The Top 10 Travel Gifts for the Adventurer

Love to travel or know someone that does? We have done the work for you and put together a list of our top 10 most popular travel gifts; items that will be used and appreciated on every trip. Keep this list handy for Holiday, birthday, graduation and bridal shower/wedding gifts! Irv’s Luggage is so much more than luggage…we outfit the whole traveler.

1. Anti-theft backpacks – we sell so many now, that you have your choice of features and style, but, most importantly, you can travel with complete confidence that your stuff is secure. My favorite is the PacSafe Citysafe Backpack with Lock-Down Technology: features locking zippers, locking cables & turn locks to prevent bag theft, RFID pockets, slash guard fabrics and slash guard straps reinforced with steel cable. NO ONE is getting into your bag or running away with it for that matter. It’s crazy to travel without one.
2. Adventure vacay coming your way? You’ll be happy to have the Waterproof Secura Lock Backpack from Lewis N. Clark. Protects against water, dirt, sand and snow. Your electronics, books and extra gear will stay CLEAN and DRY, guaranteed. Plus, there is an anti-theft lock on this bag that allows you to secure it to any stationary object to discourage an unscrupulous thief.
3. Travelon’s Packable Backpack – this is the perfect item for every traveler. This backpack folds up small, so you can slip it in your carry-on bag. When you get where you’re going and need that extra bag for hiking or shopping, unfold it, fill it and throw it on your back. It’s super lightweight, has a padded back, padded straps and water bottle pockets. It’s a LOT of backpack in a compact package.
4. Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes – there are so many reasons to travel with these, but I’ll list a few of the best reasons here: 1. They keep your stuff organized, 2. Maximizes the space in your luggage. If you’re traveling in a carry-on, they will save you, 3. Keeps your stuff clean – you’ll never unpack them. Just put the cubes into the drawers of your lodging and you’re done. No worrying about who or what was in those drawers before you.
5. Embroidered Travel Jewelry Pouch – this is not only a practical gift, but it’s beautiful as well. Available in 6 different luxurious fabrics, it’s the perfect gift at the perfect price, coming in under $25.
6. ‘Tude Tags Luggage Tags – these neon color tags have attitude, with sayings like “Hands Off”, “Wrong One” and “Not Yours”, you can keep everyone else’s hands OFF your bags!
7. Travelon’s Cooling Gel Neck Pillow – hands down, the most comfortable neck pillow you will ever use. The cooling gel transfers heat away from neck and shoulders while the memory foam provides incredible comfort and support to head, neck and shoulders. You will rest comfortably.
8. The “IT” bag of the season is the Ulisse B/Y 21” Carry On from Bric’s – with its uber cool style, durable yet super lightweight polypropylene shell, USB port to charge your phone, 8 spinner wheels for smooth gliding, and expandable zipper, you can GET AWAY with this smart, sexy bag at an unbelievable price. Comes in 6 incredible colors, but the Mango is HOT.
9. The Flat-Out Toiletry Kit is the perfect travel companion for your bottles, make-up and other toiletries. Its flatter design means it’s going to fit into your bag better than other, bulkier kits, while still having plenty of space for everything. Other pluses for this kit are the waterproof lining, lightweight washable fabric and hook for hanging in the bathroom giving you easy access when you’re traveling.
10. Travel Sacs/Pouches – I can’t stress enough how handy these are EVERY TIME I travel! I have a set of 5 different sized pouches and use them for every miscellaneous thing that is sitting on the floor while I pack, with no home. My extra cords, meds I like to have with me, first aid supplies, extra contact lens case, sewing kit, anti-bacterial wipes and more.

Stop into our new location at 1322 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, IL and see our 3500 sq. ft. showroom filled with luggage, business backpacks, anti-theft bags, duffels and travel accessories! We have travel experts on hand to guide you to the best purchases for your travel/business needs.

Plus, we do luggage repair! We are the authorized repair center for United Airlines and ALL major luggage manufacturers, so stop in with your broken bag and we’ll fix it for you!

Safe travels from Irv’s Luggage!

 

5 Expert Luggage & Travel Tips to Make Every Trip Your Best Trip

Most of us travel at one time or another, either for business or pleasure, but is it really a pleasure? Trudging through the airport with a clunky suitcase that’s over the weight limit is no one’s idea of fun. Are you going to remove items from your luggage at the ticket counter or pay the overweight baggage fee?

