When packing for holidays you may want to consider making a checklist. This might sound like a foolish idea but it can truly help you get organized and will help make sure that you don’t leave anything important behind.

Your first step is to grab a piece of paper and a pen and quickly jot down all of the things you might need to take with you.  Once you have your list created, double check it carefully and add to it as you see fit. Try to think of everything that you would need throughout your trip because once you are packed it is a pain to have to search through to assure yourself that you have packed the important things.  Keep in mind the amount of time you will be at your destination and pack accordingly. It is best to assume that you will be unable to wash your clothing while on vacation, so choosing clothes that can easily be worn for more than one day is a wise choice. Although it may not seem important, make sure to pack more than enough underwear for your trip. There is nothing worse than realizing that you have not packed enough and be faced with the choice to either go without or wear unclean underwear, neither of which is pleasant for most people. Also, make sure not to just pack beach wear without checking what sorts of requirements are needed for dining in your hotel restaurants. Not all places will accept beach wear and you may find yourself scrambling for a place to eat in such a case.  Finally, make sure that you take into account the type of footwear you are going to need.

Once you have your list finished, gather up all of the things you have written down and arrange them on the floor, the bed, or a table.  Check carefully to make sure that you have everything that you actually want to take with you before you start placing them inside your luggage.  Separate out the toiletries and place them inside something spill proof. If your baggage comes with a spill proof pouch, place them there, otherwise, stick them inside of large Ziploc baggies. This will prevent your clothing and other possessions from being covered with shampoo or lotion if one of them happens to leak while traveling. Once you begin to pack, start with the heaviest items first or simply place everything into a space bag to save space.  Remember to leave yourself some space if you plan to buy souvenirs or pack an extra bag.  Finally, before you zip up your bag, make sure you have packed what you need because rearranging your baggage once you are done is never a fun task.  A little planning beforehand will help to make sure you have a great vacation.

Traveling can be a fun and interesting experience. There are many ways one can choose to travel, including going by air.  Flying makes things a lot simpler if you are going long distances, but figuring out exactly what you should pack can sometimes be a hassle. Putting some time into choosing your travel wardrobe can pay dividends and will help ensure you have a great trip.

When it comes time to pack the suitcase, many people tend to roll their clothing or fold them carefully. These methods work, of course, but it does not necessarily save space nor does it prevent wrinkles. Depending on the destination you are flying to and the thickness of your clothing, space can disappear quickly. As an alternative, why not consider using a space bag.  These are designed to allow for a large amount of clothing to be packed in the most minimal of space once you remove the air from it.  As an added bonus, your clothing will be more or less wrinkle free. If your type of space bag requires a hairdryer to work, make sure you pack it in the suitcase once you’ve finished.

Remember to keep anything that is extra important out of the spacebag or your checked luggage as you will not be able to fetch it once you check in at the airport. Things like travel documents and medications should be kept in your carryon luggage.  Make sure to keep things like your passport, boarding pass and ticket, and any other identification documents you might need in a spot that is easily accessible so that you don’t have to search through your entire carryon luggage to find them when it comes time to show them. Also, if you need to take medications with you on the plane, it is best to have a doctor’s note with you, especially if your medication is liquid based or requires syringes.  Without that, you may find yourself unable to board or having to leave your medication behind. Neither is a great alternative, so pack smart.

Think carefully about what you will pack in your suitcase. For example, if you feel like you should take a jacket with you, your best bet is to wear it instead of packing it. Coats and jackets are often quite large and can take up a lot of room in your baggage.  Also, think carefully about any jewelry you decide to take with you.  Anything that is truly valuable is best left at home. You do not want to lose those pieces or have them stolen while on holiday.  When it comes to packing footwear, make sure to consider exactly what you may or may not need and pack only those pairs, as footwear can take up a lot of room as well. Just as with coats and jackets, it is best to wear your biggest pair on the plane to save space.

Remember that holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing. If you pack smartly, you will reduce the amount of stress on yourself and will allow you to enjoy your time wherever you go.

suitcase by Lasse C on flickr.com

Kids like to pull their own weight and liked to be involved in everything. This is true when you travel, but a normal suitcase, even a regular sized rolling carryon bag, is too large and heavy for a child to move with any comfort. In order to let your kids feel a part of the whole process, why not buy them their own suitcase? It will allow them to take charge of their own clothes, personal items and toy and feel like they are pulling their own weight. Kids suitcases are now available both online and offline. These suitcases come in a variety of designs, sizes and shapes.

