Luggage Travel Blog

Not long ago I posted about some of the great children's luggage now on the market. Well, it's just come to my attention there's a new player on the block that all the kiddos will want to come out and play with.

Meet Heys USA's new Disney Line! Featuring bright Disney characters from some of your kids' favorite movies, the wheeled carry-ons are hard sided, crafted of ABS Polycarbonate composite. But what's really awesome about this line of luggage is that they didn't just slap a kid-friendly picture on the front and call it good. They actually tweeked the design of the carry-on to accommodate the smaller size of their future owners.

Unlike mom and dad's carry-on bags, the wheels on these guys protrude out to keep the case elevated and prevent them from dragging, even when being rolled at a very low height off the floor. What's more, the wheels, which are inline skates with a super smooth ride, have LED lights inside of them that light up when the case is being rolled--what kid wouldn't love that?!

The cases are also super light--just 3.8 lbs. AND they're seriously affordable at around $70 each. A happy ending all 'round!

But of course, the Disney characters on front are what will really sell the kids. Heys has cases featuring Tinkerbell, Disney princesses, characters from Cars, Finding Nemo, and Winnie the Pooh, and, of course, everyone's favorite mouse.

And everyone lived (and traveled) happily ever after!

Travel is on the brain for a lot of folks as Thanksgiving rapidly approaches. Because more and more folks are avoiding checking bags these days, opting instead to stuff everything they own into a tiny carry-on bag, I thought a posting about packing smart might be in order.

There are lots of little things you can do to organize as you pack so that 1) you don't arrive at your destination looking like you're trying to impersonate a raisin (you know, all the wrinkles...) and 2) you don't discover you inadvertently left your contacts or prescription meds or some other important item sitting at home after you've already reached your destination.

Packing accessories are huge right now, and a great place to start on your road to organization nirvana. Eagle Creek has a full line of packing cubes and packing folders that help to minimize wrinkling and maximize space. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Folder has a folding board and stain and water repellent lining, and holds up to 7 business shirts, keeping them crisp and ready for the board meeting.

The Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube has a similar mission, but is more like a pouch. The cube works well with rolled clothes, which is a great way to minimize wrinkling. Carefully roll two or three items together, and you'll be amazed at how fresh your clothing will look upon arrival. The cube lets you consolidate rolls of clothing into one tight, easy-to-handle...well, cube, so you can prepare them ahead of time, and easily shift things around in your bag as you need to while packing the larger suitcase.

If you're more concerned with space than wrinkles, compression sacs are worth looking into. The Eagle Creek version has a one-way pressure valve and can reduce volume up to 80%.

How you pack your bag also matters. Start by laying out everything you'll need ahead of time. If you grab things as you pack, you're bound to forget something, and you'll pack far less efficiently. Once you have it all laid out (envelopes and cubes already packed!) start by putting the heaviest items at the bottom of the bag. This way, your bag is not top heavy, and you'll lessen the chance of crushing clothing and lighter items.

As a final thought, if you are carrying your bag on, make sure your toiletry bag is security check-point ready, and easy to access. Use something like the TSA compliant Eagle Creek or Tumi bottle kit, which come in a reusable quart-sized bag and hold just the right amount of liquid.

I feel a covert mission coming on! Grab your digital watch voice recorder and cufflink cameras -- the new James Bond movie opens across the nation this Friday. And spotted on James Bond's arm for this installment of the much beloved spy saga is one very classy dame.

No, I'm not talking about the new Bond girl, Olga Kurylenko, but rather the chic Zero Halliburton starlett that makes major screen time with Daniel Craig as the vessel of top secret...nevermind, if I told you, I'd have to kill you (or at least spoil the movie for you, and who wants that, except the bad guys?!). But do keep an eye out for this silver beauty making her debut on the silver screen -- your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Not only is the Zero Halliburton Q4-PSslim and fashionable, she's also tough as nails. She has a heat-tempered aluminum shell that makes her strong as steel at a fraction of the weight, hinges that will withstand up to 400 pounds of pulling, a neoprene gasket that keeps out dirt and water, and a triple digit security lock. No wonder Bond is in love!!!

This blog will self-destruct after reading....

If you were a piece of luggage, what would you be? The question occurred to me this weekend as I was picking up a friend at the airport. As we waited for her luggage to crest on the baggage carousel, we watched as all kinds of bags made the circuit, picked up by all kinds of people.

A young man in ripped, low-riding jeans, grabbed a large faded duffel, while an older couple nearby collected matching Hartmann tweed bags with leather trim. There were a couple of business types hovering close by on cell phones, one of whom eventually collected a black Samsonite trolley garment bag, while the other grabbed a silver Tumi rolling hardside. The only real surprise was the smartly dressed older gentleman who snagged a dilapidated old suitcase that looked like it might have just arrived from a 50-year delayed flight.

After my friend's bright red Victorinox upright finally showed up (a perfect complement to her gregarious, fashion-forward personality) we headed off, and I thought about my own luggage. I don't have a matching set, but rather a random assortment of pieces that fit different personality quirks. There's the Northface backpack for my inner outdoorsy weekend warrior, the oversized yellow Tumi for my inner clothes horse, and let's not forget the funky bright green International Traveller Polycarbonate carry-on. Every gal needs a fun piece for weekends away!

How well does your luggage fit your personality? Introduce us, and tell us all about it!

