Before this COVID-19 mess started, we were looking into air purifiers for our apartment. After countless hours of research, we learned that HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are pretty much the gold standard for air purifiers. According to the EPA, they “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).”

Many entry-level home air purifiers feature a HEPA-like filter, but that’s not the same. We knew we wanted a true HEPA filter. The problem is that purifiers with true HEPA filters are often expensive.

To be honest, the whole research process proved too confusing. I learned a whole lot of jargon and plenty of buzzwords, but nothing meaningful about which home air purifier we should actually buy.

Fast-forward to a month ago when Sharp reached out to us — somewhat serendipitously — with an offer to do an at-home test of the Sharp Air Purifier (FPK50UW). They didn’t pay for this review. They just sent us a sample, no strings attached. In return, all I promised them was an honest review.

Here’s what we found …

The Skinny on the Sharp Air Purifier (FPK50UW)

Here are the most important bullet points according to Sharp:

• Recommended for Medium Room Areas up to 259 sq. ft.
• Long-Life True HEPA Filter Lasts Up to 2 Years
• Plasmacluster® Ion Technology Eliminates Microscopic Pollutants That Traditional Filters Cannot Trap
• Proven Effective in Reducing Certain Germs, Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, and Fungus
• True HEPA Filter Captures 99.97% of Particles That Pass Through The Filter as Small as 0.3 Microns
• True HEPA Filtration is Ideal for Removing Common Household Allergens
• Three Manual Fan Speeds Plus Express Clean
• ENERGY STAR® Rated, AHAM Verified Tested, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Certified
• CADR: Smoke (167)/ Dust (171)/ Pollen (188)

Our Honest Take on Sharp’s FPK50UW Air Purifier

I should preface this by saying that we have no way to test a product like this in a scientific laboratory with beakers and Bunsen burners and graphs. These are only our subjective impressions based on using the FPK50UW in our apartment. It’s been running almost non-stop since we received it more than a month ago.

Setup was simple. The air purifier is a standalone unit that comes preassembled. We dropped in the two included filters, plugged it in, and turned it on. The entire process took five minutes.

Sharp bills this as an air purifier for “medium-sized rooms” of around 260 square feet. We set ours up in the master bedroom which is smaller than that.

This purifier is dead-simple to use. The photo above shows a close-up of the only buttons on the unit. After setup, we turned it on and hit the Express Clean button. This is like a “maximum” mode that activates Sharp’s own Plasmacluster technology.

According to the company, this:

… mimics nature’s own cleaning process, by splitting water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions, which spread throughout the room and actively break down pollutants like germs, airborne and surface-adhering bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses and clinging odors, and then return to the air as water vapor.

The purifier turns off this mode automatically after an hour. The air in our bedroom immediately smelled crisper, cleaner, and less “heavy” (for lack of a better word). We use this mode every other week or so, especially on days where we’ve had the windows open for a few hours and want to “scrub” the pollen and other allergens from the air.

On most days, we use one of the purifier’s main modes (indicated by the fan icon in the photo above). During the day, we run it on “low” mode which is very quiet. We can hear it running if we stand next to the unit, but the noise is low enough to sleep with if we needed to.

At night, however, we switch it to “night” mode. This turns off the indicator lights on the front of the purifier (which are normally quite bright) and switches the fan to its lowest setting. In this mode, it’s almost completely silent. I’m a pretty light sleeper and it doesn’t keep me up at all.

After more than a month of almost non-stop use, it’s still running quietly and consistently. A week or so ago, the red maintenance light on the front clicked on. This happens after a certain number of hours of use. I vacuumed the filter with our regular house vacuum, reset the light, and that was that.

Thankfully, I don’t have problems with allergies, so whatever is in the air rarely bothers me. But, both Kelsey and our cat do (we suspect the cat is allergic to herself — is that possible?). Since running the purifier, Kelsey noticed a significant decrease in her allergy symptoms. She also takes less Benadryl most nights. Lizzi the cat was having occasional sneezing fits for years — especially when the seasonal allergens really kicked up. Now, she has virtually none.

The Bottom Line

With its minimal, user-friendly design, compact size, and built-in true HEPA filter, Sharp’s FPK50UW Air Purifier is an affordable clean-air solution for health-conscious travelers.

Pricing + Availability

The FPK50UW Sharp Air Purifier officially retails for $229.99. Amazon often has it (along with other Sharp purifiers) for less.

The post Why We Made a Home Air Purifier Part of Our Travel Lifestyle appeared first on Vagabondish.

That’s the manufacturer’s claim for the new BioLite HeadLamp 200. And they weren’t wrong, as I found out the hard way while camping in Nevada recently. While removing my knit winter hat, I absent-mindedly forgot the headlamp was wrapped around it, and almost dropped it into my campfire on three separate occasions. Every time, I cursed myself and swore I wouldn’t do it again. And every time, five minutes later, I’d already forgotten the 50-gram lamp was on my head.

The Skinny on BioLite’s New HeadLamp 200

Here’s how BioLite bills the new HeadLamp 200 …

The Vagabond’s Take

For most folks, a headlamp is a headlamp is a headlamp. All include a stretchy band with a rectangular, usually high-intensity LED light that sits in the middle of your forehead to help you navigate dinner at camp or spot a bear leering at you from between the trees. Yes, BioLite’s newest headlamp does all that, but in a more streamlined, ultra-lightweight, comfortable package than most.

It offers a few seemingly minor features that have already made it a go-essential for my camping and car camping trips. The first is a moisture-wicking fabric headband that’s soft, comfortable, and stays dry no matter what I’m doing (all of which contribute to the “too easy to forget I’m wearing it” factor). The second is an easily articulating bezel for angling the light exactly where I need it with one hand.

