Holiday gift guides are here in droves, but many are missing some of the most unusual—dare we say, innovative—travel products around. Whether you're looking for a gag gift or you want to solve a specific problem and don't give a hoot what people think, these embarrassing travel gadgets and gizmos are right up your alley. Though they might cost you a bit of dignity, the following items are geared to make life a little easier for travelers.
(Photo: GoGirl)
GoGirl
This is a female urination device (let's be honest—it's a funnel) that allows women to pee standing up. (Enter requisite Sigmund Freud joke here.) The makers of GoGirl claim that "life's greatest adventure shouldn't be finding a bathroom." Why on Earth would you waste time looking for the nearest bathroom when you can cower behind a bush while using a hot-pink silicone funnel to pee? Buy it for $12.99 from GoGirl.
(Photo: Magellan's)
Tush Wipes
Unlike its sister moist-towelette products like Wet Ones, Tush Wipes didn't get the memo about delicate subtlety. If your conspicuously labeled packet of butt cleaner falls out of your purse, best deny ownership. Buy them for $8.85 from Magellan's.
(Photo: On the Cuff)
On the Cuff
Among life's most devastating problems, from having too much goat cheese on your salad to forgetting your Wi-Fi password, water running down your arms while washing your hands probably tops the list of human atrocities. But wallow in misery not. These absorbent, packable bracelets are here to save the day. For $8.99 (plus $6.99 for the display stand, which is absolutely necessary), you will never have to suffer the humiliation of slightly damp sleeves again.
(Photo: Claspies)
Claspies
You've fallen into the airplane toilet again. Blame traditional underwear. Fortunately for you, there's Claspies, underwear with clasps on its sides that allow you to quickly escape from your skivvies without picking up your feet and tumbling into the bowl. According to the product website, "While traveling, there is nothing better than putting on a fresh pair of panties in the middle of a long journey! Thank you, Claspies." There is also nothing better than not falling into the toilet. Thanks again! Buy a pair for $14.95 from Claspies.
(Photo: SkyMall)
SkyRest
For a safe, stylish, in-flight face-sleeping experience, choose the SkyRest travel pillow. This wedge-shaped pillow allows tired travelers to sleep while leaning forward, blocking seatmates from either looking out the window or gaining access to the aisle. But who needs friends in dreamland? Buy it at SkyRest.com.
(Photo: Vogmask)
Vogmask
The problem with creepy face masks is that they're not colorful enough. But with pretty, printed Vogmasks, you can let your personality shine while blocking all the toxic particles and dangerous impurities that your naked face absorbs with every breath. Get various colors to match all your different hazmat suits. Buy it for $20 from Vogmask.
(Photo: SkyMall)
Helpy Carry-on Harness
Look at this woman. She has too much to carry, so she has decided to strap her suitcase on her back via the Helpy Carry-on Harness. While you're having a chuckle at her expense, she's answering her email, sending witty text messages, and accomplishing important business tasks—all with the aid of a product borrowed from a large dog. Let's hope she takes it slow around sharp turns and over hills. Buy it for $24.95 from MyHelpy.com.
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This article was originally published by SmarterTravel under the title 7 Surprising Travel Gadgets That Actually Work.
Follow Caroline Costello on Google+ or email her at [email protected].
(Lead Photo: Woman via Shutterstock)