The Key to Travels That Are Hassle-Free

Despite the recent cool temperatures, summer is quickly approaching and plans for vacations are already being made.  What is essential to traveling?  Luggage. 

So I paid a visit to Passport Luggage at Plaza Frontenac and spoke with the manager, Scott Ford to find out.  He says the number one thing customers request is something lightweight. The fabrics the bags are made of, the features, the material used, and the structure of the case are what makes a bag lightweight.

The first bag he showed me was a silver Samsonite spinner from the Winfield line.  It appears hard and heavy, yet when I picked it up, it was super lightweight.  Its hard appearance is due to its durable structure.

The next bag he shows me is an Eagle Creek Exploration System Tarmac.  It is easy to pack in and has easy mechanics and a simple layout, as does the Briggs and Riley bag from the BRX series.  This bag has a smaller, removable bag attached to it, which makes it convenient to put one in the overhead and one under the seat in front of you on the plane.   Perfect for last-minute over-packers like myself. 

But the brand I am partial to is Lug—these bags have lots of personality, color and style.  They are trendy with quilted patterns and their hot colors have California influence.  Lug would appeal more to women, while Victorinox Swiss Army appeals more to men with its cool, sporty, crisp look.  These army green bags target the younger market of ages 19-32 years old, and its durable zippers and outstanding warranties are an added bonus.  Timbuk2 also has a lightweight and progressive look to their bags.

For traveling to Europe and beyond, Ford advises limiting weight in your bags and to consider the weather: comfortable, cool clothes are preferable.  Rick Steves is a brand of bags that sell for about $25 that are made of compressible materials like nylon and silk so that they collapse into almost nothing and can be easily hidden in a piece of luggage.  Keep in mind that in the United States we can carry a 22 inch or smaller bag onto a plane, but international travel requires smaller bags, usually 18 inches or smaller.  Consider contacting your airlines for further specifics.

The type of luggage most suited for college students is rolling duffels. A duffle is usually 26-30 inches in length, is check-able, and has a split bottom or two-tiered section.  Rolling duffels are recommended as they take up limited space in a dorm room and are mobile.  Steamer trunks are also versatile; they can double as a coffee table.

Choosing a lightweight and versatile bag will ensure better preparation and smooth travel.  Ford's last piece of advice: “When it comes to packing, it is very individual.  You should personally judge what you feel is necessary for a trip.”