But, perhaps most importantly, it’s USB rechargeable via an included micro-USB cable. I love being able to leave the standard alkaline batteries at home, knowing that I can top up the battery from my car or backup power bank on the road. It also features a clever lock mode so it never accidentally turns on in my pack and bleeds the battery dry. At its lowest setting, the 700mAH lithium-ion battery is good for 40 hours of burn time — plenty for a long weekend away, even without recharging. But, at least I know that I can recharge it from any powered USB port.

The BioLite HeadLamp 200 features four lighting modes: white strobe, white spot (with dimming), red flood (with dimming), and red strobe. I use the white spot mode 95% of the time. It’ll blast a 50-meter beam when I really need to hunt for something. But, even in the pitch-black Nevada desert, that was overkill for most tasks. It works just as effectively — and lasts far longer — at a dimmer setting. (If you decide you really need more, check out the BioLite HeadLamp 330 with nearly 50% more brightness.)

At 200 lumens, it certainly isn’t the brightest headlamp on the market. But, that modest illumination is plenty for almost any task at basecamp. For cooking, reading, finding a pee tree in the middle of the night, or searching for the right camera cable, it’s more than enough.

Pricing and Availability

The BioLite HeadLamp 200 is now available in four earthly colors: Midnight Grey, Ocean Teal, Moss Green, or Ember Red. At less than $45, it practically feels like a steal.

The post BioLite HeadLamp 200 Is the Featherweight Head Lamp You’ll (Probably) Forget You’re Wearing appeared first on Vagabondish.

Cut me loose on a hike in the woods. Hand me a paddle and let me kayak the nearest river. Or throw me into the nearest lake or bathtub with a mask and snorkel, and I’m happy. But biking as a recreational activity never quite hooked me in the same emotional way that camping, paddling, or swimming does.

All of which is probably why I had no idea of the quantum leaps the bicycle industry has taken in just the last few years. I’ve been out of the loop, oblivious to the incredible folding bikes, electric bikes, and folding electric bikes on the market.

So, when Oyama asked me to check out their CX E8D Series II Folding Bike, my initial response was a shoulder shrug. I was a little curious, but again, I’m not really a bike guy. What convinced me, however, was the bike’s potential versatility and usefulness for road trips.

I’m hooked. It’s way, way better, cooler, and more useful that I imagined.

I think back on our recent drive along the U.S. East Coast, when we overnighted in tiny houses, campgrounds, and Airbnbs. To be able to park the truck in one place for a few days and explore the surrounding area on two wheels would have been a real treat. Plus, beyond the convenience factor, it would’ve been fun and a helluva lot more eco-conscious.

For the last few weeks, I put the CX E8D Series II to the test around Vagabondish HQ. If you’re not into reading, the short version is: I’m hooked. It’s way, way better, cooler, and more useful that I imagined. If you are into reading — particularly verbose, 1,000-word reviews about origami-inspired electric bicycles — read on …

Oyama CX E8D Series II Folding Electric Bike Review

The Skinny

In Oyama’s own words, they claim the Oyama CX E8D Series II folding electric bike takes their:

… original CX E8D model to the next level with upgraded components that provide a refined riding experience.

Riders will get the pedal assist they need to get where they want to go with this electric bicycle’s 350-watt hub drive motor, torque sensor, hydraulic disc brakes, and illuminated LCD display.

The Traveler’s Take

Folding bikes, in general, are incredibly versatile. Commuters, travelers, apartment dwellers, kids — just about anyone really — can find a use for one.

For my purposes, however, a folding electric bike is incredibly useful for road tripping. Our Toyota 4Runner is a medium-sized SUV with a decent amount of room, but it’s not huge. So, when we’re road-tripping, space is at a premium. One bike (and definitely two) is never an option for us. We just don’t have the room. The Oyama CX E8D Series II changes all that.

The Design

Straight out of the box, I love the design. The matte black finish is cool, stealthy, modern — very Knight Rider-esque if The Hoff was brazen enough to ride a folding electric bike.

It’s difficult to tell from just the photos, but the finish has a high-end feel to it. Instead of just slapping clear coat or a layer of paint on it, it’s evident the design team put some thought into the aesthetic.

Portability Through Foldability

The engineering of Oyama’s CX E8D Series II is nothing short of amazing. When folded, the bike takes up next to no room in the back of our 4Runner. It’ll easily fit into the trunk of most standard sedans with plenty of room to spare. Folding the bike down is a three-step process that takes less than 20 seconds:

1. Unlock the seat and push the stem through the frame to the ground
2. Unlatch the handlebars and fold them down to the side
3. Unlock the frame and fold the bike in half

That’s it. With the battery, the bike weighs 37 pounds. That’s not exactly featherweight, but it does make it easy for the average person to load in and out of a vehicle.

“Ride Wit Me”

Most folding bikes sacrifice comfort in favor of portability. Smaller seats, smaller tires, lightweight (in many cases, cheap plastic) components all help keep weight down. Oyama finds a good balance in the CX E8D Series II. Everything you’d expect to be metal is made of aluminum, so it’s lightweight and sturdy.

At 20 inches, the tires are a tad smaller than a traditional street cruiser (usually 24 or 26 inches). After five minutes in the saddle, however, I didn’t even notice. Overall, it rides like a typical street bike. Even after a few hours, it’s comfortable, smooth, and easy to control.

Roads? Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Roads

Take the battery out of the equation and everything so far makes this a great folding bike in its own right. Where the Oyama CX E8D Series II really shines — and the reason road trippers, RVers, va lifers are going to want one — is in the electric-assist motor.

The rear hub is powered by a 396-Wh battery. To put that in practical terms, the bike offers a maximum range of 40 miles. Ultimately, it depends on terrain, wind speed, how much you rely on it while riding, passenger weight, etc. For anyone looking to tool around their campground, make a quick grocery run down the street from their campsite, or explore the city for a day, it’s more than enough juice.

