frequent flier or just likes to look chic (but make it comfy) at the grocery store, this athleisure brand has got you covered.

Everlane Way-High Drape Pant

The Way-High Drape Pant
Everlane

These lightweight pants are the stylish ideal travel pant, but can also be worn easily around the house. The combination TENCEL lycell and cotton fabric is airy and breathable and will look good with either a sweatshirt or blazer.

Bleusalt

Bleusalt

Fair warning, you may want to steal this gift, but know it will bring the utmost coziness to your mom. So, let her enjoy it. Bleusalt’s environmentally-friendly and sustainable beechwood fabric is literally a dream, so anything you pick will be a win. But, if you need help choosing, The Classic Shirt and The 2 Yard Wrap are my go-tos.

MZ Wallace Metro Pouch

It’s a clutch, it’s a pouch, it’s a diaper holder, it’s anything you need it to be. We adore this bag for its nylon quilted material and packability.

State Cashmere

Models showing off State Cashmere's socks and zippered hoodies
State Cashmere

For a bit of a splurge, spoil mom with high-quality cashmere this spring. Choose from the softest socks to cozy hoodies—great for travel—or browse State Cashmere’s best sellers list for inspiration. The site also offers dozens of styles under $100 as a more wallet-friendly option.

Mother’s Day Gifts: Beauty

Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler

Multiple pieces of the Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler, displayed next to a women styling her long hair with the Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler
Dyson

Give Mom the gift of saving time with Dyson’s minimal heat hair styler, the wildly popular hairstyling innovation. It’s a smoother, curler, styler, and dryer all in one.

Pro Tip: Also check this product’s Amazon listings for potential price reductions and Dyson will price match.

TULA Skincare Best Sellers Travel Kit

Cult-favorite skincare brand, TULA, offers some of their best-selling products in a convenient and reasonably priced, travel-sized kit. It’s a perfect way to test out the facial cleanser, day and night cream, sugar scrub, and vitamin C serum. And while you’re at it, throw in the brightening eye balm and sunscreen to your cart for yourself (we won’t tell).

DW Home Candle

Tranquil Lotus and Calming Waves scented DW Home Candles
Amazon

Remind Mom of her favorite scent with a budget-friendly candle from DW Home. We love the Calming Waves and Tranquil Lotus scents for uber relaxation.

Athena Club Back to Basics Set

Help mom make her skincare routine healthier with Athena Club’s Go-Tos set. At just $31 this gift set includes the brand’s Dewy Body Lotion, Soft Face Wipes, and All Day Deo. Each product is made with good-for-you ingredients and smells fantastic.

Subtl Beauty Stack

Stackable makeup discs from Subtl Beauty
Subtl Beauty

Mom will thank you for this life-changing makeup gift. Meet Subtl Beauty’s stack, the ultimate travel-friendly makeup on the market. Build her a custom stack by choosing a lip stain, concealer, highlighter, bronzer, and/or shine control powder and voila, all her makeup’s in one place.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The 6 Best Things We Bought in 2023  https://www.smartertravel.com/the-best-things-we-bought-all-year/ https://www.smartertravel.com/the-best-things-we-bought-all-year/#respond Mon, 13 Nov 2023 14:14:52 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=429013 As frequent travelers, the SmarterTravel team is constantly shopping for the best travel gear out there, along with the best items to make our life at home easier when we’re not on the road. But which items actually live up to the hype? We polled our team to find out what everyone’s number one purchase […]

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As frequent travelers, the SmarterTravel team is constantly shopping for the best travel gear out there, along with the best items to make our life at home easier when we’re not on the road. But which items actually live up to the hype? We polled our team to find out what everyone’s number one purchase was this year.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Headphones and carrying case
Amazon

The sound quality and noise-canceling capability of Bose’s QuietComfort 45 headphones is incredible. They can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you don’t have to unpair and reconnect whenever you want to swap between devices. My old pair of QuietComfort headphones lasted for 11 years and just started breaking down these past few months, so I feel confident these are a good investment quality-wise. —Carol M.

Car Trash Can

AUJEN Trash Can
Amazon

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your car clean, this trash can does wonders. It attaches to your middle console so it won’t get tossed around in the car. It’s a lifesaver for road trips!—Megan J.

Hotel Luxury Fitted Sheets

Bed made up with yellow Extra Deep Cal King Fitted Sheets
Amazon

I’m in love with these deep-pocket California King bed sheets! They stretch to provide full coverage all the way down the mattress. Even with a mattress topper and mattress pad, these sheets don’t pop off. They’re very soft, super cooling, and maintain their softness and appearance after washing.—Jennifer W.

Janji Transit Tech Pants

Two people jogging on a desert nature trail wearing the Janji Transit Tech Pants
Janji

I really enjoy Janji’s Transit Tech pants—they’re super lightweight and great for going on a hike (even when it’s pretty warm outside). I’ve worn them a bunch on travel days, including when I was changing climates between Norway, Italy, and the United States. But they are also comfortable enough to just wear around the house.—Mike M.

Asics Gel-Renma Pickleball Shoes

ASICS GEL GEL-Renma Pickleball Shoes in blue
Zappos

Just bought these Asics Pickleball shoes and am in love! They’re affordable, cute, supportive, and allow for great movement on the court.—Kelly G.

