Lani & Lola Tote Couture Discount
October 19, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Products & Resources
Is there really such a thing as too many carry on bags?
You know you need them for your laptop and other geek stuffy, but a carry on frequently does double duty as a purse, backpack, diaper bag, beach tote, and shopping tote. It’s no wonder then that occasionally we like to change up the look and style.
Tote Couture offers two pleated totes in two fashionable colors. Lani (in shades of green, tan and brown – almost cammo-like) and Lola (black and white). Both have funky geometric patters in their respective color scheme, and are made of coated canvas with rushed …read more
Flight Attendant Friday: What Do You Pack in Your Carry On?
August 14, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Flight Attendant Friday, Travel Tips
Today’s questions comes from Hayley, who just can’t seem to believe that I can pack minimally. Believe me, it comes with practice, and there are trips where it’s a real challenge. Here’s Hayley’s question:
Q. I can’t believe you can pack so light. What do you take in your carry on?
A. This varies based on whether I’m traveling for work or pleasure. If it’s work, there are some additional things that I have to carry, and when I’m in uniform, I’m exempt from the no liquids rule. Since most of you will need to be in compliance with the no …read more
Packing Tip: Fold & Overlap
May 12, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Products & Resources, Travel Tips
I fancy myself a cut above average when it comes to packing a suitcase. I have my standard items that I always pack, and never unpack, and I generally pack the same kind of things in the same kind of way. I make lists, revise as necessary, and manage to take everything that I need with a little room to spare. My system keeps it all very easy.
I’ve never felt the need to follow a guide, take a packing class, or do much more than stay organized.
However, after watching this concierge organize this bag, I learned a thing or two …read more
Luggage Forward Guarantees Prompt Luggage Delivery
February 15, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Products & Resources
If you’re tired of carrying your bags through the airport, filling out lost bag reports, and feeling like you’re juggling a hundred different bags at once, Luggage Forward guarantees delivery of baggage from doorstep to destination (and back) for travelers wanting convenience, reliability, and predictability.
Luggage Forward takes care of every step of the process, from booking to pickup and delivery of your bags. And with a network of shipping partners around the world, they can ensure safe and on time delivery of all your items to over 200 countries.
What can you forward? Luggage, sporting equipment (skis, snowboard, golf clubs, …read more
Back to Basics: 10 Tips for Successfully Checking Your Bags
December 14, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Back to Basics
Checking your bags does not have to be a traumatic experience!
While most of the time I carry on my bags, when I’m traveling for an extended stay, I usually check my bags. I don’t want to lug them through the airport, carrying them up and down stairs, and I don’t want to have to worry about the 3-1-1 liquid and gel rule.
If you are traveling with small children or lots of bags or other stuff, checking your bags is the way to go.
The resistance to checking bags seem to center on two issues.
People don’t want to wait …read more
Flight Attendant Friday: Pack Like a Pro
August 15, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Flight Attendant Friday, Travel Tips
Q. Do you have some packing tips, and ways to keep from taking too much stuff with you?
A. For many people, packing is the worst part of the trip!
Although I pack differently for a pleasure trip than I do for work, I generally use the same pieces of luggage. I have one roller bag with the majority of my clothing in it, and also a tote that contains some toiletries, computer and electronic gear and items that I need to keep close at hand.
Here are a few basic “rules” I keep in mind.
The first thing I think …read more
Back to Basics: Back Packs
July 23, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Back to Basics, Travel Tips
Carrying a back pack is an easy way to travel light; with everything literally on your back.
I see a lot of packs, in varying sizes and design, on the airplane every day. Without exception, I see passengers with packs forget that what’s on their back can go crashing into someone else.
Here are FIVE suggestions to make sure that your pack doesn’t wind up taking someone else out.
Abrupt turning from side-to-side can result in your pack going crashing into someone sitting or standing on the aisle. (I saw someone today get whacked on the head by someone walking down …read more
Photo Bag Tags Help to Personalize Your Luggage
April 19, 2008 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Products & Resources, Travel Tips
When you open the overhead bin on the airplane it’s like looking into a sea of black roller bags, most of all them looking exactly the same. It’s no wonder that travelers often pick up the wrong bag.
Consider personalizing your bag in a discrete, yet fun way with a personalized bag tag. This is a great way to remember a special vacation trip, take your family and friends along with you on your travels, or just add a little wackiness to your bag.
Photo bag tags are available through many photo services. This one is from Shutterfly, and has your …read more
Gifts for Travelers: It’s Time to Shop NOW!
December 23, 2006 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Products & Resources, Shopping
If you haven’t decided on a holiday gift for the special travelers in your life, it’s time to read this post, get some ideas, and then step away from the computer and go shopping. It’s too late for online shopping, so you just need to get out there and get busy! (Okay, an easy way out here is to order something online, then print out a nice picture of the gift, and slip in into a nice card.)
Today’s post is a round up of ideas that I’ve already suggested, along with a few new ones.
So here’s the list of ideas …read more
Gifts for Travelers: Bag Tags
December 17, 2006 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Air Travel, Products & Resources, Shopping, Travel Tips
In a world of black luggage, it’s sometimes easy to grab the wrong bag. Hopefully, you always check the beg tag to make sure the bag you’ve got is your own!
A brightly colored bag tag will add an additional visual to help you spot your luggage, whether you’re putting it in an overhead bin or looking for in on a crowded luggage carousel.
Currently, I’m using a bright neon pink bag tag, and you can see it from a mile away. On a recent trip, I checked my bag, and it was easy to spot “my” black bag among all the …read more