Power is regulated through a digital controller with a basic screen mounted on the handlebars. Eight speeds provide for a highly customizable ride that’s as tame (or not) as you want it to be. Based on the power setting and how hard you’re peddling, the bike intelligently senses how much assistance you want.

At the lowest setting (1), the electric assist is non-existent. At the highest level (8), the torque comes on smooth and strong. It’s never a sudden JOLT! of power, but rather a gradual increase as though a giant hand or a stiff wind is helping you forward. To be clear though, at max power on level ground, I’m easily able to push the CX E8D Series II close to 30 miles per hour without trying too hard. This thing seriously moves when you need it to. And the hydraulic disc brakes help you stop on a dime before things get too out of control.

Other (Literal) Bells & Whistles

A few miscellaneous thoughts:

• The luggage rack mounted over the rear fender is a nice touch. It adds greater utility, particularly for anyone looking to use this bike for running errands while on a road trip.
• The handlebar-mounted bell is a nice safety touch and one that reminds me of the first Schwinn I got when I turned six.
• The bike’s battery pack doubles as a backup power source for all your USB devices (which is pretty much everything these days). Not an essential feature, but nice-to-have if you plan on taking the bike to a campground or anywhere off-grid.

Pricing & Availability

The Oyama CX E8D Series II folding electric bike is now available with a retail price of USD $1,999. That’s certainly not cheap. But, if you’re reading this review, you probably already know that folding bikes, in general, and folding electric bikes, in particular, rarely are. Compared to its competitors, this bike is an incredible value at that price.

The list of available colors is short. As Henry Ford was fond of saying, “You can have any color you want, as long as it’s black.” But, honestly, the matte black is so damn cool, why would you want any other color?

A Second Opinion

The folks at NYCeWheels did a great five-minute review of the Oyama CX E8D Series II. So, you can judge for yourself whether it is indeed the best folding electric bike for travel.

The post I Never Thought I’d Want (or Need) an Electric Folding Bike … But This Changed My Mind appeared first on Vagabondish.

So, to be honest, I was skeptical of Airhook. At first glance, it seems to be an add-on accessory designed to do exactly what every airplane tray table already does. But, the more long-haul flights I take, the more its utility grew on me. Let’s face it: airplane tray tables are nasty, they’re rarely level, and they limit the already impossibly tight amount of personal space that economy passengers are forced to live with on most typical flights.

Airhook was kind enough to provide a second generation sample — the Airhook 2.0 — for me to review. Here’s what I found …

Airhook 2.0 Review

The Skinny

In Airhook’s own words, it’s designed as:

… a two-in-one solution for airplane travel comfort: a stable drink holder and a secure mount for an electronics device. The Airhook uses the tray table in its vertical and locked position as an anchor, rather than horizontally across your lap as a platform.

The latest version, Airhook 2.0, adds a few new features including a neoprene travel pouch and:

… a stabilizer bar that makes setup more secure, a convertible mode where the drink holder folds away when not in use, a separate device perch for full range of viewing, and integrated can support.

The Traveler’s Take

My first impression of Airhook was that it was larger than I expected. It makes sense considering that it’s designed to support not only smartphones but tablets as well. So, the design needs enough of a “framework” to support the weight and heft of a full-sized tablet.

For my purposes, I don’t travel with a tablet. When I do watch in-flight movies, it’s always on my smartphone. So, I wish Airhook had a more compact little brother — an “Airhook Mini” if you will. The current Airhook isn’t huge, but it is large enough that I know I won’t be traveling with it on every flight. I’m also borderline obsessive about packing as minimally as possible. So, for some, the size may be a non-issue.

That said, the construction is solid and sturdy with high-quality plastic components. It’s clear someone put thought into its production. The included carry case with attached carabiner also helps protect the entire affair when it’s not in use.

Setting up Airhook is simple, and the included quick-start guide (with links to relevant online videos in case installation isn’t self explanatory) makes setup a snap. It first clips to the back of any standard airplane tray table in the closed position. Two knobs allow for fine-tuning a snug fit and ensuring that your smartphone or tablet is angled the way you want it. Finally, a bungee cord and plastic clip secure your device in place. I found this to work very well even in modest turbulence.

That’s all there is to it. It works great as a simple support for your electronics device to keep your media at eye-level. But, the cupholder also adds a convenient perch for a standard airline cup or 12-ounce can. The design will hold a bottle as well, although it does get in the way of the device screen. The cupholder also folds away when not in use.

Pricing & Availability

Airhook 2.0 is available now directly through the official Airhook website for around USD $28 or on Amazon.

The Bottom Line

Though a tad bulky, Airhook fulfills its promise of freeing up your lap for a bit more in-flight comfort. It’s a clever, versatile, well-made alternative to traditional airplane tray tables.

The post Airhook Looks to Reinvent the Traditional Airplane Tray Table appeared first on Vagabondish.

I exhaled and everything went hazy. I pulled my head back to reveal a large picture window inches from my face. And a shrinking spot of condensation on the cold glass where the mark from my breath quickly faded.

Oh, right: New Hampshire. A cabin in the woods.

Such was the theme of our getaway at Getaway House: The perpetual sense of feeling blissfully lost. Our weekend here started with a mystery. We knew only that we were going to New Hampshire. Somewhere in New Hampshire with the promise of escape from Instagram and Spotify and Facebook and the 24-hour cable news cycle.

Getaway House Boston Cabins Review

Our Cabin at Getaway House Boston

A stay at Getaway House is no ordinary hotel experience. There’s no lobby, no reception, no bellhop waiting to usher your luggage away on a brass luggage cart. The check-in process at Getaway is as simple as the cabins themselves.