It's official -- no more free baggage flying! Delta announced yesterday they're hopping on the baggage fee carousel. It's now a clean sweep--Delta is the last of the six legacy carriers to implement a fee for the first checked bag. As of December 5, passengers on domestic flights will be charged $15 for the first checked bag, and $25 for the second. Merry Christmas world!

In light of this inevitable, but less than welcome, announcement, seems like the perfect time to talk about the wonderful world of carry-on luggage! So today, I bring you some excellent pieces that also happen to be awesome deals, and all measure in at 45 inches or less, so they fit most airlines' carry-on size restrictions.

First up is the Samsonite Silhouette 10 21” Expandable Upright. This pretty puppy comes in three colors--red, olive, and black--and features a trifold removable suiter and toiletry kit, plus interior cross straps to keep contents in place. Best part is, the bag is currently 58% off, and comes with a free TSA bottle kit.

The Travelpro Crew 7 22" Expandable Rollaboard Suiter is also deeply discounted at 57% off, and feature-rich with a removable suiter, and removable high-mileage wheels with sealed bearings that make negotiating the airport's sprawl easy.

The Delsey Helium Hyperlite Carry On Expandable Trolly is, as the name suggests, a super light-weight bag that comes in four attractive colors--azure blue, fern green, red, and gray. The integrated flex frame with fiberglass reinforcement is what makes the bag so light, without sacrificing strength. Add to that an industrial grade aluminum recessed locking trolley handle that hides in an access pocket when you don't need it, as well as lots of pockets and weather-tight seams, and you have a traveling companion that's up for any trip. And did I mention it's 60% off?

Last but not least, the entire International Traveller carry-on line is on sale. Each piece is priced under $110, so you actually could afford to check your bag if you wanted! If boring is NOT your bag, these bags are definitely worth checking out. Zebra stripes, cow print, polka dots? Infuse your trip with a little fashion snap.

• Invest in a Carbon Offset Program. Flying is where the biggest environmental impact sits, but as an international lightrail isn't exactly an option yet, carbon offset programs are an alternative way to lessen the damage. These programs allow folks to reduce the carbon emissions they are responsible for by offsetting, reducing, or displacing CO2 somewhere else where it's more economical to do so. Carbon offsets usually include renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reforestation projects. There are lots of programs to choose from -- check out the list of recommended projects maintained by the Environmental Defense Fund.
  


• Choose a "green hotel". Before you book, ask 1) if the hotel is locally owned and locally staffed, 2) if they have recycling programs, 3) if guests have the option of reusing towels and sheets instead of having them changed every day, 4) if they use low-flow toilets, energy-efficient lighting, or use alternative energy sources like solar power, and 5) if they contribute to the local community. You can also visit a website such as the"Green" Hotels Association to find a good candidate.
  


• Choose environmentally responsible tour operators. Before you book, ask about the size of the tour group (smaller groups usually make less of an impact, and besides, are more enjoyable to be a part of), whether it's led by locals (they have the best insight into the place anyway), and if the operation gives back to the community.
  


• When visiting beautiful natural places, stay on marked trails, don't pick the flowers, and take your trash with you. Just make sure all you leave the place with are photographs, and the items you packed in.
  


• Buy local. Skip Mickie D's and opt for the local joint. You'll get a taste of local cuisine, and support the local economy. Buy local crafts as well, and bypass the imported junk. Besides, local crafts make better gifts and souvenirs. Just avoid items made from endangered animals and plants. You'll usually have them confiscated at customs anyway.
  


• Consider volunteer tourism! Combine seeing a new place with helping out the local population. Voluntourism.org offers ideas on a lot of different trips, guaranteed to give you a side of warm fuzzies.
  

1. Book your flight for non-peak travel times, Mondays-Wednesdays, after the morning business rush, or in the evening.
   


2. Pack more games, snacks, drinks, and activities than you think you'll need--never know when that five-hour delay will hit. Include a variety of activities, including books, travel board games, an MP3 player, DVD player, and a portable video system.
   


3. Tell your child ahead of time what to expect, and keep the commentary going. When checking or screening baggage, reassure him he'll get his belongings back.
   
   


4. Allow extra time at the airport.
   


5. Give your child safety rules, including what to do if you become separated.
   


6. Consider giving your child an "airport allowance." You can pass time at the airport before the flight by visiting shops to find the perfect snack or toy.
   


7. Consider using a child tether, even if you don't normally. It's so easy to be distracted when checking or claiming luggage.
   


8. Take-offs and landings can be painful for children, so bring ear filters, or just encourage your child to swallow by offering drinks, gum, or hard candy.
   


9. Bring toys out one at a time for maximum entertainment value (and minimal clutter!).
   


10. Seat your child by the window. Kids love the view, and they're protected from wayward aisle carts.
    

1. Tumi Alpha 22" 22022DH scored 87 points with excellent marks for durability, capacity, and convenience.




2. Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 4.0 22" 30340103 scored 77 points with excellent marks for durability, and very good for capacity and convenience.
   



3. Hartmann Stratum 22" 3520 scored 74 points with excellent marks for durability, very good for capacity, and good for convenience.
   



4. Briggs & Riley Baseline 20"U420NB scored 72 points with excellent marks for durability, good for capacity, and very good for convenience.
   



5. TravelPro FlightPro4 22" 8622 scored 67 points with very good marks for durability, good for capacity, and excellent for convenience.
   



6. Delsey Helium Fusion 22274 scored 67 points with good marks for durability, excellent for capacity, and very good for convenience.