The Ultimate Commuter’s Survival Guide -- NYMag

6/15/2016 The Ultimate Commuter’s Survival Guide -- NYMag
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2016/05/ultimate-commuters-survival-guide-s-c-l.html 1/6
The Ultimate Commuter’s Survival
Guide
It’s a noisy world out there. As you travel to and from your place of work, you can easily create a personal oasis
to make your journeys peaceful and enjoyable.
Whether your journey is by plane, train, or automobile, be sure to arm yourself with products that are
lightweight, stylish, comfortable, and best-in-class. They can put the fun back in your commute and make the
world go away until you arrive at your destination. These are some of the best traveling companions we know.
nymag.com

At the Airport and on the Plane
Even when you don’t fly first class, you can still put distance between yourself and your fellow
travelers by carrying aboard creature comforts and creating your own wall of sound.
1. Miists Hand Sanitizer Spray (http://www.flight001.com/all-products/miists-
hand-sanitizer-spray.html)
Small as a credit card and alcohol-free, this formulation is multi-tasking -- use it to
sanitize armrests, the remote control, and your potentially germy tray table before you
settle in for the journey.
2. Bose® QuietComfort® 35 Wireless Headphones
(https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/featured/qc35.html)
Free from wires and with world-class noise cancelling power, these will help you block
out chatty neighbors and engine noise and lose yourself in the music.
3. Luggage Tag Charm (http://www.myjetsetcandy.com/shop-jsc/charms.html)
Travel in style wearing a Jet Set Candy charm pendant. Designs riff on airport codes
and destination landmarks. The line also includes cuffs, bracelets, and earrings, all
with a sense of place.
4. Lorissa’s Kitchen (http://lorissaskitchen.com/what-we-make/)
Don’t call it jerky; call it gourmet smoked and dried meat or protein-to-go. Lorissa’s

Traveling by Train
Hoping for a moment (or longer) of Zen while you ride the rails? Wherever your journey leads,
transport yourself to your happy place by listening to your favorite playlists, new podcasts, and best-
selling audiobooks.
Kitchen sells four varieties in 2.25-ounce packages: Stave off the mid-flight hangries
with Korean BBQ Beef, Szechuan Peppercorn Beef, Sweet Chili Pork, and Ginger
Teriyaki Chicken.
5. Evian Facial Spray (http://www.evianspray.com/product/evian-facial-spray-1-7-
oz/)
Air travel is notoriously dehydrating. Combat the effects of recycled air by keeping this
conveniently TSA-approved 1.7 ounce facial spray on hand. Spritz after your flight to
replace lost moisture and feel instantly refreshed.
6. Cabeau Evolution Pillow (https://www.rei.com/product/872509/cabeau-
evolution-pillow)
Treat yourself to a neck cushion superior to the flimsy ones they sell at the airport. This
one features extra support and a sleeve to hold your smartphone. Bonus: It can be
packed down to a quarter of its size for easy transport through security and between
gates.

Commuting by Car
Whether you’re in the front or backseat, take command of your ride by bringing along items that
nourish and energize you for the day ahead. This cleverly curated list will make even stop-and-go
1. Vapur Shades Collapsible Water Bottle (http://vapur.us/shades)
A hydrated commuter is a happy commuter. If you feel guilty every time you buy a
plastic bottle of water, travel with this reusable BPA-free sports water bottle that holds
up to 18 ounces and can be folded up for easy storage when empty. The leak-proof cap
makes it safe to throw it in your bag, sans-worry.
2. Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Hooded Jacket
(http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/men-ultra-light-down-hooded-jacket-
156562.html#67)
If life on the rails is a bit brisk, you’ll be happy you brought this super light-weight, but
incredibly cozy layer along for the ride. If your train car is balmy, your jacket won’t be a
burden; keep it folded up in its compact carrying case (think: sleeping bag).
3. Bose® SoundSport Wireless InEar Headphones
(https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/featured/soundsport_wireless.html)
Staying in place even when you move from place to place (like from underground to the
gym to the locker room), these sweat- and water-resistant buds deliver top-notch
sound.
4. Quik Video Editor App by GoPro (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quik-
video-editor-by-gopro/id694164275?mt=8)
This won’t speed up your commute, but it can help you compile sharable videos from
your phone’s photos and video clips before the train arrives at your stop. Consider this
app from GoPro a portable creative outlet.
5. Custom Reusable Tote Bag (http://promo.vistaprint.com/product/detail/PV-
Y6K4069Q8Q0Y)
You never know what you’ll accumulate over the course of your busy day, so start
carrying your own lightweight, foldable tote. Customize it with your own affirming
message, or a photograph that’ll remind you of your favorite things each time you put it
to use.
6. Thermos Stainless Steel Commuter Bottle
(http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Stainless-Commuter-Bottle-
Raspberry/dp/B00EO0JZKI)
There’s nothing worse than starting out your day with lukewarm coffee. Actually,
spilling your morning brew on yourself — or worse, your fellow commuters — on a
crowded car trumps all. This lightweight stainless steel travel mug seals in heat for up
to eight hours, and the locking lid prevents spills. Prepare to truly enjoy your caffeine,
and sip at ease.

traffic tolerable.
1. Snugg iPad Mount (http://www.thesnugg.com/tablet-cases/apple/ipad-
4/headrest/headrest.aspx)
Stuck in the backseat again? Watch a video hands-free. Easy to install, particularly in
tandem with the brand’s leather iPad case, it fits all cars and headrest sizes.
2. Brita Sport Water Filter Bottle (http://www.amazon.com/Brita-Sport-Filter-
Bottle-20-Ounce/dp/B004GN8RDY)
Traveling from or to a place where the water isn’t great? Brita’s bottle has a built-in
filter that helps tap water taste a lot better.
3. Ditto Mini Pager (http://www.amazon.com/Ditto-Wearable-Tech-Smartphones-
Black/dp/B00XW340EO)
If the Apple Watch is too intense for your tastes, try this simple miniature wearable
with extra-long battery life. Think of it as a modern pager: It subtly vibrates to indicate
when you have a call, text, or email, and it also signals event reminders.
4. StarMaker Carpool Karaoke App
(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starmaker-sing-karaoke-+-auto/id342138881?
mt=8)
Depending on who you travel with, this could either be a lot of fun or so annoying the
driver pulls over and ejects you from the car. Know your audience.

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5. Anker Mini Portable Charger (https://www.anker.com/products/A11040B1)
Power up your cellphone with this go-anywhere charger that’s the size of a lipstick case.
It's compatible with most Android devices; iPhone users need to use their own cable.
6. InnoGear USB Essential Oil Diffuser
(http://www.amazon.com/InnoGear%C2%AE-Essential-Aromatherapy-Humidifier-
Whisper-Quiet/dp/B01CXOT90C/ref=sr_tnr_p_4_9425951011_1_a_it?
ie=UTF8&qid=1463411099&sr=8-4&keywords=essential+oil+diffusers+for+car#Ask)
Set the right tone for the rest of your day by transforming the interior of your auto into
a mobile spa of sorts. Slot this two-in-one diffuser/humidifier into your cup holder and
simply plug the cable into the adaptor. Pair it with the essential oil of your choice, and
select one of seven LED light colors to compliment. At the end of the day, you’ll look
forward to getting back in your car and decompressing as you make your way back to
your abode.

The Ultimate Commuter’s Survival Guide -- NYMag

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