Here are three very good choices which vary in price depending on what you want to spend:

The American Tourister kid’s luggage setis a great purchase. This is an interesting set of luggage for your child. It comes with one roller bag and a smaller backpack. The larger of the two is big enough for a weekend’s worth of clothes and kid stuff, and has an upright handle and rolling wheels for easy movement. The backpack has comfortable shoulder straps, as well as a handle for carrying. These bags are made of sturdy canvass and hold up quite nicely. The animal shapes make them fun and appealing for children.

These are another great choice when looking for kids suitcases from Heys USA.They have been designed with kids in mind. These bags are big enough to carry a weekend’s worth of clothes and kid things, and are made of a very sturdy material that will withstand any normal wear and tear. The handle is designed to curve in a way that makes it easier for any child to grip, and the wheels make it easy for a child to roll. Each case has a special Disney character, such as Winnie the Pooh or Minnie, allowing your child to take their favorite cartoon character with them on trips. As a special treat, the wheels light up as the case moves and is sure to delight any child.

This piece of luggage is just the right size for a child to handle easily. Its front has a cute Koala and bird picture on the front, and is a bright color, appealing for any child. The bag itself is made of a soft velour material and is easily washable. There are side pockets, as well as an internal zippered mesh pocket. The inside has a nylon lining that is very easy to clean and the handle is comfortable and fits easily into a child’s hand, making it easy to roll. It is quite durable and will stand the test of any normal wear and tear.

My personal pick is the Heys USA piece of luggage. It is very durable and the choice of characters are varied enough to suit changing tastes and new cartoon favorites. A kid’s suitcase must be something that can hold the interest of your child and these bags certainly do that. For my money, these are definitely the best buy.

luggage by HarshLight on flickr.com

The cost of flying has definitely been on the rise lately. Airlines seem to constantly be searching for new ways to charge extra money for their services.  If you wish to carry more than one bag, you need to pay extra on just about every airline out there these days, and some will even charge extra for just one bag. Fortunately, carry-on luggage is still free for basically everyone, and it is now more important than ever to be able to pack as much as you can into your carry-on luggage than ever.  The main question though, when dealing with this type of luggage is, what is the standard carry-on luggage size allowed? How big is too big? All airlines have restrictions on the size of the bags you are allowed to carry-on with you.

When you are choosing a new piece of carry on luggage from a store, you need to be aware of several things.  First of all, most manufactures do not tell you whether or not the bag is of “legal” size or not. Just because it has the title “carry-on luggage” does not mean that the airline you decide to fly with will accept it.  Secondly, bag manufacturers are clever in how they come to their measurements for their bags. Most of them measure the inside compartment, not the entirety of the bag, so although you may THINK you have a bag that conforms to carry-on luggage size restrictions, you may in fact be over.  Use your own judgment when buying a new piece, or take a measuring tape with you to the store and be certain. Remember that any piece of carry-on luggage you take with you MUST fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. If it will not fit in either spot, the airline WILL force you to check it, and this will cost you the same as any extra bag of larger size.

Domestic and International flights often differ on what they will and will not allow when it comes to carry-on luggage. Most airlines allow one carry-on piece plus one personal item, such as a briefcase or backpack. However, the size of the piece of carry-on luggage varies depending on which carrier you fly with. When you are about to take a flight, you should always double check the airline website to make sure you know what the carry-on size restrictions tend to be. Also, although domestic flights tend not to care about the weight of your carry-on, many international carriers can be extremely restrictive and allow only a small amount of weight.

No one wants extra surprises at the airport. Flights are expensive enough these days without adding many different extra charges to it just to take needed articles with you.  In order to prevent nasty surprises, always make sure to double check the restrictions of your carrier on their website. Every airline provides details about what they will and will not allow.  Remember, it’s better to be safe then sorry. Have a great flight!

Guide for buying luggage from suitcase set.