Loop Quiet Earplugs

Close up of the Loop Quiet Earplugs (left) and two angles of person wearing the Loop Quiet Earplugs to show their unobtrusive silhouette
Amazon

Ads for Loop’s Quiet Earplugs followed me around the internet for months before I caved and bought them, and I’m so glad I did. Made from soft silicone, these are a million times more comfortable than regular foam earplugs. They’ve helped me block out noise and sleep better while camping, at loud hotels, and on flights full of screaming babies.—Caroline T.

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The Best Hotel Quality Bedding for Home https://www.smartertravel.com/hotel-quality-bedding-for-home/ https://www.smartertravel.com/hotel-quality-bedding-for-home/#respond Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.smartertravel.com/?p=434936 Crisp sheets, cloud-like duvets, and someone else making the bed for you—a hotel bed always feels way more luxurious than our simple one at home. Fortunately, we can help you recreate the feeling of a five-star hotel bed in your own bedroom (at least, the linen aspect—there’s no bed-making robot that we know of out […]

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Crisp sheets, cloud-like duvets, and someone else making the bed for you—a hotel bed always feels way more luxurious than our simple one at home. Fortunately, we can help you recreate the feeling of a five-star hotel bed in your own bedroom (at least, the linen aspect—there’s no bed-making robot that we know of out there… yet).

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set, as seen on a made up bed and in a close up with person feeling the texture of the sheets
Cozy Earth

You might not sleep in a mansion like Oprah, but you can recreate her bedding situation with Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Sets. Named one of Oprah’s favorite things, these luxurious sheets are made from 100 percent premium bamboo viscose. The soft fabric not only feels good, but also helps regulate temperature.

Cozy Earth’s sheets will get softer with every wash—and they are deliberately oversized so you never have to deal with the annoyance of a too-small fitted sheet popping off the mattress again.

Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Two colors of the Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Fishers Finery

Wake up looking refreshed with Fishers Finery Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. Made from 100 percent pure silk, these smooth pillowcases will prevent wrinkles and protect your hair from damage (and bedhead). The silk fabric also helps regulate temperature, keeping you cool at night.

Nolah Mattress AirFiber Pillow

Two views of the Nolah pillow
Nolah

Stuffed with a down-alternative filling that contours to your head and neck, and topped with a cooling cover, the Nolah AirFiber Pillow will rival the pillows at luxury hotels. Designed to support all sleeping positions, this pillow will be comfortable for side or back sleepers.

Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set

Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set
Sleep Number

Hot sleeper? Ditch the sweaty, sleepless nights when you upgrade to Sleep Number’s True Temp Sheet Set. Outfitted with the brand’s trademarked True Temp technology, these sheets will work all night long to adjust to a comfortable, cool, temperature for sleeping. The fitted sheet has an extra genius feature: hidden labels that tell you which corner of the bed they go on, eliminating the frustrating struggle of getting it properly on the mattress.

Casper Down Alternative Duvet

Casper Down Alternative Duvet
Casper

Somehow, hotel beds never seem too hot, even when you’re snuggled under lots of layers. Recreate the feeling at home with Casper’s Down Alternative Lightweight Duvet. This fluffy duvet is made with a TENCEL Lyocell fiber shell to keep you cozy (but not sweaty). The inside is made from an airy but substantial 100 percent recycled polyester that’s better for the planet (and allergies) compared to down.

Italic

Italic duvet and sheet set
Italic

Want luxury sheets at a fraction of the price? Check out Italic’s affordable selection of hotel-quality bedding. Italic uses the same manufacturer as Frette, Ritz Carlton, and the Four Seasons but is able to sell their bedding for significantly less by utilizing a membership-based model. Italic’s sheet sets are available in every type of material you can imagine—linen, jersey cotton, percale and more.

Brooklinen

 Brooklinen’s Heathered Cashmere sheets
Brooklinen

Want to wrap yourself up in your favorite cozy cashmere sweater to sleep? Brooklinen’s Heathered Cashmere sheets are the next best thing. This lightweight set is soft yet breathable so you won’t overheat. Made from a cotton/cashmere blend, these luxurious sheets can still be machine washed. 

Target Performance Sheets

Target

An 800 thread count sheet set at an under $100 price point? You can find it at Target, where their signature sheet set garners rave reviews at an affordable price. Made from 100 percent cotton, these sheets are breathable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. 

Boll & Branch Luxe

Boll & Branch Luxe sheet set
Boll & Branch Luxe

Boll & Branch’s bedding is notoriously luxurious, but their reserve collection is extra decadent. Available in a sheet or duvet set, the reserve collection feels like silk but is made from organic cotton and will feel noticeably softer the moment you climb into bed.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

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8 Travel Themed Candles to Transport You to Your Favorite Destination https://www.smartertravel.com/travel-themed-candles-to-transport-you-your-favorite-destination/ https://www.smartertravel.com/travel-themed-candles-to-transport-you-your-favorite-destination/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:43:52 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=427357 Ever catch a whiff of an exotic flower or baked goods and get instantly transported back to a past vacation? Scent is the sense that’s most closely tied to memory and emotion, and smelling certain fragrances can vividly bring up old recollections. Use that to your advantage and light one of these seven candles designed […]

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Ever catch a whiff of an exotic flower or baked goods and get instantly transported back to a past vacation? Scent is the sense that’s most closely tied to memory and emotion, and smelling certain fragrances can vividly bring up old recollections. Use that to your advantage and light one of these seven candles designed to smell like certain destinations, and feel like you’re on vacation without ever leaving the house.

