Suitcase.com's Suitcase & Luggage Blog

Do you try to fit everything in a carry-on bag when traveling to avoid checking your luggage? Even though the total number of lost airline bags decreased in 2011, you’ll still benefit from some travel-savvy packing tips to lighten your load.

Take note of our tips to help you condense luggage contents, and organize your packing routine:

1. Roll Outfits Together

This tactic forces you to really think about what you plan to wear on your trip, and not overpack. Start with pants, and fold then in half. Then, place a shirt and/or sweater on top, and roll together. If you plan on wearing a pair of pants or sweater more than once, just roll your extra tops together you want to switch out.

Added Benefit: Your clothes will wrinkle less when compared to folding.

2. Stuff Your Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of valuable space in a suitcase or carry-on bag. Unless you’re packing flip flops or sandals, your footwear should have some extra space to work with. If you’re packing bulky boots or shoes, maximize space, and pack smaller items such as pairs of socks, hats, decorative scarves, belts, etc. in each.

Added Benefit: You’ll free up your smaller pockets and zipper compartments, allowing you to pack additional items.

3. Skip the Toiletries

Instead of packing large or multiple toiletry bags, pack a single, smaller travel toiletry case with only your major toiletry essentials that you won’t be able to buy at your destination, such as a certain hair product or perfume/cologne you use. For all other generic items, take an extra twenty minutes to walk to a nearby drugstore, and purchase travel-size toothpaste, mouthwash, body wash, shampoo, shaving cream, razor, etc.).

Added Benefit: This requires you to get out and walk, which is a good way to check out the nearby surroundings in the city you’re visiting.

4. Bring an Extra Bag

If you’re planning on visiting a city that has superb shopping, you’re sure to pick up some extras along the way. Stash a nylon duffel gym bag, handbag or backpack in one of the pocket of your suitcase instead of trying to cram everything into your already filled-to-the-brim bag. If small enough when packed, put your items that you’ll need to access in it as well, and count it as your personal carry-on item. You’ll dodge having to pay extra to check it.

Added Benefit: Thin, light bags like duffels or backpacks compact nicely, and you’ll avoid adding extra weight to your luggage.

Pack Smart to Travel Smart

Nothing’s worse than realizing you forgot to pack an important item when you’re en route to your destination. Take time to pack smart—and light—to ease your baggage worries. In doing so, you’re sure to have a more enjoyable travel experience, with suitcase-related stress.

For more insight on traveling light, download Suitcase.com’s 2011 Consumer Luggage Report.

Photo credit: iwinatcookie

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What are your tips for packing light?

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At the beginning of a new year, you can find a “top list” for just about anything. These lists are easily digestible, and can serve as handy reference resources. But, how do you know which lists truly top them all?

We’ve compiled several top lists of travel trends that cover a range of travel predictions so you can begin 2012 as an informed, savvy jetsetter.

Timely Tips

Most Important Travel Trends of 2012: Travel + Leisure Magazine

Contributors at Travel + Leisure Magazine compile the top 12 industry trends of the year, which covers everything from creative cruises to less rigid airport security. This slideshow is chock full of informative quotes and helpful hints for any type of traveler.

Suitcase.com Shoutout: Once you make a purchase over $75 at Suitcase.com, you'll receive a free subscription to Travel + Leisure magazine to stay up-to-date on all things travel.

Indulgent Ideas

Top Luxury Travel Trends for 2012: Luxury Travel Magazine

Thomas Stanley, seasoned traveler and head of travel planning company Cox & Kings, The Americas, created this list, which includes a number of different styles of trips that are sure to satisfy all types of world travelers. He recommends high-end journeys like “Mind, Body and Soul Vacations,” “Ancestral Travel,” “End of the Earth Trips” and more.

Suitcase.com’s Trendy Tip: Visit our Designer Luggage section to feed your need for luxurious luggage.

Bargain Buys

2012 Travel Trends Predictions About.com Budget Travel

Budget travel predictions are big this year, and include lots of new transforming trends, according to About.com’s Budget Travel list. As the travel industry changes, it’s important to follow and understand these trends to save on your next trip. This slideshow focuses on traveler practicality, money-saving tips, and ways to switch up your trip without emptying your wallet.

