Elite Traveler Summer 2020

DISCOVER

elite traveler SUMMER 2020 24 Technology by Samantha Coles

TAKE TWO// NEW TRAVEL APPS

1. LIVEAURORANETWORK There’s nothing on Earth quite as spectacular as the Northern Lights. But even if you journey to see the ethereal light show, there is no guarantee that you will get a front-row seat or that they will make an appearance. Enter Live Aurora Network, an app that is linked to a network of high-definition cameras situated in dark-sky locations around Iceland, Norway and Alaska (Canada is coming soon). Current locations overlook the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland and Lofoten Links golf course in Norway. The app uses a one-of-a-kind algorithm developed by NASA space physicist Dr Liz MacDonald. The technology also grades the intensity of the sky and the aurora. While travel is limited, stream the Northern Lights from the comfort of your home, or get the real-time location of the lights, when the world opens up again and you can go chase them. liveauroranetwork.com

We’ve all been there: You have an important event and want to wear your favorite suit or outfit, but it needs to be dry cleaned and it is too late for that. Samsung has a solution: the AirDresser. The innovative product from the tech giant was unveiled at CES, the Consumer Technology Association’s consumer electronics show, earlier this year to great fanfare. It uses powerful air and steam to remove dust and germs, meaning your clothes are refreshed, clean and ready to wear. Add your clothing to the unit and it releases powerful, fast-moving air to loosen and free dust. Then the JetSteam function sanitizes clothing to rid it of bacteria, viruses and allergens (this stage is particularly useful for linens and soft toys). There is a deodorizing filter that breaks down and removes odor-causing particles, and the self-cleaning function dehumidifies, sanitizes and deodorizes the interior of the unit without using harsh detergents. Finally, it dries clothes at a low, gentle temperature, minimizing heat damage and shrinkage. It also has a setting that can smooth wrinkles without ironing by using a combination of steam and air to relax the clothes. The dehumidifying function even helps keeps the rest of your clothes at their best (even though they are not inside the unit) by drawing out the moisture in the room. The AirDresser is sleek and discreet, and can easily blend into most closets. It runs quietly enough that you can switch it on overnight without WARDROBE REFRESH

The AirDresser can refresh multiple outfits at a time, and has a separate space for accessories and small items

2. CLOSECIRCLE APP Safety, especially when traveling, is paramount. But when you are on vacation watching the sunset, it is easy to have a relaxed attitude. Enter the CloseCircle app: It operates like a personal global emergency service, putting you or a loved one under the 24/7 protection of a specialist team of ex-military and security personnel. Options include protection for adventure travel, expat living, LGBTQ travel, keeping track of family abroad, vulnerable traveler protection and help for when vacations go wrong. Members have the use of a panic button with a 24/7 emergency response, evacuation from extreme weather and security risks, real-time tracking, instant security alerts and unlimited expert advice. If there’s trouble ahead, you will be alerted and instructed on the best way to proceed, no matter where you are. From $198 per year, closecircle.com

disturbing your beauty sleep. From $1,550 samsung.com