Product reviews tips

While flying cars and hover boards that actually hover are in travel’s distant future, there are a few technologically advanced travel products that make their traditional counterparts seem like vintage relics from a bygone era—and not in a good way. The Internet of Things, the revolution that’s connecting our devices and streamlining how we move through life, is leaving its mark on the travel industry, too. These 11 items that are available now make it seem like the future has already arrived. We can only wonder what’s next.

Meet Bobby, the latest innovative design in anti-theft luggage. This backpack comes with tons of safety features and cool gadgets that make it perfect for students, frequent flyers, bike commuters, and business travelers alike.

Ask anyone in the office, I wear these shoes at least four times a week. They are incredibly comfortable, stylish, trans-seasonal, and go with almost any outfit. What more could you want in a travel shoe?

This clip-on lens by Aukey is perfect for capturing unique travel photos with the wide-angle lens, as well as detailed close-up shots with the macro lens.

I don’t know how I’ve traveled and worked out without this water bottle—it’s genius! If you like to use a foam roller for stretching, you should be traveling with this water bottle. It’s compact in size so it packs easily, and it functions as a foam roller for stretches post-workout or after a long flight.

If you’re like me, and have trouble getting comfortable or sleeping on planes, this four-in-one travel pillow helps tremendously. Depending on what you need, it can be a pillow, blanket, seat cushion, or lumbar support.

While traveling, being able to drink filtered water throughout the day can be challenging. And while buying bottled water might be a temporary solution, it’s terrible for the environment and expensive to do. Which is why bringing along a bottle like Kor’s Nava Filter Water Bottle on your trip is a good idea. This straw-filtered bottle is stylish, durable, and won’t be a pain to carry around.

Still holiday shopping for your favorite traveler, or need some essentials before you set foot into a new year of jet-setting? Here’s a look back at some of the top-rated travel products we’ve reviewed this year. From comfy shoes and packable gadgets to bags that carry them all, here are the SmarterTravel-reviewed items that outranked the rest in 2016.

If you’ve ever wondered why someone couldn’t just invent a multi-purpose, comfy, and stylish dress for travel, you don’t have to wonder any longer. ZANNI’s little black dresses are everything you’ve ever wanted in a multi-functional travel dress.