On the morning of our arrival, we received a text and an email with all the necessary details to find our cabin. After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Vagabondish HQ in southeastern Massachusetts, we arrived at our jet-black Getaway cabin (nicknamed “Donna”) in the wilds of New Hampshire. I won’t say exactly where as that discovery is part of the fun.

We punched in our check-in code on the cabin’s automated door lock and we were in. Inside, the design is crisp, minimal, and neat as a pin. There’s a distinct sense of having everything you need and nothing you don’t.

The open-concept layout is three-tiered. We entered into a small kitchen area that flows into a stepped, mixed-use space with chairs and bench seats for dining and relaxing. The kitchen offers everything you’d expect in a tiny house or a modest RV. There’s an electric cooktop, mini-fridge, and a sink with hot water, plus essentials like dishes, utensils, and cookware.

While most guests will want to bring their own food, basic cooking necessities like salt, pepper, and olive oil are provided. There’s even an a la carte “minibar-style” provisions drawer with snacks, oatmeal, bug spray, and the like for sale. Nothing costs more than $10.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a tiny bathroom with a stainless-steel-wrapped shower stall and just enough floor space to do your business. A “spa bathroom” this is not, but we weren’t expecting that anyway.

Unlike a traditional flush toilet, the Getaway House loo uses some sort of newfangled, aluminum-foil-powered, space-age technology that must have been invented by NASA. We still don’t totally understand the wizardry behind it! Somehow it just worked.

Outside, we found a cozy campfire area with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and a picnic table. Free s’mores are provided to get the party started, and additional provisions like firewood and firestarter logs are for sale in a bin outside.

Our Experience at Getaway House Boston

Every aspect of Getaway House Boston is designed for quiet, tranquility, and escape. Upon arrival, we took advantage of the wooden cellphone lockbox provided to disarm us of our devices. Aside from a faint cell signal, there is no connectivity here: no Wi-Fi or television in the cabins. And that’s a good thing.

A Bluetooth-enabled Tivoli radio allows you to tune in to a handful of local stations or stream music from your smartphone if you’re so inclined. A direct-line phone is also provided in case you run out of s’mores or need to chat with the Getaway staff.

For two days, we occupied our time by winding down and appreciating the fine art of doing … nothing.

We read (a handful of books about nature, the outdoors, and living simply are provided), played Uno, cooked together, and spent a lot of time staring out that big, beautiful picture window. I wrote a Haiku. If you get stir-crazy, there are hiking trails and 20 acres of private grounds to explore.

The cabins are positioned far enough away to provide the illusion of seclusion, but close enough to ensure you never get that creepy “alone in a cabin in the woods” feel. Our campfire spot was cleverly positioned to look into the woods, away from our neighbors.

Inside, blackout curtains on most of the windows guarantee plenty of privacy. By shutting the right combination of shades, it was easy to feel like we were the only ones around for miles.

No matter what though, there was still that wide-open picture window to keep our view focused on the simplicity and beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness. It was a point of persistent calm that we never tired of in our two days at Getaway House.

There was no wind, no rustling of leaves, no traffic, no city hustle. We couldn’t remember the last time we’d experienced such quiet and stillness. At first, it was almost disorienting. Ultimately, we found ourselves more relaxed than we’d felt in a long, long time.

The Bottom Line

For (sub)urban dwellers seeking a blissful escape from the hustle of Boston city life, public transportation, and an always-on internet connection, Getaway House Boston is the near-perfect remedy.

Getaway also has outposts near Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington D.C., and a handful of other cities. We anticipate plenty more in the near future.

Have you stayed at Getaway House Boston or any of Getaway House’s other locations? What was your experience?

If not, book your own Getaway and save $25 with promo code VAGABONDISH!

The post A Mystery Cabin Getaway at Getaway House Boston appeared first on Vagabondish.

This is how I’ve always felt about combination devices. More often than not, they’re good — but not great — at doing one thing and entirely mediocre at several other things.

So, I admit that I was skeptical about the new Langogo AI-Powered Language Translator. It’s a unique, multipurpose device that promises travelers a few very useful things. Namely: near-real-time language translation and global Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Few companies have been able to deliver on even the second most interesting feature: global Wi-Fi. (Thus far, Google’s Project Fi has been the only provider to deliver comprehensive, seamless, and rock solid service in this department). So I was skeptical Langogo could deliver on that and simultaneously turn me into a polyglot overnight.

In short: they’re promising a tall order. But, I was intrigued, so they sent me a review unit to see what I thought.

Langogo AI-powered Language Translator Review

The Skinny

In the brand’s own words, Langogo is:

Made for global travelers. Langogo accurately translates speeches between 60 languages in less than 1 second and helps you stay connected to global Wi-Fi anytime and anywhere, bringing you a world of conversations at your fingertips. With its AI-voice assistant by your side, you will be ready to go out and speak out loud!

So, how’s it stack up?

The Traveler’s Take

Design & Durability

From the packaging to the device itself, it’s clear that serious thought was put into Langogo’s design. The stark white, minimalist packaging even steals clear inspiration from Apple’s playbook. The unit itself is sleek, compact, well-built, and sturdy to hold — not unlike a high-end smartphone. No surprise really as it’s made from many of the same materials as today’s best phones including polycarbonate and shatter-resistant Asahi glass.

The company also touts a number of stress tests that their design has passed including:

• Screen press test: 2,000 times
• Screen scratch test: 1,000 times
• Freefall test: 750 times
• Function button test: 100,000 times

While we’re not in the habit of torture-testing our gear here at VagabondishHQ, the unit feels solid and very well-built. So, we have no doubt that it’s designed to take a beating.

Functionality

We’re fast approaching a world where it won’t matter what language you, as a traveler, speak. We started with clunky language-to-language translation dictionaries, then moved on to slightly less clunky language-to-language translation apps. Now, Langogo is one of only a few companies looking to take the next step forward. Its biggest selling point is near-real-time language translation.

