Best Travel Fans

There's nothing like the feeling of the wind in the sails. There's also nothing like the feeling of a warm windless evening – one of those times when you wish you could just cool down. Let's face it, most of the time ceiling fans are more aesthetic than useful. That's why you should always pack a travel fan. Here are several we can't live without.

This small fan slips in your purse, beach bag, or pack. Wear it while beach-combing, hiking, or watching that game from the bleachers. This three-speed, blade-less fan is cool. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear jogging on the treadmill or climbing the stair stepper. But you don't need to be working out to appreciate the incredible cooling power of this travel fan. Once you wear this hands-free blade-less fan, it will become your new travel buddy.

This fan is completely adjustable. You can move it all around – 360 degrees horizontally and vertically. At just under seven inches, this little dynamo travel fan really moves air. Set one up next to your yoga mat or your camp table. Portable and high-power, this mini-fan stands on its own or you can clip it onto your bookshelf, headboard, curtain, or awning.

This is the most impressive little blade-less travel fan. It cools like a larger device. This travel air conditioner will make you the most popular parent at the pool. Just prop up the little white stand and enjoy the cool breeze. Like a larger air conditioner, it cools when you put in a damp sponge, and the air chills as it passes over the sponge.

Every purse, glove box, camping box, and vacation bag needs one of these foldable fans. In a delicate pink color, it charges in three hours and lasts on low for almost a whole day – 21 hours. On high it will last 14 hours – long enough for an entire whole swim meet or a double header. The soft fan blade won't hurt when you touch it, a great feature when you're cooling around grabby little hands. At not even 5 inches long, it's easy to take everywhere. Quick to open, just pivot the fan to stand on its sturdy charger base. When you are done, simply fold it closed.

This little fan plugs into your electrical outlet and quickly cools your area with minimal noise. We aren't quite sure how this vortex action works, but the quiet fan really moves air. Although it comes in six other colors, we love this turquoise model. Every boat, camper, RV, or even guest room needs one of these blissful blue breeze-makers. It folds down when you're done, so it's simple and convenient to stow on board or in your suitcase.

Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Islands and recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat. Islands is an award-winning brand founded in 1980 that speaks to international travelers who have an affinity for the Caribbean and beyond. The website showcases destinations, resorts, cruises, and recommendations by the Islands' staff.