Aerangis No. 50 Soiree Noire

For a fancy evening at home, light Aerangis’ No. 50 Soiree Noire candle. Housed in an elegant handmade artisanal clay vessel, this bespoke fragrance invokes a black-tie celebration in New York City. Notes of cashmere wood, musk, and lemon twist will instantly transport you to a luxurious night at a private club (even if you’re just in your pajamas at home).

The sleek black jar can be reused after the candle is finished—and the dust cover, which is infused with wildflower seeds, can be planted in soil to grow gorgeous flowers for an entirely new scent experience.

Fernweh Editions

Fernweh Editions Candles
Fernweh Editions

The name Fernweh comes from the German words fern (far) and weh (pain), which is translated to “a longing for faraway places.” If you’ve been longing for a place you’ve visited or lived in the past, the smell of Fernweh Editions’ candles can take you back there in your mind. The candles are themed around a number of different destinations, including France, New England, and Cascadia.

The soy coconut wax candles are hand-poured in small batches and made in the United States.

Literie Candles

There are some city scents we definitely don’t want to smell in our homes (Eau de New York City summer sidewalk, for example) and some that we want to smell year-round. Literie’s clever line of candles has identified those iconic city scents that actually smell good and captured them in soy and coconut wax. Scents like Brunch in the West Village (citrus and champagne notes) and I Have a Cabin Upstate (smoke and pine) will bring memories and smiles to anyone who sniffs them. With lines inspired by New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, Literie’s candles are great for gifts or just for anyone who’s moved away from their favorite city.

Parks Project

Parks Project
Image via www.parksproject.us

Longing for the wide-open spaces of Glacier or Yosemite National Parks? Light a candle from the Parks Project, breathe in the custom fragrance and you’ll feel like you’re there. These hand-poured, soy-blend candles burn for 80 hours and smell like the best version of their namesakes. With scents for a wide range of parks and gorgeously-designed packaging, these candles make the perfect gift for any parks-lover. 

Homesick Candles

Homesick Candles
Image via Homesick.com

Missing home or your favorite vacation spot? Homesick Candles can help you recreate a destination through their line of candles designed to smell like certain states, cities, or countries. There’s a candle for every U.S. state (according to Homesick Candles, our home state of Massachusetts smells like apple cider, coffee, and donuts—which isn’t wrong considering how many Dunkin’ Donuts we have per capita). Or pick a city or country to send to a homesick friend.

Bright Black Diaspora Candle Collection

Bright Black Diaspora Collection
Image via brightblackcandles.com

Family-run Bright Black company uses “scent as a medium and candles as a platform for sharing positive narratives about Blackness”. Their Diaspora Candle Collection celebrates iconic destinations including Addis Abba, Durham, and Kingston through long-burning (70-80 hours), custom-blended, fragrant candles.

Flores Lane City Candles

Flores Lane City Candles
Image via shopfloreslane.com

Missing New York City? Take an aromatic tour around the city via Flores Lane’s City Candles. These soy candles offer scents inspired by the neighborhoods of Chelsea, Astoria, Williamsburg, and other classic New York destinations.. 

The Kimpton Candle

The Kimpton Candle
Image via www.kimptonstyle.com

You might not have taken a vacation in months, but light The Kimpton Candle and you can close your eyes and pretend that you’re in a luxury hotel. Kimpton hotels have their own signature scent, so that no matter where in the world you’re staying, they all smell like an elegant blend of citrus, green tea, black pepper, clove and musk—and now, so can your place.

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The 10 Best Travel Items You Can Get on Etsy https://www.smartertravel.com/etsy-travel-items/ https://www.smartertravel.com/etsy-travel-items/#respond Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:19:00 +0000 https://www.smartertravel.com/?p=434281 We’ve all heard the stock response when complimenting a friend’s amazing home decor or deceptively useful new gadget: “thanks, I got it on Etsy.” As the virtual capital of “cool stuff” online, Etsy has everything that travel enthusiasts could want. Whether you’re taking these items on the road or bringing them into your home to […]

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We’ve all heard the stock response when complimenting a friend’s amazing home decor or deceptively useful new gadget: “thanks, I got it on Etsy.” As the virtual capital of “cool stuff” online, Etsy has everything that travel enthusiasts could want. Whether you’re taking these items on the road or bringing them into your home to remind you of your adventures, here are the ten best travel items you can find on Etsy. 

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Scratch-Off World Map

Scratch-off world map hanging on wall above a desk
MapsInternationalUSA | Adobe Stock

Etsy Shop: MapsInternationalUSA

This one is a classic, and for good reason. A scratch-off wall map is a great way to keep track of your travels and to motivate you to cross new destinations off your bucket list. This particular version starts in a classic sepia tone and slowly reveals its colors as you scratch off new locations. 