Imagine sitting in a Parisian cafe where you casually place the unit on the table in front of you. When the waiter/waitress comes to your table, you place your order in English and Langogo automatically “speaks” your order out loud in French. The server jots down your order, responds in French, and you hear their reply spoken aloud in English. The translation process is almost entirely seamless, requiring less than a second. A dedicated noise-canceling chip helps filter out up to 30% of background noise and ensure better sound quality.

By connecting with the world’s largest language database (including 24 translation engines), Langogo currently supports more than 60 languages. These include the most common like Spanish, French (both Canadian and France dialects), and German, as well as more obscure languages like Turkish, Norwegian, and Tamil. Because all of the translation is handled by a remote server, new languages can easily be added in the future without needing to update your actual Langogo device.

I’m a hands-on gadgeter, preferring to skip the instruction manual and start fiddling with new toys right away. This is often a good test of how intuitive a product actually is. In this respect, Langogo fares very well. Physical buttons are limited to a power button, a translation button, and a volume rocker. Everything else is handled via the capacitive touchscreen which I found to be easy to read and very responsive.

Other Features

Because the unit relies on intelligent AI-powered translation, it does require an internet connection. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the device itself is a global Wi-Fi hotspot. Not only does it provide the necessary connection for the translation functionality, but it supports a total of six additional connected devices. This works in 72 countries without the need for a physical SIM card as it instead relies on eSim technology. Just switch on Langogo and it automatically connects to the best local cell network.

Pricing + Availability

Crowdfunded gadgets are always a gamble. Without thoroughly vetting each project — and who has the time for that? — it’s impossible to know when or if you’ll see a return on your investment. The good news for anyone interested in Langogo is that (as of this publication) the project passed 850% funding on its meager goal of just $10,000. What’s more: it’s already in production.

Langogo is expected to retail for around USD $230 when it goes on sale later this year. Early birds investing in the current Indiegogo project can score a discounted unit for just $159.

The Bottom Line

With a sleek, durable design, simple, user-friendly interface, and an affordable price point, Langogo delivers on its promises as both a language translator and a global Wi-Fi hotspot. For these reasons, we highly recommend it.

The post Langogo Is the Perfect Pocket-sized Language Translator for Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

Dust and debris have a way of working into every nook and cranny of keyboards, lens filters, USB ports, and all the buttons on your travel gadgets. The question becomes: how to clean it all simply and effectively when you get home?

While on the road, I love Giottos’ Rocket-Air Professional Blower. It strikes a good balance of being gentle enough that it won’t harm even the most sensitive electronics (like a digital camera sensor), but strong enough to blow away most dust. Because it’s compact yet sturdy, I always travel with one.

But, once I get home and find the real stubborn dust that’s collected in the crevices of my gear, I always need to give everything a more thorough cleaning.

Compressed air cans are an effective tool. They’re like little leaf blowers for your gadgets — a simple way to shoo away dust and debris. But, they contain harsh chemicals and create unnecessary waste, so I’ve used them less and less over the years.

All of which led me down the path to find the best canless air duster. They’re exactly what they sound like: electric-powered air dusters that do exactly what canned air is supposed to do. But, they produce a lot less environmental waste. One electric air duster can purportedly replace 5,000 compressed air cans. That’s a small mountain of waste not ending up in a landfill.

Luckily, Canless Air Systems offered to provide us with a test unit of their much-hyped X3 Hurricane Canless Air System. Here’s what I found …

The X3 Hurricane Canless Air System Review (or Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear)

The Skinny

In Canless Air Systems’ own words, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is their:

… strongest unit ever! It produces an incredible blast of air at over 260 MPH and runs for over 15 minutes straight.

This unit is equal to over 5,000 cans of traditional duster … if you use a lot of canned air and want the most power possible you need this unit.

Great for cleaning large computers, server rooms, camera lenses and mirrors, high-end medical equipment, displays in retail stores, complex circuit boards and so much more.

The Traveler’s Take on the X3 Hurricane Canless Air Duster

The X3 Hurricane is Canless Air System’s flagship product. It’s big, loud, and industrial strength. Frankly, it’s overkill for most travelers.

But, if you’re serious about keeping your mobile and photography equipment squeaky clean, I think it’s worth the investment for the strongest canless air duster they offer.

Portability

Compared to typical compressed air cans, the X3 Hurricane is larger but not by much. The battery pack can keep the motor running for a solid 15 minutes which is far longer than most travelers are likely to need just to clean off their gear. It seems like the X3 could be made smaller and lighter by halving the battery size/capacity.

To be clear, this isn’t a “travel gadget” in the sense that you’ll be taking it with you on the road. You certainly could as it’s quite portable. But, I prefer to pack as light as possible and, with the integrated battery pack, this compressed air alternative is just too heavy for me. I use the X3 Hurricane to clean my gear only after returning home.

Canless Air Systems offers a less “industrial strength” solution, however. Their Special Edition Canless Air System offers many of the same features as the X3 Hurricane, but costs just two-thirds of the price.

Functionality: Does the X3 Hurricane Actually Work?

At first, I was worried the 260-mph claim would be too harsh on electronics. That sounds like an unnecessary amount of force just to dust off a laptop, a smartphone, and especially a digital camera.

But, in my experience: yes. The X3 Hurricane works exactly as advertised. In my not-at-all-scientific testing, I found it to be almost as strong as a can of compressed air. I’d say it’s 80-90% as strong.

Plus, the air flow is not only strong but steady. Regular compressed air cans weaken to the point of being unusable after a couple of minutes. Plus, they can spray harmful liquids and chemicals all over your electronics.

A 3-piece attachment kit helps bolster the X3’s usefulness. This includes:

• An extra long flexible straw that can bend around corners
• A 45-degree nozzle that can focus the air
• A brush attachment that can be used when cleaning items that require more than just air

What’s the Catch?