Suitcase.com’s Savings Hint: Stylish suitcases don't have to be expensive. We recommend checking out the "closeout" or "clearance" sections to find fashion-forward luggage pieces for less.

Agent Advice

Top Travel Trends for 2012: Specialty Travel Agents Association

The Specialty Travel Agents Association (STAA) presents its top travel picks for 2012, featuring exciting, worldwide destinations and niche markets for a multitude of different travel options for this year’s vacation.

Suitcase.com’s Destination Recommendation: Switch up your travel spots regularly to discover different parts of the country, or world. If you reguarly ski out west, try an eastern spot, or venture up north.

Frequent Flyers

What Will Air Travel Look Like in 2012?: International Business Traveler

IBTraveler focuses on some of the main questions that concern business travelers: “Will prices rise? What about the added fees? What new trends can we expect?” This list looks at some major predictions, and previews what to expect in the coming year. 

Suitcase.com Business Insights: TSA-approved laptop bags help to shave some time off of your security wait.

Travel Smart

With the right travel knowledge, you’re bound to stay ahead of the game. And, use the right luggage to ensure a successful trip. Stay tuned for our top new luggage picks of the year, coming soon on the Suitcase.com blog.

Photo credit: shyb

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What are your travel tips for 2012?

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The upcoming winter months are a popular time for skiers and snowboarders to travel by air to some of the country’s greatest mountainous regions. Avid resort goers and winter sport novices alike know that skiing and snowboarding can be a pricey hobby, especially if air travel is involved.

With baggage fees and regulations continually on the rise, it’s difficult to know how much you’ll actually be spending simply on air travel. Even ski and snowboard owners will occasionally skip the hassle and fees of bringing equipment with them, and rent what they need at the resort.

We’ve compiled baggage regulations and specific ski and snowboard equipment rules and restrictions for some of the top airlines so you can weigh the options of bringing your own equipment versus renting.

Delta Airlines

Economy Seat: First checked bag: $25; second checked bag: $35

Baggage Maximum: Checked bag: 50 lbs., 62 linear in., carry-on bag: 45 linear in. or less

If you are hitting the slopes via Delta airlines, you can bring your ski and snowboard equipment as checked baggage. One ski/pole bag or one snowboard bag, and one boot bag is accepted per person. The combined weight of the ski/snowboard bag and the boot bag may not exceed 50 lbs. or excess weight charges will apply. Linear dimensions may exceed 80 inches, and no excess size charges apply. All standard baggage charges apply. 

Frontier Airlines

Economy Seat: First checked bag: $20; second checked bag: $20

Baggage Maximum: Checked bag: 50 lbs., 62 linear in., carry-on bag: 50 linear in.

Frontier Airlines accepts special items as checked or carry-on luggage. For example, one item may include skis, ski poles, and ski boots, or one pair of boots (in a boot bag), which may be checked separately from the ski bag, but still count as one item. A boots-only piece of luggage can be counted as a carry-on, while skis are not accepted.

• One ski bag and one pair of boots = one item
• One piece of luggage, one ski bag and one pair of boots = two items

Keep baggage maximums in mind to avoid incurring additional charges; many special items have a specific charge or require special packing.

Southwest Airlines

Economy Seat: First checked bag: free; second checked bag: free

Baggage Maximum: Checked bag: 50 lbs., 62 linear in., carry-on bag: 50 linear in.

Southwest Airlines allows two bags to fly free on any flight. If you decide to bring additional luggage, you’ll incur a charge of $50 per piece. Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots and ski poles, may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance for each passenger at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis.

Effective March 1, 2012: including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots encased in an acceptable container. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately.

Overweight items from 50 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $50 per item.

United/Continental Airlines

Economy Seat: First checked bag: $25; second checked bag: $35

Baggage Maximum: Checked bag: 50 lbs. 62 linear in., carry-on bag: 45 linear in.

