Caribee - Backpacks & Messenger Bags
By Nick | May 7, 2008
There’s a new brand on the site, straight outta Australia. Caribee makes a wide variety of some of the coolest looking backpacks and sport bags I’ve seen. Caribee is Australia’s leading and largest manufacturer of outdoor and urban gear, and has been making packs and bags since 1982. 
Caribee prides itself on a creative product design with practical and user friendly features, and with an Australian/International twist. Another thing I like about these products, are the prices. They have it written right into their mission statement….innovative designs at realistic prices.
These bags have just recently been introduced to the U.S. market, and thus far, we’ve had some really good feedback. Check out these quality bags for yourself.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
Travel Questions? Check the TSA….blog
By Nick | April 1, 2008
Working at Luggage Pros over the last few years, I’ve heard first hand how many questions people have regarding the ever-changing rules and regulations associated with travel. Now there’s a great place to go to. In addition to the main Transportation Security Administration website, travelers now have the TSA blog as another great source of travel information. I think this is a great way for the TSA to put more of a personal, friendly, “we’re here to help you” spin on their duties to, “protect the nation’s transportation systems so you and your family can travel safely.”
This blog lets you hear from TSA employees about new policies, and hear what other people have to say about them. Commenting on the posts gives you the ability to address concerns, issues, frustrations, as well as ask questions about them.
A few personal highlights from the TSA blog include:
“Gripes and Grins” - They’re encouraging you to post about your experiences (positive AND negative) with the TSA.
“Liquid carry on regulations” - This covers some important questions on why they have the rules they have. And they even have a video showing how much damage a liquid explosive could cause. Should give travelers a good idea as to why the rules are in place.
As you can see by many of the readers comments, some of these posts may not cover the exact topics you’re interested in, or go into enough detail to answer all your questions. However, it is a step in the right direction. If you don’t see an answer to your question….post a comment and tell them. With the new blog format, they’re here to interact with and help you.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
The North Face Base Camp Duffel: A Modern Classic
By Jeremy | February 7, 2008
Are you missing an article of clothing for your gear pack prior to departure in your quest to tackle the foreboding behemoth that is Everest? It is likely in your XL North Face Base Camp Duffel.
Stuck in the airport returning from your weekend jaunt to Austin to catch the annual SXSW Music Festival? Just grab that book you’ve been trying to finish for over a month. I think you put it in the zip pocket of your Medium North Face Base Camp Duffel.
Therein lies the beauty of a true modern classic. Whether you are a mountain-conquering adventure fiend needing a durable and dependable bag to carry the essentials that sustain you in your various quests, or a city-slicker wanting a versatile piece of luggage to support your weekend warrior adventures, the Base Camp Duffel has you covered.
Constructed of extremely strong PVC tarpaulin, this North Face bag is made to last a lifetime. While durability is almost certainly its calling card, the Base Camp Duffel is also extremely convenient to use. It comes equipped with two internal mesh side pockets to hold your smaller and easier to lose items, and the D- shaped zipper on top of the bag makes it much easier to access all parts of the bag when packing, unpacking, or frantically searching for that misplaced passport. The bag also features four compression straps to aid in cinching down a full load.
When choosing the luggage that will fit your needs for trekking around the globe, comfort is often of paramount importance. The North Face Base Camp Duffel has it in spades, as it includes two sturdy Alpine-cut shoulder straps that allow you to carry the bag like a backpack. This North Face product comes in four different sizes to accommodate the smallest weekend getaway to the yearlong sabbatical, as well as five distinct colors.
Perhaps the most remarkable part about this bag is its durability. While I myself have already used my bag on several trips and seen firsthand how well it takes a beating, I have also read countless online reviews from those that have brought their Base Camp Duffel throughout the six continents and the harshest of conditions. It has withstood it all.
So, if you’re looking for a bag that can take on the world with you and endure to tell the stories you keep, the North Face Base Camp Duffel is the one for you.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories, Trip Planning | No Comments »
Newswire: RyanAir has announced plans for $12 flights between the U.S. and Europe
By Jeremy | January 24, 2008
Michael O’ Leary, CEO of Dublin-based RyanAir, long-touted as Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, has recently stated its intention to offer $12 flights between the United States and Europe.
