Sexual wellness brand LELO just gets us. Say you want a sex toy that requires minimal to zero effort from you, including not even having to locate your clit? That’s the SILA. A couples aid that supports regular rounds of missionary? Reach for the TIANI. A rabbit that delivers blended Os on demand? You want the SORAYA.
So you can imagine our excitement when the brand announced it was launching a travel-friendly vibrator that should easily slip through airport security and get you off just as well as any full-sized vibe.
The designers say the pencil-shaped shaker will help you ‘reimagine your journeys in the most pleasurable way possible’. So, of course, we asked one of our seasoned sex writers to test that claim on her pre-summer travels.
Stay tuned for a run-down on the key specs, answers to your FAQs, and, most importantly, a very honest review of LELO’s latest vibe. You’re welcome.
Everything you need to know about the LELO DOT Travel
| Sex toy type | Clitoral vibrator |
|---|---|
| In the box | USB charging cord, satin storage pouch, warranty registration card and detailed instruction manual |
| Material | Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic |
| Length | 5.4 inches |
| Weight | 53 grams |
| Power | USB rechargable |
| Battery life | Up to 60 minutes |
| Noise level | < 60 dB |
The second addition to LELO’s range of travel-friendly teasers – the SONA 2 Travel is a pint-sized version of your favourite sucker – the DOT Travel looks fairly similar to the original pinpoint vibrator. Up top is the same flexible, flat-tipped nub designed to quake your clit, nipples, or earlobes. However, for widespread shaking, LELO recommends resting the vibe flat against your vulva.
Further down, the designers have ditched the loop handle to slim the toy – a decision we’re not mad about. The new barrel-shaped handle is easy to grip and non-slip, even when wet. Finished with the brand’s recognisable rose-gold detailing, the DOT Travel looks just as luxe as any other LELO we’ve taken home.
While still a firm favourite in the Cosmo office, the original LELO DOT boasts eight settings, offering everything from a continuous pulse to an intense, intermittent tremor, and a battery life of at least 120 minutes.
The mini version comes fitted with eight identical settings and the same Infinite Loop Technology – rather than sending out circular motions, the motor moves in an elliptical fashion, resulting in sweeping-style sensations. And despite its smaller size, the engine delivers the same number of pulses per second, just for up to one hour instead of two.
Both versions of the DOT are controlled by an intuitive three-button interface, the same for most LELO sex toys. The top ‘–’ button reduces the intensity, and the ‘+’ at the bottom does the opposite. To power on, hold the ‘()’ button for three seconds, and to activate the travel lock, press the other two for five seconds until you see the LED lights flash.
The only other differences are the weight – with the DOT Travel basically half the weight of the original (53 grams versus 98) – and the length, with the mini measuring up (almost) an inch shorter.
LELO DOT Travel FAQs
- Where can I buy the LELO DOT Travel? Currently, this is an exclusive LELO offering, but select vibes are also available at Lovehoney, Feel Unique, LookFantastic, Sephora, Beauty Bay, and Boots.
- What lube should I use with the LELO DOT Travel? Water-based is best. This will banish any friction without impacting the integrity of your tech.
- Is my LELO Dot Travel waterproof? 100%, thanks to its ipx7-rated casing (essentially you can submerge this up to a metre below the surface for up to 30 minutes without risk of damage).
How to use the LELO Dot Travel
As with all sex tech, it’s down to you where you direct the motion. While labelled a ‘clitoral pinpoint vibrator’, the DOT Travel can also be used for external stimulation anywhere on the body.
Just in case you’re new to techy teasing (no judgement, we’ve all been there), here’s how we’d start:
- Where you place your DOT Travel and the USB charging cable while packing – either in your carry-on or hold luggage – is up to you, but we do suggest checking the laws of the land you’re travelling to. FYI, sex toys are banned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Vietnam, and India.
- During your next self-pleasure session, start by lubing up the toy and yourself. We’re particularly fond of LELO’s tasteless, odourless Personal Moisturiser, but Lovehoney’s Delight Extra Silky Lubricant comes in a travel-friendly 30ml measure.
- LELO says to let the ‘oscillating movements guide you’ and we don’t disagree. Try using the vibe all over your body to discover what you really like. We also suggest experimenting with different sex positions and angles as all play a role in your pleasure.
- Don’t feel like you have to wait for an orgasm. Yes, that’s a great end to any play, but it doesn’t need to be the deciding factor on whether you had a good time.
How we tested the LELO DOT Travel
After an extensive examination, our straight, vulva-owning sex writer got up close and personal. Pairing her new clitoral vibrator with water-based lube, she enjoyed multiple self-pleasure sessions, hitting various erogenous zones (lips, nips, and clit).
LELO Dot Travel: One sex writer’s review
Spoiler: our sex writer Sophie was feeling the vibe.
Rating: 4.3/5
Pros
- It’s precision play made easy
- The compact size means it’ll fit in most handbags – or your situationship’s pocket
- Infinity Loop Technology results in more realistic, sweeping sensations
- She’s stealthy (AKA virtually silent)
Cons
- There’s no hiding that this is a sex toy
- You’ve got to know where your C-spot is
- Those eight pulsing patterns aren’t anything we haven’t seen before
- It’s still an investment – using Girl Math, that’s foregoing one fresh set of BIAB nails
As for most women in their late 20s, May through August is looking *hectic*. If I’m not on a rodeo-themed hen, I’m visiting one of my brand-new nieces or exploring Europe on a budget. It’s a summer plan I have zero complaints about – aside from the fact it may get in the way of my NY resolution to prioritise my sexual satisfaction.