Minimalist National Parks Print

A minimalist art print with the word "Zion" across the top
GranitePress | Etsy

Etsy Shop: GranitePress

Do you love travel but you’re not sure how to work it in with the rest of your decor? Try these minimalist national parks prints from the GranitePress. See the sandy swoops of Zion or the spiky landscape of Joshua Tree evoked in these mesmerizing geometric designs. With 76 options, you can find a piece that works with any color scheme.

Leather Cable Organizer 

Multiple leather cable organizers on a table around a laptop

Etsy Shop: AuthorL

Okay, we know that a handmade leather cable organizer may seem a little extravagant, but the minute you’re struggling to yank your power cord from the bottom of your carry-on, you’ll be wishing you had a neat little case to keep things organized. As an added bonus it makes charging your laptop during a layover feel a little more professional and put together (even if you’re just catching up on the last season of Bridgerton).

Travel Fund Jug 

Jug with world map on it
Etsy | ALLSALESAREVINYL

Etsy Shop: ALLSALESAREVINYL

Add some functionality to your decor with this World Map Travel Fund jug. Fill it up with loose change and dollar bills to go toward your next trip or store your leftover converted currency  from your last adventure. 

Personalized Passport Cover and Luggage Tag 

Personalized passport holder on a bed of plants
SRCshopCo | Etsy

Etsy Shop: SRCshopCo

This passport holder makes a great personalized gift for a fellow traveler or as a treat for yourself. The seller offers a variety of leather finishes to choose from and a number of different designs and fonts to customize both the front and inside pockets.

Travel Buddy Necklace

Gold and gemstone airplane necklace
WanderandLustJewelry | Etsy

Etsy Shop: WanderandLustJewelry

Looking for something for that travel buddy who’s been with you through every delayed flight and hotel mishap? This dazzling airplane necklace is a perfect—and surprisingly affordable— option. It comes in gold and sterling silver with six different options for chain length (although you can expand these options by adding a chain extender for a small additional price). Give it an extra special personalized touch by adding a birthstone drop.

Cork Board Map 

Cork board map of the United States
SugarBlushStudio | Etsy

Etsy Shop: SugarBlushStudio

If you’re someone who’s focused on knocking all fifty states off your to-travel list, this table top cork board map of the United States is the perfect purchase. An elevated version of your classic paper pushpin map, this framed cork board lets you mark down your travels city by city. It comes with color coded pins to categorize trips by “yours, mine, and ours”, making it particularly well-suited for couples or as a wedding gift.

Portable Cutlery Set

Reusable cutlery sets in colorful carrying cases

Etsy Shop: EcoParadiseGoods

Up your sustainability game with this portable wheat straw fiber cutlery set from EcoParadiseGoods. Each set consists of a fork, a knife, a spoon, and chopsticks. The sets come in four colors with coordinating carrying cases, making them easy to throw in a carry on or picnic basket. The best thing about this eco-friendly buy is that it’s just as useful in your own kitchen drawer as it is on-the-go.

Personalized Travel Keychain

Personalized keychain made from stainless steel washers held together by leather band
BakerStDesignsCo | Etsy

Etsy Shop: BakerStDesignsCo

Commemorate that once in a lifetime roadtrip or set your future travel goals in stone (or in this case metal) with this engraved travel keychain. You can choose anywhere between one and fifteen engraved stainless steel washers, all held together on a personalized leather band. 

Faux Leather Toiletry Kit

Leather toiletry kit

Etsy Shop: JJleatherhouse

With a waterproof PU leather exterior and a waterproof nylon lining, this bag can withstand that ever present puddle of water on the hotel bathroom counter. At roughly twelve by seven inches with a variety of organizational straps and pockets, you can fit just about any toiletries you need. Get yours monogrammed in case you leave it behind in the hotel or give it as a thoughtful gift to a fellow traveler in your life. 

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How to Turn Your Bed into a Luxury Hotel Heaven: Hotel Sheets and Techniques You Need Right Now https://www.smartertravel.com/luxury-hotel-sheets-you-can-buy/ https://www.smartertravel.com/luxury-hotel-sheets-you-can-buy/#respond Mon, 17 Oct 2022 18:38:29 +0000 https://www.smartertravel.com/?p=445034 One of the simplest ways you can keep yourself healthy is by getting a good night’s sleep. We can’t think of a better way to truly spoil yourself right now than by giving your bed the luxury hotel overhaul treatment. Whether you want to splurge on Frette sheets or just learn how to make your […]

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One of the simplest ways you can keep yourself healthy is by getting a good night’s sleep. We can’t think of a better way to truly spoil yourself right now than by giving your bed the luxury hotel overhaul treatment. Whether you want to splurge on Frette sheets or just learn how to make your bed like a hotel, with crisp and clean corners, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our guide to the best hotel sheets (and some cheaper alternatives), and turn your bedroom into a much-needed heaven right now.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

The Best Hotel Sheets for a Five-Star Hotel Experience at Home

If you want to have the all-out luxury hotel experience in your own bed, you’re going to have to pay for it. The world’s most sought after linens can cost as much or more than your mattress in some cases. That’s especially true if you’re opting for the creme-de-la-creme sheets made by Frette and Sfera. However, you won’t be disappointed — there’s a reason why you’ll find Frette sheets and other high-end bedding at hotel chains like Thompson, Rosewood, and Mandarin-Oriental. And that reason is: Comfort.