On either United or Continental flights, one set of ski equipment is allowed in place of one checked bag. One item of ski equipment can include: up to two pairs of snow skis and associated equipment in one bag and one ski boot bag.

Note: if the ski boot bag contains other items in addition to or in place of boots, it will be subject to applicable excess baggage fees. Also, if the combined weight of the ski bag and boot bag exceeds 50 lbs., an overweight baggage fee applies. 

Hit the Slopes Hard, Not Your Wallet

Ski vacations are a time to enjoy the outdoors, not stress over the cost to haul your equipment on a flight. Take some time to do research on the airline you’d like to fly, and find out their baggage policies for ski equipment ahead of time so there are no surprises when you get to the airport. And, there are some great brands like Athalon that make easy-to-handle ski and boot luggage that can help make your trip easier.

Image Credit: Josh Recker (@JARecks) at Keystone Ski Resort, Colorado.

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What are your ski and snowboard luggage and packing tips?

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With the December holidays quickly approaching, another busy travel season is upon us. If you plan to fly this month, you’re sure to find some of these seasonal items making their way into your luggage, leaving you with a packing dilemma.

Here, we focus on three of the most popular items that air travelers tend to pack during the holidays, and provide tips for proper packing that save time, money and future security hassles.

Flying with Food

Holidays are synonymous with food, and most partygoers like to bring something special to a family member’s or friend’s home. If you’re traveling to a holiday gathering by plane this year, be aware that certain food items are not permissible in a carry-on bag.  Some of the most commonly packed, seasonal food items are cranberry sauce, dips, condiments, jams, dressings, soups, and bottles of alcohol or wine.

Avoid having to throw these items out in the security line, and pack them in a checked bag, or ship them to your destination. Also, note that pies, cakes and desserts are allowed through the security checkpoint, but if necessary, they may be taken for “additional screening.”

View TSA’s complete list of food items to avoid packing in your carry-on.

Packing Pre-wrapped Presents

Depending on the size of the gift, you should be able to keep any pre-wrapped gifts in a carry-on bag. Remember that your carry-on must adhere to your airline’s specific size and weight regulations. Any gift is subject to screening, if needed, and can be unwrapped if security finds it necessary.

If the gift is larger, and fits awkwardly in your carry-on, choose a safer option, and pack the gift in a checked bag so it will not be unwrapped. Or, premeasure your wrapping paper, neatly fold it, and bring it along with the gift item to avoid having a TSA attendant unwrap your gift.

Traveling with Ski Equipment

In the winter months, it’s quite common for travelers to head for the mountains during the holidays for ski vacations. This usually requires additional, recreational equipment, most of which fits in a carry-on or checked bag (outerwear, hats, gloves, goggles, socks, accessories, etc.).

For the other bulkier items, like boots, skis, poles and snowboards, it’s important to know how to pack, and do it efficiently. Ski bags and boot bags are made to properly hold and protect ski equipment during travel. If it adheres to your airline’s regulations, your boot bag can be counted as a carry-on item. Then, check with your airline to see how they accommodate “special items,” such as ski equipment. Most airlines will count a ski bag in place of a checked bag, and some will accept two ski items. 

Fly Stress Free

The holiday season is a time for fun and food with family and friends. If you do a little bit of research beforehand, you’re sure to simplify the packing process. Once you’re aware of what you can and cannot bring through security and onto the plane, you’ll be one step closer to a joyful—and restful— holiday.

Photo courtesy: Conde Nast Traveler

Are you traveling this holiday season? What packing tips do you use to stay stress-free?

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Take note, shopping enthusiasts—there are still great savings to be had after the mayhem of Black Friday. Save some of your gift buying for Small Business Saturday, an event sponsored by American Express, and shop at Bretts Luggage and Gifts, Suitcase.com’s flagship location in Boston.

What You Get

When you use your American Express card at a local, non-franchised business—like Bretts Luggage and Gifts—to purchase merchandise totaling $25 or more, American Express will add a $25 credit to your statement.