This almost unfathomable fare understandably has travelers on both sides of the pond breathless in anticipation of the possibilities. It also has this writer quite worried about his investment in a plan for an underwater tunnel connecting the two continents.
While both the American and European destinations for this plan have yet to be identified, RyanAir plans on serving six U.S. cities, and is already underway in acquiring the 50 Widebody Boeing 787’s and Airbus A350 XWB’s it would utilize in carrying out its bold vision for uber-economical inter-continental travel. It has also been decided that instead of serving large hub airports, like New York’s JFK International, RyanAir would operate out of smaller airports outside the major U.S. cities.
O’ Leary is quick to point out that prices of flights could fluctuate higher due to higher prices for on-flight entertainment and food, and that $12 would simply be the lowest price offered. The airline has faced charges of false advertising in the past, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out as more details emerge.
The new long-haul airline will be called RyanAtlantic, and it will likely begin operation once it has obtained the necessary aircraft.
If these plans come to fruition, and it indeed becomes possible to fly between the U.S. and Europe for $12, it raises the possibility of the price of your flight from New York to London (or Dublin or Reykjavik) being cheaper than your cab ride to the airport. The only way to get to Europe cheaper would be to take the Norse Viking approach and paddle a canoe-boat across the Atlantic. Of course, if you take the approach that time is money, this may set you back a little more. And likely leave you stranded somewhere in the middle of the freezing abyss.
‘Til next time, keep your bags packed; you never know where life will take you next….
Topics: Airports, Business Travel, International Travel, Other, Trip Planning | No Comments »
Top 5: travel accessories
By Nick | January 21, 2008
OK….the holidays are over….back to full work weeks….it’s officially time to get back to the blog. One thing that became very clear to me this holiday traveling season, was the importance of having a few key travel accessories. Here’s my list:
1) Passport / ticket holder. Getting organized is hard enough to do at home or at work, and nearly impossible while on the road. This product keeps me organized. Enough said.
2) TSA approved carry-on bottles & containers. Keeps any guessing work out of the picture. If you can fit your toiletries in these containers, you’re good to go.
3) Luggage Scale. No more oversize charges!
4) Travel clock. This is more along the lines of a necessity for business trips….but thought I’d throw it on the list anyway. Can never have too many alarms set when you’ve got places to go, and business to do.
5) The last one is more of a request than an “essential travel accessory”. A nice luggage rack. Not a huge deal, or a deal-breaker when deciding on places to stay….but, they are nice and easy on the back.
The best part about the list, is the price points. Everything saves hassle, time, and money…..and you can get all five of them for under $100, total. Not a bad deal.
Topics: Airline Regulations, Airports, Business Travel, Domestic Travel, International Travel, Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories, Trip Planning | No Comments »
A little Airline / Luggage Humor.
By Corey | December 6, 2007
A little more airline and luggage humor to break up your holiday rush.
Topics: Airports, Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
Gift Ideas for Husbands, Fathers and Brothers
By Krista | December 5, 2007
Sometimes the men in our lives are difficult to shop for. We’ve tried to make it easier with a nice collection of great gift ideas for him. A new rolling bag or laptop case may be the answer. But which to choose?
If your man is a modern urban-type, you dare not give a piece of drab black luggage. Today you will have no problem finding a high-tech, fashion-forward wheeled bag that is as durable as it is cool. Zero Halliburton’s new polycarbonate collection is glossy, sleek, and amazingly lightweight. Samsonite’s Graviton collection features a striking, industrial-looking exterior. The injection-molded polypropylene is strong and impact-resistant.
For the urban professional in your life, check out the Verb collection by Briggs & Riley. A favorite is the Go messenger bag. An orange interior and contrast stitching adds a pleasant modern pop to a well-designed and gadget-friendly messenger. (Briggs & Riley’s exceptional warranty will make sure the bag far outlasts the laptop inside.)