If there’s one downside to the X3, it’s the noise. This thing is loud. I’m talking “hide the cat and small children” loud. It’s actually surprising for such a small device.

The first time I revved it up, I thought there might be something wrong with it. I was a little concerned it was going to shred to pieces in my hand.

Using an admittedly crude decibel measuring app, I tested the X3 in the relative quiet of my basement where the ambient noise averages 26 decibels. By comparison, the X3 Hurricane’s motor creates a cacophonous 85 decibels of high-pitched, vacuum-cleaner-like whirring.

To put that in perspective:

None of this is too surprising though. Compressed air cans rely on a chemical process to quietly expel air out of the can. Because the X3 uses an electric motor to accomplish the same feat, it must move a ton of air very quickly through a very small space. I’m not a professional engineer, but I’m guessing it would be difficult to design a device like this that’s actually quiet — or even quieter.

This might be an issue if you’re traveling. I can’t even imagine using this in a hotel without management calling the cops on you. But, for anyone planning to use it at home, I don’t think it’s an issue. It is what it is.

The Bottom Line

With a suggested retail price near USD $150, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is a premium accessory for tech-loving travelers.

Sure, it’s loud enough to wake the dead. But, the decent portability, long battery life, and reliable air power of the X3 Hurricane make it a good buy for eco-conscious travelers.

Buy the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System

The X3 Hurricane Air Duster can be purchased for around USD $150 direct from Canless Air Systems.

It’s also available through Amazon:

[amazon box=”B00IK3KTBY”]

Bestselling Alternatives

[amazon bestseller=”canless air system” items=”3″]

Have you used the Hurricane Canless Air System? Or any similar canless air duster before? What was your experience?

The post Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear appeared first on Vagabondish.

While they’re actively promoting it now, it still feels like it’s flying below the radar even among in-the-know-travelers. And, that’s a shame because it’s honestly the best international cell plan for travelers.

I’ve had plenty of frustration with the major U.S. cell carriers — domestically and especially internationally. AT&T offered great international coverage, but their global data plans were laughable ($60 for 300MB?!).

And searching for an alternative while traveling — one that’s affordable, reliable, and offers great coverage — became a hassle. I was sick of having to juggle new SIM cards and worry about foreign data service in every new destination I visited.

So, in late 2016, I jumped aboard the Google Fi (still “Project Fi” back then) bandwagon to see if it lived up to the hype. It’s been 18 months, and I’ve traveled to several dozen countries and four continents with Google Fi. So, I figured it’s about time for my own Google Fi review …

Google Fi Review 2019

A quick word about this Google Fi review: because I travel often, my experience is in using Google Fi outside of the U.S.

This review of Google Fi is likely to be most relevant to you if you too are a frequent traveler.

The Skinny on Google Fi

What Is Google Fi?

In Google’s own words:

How Does Google Fi Work?

Google Fi is not actually a cell network unto itself. Instead, it’s an MVNO (mobile network virtual operator), meaning it piggybacks on other networks.

In this case, those three 4G LTE networks are Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular. By combining the global networks of all three carriers, Google Fi is able to provide a substantial amount of coverage.

The Traveler’s Take: A Google Fi Review (2019)

How’s the Coverage?

In short, I’ve been absolutely thrilled with the coverage. The official coverage map includes 170+ countries and territories. In the U.S., there’s a ton of overlap with Verizon’s coverage map:

Google FiVerizon

In my own experience over the last 18 months, it’s worked in nearly every international destination to which I’ve traveled. I’ve called and texted home from the southern tip of South America, southern Africa, Mexico, all over the Caribbean, and dozens of U.S. destinations.

The three exceptions:

• Cuba (almost impossible to get any sort of foreign coverage because of government bureaucracy)
• Mauritius (one of the rare countries with which Fi doesn’t have an agreement to work)
• Antarctica (… because it’s f**king Antarctica!)

Mauritius is an outlier in Google Fi’s otherwise stellar coverage map. And virtually no cell plan that I know of (short of Iridium) works in Cuba or Antarctica, so I wasn’t exactly disappointed.

Immediately after landing, my phone will alert me to whether or not I have coverage in that particular destination. If Google Fi works where I happen to be, it usually connects to the local network in less than three minutes.

Plus, the service includes Wi-Fi Assistant — access to more than two million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. Whenever you’re in range of a preselected hotspot, your cell and data service can connect automatically (which helps you save big on data!). The changeover from cell service to Wi-Fi and back again is seamless, even if you’re in the middle of a call. Plus, the connection to these hotspots is secured through a virtual private network backed by Google’s ultra-secure servers.

In many developing countries, the local LTE service is faster than most of the free Wi-Fi you’re likely to find. With tethering enabled on my smartphone, I’m guaranteed lightning-fast wireless Internet virtually anywhere I need to work.

A Review of Google Fi Pricing: What’s It Cost?

The pricing structure is dead simple. In a nutshell, Google promises unlimited data anywhere in the world for a one-person plan for just $80 per month.

But, if you’re smart about using Wi-Fi while traveling abroad, it’ll likely cost a fraction of that. When broken down, the pricing is $20 per month for unlimited domestic calls and texting (international calling starts at $0.20 per minute, and varies by country), plus $10 per GB of data.

Google introduced Bill Protection in 2018. Once you reach 6GB of data usage in a single month, the feature kicks in giving you unlimited data so you’ll never pay more than $60 for data.

To be clear, Google Fi isn’t the cheapest international wireless service option for travelers. It’s easy to find dirt-cheap international data plans in almost every destination around the world. But, for me, price wasn’t the only factor.

