The May 2009 issue highlighted four different laptop bags that each serve a unique purpose. Of the four that were highlighted, my two favorites are the Nuo Tech and Travelon bags.  Nuo Tech also makes messenger bags and totes, but the real stars are the laptop bags which were designed by Project Runway winner, Chloe Dao.  Nuo Tech describes the bags as “a unique play on colors, geometry and shapes to create fashion forward designs without any boundaries.”  Even though I don’t fall in the target demographic for the bags (they are geared toward female consumers), I still think the collection has some of the coolest designs on the market.

As for Travelon, well, if you’ve ever read my bio at LuggagePros.com you know I love Travelon’s Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bags.  Not sure about everyone else, but I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time than in a security checkpoint cattle call at the airport, so if there’s a product that can help me get through quicker I’m going to use it.  For those that aren’t familiar with the term ‘checkpoint friendly’, it means that when using one of these products you don’t have to take your laptop out of your bag and put it into its own tray.  Rather, your laptop and case are viewed in a single, unobstructed image by the TSA screener allowing you breeze through airport security.  Pretty cool stuff.

If these bags don’t do it for you, don’t worry, check out our site for hundreds of other options that might meet your specific needs and personal taste.

Our first tip is: Make your luggage easier to find! There are fours ways to do this.

	1.  Buy unique and colorful luggage: Although many people are only using carry-ons due to the added fees of checking luggage and added time to get through security, checked luggage is still a necessity for long trips, family vacation, destination vacations, etc.  So, instead of standing around the carousel picking up each black bag that comes by, purchase something unique that you’ll KNOW is yours when you see it.  Choose luggage that is loud either in color or print.  International Traveller in particular has some great animals prints and polka dot designs.  Heys is another company that also has a myriad of bright colors and prints to choose from.
	2. Use luggage tags: If you already own some great luggage or you want another way to identify your colorful/patterned bags from the rest, use luggage tags.  These inexpensive accessories are a great way to personalize your luggage and make great gifts for the avid traveler in your family or group of friends!
	3. Attach bright handle wraps: If luggage tags aren’t your thing or you want yet another way to make your bag stand out from the rest, use handle wraps.  Equally as inexpensive as luggage tags, wraps also serve as protection for your handle, increasing the life of your bag.  And when it comes to heavy lifting, handle wraps provide added comfort for your hands.
	4. Use a Tracking ID Tag: Let’s face it.  Sometimes luggage gets lost.  To ensure that this isn’t something you have to worry about this holiday season, purchase a Victorinox Tracking ID Tag.  Once you register your tag online, Victorinox will reunite you with your bag no matter where it’s found in the world FOR FREE!  The tag includes an ID number and a 24 hr, 365 day-a-year collect phone number that the finder of your bag can call from anywhere in the world.  Victorinox then notifies you, arranges pickup and then makes sure the bag is delivered right to you at no cost.

Follow this Holiday Travel Tip, and you’re sure to find your luggage faster.  Keep an eye out for our other travel tips and let us know if you have any tips of your own!

1. Know The Rules – Double check the carry-on guidelines with your airline.  The size and weight guidelines tend to vary a bit from airline to airline, so be sure to get specifics.  For example, your 35lb. suitcase might fine with one carrier, but will have to be checked with another.  Carriers also have varying linear size limits.  Check out our Travel Center for more tips, guidelines, etc.
2. Know Your Size – Are you planning on domestic travel, international travel, or both?  This is very important, since domestic regulations limit the carry-on bag size to a 22″ bag, whereas the international limit is 20″.  If you plan on using the same suitcase for all your travels, I suggest getting a 20″.  I personally travel with a Crew 7 20″ Rollaboard .
3. Beware of the Liquid Restrictions – In case you didn’t know yet, the TSA has restrictions on liquids.  All liquids must be in 3oz. containers which all need to fit into one clear ziplock bag. You can technically go out and buy mini bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, lotion, toothpaste, etc.  However, my preferred solution is purchasing a TSA approved bottle kit.   This allows you to not only bring your favorite shampoo, lotion, etc with you, but it also will save you money because the mini bottles are grossly marked up.  The Eagle Creek Pack-It Custom Travel Bottle Set is my favorite because it contains squeeze bottles, a pump bottle, a spray bottle and a toothbrush holder all conveniently packed into a custom reusable zipper bag.
4. How to fit everything you need into one bag – when going on longer trips, it becomes harder to fit everything you need into your carry-on, especially if you are traveling to colder climates and packing bulky clothes.  My favorite solution is compression bags.  If you have a few extra large heavy duty ziplock bags handy, you can pack them full, and press the air out of them.   However the ziplocks are prone to tears and they do slowly refill with air, so you need to pack fast.  My suggestion is to spring $20 or so, and buy a set of compression bags (Eagle Creek Pack-It Compressor Set).
5. Check Your Lock – If you are going to lock your luggage, be sure that you are using TSA approved locks.  This can benefit you in several ways.  First, if you bag needs to be searched, you don’t need to fiddle around for the key, every TSA agent has a master key.  Second, if you make the bonehead mistake of forgetting or losing your key, you will be able to have a TSA security agent open it for you – save yourself a trip to the hardware store and $25 on bolt cutters (personal experience).