Typically, a weekend away involves (reluctantly) leaving behind my SILA – one vibe in my regular rotation – to save someone (airport security, my nosey sister) from discovering it. Not that I should be embarrassed; it’s sexy to be satisfied. But the launch of the DOT Travel gave me an excuse to risk a temporary dip in my dignity.
My first impressions: considering the cardboard box was carrying the answer to on-to-go orgasms, it was fairly lightweight. There is no denying the pint-sized probe is a sex toy – unlike Roam’s Pebble, this won’t pass for a beauty blender – but it’s discreet in that it doesn’t look particularly phallic.
It’s obvs a sex toy but it may still take airport security a second to work that out
Sometimes seeing more sex toys than meals in a day, my bar is set pretty high. With all premium sex tech, I expect a battery life that puts my exes to shame and a few added extras like a storage case. Thankfully, inside the DOT Travel box I found a scuba storage pouch alongside the USB charging cable and a (detailed) instruction manual. My niche complaint: the cable isn’t branded, so you’ll have to make a mental note this adds juice to LELO vibes only.
Plugging my DOT Travel in for a quick charge before I treated it to a romantic getaway, I appreciated the twin LED lights signalling it was refuelling as planned.
A quick staycation at my sister’s
To save the effort of squeezing a case onto a crowded train, I usually just shove a change of clothes into an oversized tote when travelling in the UK. Refusing to stray from my routine, I was relieved to find my sex-cessory was a similar size to my foundation brush, meaning it fitted effortlessly into my makeup bag.
After getting my loot upstairs without an involuntary frisking, I left it there until later that evening. Sharing a wall with my older sibling, I was nervous to see if the vibrator was audible – but even after maxing out the intensity, it was virtually undetectable once under the sheets.
Loading the tip with lube (if your stocks need replenishing, my favourites are listed below), I started up top, gently directing the device at my nipples. As suspected, it took seconds for them to stand to attention.
Heading south, the vibrator delivered in terms of pinpoint pleasure. For example, there was no questioning if I had hit my clit. After cycling through all the modes, I found I favoured the constant rolling rhythm (maybe number five?).
For me, the mid-level intensity was enough to feel that familiar wave of tension rising up my thighs – any higher and I would have had concerns about numbing preventing me from going for round two. Within five minutes, I was at the point of release, which I took as a sign I could have toned it down a little if I wanted a lengthier liaison.
A three-day European tour
Upgrading to a carry-on suitcase, I had no worries about my vibe fitting in my bag. I was more concerned as to whether I was going to have to beg airport security not to manhandle my masturbator, or if the travel lock would successfully do its job.
Following the request to remove all electricals from my case, I stacked my laptop, phone, and vibrator (stashed in the drawstring pouch) in the tray before pushing it inside the scanner. Avoiding a random security check, I collected my valuables at the other end without any questions.
Throughout the journey, I checked that the travel lock – easy to activate and signalled by another flash of the LED lights – was doing its job. Thankfully, I was greeted by silence every time. Once in Spanish territory, I made a quick transfer from the case to my designated bathroom draw. Not that I would have cared if my pal had spotted it, but that would have likely prompted a deep dive into my love life and latest disaster date.
Spending fairly little time on my own, I was limited to a quick tease in the shower. With the DOT Travel being 100% waterproof, that wasn’t a problem, plus the sound of the water helped mask the buzzing (and my moans). A similar story to last time, I hit a few other erogenous zones before settling on my C-spot.
It did dawn on me when heading for the golden buzzer that sex tech novices still getting to grips with their anatomy may struggle when on their own or without a mirror. Luckily, I know my route to a clitoral orgasm pretty well now.
A quick sesh on all three days and I set a new PB for finishing in under four minutes. I was also thrilled to find it didn’t need recharging until I got home on Sunday evening. And, if you’re wondering, my friend didn’t suspect a thing. However, she is concerned that my lengthy showers are hiking up the price of my water bill.
The final verdict
For something small, The LELO DOT Travel is unintimidating and packs serious power, delivering intense vibrations exactly where you want them. As mentioned, vibrator virgins or partners with penises may need a quick re-education on where the clit sits, but that’s easily incorporated into foreplay.
While I’m personally yet to try it with a partner – you can blame Hinge and its interesting suggestions for my ‘Most Compatible’ – I can’t see it being anything but a useful addition to our bedroom/bathroom/hotel balcony antics. For instance, it’s not exactly going to get in the way during doggy.
Granted, it is an investment and perhaps not a necessary one if you have another LELO at your disposal. After all, nearly all the Nordic pulsers come with a travel lock and a scuba drawstring bag to keep your intentions hidden from everyone but the airport scanner.
But for those of us who are in desperate need of an upgrade – or the single girls who want more orgasms with minimal effort and without the assistance of a mediocre lover, this is a sensible, nay, sensual choice.