What I like about Google Fi is that it’s affordable and convenient. Travel already involves plenty of planning and logistical work. I like not having to worry about finding a new SIM everywhere I land, figuring out the pricing structure for the local cell carrier, praying for halfway decent coverage and data speeds, and watching my data usage add up, wondering if I’ll run out before the end of my trip.

Google Fi means one phone, one SIM, and one plan with simple pricing almost everywhere I travel.

Plus, Google Fi is the rare carrier that actually refunds you for data you don’t use. So, if you’re on a 4GB plan, but only use 3.5 GB in a given month, you’ll receive a refund for that 0.5 GB difference.

What About Google Fi Phones?

The one potential wrinkle with Google Fi is that their selection of phones is limited.

While this wasn’t an issue for me and the phones they do offer are great, this might be an issue if you’re dead set on using a particular phone model.

Here are the current new phone options (as of Summer 2018):

• Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
• Motorola Moto G6
• Android One Moto X4
• LG G7 ThinQ
• LG V35 ThinQ

Technically, Google Fi will work with other older phones (like the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, and Nexus 6P) as well. Google doesn’t officially support compatibility with such phones, but it is an option. Just know that, if you run into technical snags trying to setup, say, an iPhone with Google Fi, you’re on your own.

One nice feature is that Fi customers with decent credit can score a new phone with a two-year, same-as-cash payment plan. So, instead of dropping, say, USD $900 upfront on a shiny new LG V35 ThinQ, you can instead pay about $38 per month for 24 months with no interest.

Google Fi also accepts trade-in phones. Depending on your particular model, you could land a credit of up to USD $440 at the Google Store.

How’s Google Fi’s Customer Service?

I’ve needed to call customer service twice in the last 18 months. The first time was from the Dominican Republic days after I activated my service. My phone wasn’t connecting to the local network even though it assured me that I had service. Turns out Google needed to make a few adjustments on their end to get things moving along. They were polite, efficient, and I was in business in less than 10 minutes.

The second time I called was about an issue with my Nexus 6P (my first Google Fi review phone which turned out to be a junker wrought with issues, but that’s a story for another day …). Unfortunately, the phone was six months out of warranty, so there was nothing they could do.

But, I also needed to transfer my personal phone number from AT&T (which I certainly won’t miss) to Google Fi. They prefilled all the necessary details to facilitate the transfer in their system. Then, I bought a new Motorola Moto G6 via the Google Fi website.

When it arrived, I ported all my old phone’s details and transferred my AT&T number to Fi — all in about eight clicks. The entire process, from receiving the package to fiddling with the new phone to receiving the text confirming the transfer was complete took less than 20 minutes. That was last week, and it’s worked flawlessly since. I didn’t even have to call AT&T to say, sayonara!

The Bottom Line

After one minor hiccup in the D.R., my experience with Google Fi has been smooth sailing since. Their customer service is spot-on, the high-speed coverage works in 170+ countries, and the price structure is simple, convenient, and affordable, particularly for international travelers. While their phone selection is limited, it does include some of the best smartphones on the market. All of which is why I highly recommend Google Fi.

Buy Google Fi

Get your own Google Fi phone now for less than $30 per month!

Are you a Fi customer? What’s your own Google Fi review?

The post Why Fi? I Cut My International Wireless Bill in Half by Switching to Google Fi appeared first on Vagabondish.

Your options:

• Find a pricey hotel outside the airport meaning you’ll have to pass out and back through security and passport control. And claim and recheck your luggage.
• Find a public space (bench, chaise lounge, or baggage carousel) to sleep somewhere in the airport. Good luck with that.
• Sleep at YotelAir CDG — a short-term hotel located within the Paris airport.

Having read mixed reviews a la Google, Booking.com, and other sites, I decided a stay at YotelAir at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport was the best option.

A Caveat

To clear up some confusion surrounding many of the reviews, some travelers (a) visit YotelAir solely for the lounge amenities, while others (b) use it as a short-term, by-the-hour hotel to enjoy a shower and proper snooze — in an actual bed — while in transit.

Straight up, I would not recommend YotelAir as a lounge. Just don’t. You’ll be sorely disappointed (more on this below), as there are much better lounges at CDG.

For this write-up, I’m strictly reviewing the property as a hotel.

Yotel CDG Review

The Skinny on Yotel CDG

In Yotel’s own words, Yotel Air Paris is:

… ideal for transit passengers with a long stopover in between flights or, those who want to freshen up before leaving the airport.

YOTELAIR is ideal for the ‘Smart’ traveller who checks in their hold luggage the night before an early flight so that they can be ready and wake up refreshed, just minutes away from their departure gate in the morning… more sleep? Yes please!

The Traveler’s Take

My Room at Yotel Air CDG

Yotel has built a brand on tiny, ultra-efficient hotel rooms with a bright, bold, modern decor. YotelAir at Paris’ CDG airport is no different. The rooms (called “cabins”) feel like a combination of a Japanese capsule hotel and Bruce Willis’ apartment in The Fifth Element.

My entry-level Premium Cabin was compact with only enough room for the bed and space to walk on one side. That walkway leads straight from the room door, past the bed, to the bathroom. At roughly 100 square feet, it’s a no-nonsense layout.

The only piece of furniture in the room is a soft couch that transforms into a bed with the touch of a button. I found the bed clean, plush, and very comfortable.

Opposite the bed is what Yotel calls the “Technowall” — a flat-screen TV with a half-dozen channels, plus a handful of international electrical outlets so no matter where you’re coming from, you shouldn’t have an issue topping off your devices. A fold-down panel at the bottom of the wall serves as a rudimentary desk though its position means it’s not comfortable or practical to use for any length of time.

There is no air-conditioning in the room, although a vent provides fresh air. (Some reviewers complain of foul fuel smells in their rooms, but I didn’t experience that in either room I stayed in.) Even with the thick, plush comforter pulled up over me, I found the temperature quite comfortable.