Frette

Bed made up with dark blue Frette sheets (left) and bed made up with white and navy Frette sheets (right)
Frette

Quite possibly the gold standard when it comes to luxurious hotel linens, Frette has been producing the most famous Italian sheets available for over 160 years. You’ll find these perfect linens lining the beds of the world’s best hotel brands, including Mandarin Oriental and Ritz-Carlton. Not only do they feel good on your skin, they wash well, and hold up to multiple washings. (Sorry, we can’t get a hotel maid to wash and iron your bed sheets at home.)

Mascioni

Bed made up with Mascioni sheets (left) and close up of pillow on bed (right)
Mascioni

From the exceptionally elegant Baccarat Hotel & Residences in New York City to smaller luxury boutique properties, Mascioni hails from the era of Italian mid-century design. However, the look and feel of these sheets is utterly timeless. In fact, Mascioni was founded to originally only supply sheets to the finest hotels in Italy. Lucky for us, they’ve expanded their offerings and are now available to trick out your bed at home.

Sferra

Stack of Sferra embroidered sheets (left) and bed stacked with Sferra pillows (left)
Sferra

Dressing the beds of chic hotel chains like Thompson and Rosewood, Sferra sheets go a long way to making you feel as spoiled as you do on vacation. Founded in 1891, the Italian home linen brand offers a huge array of styles to choose from — though of course we recommend the Grande Hotel collection in crisp white. However, the Fiona collection offers a nice selection of hues as well, should you want to spice it up just a touch. Don’t forget to turn back the covers to emulate turndown service.

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Sustainable Sheets for A Luxurious At-Home Experience

If your tastes — and morals — have you thinking about how your luxuries impact your carbon footprint and the health of the earth, you’d do well to check out the brands below. SaatvaCozy Earth, and Cultiver all create amazing linens that help minimize their ecological impacts in various ways. All three brands also stack up to the quality level found at luxury hotels (and, in the case of Cultiver, you’ll find their bedding on some of Australia’s quaintest boutique hotels).

Saatva

Stack of Saatva sheets on a bare mattress (left) and close up of bed made up with Saatva sheets (right)
Saatva

If you’re looking for luxury that’s also ethically sourced and better for the earth, you’d do well to dress your bed in Saatva sheets. These 100% organic linens are the stuff (sweet) dreams are made of and come from one of the most popular contemporary mattress companies out there. Given that fact, it’s safe to assume that Saatva knows a thing or two about a good night’s sleep.

Cozy Earth

Bed made up with Cozy Earth sheets (left) and stack of Cozy Earth sheets on cream backdrop (right)
Cozy Earth

Travelers who care about sleep hygiene know that part of sleeping well means keeping your body cool. That’s easier to achieve with sheets made from certain fabrics, like bamboo. Cozy Earth makes completely sustainable bamboo-fiber sheets that help decrease humidity and trap less body heat to allow you to drift off in comfort.

Cultiver

Bed made up with Cultiver sheets (left) and stack of folded Cultiver sheets on wooden floor (right)
Cultiver

Looking for something a little different? We suggest Australian company Cultiver. Consistently rated as some of the best linen sheets out there by nearly every independent review site, these are 100% flax linen sheets. They’re smoother and more comfortable than nearly every other linen sheet brand and tend to last a long time, so you’re getting your money’s worth. You’ll find these sheets on luxury boutique hotel beds throughout Australia as well as high-end B&Bs in the U.S.

The Best Budget-Friendly Sheets for a Five-Star Hotel Experience

If the price tag on the above sheets is a little too high for you, have no fear. There are plenty of excellent bedding companies out there offering high-end quality at more reasonable price points. Read on for our favorite.

Brooklinen

Bed made up with Brooklinen sheets (left) and small dog curled up on Brooklinen sheets (right)
Brooklinen

Ok, ok. We get it. Luxury sheets aren’t priced for the budget-conscious. However, you don’t have to be able to actually afford a night in a luxury hotel to sleep as you do. Brooklinen is a relative newcomer to the bedding industry, but it’s rapidly making a name for itself with luxury-caliber sheets and linens at more reasonable price points. The Classic Core Sheet Set starts at just over $100, while our favorite — the Luxe Hardcore Sheet Set — is still far cheaper than many options on this list. Save on your sheets, and maybe splurge on a luxury hotel vacation.

How to Make Your Bed Like a Hotel — A Luxury Hotel, That Is

If you’ve ever slipped into a bed at any of the world’s best hotels, you know that there’s something special about the smooth sheets, the tightly tucked duvet, and how cool and crisp it all feels against your skin.