Luggage for Less

Stop in Bretts, and shop our luggage collection to show your support. We’re open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and located at 435 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776.

Combine your Small Business Saturday credit with our current deals for great luggage savings:

• Briggs & Riley — $50 off every $250 purchase
• Victorinox — 20% off entire collection
• Hartmann — 25% off Intensity collection; $100 off any purchase from the Tweed collection
• Zero Halliburton — 25% off Zeroller collection

*Please note: Purchases must be made in-store to receive the "Small Business" credit from American Express.

When and Where to Shop

This deal is valid ONLY on Saturday, November 26, 2011. You must make your purchase at a small business; online purchases do not qualify.

What You Need to Know

• You must register your American Express card to participate.
• American Express will only credit one transaction.
• The business must accept American Express credit cards as payment.

Are you an avid small business-supporter? Tell us where you shop!

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With checked luggage fees on the rise, many travelers are searching for ways to pare down their luggage contents this holiday season, and packing up carry-on bags.

While carrying on might seem relatively simple, there are a number of things fliers should consider before choosing to carry on in order to make sure it's the right choice for their travels. In addition, we've outlined basic carry-on knowledge and etiquette to help you avoid any holdups at the airport and during your flight.

Travel Carefree with Carry-on Luggage

You can find tips for carrying on luggage, and our top picks for carry-on bags on SlideShare, or view the presentation below.

Our carry-on picks include bags by:

• Rick Steves
• Victorinox
• Briggs & Riley
• Eagle Creek
• Brics

Assess Your Travels

Before jumping into a carry-on bag for your next flight, remember to assess the length of your trip, and what you'll need. Once you make sure that carrying on is the right choice for your travels, you'll be flying home for the holidays stress- and baggage claim-free!

Do you avoid checking bags, and travel with a carry-on? Tell us about your experiences.

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Whether you’re planning a vacation, or a weekend in your hometown, hiking and biking are great ways to take in an area’s natural scenery. And, autumn is a spectacular season for an outdoor adventure in your local valley, park or mountains. 

For your trip, there are many options to carry your belongings. How do you sort through all of the outdoor backpack choices to find the one that will properly suit your needs? Below, are some tips that answer shopping questions when choosing an outdoor backpack.

Assess the Length of Your Trip

This may seem obvious, but for first-time backpack buyers, it is important to consider the planned duration of your hike or ride. While shopping, you can become overwhelmed by the wealth of outdoor backpacks, and go straight for the ones that simply look the part. Most likely, these larger bags provide too much space for a one-day trip, which will leave you with unnecessary, added weight.

Choose something that reasonably fits your necessities for the length of the hike. If you plan on hiking or biking for one day or less, you’ll probably need space for strictly the essentials: food and water, maps, sunscreen, extra clothing, weather gear, etc. Many outdoor backpacks are made for longer trips and overnight adventures, and chances are they are too big for your needs.

High Sierra’s line of outdoor backpacks range from versatile daypacks to larger backpacks for extended trips.

Size Matters

It’s all about weight distribution. If your bag is too big or too small for you to carry, the weight will not be properly balanced, which can cause back pain during your trip. Choose a bag that stays in proportion to your body, as to not cause discomfort, and maintain manageability. Backpacks that are also lightweight and ergonomically designed will keep you comfortable, and in balance.

Eagle Creek’s Deviate collection includes backpacks in a variety of sizes for beginning hikers to experienced adventure-seekers.

Prepare for Precipitation

Even if weather conditions look sunny, it’s beneficial to have a backpack that protects against water to keep your gear dry. Be aware that different terminology regarding water protection can be confusing. For example, a product labeled as “waterproof” usually means it can withstand water submersion. In contrast, “water-resistant” means it can withstand the effects of wet weather, such as rain or snow, but if you drop that bag in a puddle, you may be in trouble.

Look for bags that are made of ballistic nylon, laminated cordura, PVC and other waterproof materials. A good choice is a backpack made of nylon with an extra, water-resistant PU coating, and has additional lining inside for extra protection.