The bathroom is as narrow as you’d expect in a room this size. The shower is about the size of a typical American shower stall. The rain shower head was a nice touch that provided a steady flow of hot water. Space around the toilet was sufficient for my 5’5” frame. But, anyone six feet or taller would definitely feel cramped.

My main gripe with the room was the lack of acoustic insulation. I heard every last sound in the hallways and adjacent rooms: children screaming, toilets flushing, even the vibration of a cell phone in the room next door. If you’re a light sleeper like me, this may or may not be a deal-breaker. Bring earplugs (I made the rookie mistake of leaving mine in my checked luggage).

Location — Where to Find Yotel Air CDG

Yotel CDG is at the end of a long hallway in the airport’s Instant Lounge section. It can be difficult to find, particularly if you’re coming from a terminal other than 2E.

If you’re not arriving at terminal 2E, you may want to reconsider whether it’s worth it to book a stay at YotelAir CDG at all. Some reviewers report needing an hour to travel between their terminal and YotelAir.

If you are arriving at terminal 2, YotelAir is a piece of cake to find. Once you deplane, just follow the signs posted before you pass through passport and immigration control. You can also ask any Paris airport employee to direct you to the Instant Lounge.

Yotel CDG Lounge & Common Amenities

The Yotel website provides no illusions that this is a pared-down hotel.

The multi-room lounge area is the only real common amenity. It’s bright and relatively spacious but, since it accommodates both hotel guests and lounge club members (like those using Priority Pass and Loungebuddy), it’s usually overcrowded when the hotel is at or near capacity.

There’s a beverage vending machine (fee), a free coffee machine (with specialty coffee drinks and hot chocolate), and a free hot/cold water station.

A large vending machine similar to those seen in Japan peddles basic snacks like chips/crisps and breakfast bars. This last vending machine was out of order during both my visits and numerous reviewers report that this is the norm.

This section is fine if you’re planning on using the hotel as a hotel. I hardly bothered to leave my room. But, if you’re planning to only use the lounge, it’s not worth it.

The Staff at Yotel CDG

The surly staff is a common critique in most reviews of YotelAir Paris. I found the staff to be a little short but polite overall.

The automated check-in kiosk wasn’t working when I arrived during either stay, and the receptionist was quite happy to help. Other than that, YotelAir is designed to be a hands-off (read self-serve) experience so I had no other interactions with anyone there.

Pricing + Availability

Like any traditional hotel, rates vary depending on the season, time of day, and availability. I paid €115 (approximately USD $140 as of January 2018) for an 11-hour stay in a Premium Cabin.

Bottom Line

For my purposes, YotelAir Paris did the job. The staff was fine, the room was clean, and I forgave the (lack of) common amenities since I spent the entire time in my cabin anyway.

In the face of a long layover at Paris’ CDG, there aren’t many options. In spite of the abundant ambient noise, I would stay at YotelAir again. Although, I would definitely bring ear plugs next time.

Find amazing discounts at Bydiscountcodes.co.uk before making your bookings.

The post Read This Before You Stay at YotelAir Paris CDG [Review] appeared first on Vagabondish.

To be honest, I tsktsk‘d the entire thing in the beginning. That was until I received a subscription to Cairn’s monthly boxes. Now, I can’t get enough of them. It’s become something of a strange addiction.

So, when Trailfoody reached out with a three-month trial of their Pathfinder subscription — monthly snacks to fuel my outdoor adventures — I jumped all over it.

Trailfoody Subscription Review

The Skinny

Trailfoody is exactly what it sounds like: a subscription box service that delivers a variety of healthy, hiker-friendly, nutrient-dense snacks to your door in reusable stuff sacks each month.

In their words, the company notes:

Trailfood has to get you to those special places, sure. But, we also believe that taste is part of the adventure. Each month, we select premium foods that are healthy, have the right nutrient mix for outdoor activities, and also have great taste.

The Traveler’s Take

So far, I’m only a month into my Trailfoody subscription. The box contents change every month, although everything has been very high-quality. Think premium dried fruit, jerky, artisanal trail mixes, energy bars, or small meals that are ready for your next adventure — a picnic, roadtrip, or even the airport — no napkins, utensils, or coolers required.

The latest example is October’s Trailfoody Wanderer box which included:

• Nuun Electrolyte Lemon + Lime drink mix 10-tablet tube
• Taos Mountain Bars’ Caramel Pecan energy bar
• Vermont Smoke & Cure Chipotle meat stick
• Bearded Brothers Mega Maca Chocolate energy bar
• Gorilly Goods Jungle trail mix
• Tram Bites by Kate’s Real Food
• Bare Cinnamon Apple Chips
• Blue Diamond Sea Salt Nut Thins crackers
• Nut Butter Nation Brown Sugar Cinnamon peanut butter

For hardcore trail lovers, the entire kit above tops out at nearly 2,000 calories! More than enough to fuel a couple of solid hikes.

It’s so straightforward that there isn’t much to review beyond what’s in the box. As long as they keep delivering the same quality snacks — and I’ve no doubt they will — I’m loving it!

Even Lizzie the Vagabond Cat loves Trailfoody (and she doesn’t like anything!) …

Pricing + Availability

Trailfoody is available in four package levels (all prices in USD):

• The Wanderer: Best for 1 person who takes 1-2 monthly outings — $19.95/month
• The Pathfinder: Best for 1 person who takes 3 monthly outings — $42.95/month
• The Deuce: Best for 2 people who take 1-2 monthly outings — $35.95/month
• Family Pack: Good for an entire family who like 1 monthly outing — $36.95/month

The company promises a savings of 10-30% off retail each month. You can skip a month, change plans, or cancel anytime with no commitment.

The post Trailfoody Is the Subscription Snack Box You Never Knew You Needed appeared first on Vagabondish.