What’s the key to recreating this at home? For starters, you’ll want to forego the fitted bottom sheet. You read that right. In order to get that perfectly smooth, wrinkle-free base, hotels use oversized flat sheets to line their premium mattress. But executing this isn’t as easy as it might seem, and you’ll need to learn a simple new skill: hospital corner. This involves tucking a flat sheet under one side of the mattress — working from one corner to the next. Once you’ve reached the next corner, pull the excess fabric toward you and then up onto the mattress, creating a 45-degree angle relative to the side of the mattress you’ve just tucked in. Leave the fabric creating a 45-degree angle atop the mattress and tuck the leftover fabric neatly under the side of the mattress you’ll be working on next. Then, pull the fabric making the 45-degree angle back down the side of the mattress, flush with the corner. Visual aids come in handy with this, so consult this free how-to video on hospital corners on YouTube.

With the hardest part of making your bed up like a luxury hotel over, the rest of the process is fairly self explanatory. The next step is the top sheet, which you’ll want to place upside down onto the bottom sheet. Take your time to smooth it out, tuck it underneath the foot of the mattress, and use hospital corners to tuck in the other sides and two bottom corners.

Once that’s done, opt for a proper lightweight down duvet (summer weight is ideal — like this down comforter from Booklinen) and a simple white duvet cover (also available from Brooklinen). Tuck the duvet under the foot of the mattress as well, smooth it out, and fold the top of the duvet down from the top of the mattress. Once you’ve done that, use hospital corners to get that crisp, clean look for the corners and along the foot of the mattress. Some hotels tuck the duvet in along the sides as well, in which case you’ll want to fold down the top of the duvet and tuck it underneath afterward. Give it all one final smoothing out by tugging gently on the sides of the duvet along the longer edges of the mattress.

You’ll also need to invest in at least two pillows for each side of the bed. Many hotels mix synthetic and down pillows to help create varying density and firmness, but since this is your home, you might as well indulge in your preferred choice. And may we suggest a set of decorative throw pillows to tie the whole look together? Get some rest.

This story was originally published on Oyster.com

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The 15 Best Outdoor Blankets https://www.smartertravel.com/best-outdoor-blankets/ https://www.smartertravel.com/best-outdoor-blankets/#respond Tue, 28 Jun 2022 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=426801 Our goal this season is to get outside as much as possible, whether it’s dining on restaurant patios or picnicking with friends (from a safe distance). As sunny days give way to cooler evenings, these outdoor blankets will keep you warm and let you linger outside longer. Table of Contents  Ranking Blanket Price Waterproof Carry […]

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Our goal this season is to get outside as much as possible, whether it’s dining on restaurant patios or picnicking with friends (from a safe distance). As sunny days give way to cooler evenings, these outdoor blankets will keep you warm and let you linger outside longer.

Table of Contents 

Ranking Blanket Price Waterproof Carry Case
Best Down Alternative Outdoor Blanket Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket $$$$ Yes  Separate case included
Best Washable Outdoor Blanket ChappyWrap Blankets $$$ Yes None
Best Budget Outdoor Blanket Eddie Bauer Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket $ Yes Built in
Best Compact Outdoor Blanket Kelty Bestie Blanket $ Yes Separate case included
Best Overall Outdoor Blanket L.L Bean Mountain Classic Camp Blanket $$ Yes Built in
Best Outdoor Blanket for Cold Weather Get Out Gear Down Puffy Camping Blanket $$ Yes Built in
Best Fleece Outdoor Blanket Oceas Waterproof Outdoor Blanket $$ Yes Separate case included
Best Heated Outdoor Blanket Cozee Battery Powered Heated Blanket $$$$ Yes None
Best Outdoor Blanket for Couples Puffer Wolf Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket $$ Yes Separate case included
Best Waterproof Outdoor Blanket Coalatree Kachula Blanket $$$ Yes Folds into pocket
Best Outdoor Blanket for Families ONIVA Blanket Tote XL $ Yes Built In
Biggest Splurge Outdoor Blanket Yeti Lowlands® Blanket $$$$ Yes Separate case included
Best Outdoor Blanket for Babies Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket $$ Yes Built In
Best Outdoor Blanket for Picnics REDCAMP Extra Large Picnic Blanket $ Yes Built In
Best Mexican Blanket Benevolence LA Authentic Mexican Blanket $ No No

Best Down Alternative Outdoor Blanket – Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket

Special artist edition of the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket, the artist (pictured left) dancing with the blanket and a close up of the design (pictured right)
Rumpl
  • Perfectly portable, the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket packs down in its included stuff sack to a size that’s easy to carry. 
  • The insulating NanoLoft technology warms like down does, but compresses smaller and works even on wet days.

Best Washable Outdoor Blanket – ChappyWrap Blankets

Green ChappyWrap outdoor blanket on top of set of golf clubs (left) and folded version of the same blanket (right)
ChappyWrap
  • Designed to stand up to repeated washings, ChappyWrap blankets can be used indoors or outdoors and then thrown in the washing machine. 
  • These ultra-soft yet extra-tough blankets don’t pill, shrink, or fade in the wash. 
  • Made from a heavy cotton blend, ChappyWrap blankets will keep you warm on even the coldest night.

Best Budget Outdoor Blanket – Eddie Bauer Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket

Two views of the Eddie Bauer Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket
Eddie Bauer
  • Wrap Eddie Bauer’s Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket around you, or lay it on the ground for picnicking or camping. 
  • One side has a waterproof backing and the reverse is soft and comes in a variety of patterns. 
  • In between, a thin layer of polyester fiber acts as an insulator and adds extra warmth.