Here’s a simple fact: A good piece of luggage makes traveling easier. This is because you can organize your suitcase the way you want and everything is neat and in order. An organized suitcase helps you feel like your life is in order, even if you are far away from home. Having the perfect set of luggage for you and your needs helps trips go smoother and be less stressful, so you can focus on why you are traveling instead of worrying about your things.  There are lots of different luggage choices out there, so finding the one that works for you and your travel needs is extra important.

There are several different kinds of travelers and each come with their own specific needs when it comes to luggage:

Weekend travelers are the first type. If you are only going on short trips that last 2 or 3 days, you probably do not want a large, cumbersome suitcase.  A small, very mobile piece of luggage is probably your best bet.  Being able to pack quickly is a bonus. Also, you will be able to check out some of the local sites wherever you travel without having to check into your hotel first if you have a small, easily carried piece of luggage.  Backpacks and duffel bags are, in my opinion, your best choice. Also, if you are flying to your destination, stick with carry-on luggage so you don’t have to wait for your bags when you land at your destination.

Another type of traveler is the business traveler.  If you are one of these travelers, you know that business traveling is all about efficiency and organization.  You do not want to spend a lot of time in the airport when you land, so carrying big bags that need to be checked would be rather inconvenient.  Also, you want to be able to find exactly what you are looking for in your luggage so that you can be completely prepared and look your best for your meetings or conventions.  My recommendation would be to stick with a great piece of carry-on luggage and a laptop case for your business travels.

The family traveler is another type of common traveler.  When you are traveling together, it is rather important to have everything that everyone is going to need packed and secure. This is a lot of stuff and is generally not going to fit in a small bag or two.  The best solution for family travelers is to purchase a large luggage set. This way, you can fit in everything that you need to take with you, but will allow you to leave some room to bring back souvenirs.  I would recommending a matched set rather than individually purchased pieces so that you will not accidently forget one of the bags in the confusion after you land.

Finally, there is the international traveler. Picking luggage for this kind of travel can sometimes be a little tricky. You need to find that delicate balance between ease of carrying and the ability to hold all of the things you are going to need for an extended trip.  If you are planning on staying with friends or family during your travel, a large suitcase is rather convenient, as it will hold all of the things that you will need. However, if you are planning on wandering around, or staying in hotels, I recommend purchasing a travel backpack. These allow you to store lots of clothing and belongings but are not cumbersome. You can take them with you from the plane to a bus or train when moving around.

Suitcases come in all shapes and sizes these days. There is a ton of choice out there.  Before you spend money on any piece of luggage though, think about your specific needs. If you are only making small trips, why buy a huge piece of luggage? If you are planning on spending a month overseas, a small duffel bag will not hold everything that you could possibly want or need during your trip. Planning ahead will make any trip you take much easier and relatively stress free. Oh, one added tip. If you are like me, and like to buy lots of souvenirs on your travels, I recommend carrying along an extra, empty duffle bag that you can easily stuff into your other luggage so that you will have plenty of room to carry back all of the things you purchase. Enjoy your travels!

Hand luggage is an essential item for most travelers. When you travel, you will take at least one bag of some kind, even if you are only going for a short period of time. The size of the bag may vary, but hand luggage is extremely popular. While not everyone who flies will take checked luggage (I’ve taken several short trips where I’ve not bothered with checked luggage), basically all fliers take some sort of carryon or hand luggage.

There are many different rules these days about what you can and cannot carry with you on a plane. For full rules, it’s best to check first the specific rules for your carrier. Also, check out the TSA official website to get a complete listing of everything you can and cannot carry with you in your hand luggage. Here are a few things to keep in mind. You cannot carry liquids past security, except for pre-approved sizes. You can take liquids and gels that are in containers that hold less than 100ml. Any and all that you wish to carry must be able to fit in a clear plastic baggie, and you are only allowed to have one per traveler, and it will have to go through the screener separate from all of your other objects. Anything larger than 100ml is best left at home or if needed, placed in your checked luggage. The only exceptions to this rule are medicines that have been approved, although you will have to get them approved before hand. You will also need some sort of letter or document from your doctor explaining why you need it. They also will make exceptions for baby food and/or milk, but you will be asked to taste it to prove it is what you say it is. There are other things to remember when packing your hand luggage. Sharp objects of basically every kind are a no-no, except for scissors that have blades that are shorter than 4 inches. Most sporting goods need to be checked, and firearms are never allowed on the plane, and can only be checked if you have the proper documentation for it. There are lots of other rules and restrictions, so it’s best to check out the TSA site and your carrier websites to be sure.
Size of your hand luggage is also a factor. You are limited by very specific size limits to what you carry onto the plane. Every carrier is different so you should check before you pack to see if your bag fits the approved size. Most airlines will allow you to take one carryon piece and one personal item (laptop bag, purse, backpack), though they have to, in general, be able to fit under the seat in front of you. Usually when I travel, I take two pieces of carryon luggage. One is your traditional piece of hand luggage and the other is a backpack that I can shove under the seat. Even when I pack light, I still generally take two carryons.