Briggs & Riley's BRX Excursion Backpack is made of high-performance, water-resistant, ripstop nylon, and has additional moisture-wicking mesh nylon to keep your belongings dry.

Invest in Comfort

Additional comfort features are definitely worth the price, especially if you’re going to be carrying this bag on your back all day, or possible longer. Once you’ve found a bag that fits your needs and your size, try it on, and make sure it’s comfortable. Just like shopping for clothes, a backpack can look stylish, and appear to do the job, but it doesn’t feel quite right once you try it on.

As mentioned above, backpacks that are ergonomically designed and contour your back help ease any discomfort. Padded straps and hip belts can make a world of difference, and take a lot of added pressure off of your shoulders. Invest in a bag that works for you, and is comfortable, so you can focus on the main attraction — the beauty of the outdoors — and worry less about what’s on your back.

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Bretts Luggage and Gifts, the parent company behind Suitcase.com, will celebrate 60 years in business this weekend, on October 15 and 16. The Boston-based retail store began operation at Shopper's World mall in 1951, and is now located on Boston Post Road in Sudbury, Mass. In 1995, Bretts launched Suitcase.com, selling luggage and travel accessories worldwide.

There will special promotions, giveaways and more for in-store customers. Festivities include a balloon pop promotion that gives shoppers surprise discounts once they’re ready to check out. Also, some of Bretts' lucky customers will have the chance to win special travel prizes from top travel brands such as Briggs & Riley, Victorinox, Hartmann, Brighton, Zero Halliburton, Delsey, Timbuk2, Case Logic, Johnston & Murphy and more!

The staff at Bretts welcomes customers and guests to join in the celebration at 435 Boston Post Road on October 15 and 16, and check out Bretts Facebook page. Promotions and giveaways are only valid in-store, so if you’re in the Boston area, come join the party!

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The weather’s beginning to cool down, but that doesn’t stop people from traveling. In fact, many regions in the U.S. attract more traffic during the fall and winter months, such as the New England region for its beautiful, fall foliage, and western mountainous areas for skiing and other winter sports. 

In order to prepare you with the season’s most stylish luggage, we asked Becky Tannar, a suitcase expert at Bretts Luggage & Gifts, for professional suitcase advice, and the inside scoop on the latest buying trends. She came back to us with the three most popular words she’s hearing this season for luggage: color, weight and spinners.

The Color Purple

Plum. Aubergine. Fig. Amesthyst. Violet.  Whatever you call it, the color purple is taking over as one of the newest and hottest colors for luggage this fall.  Many of the top luggage brand designers have added this color to their palettes of already tried and true colors. And, you won’t get tired of the deep purples that are popular right now because of their neutral versatility, unlike brighter, more vibrant shades.

For example, Hartmann introduced its Barbara Barry collection (shown above), which is gorgeous, feminine and rich. The color for this line is called “fig” — a deep, plum color — with a lovely swirl pattern to give the pieces a distinctive look. Inside, the lining is a coordinating amethyst that complements the purple exterior.

Shedding the Weight

Everyone wants a lightweight bag for easier handling and transport. “We often have customers state: ‘I want the biggest, lightest bag possible,’” Becky says. “This sounds good in theory, but the reality is that the bigger your bag is, the more you put in it.” Instead, opt for a medium-sized bag made of lightweight materials, and remember to pack light as well.

What’s a stylish, lightweight suitcase recommendation for this season? Becky likes Antler Liquis Super Lightweight Carry-ons. This luggage line comes in a variety of sizes, and is inspired by nature’s waterfalls. The sharp, stylish design, wonderful function and lightweight features make it a great fall pick.

Becky suggests that shoppers who are looking for a lightweight bag examine all of a bag’s components, and ask questions. For example, many luggage brands have switched from traditional metal uprods to airline-grade aluminum, which is both lightweight and durable, saving you some additional, unneeded weight.

You Spin Me Right Round

Spinner wheels are currently all the rage. Spinners are great for conveniently rolling your bag alongside you instead of lugging or pulling it behind you. With 360 degrees of spinning, your bag is easily maneuverable, especially when it’s fully packed.  Carry-on spinners are also very convenient for rolling your suitcase or bag down the aisle of an airplane when boarding and deplaning.