Does his style lean more toward the classic and traditional? Johnston & Murphy’s 20” Cabin Duffel is a handsome leather carry-on or weekend bag that will keep him traveling in style for years. Even the ballistic nylon Sports Duffel in Johnston & Murphy’s travel collection is refined and the picture of class.
For a briefcase for the traditional man of style, consider the Korchmar Adventure Litigator Flap Brief. Gorgeous oil tanned antique leather with classic flap and buckle closure is distinguished yet rugged.
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
Holiday Travel Tips
By Jim | November 26, 2007
Holiday air travelers will face their annual trepidation as we make our travel plans to be able to see relatives and friends late this year. The idea of long waiting lines to check in or pick up luggage on the carousel can send shivers up and down our spines. Add to that trying to set a schedule that includes connecting flights in winter weather and we want to throw our hands up in despair.
We have a few ideas to help make this time a little less stressful for you.
- The first is to be prepared and be patient. Being prepared means you may as well anticipate some delays. Charge your iPod and your cell phone, bring plenty of reading material, etc. If you are traveling with children make sure you have some new items for them to entertain themselves with and have plenty of snacks. Bringing a portable DVD player is never a bad decision. Then remember to be patient. Delays can take time.
- Get to the airport early. If possible, try and be there about 2 hours before domestic flight times and even more for international flights.
- Try not to take trips that will involve connecting flights. Weather delays can cause missed connections. If you do have connecting flights, allow at least one hour between arrival and departure flight times.
- Pack light. Ship extra clothes and presents to your destination. Bringing wrapped presents on board can be a problem, especially if the TSA security personnel make you open the package for inspection which is a possibility.
- In addition to packing light, try to pack so you can use a carry on bag instead of checking your luggage through. Virtually all 22” upright bags can be carried on board domestic airlines. With so many people traveling during the Holiday season, lines at the carousel can be long and lost luggage is a major pain.
- Bring all necessary phone numbers with you. If you have to change or cancel a connecting flight for example, call ahead as soon as possible. The charge or penalty will be less than if you have missed the flight.
- Confirm all details of your flight before leaving. Check the weather at your destination in case you have to prepare for a change of clothing. You can do this by going to Accuweather’s website.
Topics: Airline Regulations, Airports, Domestic Travel, International Travel, Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories, Trip Planning | No Comments »
Robo-Luggage
By Nick | November 14, 2007
That’s right. Robo-Luggage. “Tony” the luggage robot to be more specific. That’s the name Russian speacialists have come up with for their latest invention….wheeled luggage that follows you around.
In order to make the mechanism follow its owner, it is enough for the person to put a sensor-card into a pocket and the suitcase will dutifully roll after the owner.
A gyroscope, light sensitive detectors, ultrasound and infrared sensors help the smart suitcase bypass obstacles, to roll in conditions of an inclined surface, and to stop when stumbling upon the edges of staircases and balconies. The robot-suitcase’s accumulator charge is said to be enough for non-stop operation during 2 hours.
Say good-bye to telescoping handles, sore shoulders from dragging your luggage around, and most importantly..say good-bye to not being noticed while walking around the airport. Imagine spotting someone in an airport terminal with a wheeled R2D2 type thing following their every move?
Start saving now, because in 2009 this should be available for only $1,960!
Source: futurismic.com
Topics: Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories, Other | No Comments »
17″ Laptop Briefs
By Nick | November 12, 2007
When it comes to finding a bag for the larger than average laptops there seems to be a misconception that the selection is limited. Well…..thanks to the hard work of Krista the Luggage Pro, the days of discriminating against 17″ laptop owners are long gone.
The new 17″ laptop collection includes bags made from leather ,ballistic nylon, and hard-sided polycarbonate.
My personal favorite is from the T-Tech Pulse collection from Tumi. This entire collection seems to combine the durability and high end materials of classic Tumi bags, with a trendy style sometimes lacking in traditional higher end lines. And the best part about this line………..Affordability. They’ve made it so you can enjoy these high-end bags, without breaking the bank.
Topics: Business Travel, Luggage, Bags, and Travel Accessories | No Comments »
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