When it comes to actually buying a new piece of hand luggage, you have many choices. You can buy a rolling duffle bag, canvas messenger bag, or you standard upright piece. No matter what you decide to buy, I recommend that you get yourself a piece of hand luggage that has wheels. Bags that roll are much more convenient than ones that do not. When it comes to your underseat hand luggage, I would not recommend that you get an upright. They do not fit under the seat properly on most planes, and you will encounter problems if you are unfortunate to board the plane late or it is a very packed flight because the bin space is quite limited on most planes. Those that can’t fit under your seat or in a bin become checked luggage (they take your bag, stick a tag on it, and place it in the hold.) If you have things you need to access, this is rather a pain in the rear. This is why I take the one upright with rolling wheels, and one backpack or messenger bag. Backpacks tend to fit well under the seat in front of you and their design is not rigid, so you can squish it around until it fits.

Hand luggage is useful, convenient , and basically a necessity for any traveler. If you are carrying electronic or expensive things (that are permitted onboard, remember to double check the rules if you have doubts), you do not want to pack them in your checked luggage, as they can either be damaged or stolen. On long trips, you want to have some way to entertain yourself, like a book to read, a game to play, a notebook to write or draw in, and so on (I pack my Nintendo DS and my Sony PSP for my journeys). You want these things close, so hand luggage become crucial. Finally, you want to pack a small change of clothes, just in case your checked luggage gets lost (this happens often enough it’s best to take some sort of precaution). As long as you have these things in your hand luggage, you never have to worry about them getting lost.

When you are making decisions about your travel plans, the type of luggage to take with you should be high on your list. The overall weight of your suitcases should be carefully considered. With tons of weight restrictions brought to bear on travelers these days when flying, lightweight luggage can be your very best travel friend. Most airlines have very specific restrictions when it comes to how much a piece of luggage when fully packed can weigh. The amounts vary (and it is best to double check with your carrier before you pack) but most restrict you to 50 pounds or less. Anything over that, you will have to pay extra to take your bag with you. In theory, 50 pounds sounds like a lot, but if you have to pack for extended travel, multiple family members, or international travel, it can very quickly add up. You do not want to start out at a disadvantage by having a heavy suitcase that monopolizes a large portion of your weight allowance while empty. Many leather and hardside suitcases can weigh between 10-20 pounds with nothing in them. If you choose to take one of these rather than a lightweight luggage alternative, you have already reduced how much you can pack by quite a lot. Consider carefully when choosing a new piece of luggage. Whether you are considering buying new checked luggage or a new carry-on piece, lightweight luggage is one of the better choices.

Transporting luggage in general can be a pain if it is too heavy or bulky. Your first instinct with purchasing new checked luggage pieces may be to buy something very stylish, or something that appears extremely sturdy. Although this is not a bad instinct, you should carefully consider whether or not luggage weight is an issue for you and your travels. There are many fantastic lightweight choices available in the market today. They may not necessarily be made of stylish leather, or be made up of materials such as aluminum, that will stand up to any nick or ding, but they are still great choices. Sure, leather looks great, lasts a long time, and resists damage very well, but it is also quite heavy. The same goes for many of the hardside suitcase alternatives. Your best bet if you are searching for lightweight luggage is to go with something made from nylon. This material is extremely lightweight, yet can withstand the pressures that traveling puts upon it, and often comes in bright, stylish colors or patterns to suit any need. Other lightweight luggage material alternatives are polyester, Cordura (which is a brand name fabrics known for their durability and resistence to tears, abrasions and wearing), as well as microfibers (which are generally durable, lightweight and often come with water-resistant coatings).

