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 metal hardware, making them stylish and long-lasting.

The bags are perfect for carrying your laptop, as they offer a secure way to tuck in away, while still sporting lots of interior pockets that let you stay organized and clutter-free.  That’s always a problem for me, as my carryon is always a mess with papers, pens, magazines, peripherals, along with anything else that I pick up along my journey.  The laptop area is padded and has a velcro closure, (it will fit laptops up to 11: x 15 1/4: x 1 3/4”), and there is a side pocket unzips to allow you to slide the bag over the handle of your roller bag.  Metal feet on the bottom of the bag help prevent staining and damage.

Lani and Lola tote bags are available from Cool Computer Bags, who are offering a discount for all Flyaway Cafe readers.  Enter the coupon code FLYAWAY (must be in all caps) to receive a 10% discount on your entire order. They have lots of other cool bags, too, so be sure to explore a bit.

This is a good time to do a little holiday shopping, spreading out your purchases a little bit and saving some money in the process.

Which one is your pick?

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Cool Computer Bags

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 liquid rule, here’s a run down of what’s in my carry on if I’m flying away for a getaway weekend.

• Netbook – I downsized to this for my trip to Europe this year, and boy did it free up space and weight!
• iPod
• Camera and FlipCam
• Gadget accessories – chargers, mouse, extra cards
• Notepad and pens/pencils, envelopes, file folder with trip info in it, miscellaneous stuff to collect additional information while on trip
• Make up and toiletries
• Bag of liquids – deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, cleanser, moisturizer, mascara, lipstick and gloss,and small-sized hair products
• Change of clothes – usually just another t-shirt or blouse, underwear, socks, and a swimsuit (if I’m going somewhere warm)
• Sleepwear
• Snacks – I’m a big fan of packing something healthy to eat on the road
• Jewelry
• Kindle

And that’s it!  Everything else goes in one roller bag that I check.

My carry on contains the essentials that I’ll need so I’m not bored during the flight, keeps my valuables with me, and with a change of clothes can get me through an overnight if my bag is delayed.  Really — I CHECK MY BAG!  I made a few modifications for a three week trip, but the basic framework for my packing is always the same.  And if I’m on a ticket (rather than flying on a pass), I always check my bag.

What do you pack in your carry on?

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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 that I’ll be putting into effect.  According to him, it’s all about layering and overlapping your stuff.

Take a look.

Do you fold and overlap your clothes like this when you pack?  Or do you roll (another popular packing style)?  Or do you just get everything into the suitcase the best that you can and not worry about it?

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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, etc.), bicycles, baby equipment (strollers, car seat, etc.), and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Of course, this convenience comes with a price – and it’s more than that $25 charge for an extra checked bag!  Shipping fees are based on a combination of luggage size, distance to ship, and the level of service that you need. 

I checked out the fees by putting together a sample forward from Seattle to Palm Springs, forwarding one large bag, one medium bag, and a standard bag of golf clubs.  Your service level choice depends on when you want your bags picked up – and consequently how they are shipped.  The range is from 5 days prior (basic at $227 one way) to the day before (express at $599).  A similar range and prices are applicable for the return, and based on when you want your bags delivered back to you at home.

Luggage forwarding looks like an expensive proposition, and in these days of making personal economies, I’m not sure my budget stretches this far.  Still, if you are dealing with business goods, trade show materials, or just have an unlimited budget, it’s hard to argue with the convenience of Luggage Forward.

What do you think?  Is the convenience worth the price?

Photo credit:  SXC

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 in baggage claim for a long time.  I used to think this, too.  And then I looked at my watch and really timed how long it took for my bags to arrive.  It’s really only 5-10 minutes.  And that time is more than worth it to me to not have to drag everything around through the countless airports.

The other complaint is that no one wants their bags lost.  Despite lots of hair raising tales about bags going missing, and the horrible statistics on lost bags, I have never had a bag get lost.  I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen; I’m saying that you can take precautions to make sure that it doesn’t happen to YOU.