Best Compact Outdoor Blanket – Kelty Bestie Blanket

Man in the woods wrapped up in the Kelty Bestie Blanket (left) and the Kelty Bestie Blanket laid out flat (right)
Amazon
  • Kelty’s Bestie Blanket is small and light enough to bring on a backpacking trip, yet delivers heavyweight warmth, thanks to the Cloudloft insulation. 
  • The soft fabric on each side ups the coziness factor, and it comes in four fun colors to brighten your day.

Best Overall Outdoor Blanket – L.L Bean Mountain Classic Camp Blanket

Two views of the L.L Bean Mountain Classic Camp Blanket, one showing its folded up small size (left) and one laid flat and labeled with full dimensions (right)
L.L. Bean
  • L.L Bean’s Mountain Classic Camp Blanket stuffs inside its own integrated pocket for easy transportation. 
  • Or, you can stuff the pocket with clothing and use it as a pillow while laying on the blanket. 
  • This outdoor blanket even has built-in loops so you can hang it up for quick drying.

Best Outdoor Blanket for Cold Weather – Get Out Gear Down Puffy Camping Blanket

Woman sitting in a lawn chair and wrapped in Get Out Gear Down Puffy Camping Blanket (left) and the Get Out Gear Down Puffy Camping Blanket folded up with its carrying case on top (right)
Get Out Gear
  • When the temperatures get cold, the Down Puffy Camping Blanket from Get Out Gear will keep you warm. 
  • Weighing just 17 ounces, the quilt folds down small but is large enough to cover a full-size mattress. 
  • Has snaps to quickly convert the blanket into a poncho. 
  • Made with 20D ripstop nylon shell, which blocks out wind and cold, and has 650 Fill Power down insulation for added warmth. 
  • Is water-repellent.

Best Fleece Outdoor Blanket – Oceas Waterproof Outdoor Blanket

Oceas Waterproof Outdoor Blanket and carrying case (left) and two people wearing the Oceas Waterproof Outdoor Blanket cheering at a sports game (right)
Amazon
  • With a nearly five-star rating on Amazon, Oceas’ Waterproof Fleece Blanket is beloved by reviewers. 
  • This blanket has a cozy fleece lining backed with a durable, waterproof, and windproof fabric.

Best Heated Outdoor Blanket – Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket

A mother and son wrapped in the Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket with text saying "Never be cold again with the only patented battery powered heating blanket" (left) and the Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket folded up with battery pack on top (right)
Amazon
  • When a regular outdoor blanket just won’t cut it, invest in the Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket
  • Charge the blanket at home or in the car and it will provide hours of warmth while outside.

Best Outdoor Blanket for Couples – Puffer Wolf Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket

Folded up Puffer Wolf Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket (top left), woman sitting on the Puffer Wolf Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket and looking out on a lake (bottom left), and standing woman wrapped in Puffer Wolf Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket (right)
Amazon

Best Waterproof Outdoor Blanket – Coalatree Kachula Blanket

Person laying on the Coalatree Kachula Blanket on rocks by a lake in between mountains (left) and the Coalatree Kachula Blanket laid flat (right)
Coalatree
  • The Kachula Blanket is extremely versatile: use as a pillow when folded up, connect multiple blankets together for various uses. 
  • The entire blanket is coated with an eco-friendly DWR finish to keep you dry and makes spills easy to clean up. 
  • Includes a water-resistant hood to convert the Kachula to an emergency poncho. 

Best Outdoor Blanket for Families – ONIVA Blanket Tote XL

Happy parents and child sitting outside on the ONIVA Blanket Tote XL (left) and the ONIVA Blanket Tote XL folded up into its tote form (right)
Amazon
  • Oniva Blanket Tote is made with fleece for a cozy feel. 
  • Water-resistant backing, so when placed on a damp surface, the top layer stays dry. 
  • Lifetime warranty, the company will replace or repair the blanket for life. 
  • Folds up into carrying case for easy transport. 

Biggest Splurge Outdoor Blanket – Yeti Lowlands® Blanket

Woman sitting on the Yeti Lowlands® Blanket surrounded by outdoor equipment (left) and the folded version and carrying case of the Yeti Lowlands® Blanket (right)
Yeti
  • The extremely versatile Yeti Lowlands Blanket will come in handy no matter what circumstances come your way. Use it as a beach blanket, dog blanket, shade, or simply to keep warm on cooler nights. 
  • Designed to repel dirt, burrs, and pet hair, plus is machine washable, making it extremely durable. 
  • Two-layer construction: one waterproof side, a polyester/rayon comfort layer, with a 100% polyester insulation middle. 

Best Outdoor Blanket for Babies – Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket

Corner of the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket and carrying case (left) and mother and son sitting on the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket at the beach (right)
Amazon
  • Available in three sizes, the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket is a must-have for any parent of a baby. 
  • Made with 100% polyester, and can handle any spill, stain, or accident that comes its way. 
  • Super portable – it is lightweight, folds up into a carry pack, and has a pocket to store items. 

