It seems like I am forever collecting tote bags.  There are some specialty bags that I use based on my particular travel needs, but there’s nothing like a well-crafted, all-purpose tote to pack everywhere you travel.  A tote should be the work horse of your travel bag wardrobe.
The classic Boat & Tote from LL Bean has been around for over 64 years, so you know they’re doing something right! 
Maybe it’s the heavy-duty cotton canvas, with double-layer base and handles.  This tote is sturdy enough to stand up all on its own, and with double-stitched seams, you won’t have …read more

Tired of packing and re-packing to make sure that you are traveling with everything that you need?  Are you exhausted from lugging around a heavy bag?  Do you want to pack light – and I mean really, really light?  Zero Baggage is hoping you answer those questions in the affirmative and will take advantage of it’s soon-to-be-launched concept of renting your vacation clothes.
Zero Baggage, expected to launch in Spring 2010, will be an online service where you can rent, or as they call it “borrow,” clothes for a short period of time on your vacation.  After wearing, items can …read more

I’d like to think I’m pretty good at geography, but honestly – there are times I get a little confused.  The other day the discussion centered on how close Iceland was to the U.K.  (Yes, I actually have those discussions with friends.)
I had to wait till I got home to locate an atlas to figure that out (1188 miles, under half the distance between Seattle and Hawaii).  The actual mileage wasn’t important, I was just trying to get a sense of where things were.
With this Map Laptop Case, however, I could have taken a look at this laptop sleeve …read more

Often times the best travel tools are those that have been designed for some other purpose.  They are usually practical, have been tested thoroughly, and are often more reasonably priced that specialize travel products that do the same thing.
That’s what I think about the Canvas Tool Bag from Klein Products.  Klein has been around for over 150 years, originally making pliers, and now selling a broad product line for the construction, electronics, and mining industry.  They make things that will stand up to hard use and last.
Their Canvas Tool Bag comes in a heavy duty #8 natural canvas, with …read more

Travelers with health concerns often have to pack around substantial amounts of medication.  Medication should not be packed into your checked luggage, but should be placed in your carry on. Because you need to keep medication in their original containers, it can sometimes take up lots of room when you have to tote around a lot of meds.
Magellan’s Travel Medicine Case will allow you to pack all your medications, vitamins and medical supplies, in one place, keeping everything handy and available for security clearance.
The frame of the bag is structured, so everything is protected and stays in place.  There …read more

If you are looking for a luxurious gift for the traveler in your life, check out this nylon Dolce & Gabbana travel bag. This olive bag features brown leather trim for a neutral, yet stylish appeal.
This roomy travel bag is perfect for short getaways. It features dual top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap for convenience and versatility. It has two exterior front zip pockets, nickel hardware and a zip top. You can get the designer travel bag right now at Bergdorf Goodman for $895.
Other travel bags that you might like as more affordable alternatives include:
Piel Large Carry-On Satchel – …read more

You won’t be able to miss your luggage if you have one of these fabulous red bags from Bric’s. The collection features a number of suitcases and other bags in red crocodile-embossed coated PVC. These bags have tan leather trim and brass hardware details.
This luggage is as durable as it is stylish. It’s also very lightweight. The Bric’s Life Collection features several sizes of trolley bags, duffels and shoppers, as well as a briefcase and other pieces. Priced at $200 and up, this Bric’s luggage isn’t cheap but looks like it’s worth every penny.
You can shop for Bric’s luggage online …read more

Squeaky luggage wheels beginning to annoy you?  Do you find that your bags just don’t roll as easily as they should?
A relatively new product here in the U.S. (it was originally developed in 1958 in Canada), Jig-a-loo is a lubripellent – meaning that it both lubricates and repels water.  The company claims to be the only product of this type that is water repellent.  Now you can get your roll aboard wheeling smoothly, without worrying about the weather setting back your efforts.
I had a chance to give Jig-a-loo a try, and as much as I use my luggage, I …read more

A good day bag is worth its weight in gold when you’re traveling.  With your hotel room as your base of operation, you can outfit your day bag with the specifics you need for the day’s adventure.
It’s easy to think that a cheap tote can do the trick, and I’ve gone that route.  With a well crafted bag, you won’t have to worry about the straps breaking when you’re out for the day, and you won’t have to worry about the contents spilling out because a zipper has broken.  I’ve found that a quality bag has zippers and fasteners that …read more

I’ll give it to you…

Over the next two weeks I’m goin’ back in time…
to 2005.
Because, get this?
It’s been THREE years (and we’re done with our post placements).
And WE are all still kickin’.
Some, more than others.
I pulled emails from our trip to Russia.
It’s the real thing, baby!
ALL the drama…court, lost luggage (and stinky undies), and some uberfab pictures (like AJ eating his first McDonalds in Moscow?).
So, look for the posts with dates in bold and italized entries.