So today I share with you my 10 tips for making sure that your checked bags arrive when where you do:

1. It starts with packing — make sure that your bag is in good shape, no rips or broken zippers, and that it is sturdy enough to withstand the journey.  It doesn’t do any good for your bag to arrive in a timely, only to be split apart because a small tear became a large one.
2. Put a bag tag on the outside of your suitcase.  I use something brightly colored, to make my standard issue black bag a little more noticeable on the luggage carousel.  In fact, I usually use two bag tags, although I’m not really certain why I do that.  On the bag tags, I list a home, business, and cell phone, so there are lots of ways to find me.  Another option is brightly colored tape or decals placed on the bag.  And, there are more and more bright fashion colored luggage, so you don’t have to join the traveling crowd with boring black luggage.
3. Put a copy of your itinerary, along with your name, address, home phone, cell phone, and email, on the inside of the bag.  I usually place everything into an envelope and pin the envelope to a pocket of the bag.  I tape an additional business card on the outside.  If my bag goes missing, along with the exterior bag tags, the airlines can still find me.
4. If you check your bag with a curbside porter, make sure that the city code on the tag is the city code of your final destination.  (Which means that you need to know your airport codes.)  If you’re on a non-stop flight, this usually isn’t a problem, but occasionally, if you’re making a connecting flight, your connecting airport can inadvertently be tagged as your final destination.  Double check!
5. If you are checking your bags with a porter, tip them.  I know that you shouldn’t have to, especially now that there is a charge for curbside check in, but I do it and chalk it up to putting good travel-karma out into the world.
6. If you are checking your bags with a ticket agent at the airline counter, make sure that the tags match up, and make sure that in the crush of people in line, that the tags get on your bags rather than the person’s bag in the line next to you.  At peak travel times there can be lots of pushing and jostling, so don’t lose sight of your bags till they are correctly tagged.
7. Upon arrival at your destination, head off to baggage claim in an orderly fashion.  If you need to stop by and use the restroom, do so.  There’s nothing worse than people in the baggage claim area being grouchy because they have to go to the bathroom. 
8. Find the carousel where you bags will be arriving.  Don’t push your way to the front of the offloading area.  If you don’t know where the offloading area is, just look around.  It’s the area where everyone is pushing and shoving.  Why put yourself through that stress?  Just find a spot somewhere along the carousel, and let everyone else get stressed out over being first.  I usually pick a spot where no one is standing, and let the bags come to me.
9. When the bags start rolling by, you’ll be able to quickly spot yours because you put that brightly colored bag tag on it.  Lift it off the carousel and check to make sure that it is really yours.  If you are waiting for another bag, make sure that you don’t block access to the carousel area with your already claimed bag.
10. Keep your bag claim checks handy as you leave the baggage claim area.  Some airports still match them up.

That’s all there is to it.  Do what you can do, make sure that the people you can influence do what they’re supposed to do, and add in some good manners along the way.  Maybe you’ll find that checking your bags isn’t so horrible after all!

Do you have a tip for checking your bag and making sure it goes where you do?  Share it in the comments!

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 about is where I’m going to be – the weather (be sure to check weather reports before leaving home), what I’ll do while there (beaching it, hiking, formal event), and how long I’ll be there.  With those guidelines in mind, you can put together a pretty basic packing list.

Next, I make a list of the days I’ll be gone and what I’ll be doing on those days.  I try to match up clothing to each day based on the activities I expect to happen (even if it’s not exact, it will help give you an idea of what you need).  It is rare than you will change clothes more than once a day, so discard any notion of lots and lots of cute outfits for each day.  A list also helps you focus on having the proper clothes for any special event or specialized activity.

Now it’s time to assemble clothes and start packing!

