What's New What's Hot is Travel Weekly's look at useful and fun travel gadgets, edited by Joe Rosen. Click here or on the image to open the slideshow of all of the featured products for January.
Kiwi Slide Sandals. Air travel can be tough on your feet, what with waiting time in airports, TSA shoe-removal rules and foot-swelling at altitude while in flight. One effective way to relieve the pressure on your tootsies is to wear Kiwi Slide Sandals from Orthaheel. The easy-off-and-on Slides, which have received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, feature a padded upper with a hook-and-loop closure for adjustable fit, a durable outsole with a wave-patterned tread for improved traction and, most important, a podiatrist-designed foot bed with a deep heel cup designed to relieve heel pain and soreness. The Kiwi Slide Sandals, which are unisexual and include wide sizes, can be cleaned with a damp cloth and air-dried. $64.95; www.orthaheelusa.com.
Kiva Stowaway Messenger Bag. The perfect extra bag for your next trip, the Kiva Stowaway folds into its own internal pocket until you need it to tote those unforeseen purchases or for general walk-about-town duty. The bag, which weighs only slightly more than half a pound and measures 11 by 15 by 5 inches, offers a zippered top closure, two large zippered pockets (one exterior, one interior), an organizer, two exterior water-bottle holders and a quick-adjust air-mesh shoulder strap. Made from 100% recycled fabric and offered in three colors ‹ wasabi, persimmon or granite ‹ the Stowaway is included in the new 12-piece, mix-and-match Packing Genius Collection from Kiva. $49.95; www.kivabags.com.
Xplorer Speaker Case. Just the thing for a day at the beach, this water-resistant, portable speaker for iPhones, iPods or similar devices pumps out a remarkably big sound for such a tidy unit. The rugged, soft-shell case, which is powered by two AAA batteries, comes with a detachable wrist loop, belt pass-through and double D-rings with straps that can be attached to almost anything (the straps can be accommodated in an external Velcro pocket when not in use). The Xplorer's on-off switch and volume controls are easily accessible on the front of the case. $39.95; www.h20audio.com.
Hipzbag Passport Bag. Large enough to carry your digital camera, currency, keys and/or passport, this light and durable bag -- swivel hooks enable it to be worn on your belt loops or with a matching waist strap -- is a secure and hands-free travel accoutrement for women. The product, which comes in a variety of colors, fabrics and styles, can be purchased with or without the Hipzbag logo and includes an open-back pocket for easy access to your cellphone. The bag measures 5.5 by 5.5 inches, and the included waistband fits up to 46.5 inches. $24.95; www.hipzbag.com.
Clipa. A fashion accessory that comes in handy in restaurant, airport, airline, hotel and cruise ship lavatories, as well as in public spaces such as casinos and theaters where the user wants to keep her handbag accessible but off the floor, Clipa attaches to the bag's straps so that it looks like it was designed as an accent feature. The device comes with an automatic closure system, is attractive enough to be worn as a bracelet if so desired and can support up to 45 pounds. $19.99 to $39.99, depending on style and finish; www.clipa.us.
Got something for What's New, What's Hot? Email Joe Rosen at [email protected].