Best Outdoor Blanket for Picnics – REDCAMP Extra Large Picnic Blanket

REDCAMP Extra Large Picnic Blanket laid flat with labeled dimensions and carrying case with labeled dimensions (left) and close up of carrying case and accessories (right)
Amazon
  • Whether camping, going to the beach, or simply heading to the park for a picnic, this extra-large blanket from REDCAMP is the best for every family. 
  • Bottom is made with waterproof PVC, making it durable and useable on any surface. 
  • Lightweight with built-in handle for easy transportation, plus a carry bag is included. 

Best Mexican Blanket – Benevolence LA Authentic Mexican Blanket

Multiple colors of the Benevolence LA Authentic Mexican Blanket
Amazon
  • A staple for every household, this Authentic Mexican Blanket is made to last. This blanket is woven by local artisans in Tlaxcala, Mexico on a traditional wooden loom. 
  • Made with 100% recycled acrylic and cotton. 
  • With every purchase, Benevolence LA  will make a donation to Water Mission, a clean water initiative. 

FAQ

What is the Best Outdoor Blanket?

  • While there are a lot of great options out there, the L.L Bean’s Mountain Classic Camp Blanket is our top pick for an outdoor blanket. You can’t go wrong when it comes to outdoor gear with LLBean. The price point is right, the blanket is versatile, and we love a built-in pocket for easy transport. 
  • If you are looking for something a little more basic, then go with the Oniva Blanket Tote. The built-in carrying case and ease of opening and closing will make this your go-to blanket for every outdoor occasion. 
  • If you are looking for a blanket for sheer warmth, the Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket is the one to get. Charge it to heat for the super chilly nights, or use it not heated when you just need an extra layer of warmth. 

How to Choose an Outdoor Blanket

Consider the following when choosing your outdoor blanket: 

  • Use – what will you be using it for? Will you just be using it for picnics, or sitting on it while you enjoy an outdoor concert? Or will you be using it for warmth, perhaps even sleeping? If you are just using it for picnicking, try the REDCAMP Picnic Blanket, it’s easy to fold and clean for any spills that occur while eating. If you are looking for something just for warmth, try something like the Puffer Wolf’s Extra-Large Double Insulated Outdoor Blanket
  • Warmth – if you are using your blanket to keep warm, you will want to consider the blanket’s warmth. If you know you will only be using it in the summer months, something lightweight will suffice, but if you plan on being outside in cooler months, be sure to get something warmer like the Cozee Battery-Powered Heated Blanket or the Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Blanket
  • Waterproof or not? If you know you will be going outside no matter the weather, be sure to get an outdoor blanket that is waterproof. If you think you will only be using it when the weather is nice, you don’t have to worry about it being waterproof, so a simple Authentic Mexican Blanket is all you need! 

What Material is Good for Picnic Blankets?

When choosing a picnic blanket, you are going to want something that you can easily wipe clean- fleece or cotton won’t cut it, so be sure to pick something with a waterproof/wipeable surface. 

Can Throws Be Used as Picnic Blankets?

Throws can absolutely be used as a picnic blanket, but they aren’t the best choice as if food or drink gets on them, they will take a bit more to clean. If you use something like the Little Unicorn Indoor/Outdoor Blanket, it’s easy to pack and clean. 

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ChappyWrap Blanket Review: The Best Blanket You’ll Ever Buy https://www.smartertravel.com/chappywrap-blanket-review/ https://www.smartertravel.com/chappywrap-blanket-review/#respond Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:48:00 +0000 https://www.www.smartertravel.com/?p=423771 ChappyWrap blankets are plush, reversible, machine-washable and the only blanket you’ll ever want to snuggle under again. ChappyWrap Blanket Review Price and Where to Buy: The original size blankets are available on ChappyWrap’s website for $135. Midi, mini, and extra-large sizes are also available at a range of price points. How the ChappyWrap Blanket Rates […]

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ChappyWrap blankets are plush, reversible, machine-washable and the only blanket you’ll ever want to snuggle under again.

ChappyWrap Blanket Review

Price and Where to Buy: The original size blankets are available on ChappyWrap’s website for $135. Midi, mini, and extra-large sizes are also available at a range of price points.

ChappyWrap
ChappyWrap

How the ChappyWrap Blanket Rates

  • Comfort: 10/10. The original size blankets are generously oversized, measuring 60″ x 80″. No more cold feet from a short blanket. Made from a cotton/acrylic/polyester blend, the ChappyWrap blankets are incredibly soft, cozy, and warm.
  • Durability: 10/10. The ChappyWrap blankets feel as soft and warm as fleece or cashmere, but don’t suffer from the same shrinking, pilling, or fuzz issues. You can wash and dry these in the machine without worries, so feel free to bring one on vacation, to the beach, or on a picnic. Just throw it in the washing machine when you get home and it will be good as new.
  • Style: 10/10. ChappyWrap blankets are gorgeous. They’re available in a wide variety of stylish patterns and colors to match your decor. Don’t miss the Places & Flags Collection which features designs that pay homage to destinations like California, Maine, and South Carolina.

Final Verdict: Replace all your old, pilled blankets with a stylish ChappyWrap that will last for decades and look just like new.

Caroline Morse Teel is always on the hunt for the newest and best travel gear. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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