Pick a color theme and stick with it, mixing and matching to make multiple choices.  Make a clothing list of what you’ll need on paper.  If you’re traveling for longer than a week, think about laundry options – either hand washing in your room, or hitting a laundromat. I packed for a three week trip to Europe in no more space than I use for work travel.  For short trips, I don’t want to spend precious time doing laundry, though. 

Watch the shoes.  I’m ruthless here.  Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room, so keep it to a bare minimum.  An extra pair of flip flops won’t take up much room or add much weight, but a second pair of athletic shoes may not leave room for anything else.

I have a basic set of toiletries and supplies that I keep packed and in my suitcase all the time.  The only time these are unpacked is to replenish and freshen supplies.  If you’re an infrequent traveler, you’ll probably have to start from scratch on this, however I recommend putting together a separate set of items for your trip, even if you are an infrequent traveler.  It’s easier to transfer packed items for home use at the end of a trip (or leave them behind if you don’t have enough room), than to run the risk of forgetting to pack some item that you used the morning you had to head for the airport.

Once I start the actual gathering of stuff and packing, it will be easy to see if I have too much to fit in the suitcase.  Then it’s time to start reducing.  First I look at the bulky stuff (shoes, sweaters, coats) to see if I can eliminate anything.  After that, I look to see if there are any substitutions that can be made to reduce what I’m taking.  (For example, a pair of jeans or black pants can be worn multiple times, but a pair of white pants may only be good for one wearing.)  It all has to fit, so keep on paring stuff down.

One thought I keep in mind is that it’s unlikely I’ll forget anything that I absolutely cannot live with out.  Unless you’re going to a deserted island, chances are you’ll find stores where you can purchase anything that you’ve forgotten.

What packing guidelines do you keep in mind?  Are you a ruthless packer, or do you over pack?

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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.

1. 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 the aisle and turning to talk with someone behind them.)
2. Use care when stepping back.  Your pack will ram into the person behind you before they realize you’re backing up.
3. Loose straps and buckles can hurt people if they are allowed to go flying. 
4. If you are carrying your pack by one strap, use extra care in how it flops behind you.  It can hit people.
5. If you are having a tough time stowing your pack in the overhead bin, trying removing something.  Many times when they don’t fit, it’s because there’s something that you added at the last minute that makes it to large.  (Usually it’s a coat or sweatshirt that’s been stuffed in at the last minute that’s the culprit.)

Use your backpack wisely and carefully and it will be a useful packing tool.

Photo credit:  flickr

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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 photo on one side and blank on the other (leaving room for identifying information).  Dimensions are 3 1/2″ X 2 1/4″ with rounded edges.  $7.99

Photo credit:  Shutterfly

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 that I’ve already suggested:

• Night light, personalized photo album, swivel plug in
• Bag tags
• Luggage and carryon bags
• Photo album & frames
• Hand cream
• Netflix
• Books that are educational, humorous, or for kids.
• Digital camera
• Maps
• Xubaz
• Map scarves
• Sleep mask
• Traveler’s journal
• Travel pillow

Here are a few more that would be a big hit:

• A gift certificate for a restaurant that they’ve wanted to try in the city they travel to the most.
• Housecleaning services.  I know that one thing I really hate is to spend all my days off cleaning the house and doing household chores, and I’d guess that I’m not the only one who feels that way.  A little helping hand once in awhile can make anyone’s day.
• A romantic trip for the two of you, or a fun trip for the whole family.  Yes, even though we travel for business, we still love to travel for pleasure, too.

Now get going!  Go get that special gift for the special traveler in your life!

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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 others in baggage claim.

I’ve written about some fun bag tags previously, so take a look here to see if these suit you.

Here are a couple of other suggestions. 

Tags for Bags offers bag tags made out of a heavy duty polyester webbing that can be personalized, Global Bag Tag offers a bag tag with an electronic tracking option, and Corporate Travel Safety offers larger sized, brightly colored faux leather tags (in photo).
 
Bag tags are relatively inexpensive, and make a great stocking stuffer or secret Santa gift.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe