Most urban areas have plenty of people who frequently travel into and out of the city for their daily paychecks. Are you one of them? Do you have friends or family members who often brave those long distances to work? Such a grind can get pretty old, pretty fast. Especially when inclement weather is involved—and let’s face it, it usually is.
Want to perk up your commute—or someone else's? Here are some item designed to keep you cheerful as you navigate trains, cars, bikes, buses, and city sidewalks in all kinds of weather.
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Travel mug
There’s nothing worse than lukewarm coffee on a cold and dreary Monday morning, so consider Contigo’s leakproof travel mug. This one-handed wonder keeps drinks hot for five hours and cold for 12 hours, is easy to clean, contains no separate parts, and fits perfectly into cup holders. It works so well you can throw it in your bag and just go every morning. Choose from 20 colors to fit your style. And with 4.2 stars out of 19,486 reviews on Amazon, it's the number one seller in the travel mug category.
Click here to find the Contigo Stainless Steel Travel Mug ($20).
Travel umbrella
Upgrade your rainy weather options with this sharp-looking umbrella in your choice of solid colors. A vented, double-canopy construction allows wind to pass through, eliminating that problem where your umbrella flips over and breaks in strong wind. EEZ-Y’s product is made from fiberglass and stainless steel with a rubberized grip and water-resistant fabric, so it lasts. It folds small to fit in a tote, and it’s fully automated so you can use it with one hand. And with 4.3 stars out of 2,607 reviews on Amazon, this umbrella has plenty of fans.
Click here to shop the EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella ($23).
Subscription entertainment service
One of the best ways to pass time on a long commute is to catch up with your reading, listen to the latest music, or watch movie.
Spotify, Audible, and Scribd are among the most useful apps in this regard. Digital music service Spotify gives you access to millions of songs, while Audible provides a huge selection of audio books. Scribd does the same for electronic books, but also includes recent audio book releases. Do you have a specific interest? Try Britbox, CBS Access, or another more niche subscription.
Click here to find subscription information for Audible ($15/month), Scribd ($9/month), Netflix ($8/month), or Spotify ($10/month).
Noise-canceling headphones
What’s better for a long stint on the train than noise-reducing headphones with a dual-microphone system and hands-free voice control? Bose’s high-quality product offers three levels of noise cancellation, compatibility with Amazon’s Alexa, up to 20 hours of wireless play time, and balanced audio no matter what you’re listening to. Take calls, listen to music, or use your devices, all while enjoying full, crisp sound. There's no better way to enjoy traveling in comfort and quiet, and Amazon customers agree: it's got 4.3 stars out of 1,593 reviews.
Click here to find the Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones ($349).
Folding bicycle
For those who cycle all the way to work, or just to the nearest subway stop, this low-framed bike will make a commute much more convenient. Easily fold it up into a compact package when you're not using it, and tuck it into its included bag. When you do need to ride it, choose from seven speeds. The snappy, smooth-riding little vehicle with 20" wheels tackles hills easily and features sturdy fenders to protect work clothes. The rear carry rack helps you lift all 32 pounds, and it's adjustable for many different size people of varied weights. The bike has 3.9 stars out of 502 reviews on Amazon.
Click here to shop the Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bicycle ($249).
