A shopping editor who commutes from the Midlands to London three times a week has shared her top picks for making long journeys more bearable. Writing on the train, she admits to trawling Amazon deals for items that lighten the load—both literally and figuratively.
First on her list is a Kindle, which she says is far more practical than carrying heavy books. For those who overheat, she recommends the Shark ChillPill, a 3-in-1 personal cooling system with up to 11 hours of battery life. A lightweight power bank is also essential, as phone tickets make running out of battery a major stress.
She swaps her bulky Stanley bottle for a slim Ninja Thirsti water bottle, and highlights a laptop bag she considers a keeper. Noise-cancelling Apple AirPods are a must for blocking out loud phone users, while Loop Quiet 2 ear plugs offer a cheaper alternative. For hot, crowded trains, a hands-free neck fan is her top pick.
Other suggestions include Apple AirTags for tracking valuables, a portable screen for watching shows on slow trains, and a robust Bento Box for leak-proof lunch storage. She notes that while some items like the Kindle and AirPods are pricier, they make great gifts for frequent travellers.