Yes, this story does have a relatively happy ending though.  The song has become a viral hit, with close to 1.5 million views in the past 4 days; Taylor guitars has offered to fully repair Dave’s guitar, which he says still doesn’t sound the same, and they promised him a discount on his next purchase, and even United Airlines seems to finally want to address this issue, after a whole year of ignoring it.  The moral of the story is, if the airlines lose and/or break something of yours, just put up a video on YouTube.

Enjoy the video…

Top Rated Briefcase-Style Laptop Bag

Brenthaven MetroLite II Laptop Shoulder Case – This bag is stylish, durable, and functional.  For such a thin case, the padding is very thick and impact absorbent.  Your laptop will be safe and secure.  A very functional front accessory pocket is perfect for all your cords and accessories.  An optional shoulder strap is also included.  The one downside of this bag is that there is not much space for transporting books, notebooks, files, etc.  At a price of $79.00 this is a great bag for the someone who sporadically takes their laptop out of the home and/or office to work.

Top Rated Wheeled Computer Bag

Brenthaven Duo II Wheeled Case – This laptop bag is perfect for the road warrior and/or those people who need to constantly have multitudes of files and paperwork with them, as well as their laptop.  This bag is a bit on the heavier side, which is normal for wheeled bags, but it provides great padded protection for the laptop, and has a second main compartment for all your notebooks and paperwork, as well as an organizational pocked for all the necessary laptop accessories.

If neither of these two bags are to your liking, please checkout our large selection of laptop bags (laptop backpacks, laptop messenger bags, laptop briefcases, etc.).

Best Backpack for Teens & Adults

The North Face Borealis – This is a great pack both for school and/or a daypack.  Rated highly for comfort and durability, this backpack has great features, like the available padded laptop sleeve and the tuck-away hip belt.  At only $85 this is a great buy.  Available in a variety of colors.

Best Budget Backpack

JanSport Super Break – This is a classic that has been around for decades, and still has not lost popularity.  Very durable, especially for its price point ($29).  This is your standard school backpack.  It is available in a large variety of solid colors, as well as a great number of designer patterns.

If you are in the market for a backpack, and neither of the above best-rated float your boat, click here for a full list of backpack brands and backpack types.  Whether it is a hiking backpack or a wheeled backpack that you need, we have a large selection for you to checkout.

Take the Camden Town Collection, for example. This is where form meets function – a unique hardside shell that is both eye catching and tough; attached TSA locks for maximum security and convenience when going through checkpoints; and sturdy ball bearing wheels. If you are looking for a quality unique piece of hardside luggage, this might be the one for you. If you are looking for another brand to compare it to, look no further than Titan. This Antler collection might not be as durable, but it is still very sturdy. The thing that likely sets these two brands apart is the warranty.

This post isn’t as much about the new proposed regulation, but it is really me voicing my displeasure at the fact that the government is spending time and taxpayer dollars to regulate something that doesn’t really need regulating. I mean the rules are simple enough, if the item doesn’t fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it needs to be checked…no need for House Resolution 2870.