The Hottest Gadgets for Summer Travel

(Photos courtesy of Sensu, iBattz, Amazon, and Divoom)

The summer travel season is literally right around the corner. Here at Tingo, we've been busy researching the latest travel technology trends. Without further ado, here are the 12 hottest gadgets that need to make it into your suitcase this summer.

PowerSkin PoP'n, $79.99*

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(Photo: XPAL Power)

There is nothing worse than being on the go and receiving that dreaded "10% battery remaining" message. The PowerSkin PoP'n prevents that from happening. This sleek, lightweight external battery sticks onto the case you already have on your phone. The device is made for Apple phones, but it can connect to other phones via USB. It can charge your device anywhere, and you can keep the cute stylish case you already own.


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Marvel at the Mesa Verde


(Photos courtesy of NPS Photo)

A member of the Tingo team recently visited Mesa Verde National Park, and it sounds terrific! The southwestern Colorado park, famous for its preserved pueblo dwellings, offers an unforgettable experience. The admission fee is only $15 per car, so it's a great stop to make on a road trip.


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This Just In! 60% Off Hotels for Memorial Day Weekend!

(Photos courtesy of Flickr members uhuru1701, KcSoapsNmore, and USACE HQ)

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to get away and kick off the start to summer. Tingo is now offering deals for up to 60% off hotel rooms in popular locations including Orlando, Las Vegas, and Ocean City, so book right away! Don't forget: If you book a Money Back room and the price drops, Tingo will automatically refund you the difference!


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1 Part Great View + 1 Part Great Bar = Our Favorite Rooftop Hotel Bars

(Photos courtesy of High Rooftop Lounge, blackbookmag.com, and michiganavemag.com)

As a follow-up to our "10 Cozy Hotel Bars for Winter," we've come up with a list of our spring/summer favorites. With temperatures rising, we're ready for a refreshing drink spiked with breathtaking panoramas. Check out these rooftop hotel bars serving drinks that could battle their views:

  • SummerSalt, Hotel Palomar, San Diego, CA—This rooftop pool and lounge combines the best of both worlds: skillfully crafted cocktails and a chic place to cool off. The bar is buzzing day and night, offering refuge from the heat during the day and a vibrant nightclub once the sun sets.
  • The Joule Poule, The Joule, Dallas, TX—The gem of this hotel is undoubtedly the roof Joule "Poule." The pool extends eight feet beyond the hotel's structure and is glass-fronted so the views are fabulous from any angle. After your dip, peruse the extensive menu full of creative cocktails. This outdoor oasis doubles as the perfect location for high-profile parties, fashion shows, and cocktail receptions.


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Get Ready to Go with Tugo!


(Photos courtesy of goodtugo)

Here at Tingo, we are avid coffee drinkers. So, we know how it feels to fly through the airport with a carry-on in one hand and the other dragging a suitcase, leaving no free hand to hold a coffee. It's a struggle we haven't yet mastered.

Recently, we heard of a solution: the Tugo cup holder. This rubber cup holder nestles a drink between the two upright handles on any type of rolling luggage. When you reach the gate, your coffee will have arrived safely, without you struggling to hold it.


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Soak It All In

(Photos courtesy of Post Ranch Inn, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and The Standard)

Hotels can be judged on room size, amenities, perks, and loyalty programs, but we think a new category should be introduced: bathrooms. While hotel bathrooms used to be relatively cookie-cutter, hoteliers have upped the ante and bathrooms have become pieces of art, fitting the personality and tone of the hotel. We've rounded up a list of our favorite U.S. hotel bathrooms:

  • The Standard, High Line, NYC—All 338 guest rooms feature wall-to-wall windows that overlook breathtaking views of Manhattan or the Hudson River. While the views had us speechless, we were also wowed by the sleek bathroom that separates you and NYC by a piece of glass. The bathroom also includes a deep-soaking tub with views of the Empire State Building, a walk-in spa shower, and tons of closet space.
  • Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur—The view from the bathroom at the Post Ranch Inn is second to none. The gorgeous bathroom in the Cliff House offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. The deep granite bathtubs have internal water heaters, since the windows open for optimal viewing. The luxury doesn't stop at the tubs: Tibetan rugs cover the heated floor to ensure that you're comfortable even when you're done soaking.


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Have Instagram, Will Travel

(Photos courtesy of Instagramers Iozula, michaelturtle, and uncornered_market)

If you aren't already on Instagram, you're missing out. There's a growing community of Instagramers who capture their travels in photos—some from the most remote corners of the world (corners you might never have the chance to see otherwise). Here are three Instagramers you should be following to inspire your wanderlust, and some of our favorite photos from each of them:

  • Iozula: Laurence quit his job in 2009 in search of a change of scenery. His photos are vibrantly colorful and give a glimpse into his semi-nomadic life on the road.

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9 Irritating Hotel Fees That Are Becoming More Common—and Ways to Avoid Them

(Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts)

A couple of weeks ago, we recapped an interview hospitality expert Bjorn Hanson did with Skift.com on hotel fees to watch out for in 2013. It got us thinking: What else are hotels charging for these days? Here are 9 irritating hotel fees that are becoming more and more common and tips on how to avoid them from Tingo spokesperson George Hobica:

  • Resort Fee: Even if you're not staying in a true "resort," many hotels charge a resort fee of $20–$50 per night. This fee often isn't mentioned on booking sites or in the final price—it simply appears on your bill at checkout. One of our team members was recently charged a resort fee for services that included free yoga class, and he doesn't even do yoga. You must be proactive when it comes to avoiding this fee. Call the hotel before you even book to see if they charge it. (Tip: Hotels like Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Staybridge Suites don't assess this and many other fees.)
  • Parking Fees: Many city hotels charge upwards of $25–$35 per day to park your car. The most annoying part is that it's sometimes mandatory that you valet it—which means you have to tip. We recommend researching nearby parking garages in advance. You'll probably pay less than your hotel charges to park your car, and you won't have to pay someone to park it, either.


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What do you get when you mix a hotel and a boat? A boatel, of course!


(Photos courtesy of Dromen aan Zee)

Yes, you heard us right. These intriguing hybrids have somehow slipped under our radar until now. This month, CNN reported its top 5 boatels, from old lifeboats to military ships.

  • Yankee Ferry—This historic ferry shuttled new immigrants to Ellis Island and served in both World Wars. Today, the Yankee is permanently docked on the Hudson River and serves an entirely different purpose. Furnished with vintage finds and carnival-esque accents, the Yankee has a "bow"-row seat to a beautiful Manhattan skyline.
  • Harlingen Lifeboat Hotel—From the 1950s to the 1970s, the Lilla Marras was operated by Britain's Royal National Lifeboat Institution and carried rescue operations along the North Sea and saved many from drowning. Now, the Lilla Marras is moored and combines a comfortable night's sleep with a beautiful panoramic view of the fishing town of Harlingen in the Northern Netherlands.


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Relax in these East Coast Spa-ahhs


(Photos courtesy of Canyon Ranch)

To wrap up our spa series, we found two dramatically different spa resorts on the East Coast, and we can't decide which atmosphere we like better! Spoil yourself with a massage in New York City's Upper East Side, or venture to the countryside of Western Massachusetts. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

Your hubby refuses to go for a couple's massage? Treat yourself to an even better personal one, and send him to Kiehl's Spa 1851 in New York City. The Kiehl's skincare product line has been around for 160 years—they know the drill by now, so we promise he'll enjoy it. Specializing in men's facials, masks, and serums, this spa has an old-school feel with murals and '40s-inspired art. It also has a mini barber shop!


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