One final note about lightweight luggage: Be sure to check out the type of frame that comprises the piece. You do not want something too heavy, but on the flip side, you do not want something so light it compromises durability. Metal frames are much more durable than most of their counterparts, withstanding tons of damage, but metal is often very heavy depending on the metal they are made from. There are lightweight metals, such as aluminum, that will function well and still keep your luggage lightweight. Generally, I would recommend staying away from plastic framed suitcases. They are extremely lightweight, much more than their counterparts, but they have a tendency to crack or shatter during duress, which is quite often due to the low quality of the plastic used so that costs remain low in manufacturing. I like lightweight luggage that has a honeycomb frame. These frames keep my luggage lightweight yet they are more than strong enough to withstand all normal wear and tear that luggage endures. Whatever you choose, there is a lightweight luggage piece out there to suit your needs.

If you travel a lot, your luggage will take a lot of wear and tear. Sometimes they can be damaged. If you travel a lot or often carry easily breakable things, it may be wise to buy a hardside suitcase or suitcase set. Most of them are very durable and can help protect whatever you are taking with you on your travels or protect the souvenirs you bring back.  The following are a few of the many choices out there.

This hardside suitcase from Samsoniteis a great purchase. The inside is nylon, and the outside is made of polyestercarbonate. It comes with a TSA approved combination lock that can help give you piece of mind when you check your bags. Inside, there are cross straps and a divider panel designed to help keep things in their proper places. It also features a tri-fold removable suiter and a modesty pocket. The handle is made of aluminum and is durable. This suitcase comes in two color choices: Black and Grey. One problem with this suitcase is the weight. Although it glides very effortlessly on its wheels and is quite large, it is 18 pounds when empty. Despite this, it is a great buy as long as you do not need to concern yourself with packing heavy things.

Delsey makes this suitcase which is made of polycarbonate and quite durable. It has an Aircraft aluminum frame which assures that it can stand up to very large impacts. Also, the luggage comes with a TSA approved lock. The handle is able to be locked in several different positions, depending on your need. The wheels are able to spin a full 360 degrees and the suitcase itself is fairly lightweight. It comes in two color choices –black and silver-and the inside of the suitcase has a fully padded lining. This is a great option for anyone looking for a piece of luggage that is very durable.

This Delsey suitcaseis made of polycarbonate and comes equipped with a TSA-approved lock. The luggage is very durable and quiet lightweight. The wheels spin easily and allow for easy movement through airports. The inside of the case is designed to match whatever color scheme you have on the outside. This suitcase comes in three color choices: Copenhagen Blue, Oxford Gray, and Raspberry. It is very durable; however, the outside is easily scratched.

If you are in the market for more than one piece of luggage, there are quite a few hardside luggage sets available. Here a few of the better choices, in my opinion.

This Heys three piece suitcase set is made up of polycarbonate and are quite durable. Each piece of luggage is unique in that it flexes to absorb impacts then flexes back to the original shape. Each bag has four wheels that are able to swivel a full 360 degrees. The handles are comfortable and made up of a lightweight aluminum. This suitcase set comes in a wide variety of color choices: Black, Navy, Silver, Fuchsia, and Turquoise.

Olympia makes a 3 piece luggage set.The three bags are made up of a durable polyestercarbonate. There are two wheels on each piece of luggage and spin in a full 360 degrees allowing for easy movement through airports. These suitcases come with a built in dual shoe pockets and an extra mesh zipper pocket. This suitcase set comes in two very unique patterns and color choices: Aqua blue and Lavender. The patterns are very easily picked out of any crowded conveyor.

Finally, this three piece luggage set from Samsonite is made up of polycarbonate and each bag has four wheels that can spin in any direction. They come with a mounted travel sentry TSA approved combination lock for added security and peace of mind. The interior of each piece of luggage is fully lined and comes with elastic cross straps that help to hold all of the contents in place. The suitcases themselves are very durable and can stand up to frequent travel and wear. This suitcase set comes in two color choices: Black and Red.