The Victorinox Avolve collection has excellent options with the convenience of spinners combined with a warranty against damages that may occur during transit. Pictured here is the Victorinox Swiss Army Avolve Spinner.

Triple Crown

Rimowa has created the Salsa Air collection comprised of incredibly lightweight, multi-wheel spinner suitcases that come in a range of colors from gold to cognac to aqua. With this Rimowa Salsa Air Upright Trolley choice in Ultra Violet, you will be hitting the trifecta of all the latest fall luggage trends.  

The Right Suitcase for You

The good thing about luggage trends is that they usually focus on making travel easier, and not simply looks. Take the time to shop around, and try to find the right piece of luggage that best suits you and your travel personality, as it is a worthwhile investment, not just a seasonal piece like clothing.

Browse through our slideshow, 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Shopping for Luggage, for more information on choosing the right suitcase.

What's your favorite stylish, functional luggage item?

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Last week, I took an extended weekend, and traveled out West. Usually, I’m a “carry-on only” type of traveler, but a four-night trip required more kinds of outfits, shoes and travel essentials than I anticipated. 

Luckily, my airline checks the first bag for free, so I checked it at the ticketing desk. As an added bonus, I didn’t have to lug a heavy carry-on through the airport and security line, leaving me much lighter in my travels.

Of course, though, there were still hold-ups. When making your way to the gate, there are a few things that can throw a wrench in your plans — even when checking luggage. Remember these essential tasks that can save significant time and lessen stress next time you’re in an airport security line.

Wear Slip-on Shoes

It may seem logical to wear athletic shoes if you need to get around the airport quickly. Flip flops and other slip-on, tieless styles of shoes are comfortable, and will undoubtedly save you more time, and the hassle of removing your shoes, and then finding a bench to sit down and re-tie them.

Opt Out of Accessories

Be a minimalist when it comes to your travel outfits. The least amount of items you have on your body, the better. Your go-to piece of jewelry, and even hair accessories, can sometimes hold you up in line.

On my last flight, I stuck with my own advice, and opted out of wearing jewelry, thinking it’d make things simpler in the security line. However, I did have on a decorative metal headband, which I forgot to take off. Save yourself time, and skip the annoying accessories. This goes for men, too. If you can, choose to wear pants that don’t require a belt, and keep your watch in a laptop or carry-on bag, which you can retrieve later.

With that being said, it doesn’t mean you have to be a “plain Jane” for the duration of your flight. Keep the accessories you want to wear in your carry-on bag or purse. Then, simply put them on once you’re seated on the plane.

Taking a Laptop? Take Two Bins

If you plan on bringing a laptop through security, remember that it not only needs to come out of your bag, but you must place it in its own plastic bin. If you leave your laptop in a purse or carry-on bag, a member of TSA security will have you return to the line to remove it, and put it in a bin.

If you frequently take a laptop with you when you travel by plane, think about investing in a TSA-approved laptop bag. The bag will still need its own bin, but you won’t have to remove the computer from the bag; simply unzip it, and lay the bag flat to expose the laptop.

Check Your Makeup

By now, airline travelers are aware that liquids stowed in carry-on luggage must be less than three ounces, and contained in a one-quart plastic bag. It’s easy to forget, though, about the liquids that you may carry in your purse or bag on a daily basis.

If you tend to carry makeup in a purse, make sure to check for liquids, and transfer it to your carry-on luggage before entering the security line. Some items to think about include liquid foundations, hand or body lotion, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and smaller bottles of perfume or cologne. Plan beforehand, and you’ll avoid having to throw these items away in the security line.

Always Be Prepared

TSA has a slogan on its website that I believe all air travelers should remember: “When in doubt, leave it out.” You’ll save yourself a significant amount of time, hassle and stress by preparing yourself and your bags ahead of time, and knowing the rules before you get in the security line.

What are your tips to get through airport security hassle-free?

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