Traveling can put a lot of wear and tear on suitcases. They get thrown around, tossed into and off of planes, and are generally put through a lot before they reach your destination. A hardside suitcase is ideal when you are worried about your luggage surviving a long trip or multiple trips. For my money, I would go with the Delsey Meridian Plus 25″ Suiter Trolley when buying a single piece. It is very durable and the extras inside for organizing make it very handy. Although the color choices are not all that special, the suitcase itself is well worth the money you spend on it and should last a long time, no matter what your suitcase goes through on your travels. If you are looking to buy a full set, I would recommend going with Samsonite Winfield 3 Piece Nested Spinner Set. Though I have not purchased this one myself, I have heard great things from my friends and will make this my next purchase for luggage.

Every once in awhile, you need to splurge and get something that’s really nice just because you want it. Leather suitcases fall into this category for me. They are more of a luxury than a necessity, but sometimes you just want something extra special. Leather is a durable and beautiful material, and very often, leather suitcases are extremely attractive looking. Normal suitcases fail to capture the grandeur and sophisticated feel that leather suitcases seem to capture. They are also unique. It is unlikely that there will be dozens of copies of your bag on the luggage conveyors at the airport if you choose a leather bag.
Here are some of the few choices available out there, and are, in my opinion great deals and fantastic purchases if you want a nice and unique suitcase.

For those on a budget but who still want a leather suitcase to call their own, I would recommend this stylish bag which comes in two color choices: Black and Brown. It is made of genuine leather, not imitation, and comes with a retractable handle system that makes it easier to carry the bag around. It has 3 separate compartments for organization and storage, and also comes with an independent zipper compartment with a hanging rod and 2 hangers specifically designed to hold your suits firmly and securely. The inside also includes a mesh pocket so that you can keep accessories separate from the rest of your clothes as you travel. This is a durable and attractive choice for those on a budget.

Another great option that’s a little more expensive is this leather duffle bag. This beautifully made duffle comes in three color choices: black, brown, and red. It’s made of genuine leather and has loads of pockets to help you store away all the things you want to take with you on a trip. It also comes with a false bottom and removable shoulder straps and belts. This is an extremely tough and durable bag, and has hidden reinforcing nylon straps and rivets worked into all of the stress points in order to prevent wear and tear. This is an extremely good choice, well made, durable and quite beautiful.

My final choice, and my personal favorite, is this charming leather suitcase. This case is extremely beautiful and unique. It has an old charm, yet is new and sturdy. Made of extremely high quality full grain boot leather stained in a beautiful chestnut color, it is unlike any other bag out there. It also has hidden reinforcing nylon and rivets in all of the stress points to prevent excessive wear and tear, and comes with a lifetime warranty for any defect in the material or the workmanship. In my opinion, this is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a truly unique and beautiful leather suitcase.

Traveling has become a part of life for many people, and if you travel a lot, you want a reliable set of suitcases. If you are looking for a set that is very lightweight yet durable, there are a lot of great options out there for you to choose from, three of which I have listed here. Each has its own merits and offer flexibility no matter what your travel needs.

This suitcase set is a good option for those who do not want to buy individual bags. Each bag is made of polyester and is very lightweight. The wheels turn a full 360 degrees, making them easier to maneuver than traditional wheeled bags, and each bag expands giving you much more space for very long trips. Care for these bags is rather simple. They can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. They come in two color choices, Merlot and Steel. Although the bags themselves are quite sturdy, the wheels sometimes break, making rolling impossible.

Another great option, this one from Lexington, is this suitcase set. Each bag is very light, very durable and made of polyester. All of the bags expand giving you much more space when you really need it. The look is quite stylish, with color matched in-line skate wheels and a color matched push button handle. It comes in only one color, tan. The color is actually rather pleasant in person and is much more noticeable in a sea of black suitcases at airports. These are a great buy.

The Pierre Cardin Signature set is another good purchase. It comes with four pieces to suit your needs. The bags are made of polyester and are dirt and water-resistant and are very durable. The wheels on the bags are recessed and they come with quick-release add-a-bag straps. Care is quite easy and most stains can be cleaned with a damp cloth. It comes in two colors: brown and grey/black. They are well made and worth the money you pay for them.

When you travel, you want bags you can be sure will make it to your destination. If you travel frequently, you will probably need different sized bags depending on where you go. Four piece luggage sets offer you great flexibility for your money. My pick is definitely the Pierre Cardin signature set. This set is very durable and can take pretty much anything travel can throw at it. The grey/black color set also offers a unique option that is easily spotted when waiting for your bags. It is well worth the money.