Or how about this scenario: you’ve planned ahead and packed in a carry on, planning to bring your case on the plane and be on your way while your fellow passengers are still waiting by the baggage carousel. While they’re watching the endless stream of bags rolling out, you’re in an Uber halfway home. That’s the plan, but then you’re told that your carry on bag is too large or too heavy to go on board, and now YOU’RE standing by the baggage carousel waiting. You get the idea.

This is where Irv’s Luggage comes in; we are going to save you from the pitfalls of travel that take the pleasure out of your trip.

Read on for the top 5 travel tips from our expert staff.

1. International Carry On: Economy travel has brought with it a change in the allowable carry on size for domestic travel. A 22” case may now be too large for some domestic flights (check your airlines website for their specific carry on dimensions.) Pro tip: buy an International carry on bag that’s 18-20” in size and you’ll have no issues bringing your bag on board. Briggs & Riley makes a 4 wheel International Carry On or a 2 wheel version. What’s the difference you ask? The 4 wheel model makes rolling the bag alongside you easy-peasy. However, you sacrifice interior space; the 4 wheel case is 1.5”shorter with around 200 cubic inches  If you need to pack more, then perhaps a 2 wheel case is the better choice for you.
2. Luggage scale: Get one TODAY! Do not be that person in front of the check-in counter at the airport with your suitcase open while you frantically assess what looks like 5 lbs that you can remove so your case makes the weight restriction. For the $10-$20 a luggage scale will cost you, save on overweight baggage fees, and most importantly, look like the expert traveler you can be. Weigh your bag at home and sail through check-in at the airport. Travelon makes 2 models that we love, the Stop & Lock 75 lb Scale and the MuV Digital scale.
3. Packing cubes: If you don’t have them, you MUST get them. You will never travel without them again, I guarantee it. You can buy them in different sizes, with the most common size being 12” x 14” x 2” (some expand to a depth of 5”). You can color code them for your family; 1 person has blue cubes, another has red and another has black. Color coding makes packing in 1 suitcase a great option; everyone knows which cubes belong to them, and you can save on checked baggage fees by sharing a suitcase. If sharing your luggage isn’t for you, you will still reap huge benefits by using packing cubes. Here goes:

1. • 1. You will save TONS of room in your luggage when your items are contained in cubes. They stack neatly and efficiently in your suitcase, thus maximizing your packing space.
     2. You will have less unpacking to do upon arrival at your destination. Just move your cubes into drawers and you’re done!
     3. The cubes maintain a sanitary barrier between your personal items and the drawers and shelves of your accommodations.
     4. If you’re moving a lot from place to place, you can easily stay organized with your cubes. Without packing cubes, your suitcase will be a mess within a day – guaranteed.
     5. You will be the envy of any traveling companion NOT using packing cubes!
     6. Some of our favorites: Set of 3 Lightweight Packing Organizers and Electrolight Expandable Packing Cube 2 Pack.

4. RFID protection: SO easy to do and can save you endless aggravation when you’re traveling. Millions of credit cards, debit cards, and passports issued since 2006 are embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that contains personal information. The technology was designed to let us bypass scanning our cards. However, electronic identity thieves have undermined the security of RFID products by devising scanners that read your personal information without you even realizing it. Blocking56MHz frequencies, the standard for most credit cards and passports, items with RFID-Blocking protection have allowed individuals to safeguard themselves from electronic pick pocketing and identity theft. Take a look at these RFID Credit Card Sleeves.
5. Anti-theft Bags: These bags can be used every day as well as for travel, when you are a target for thieves. There are a wide variety of styles available, including cross body bags, totes, hobos and backpacks. We sell some awesome brands too; Baggallini, PacSafe and Travelon are the best in this category. The Baggallini Anti-theft Large Hobo and the Baggallini Go Bagg are fan faves in the travel  handbag category. The PacSafe CitySafe Anti-theft Backpack wins top honors in the backpack category for its chic, roomy and practical design. Anti-theft bags have several important features that will send a potential thief on their way.
6. Slash/cut resistant fabricsthat will not allow a knife to penetrate your bag and get to your wallet.
7. Anti-slash shoulder strapshave stainless steel cable running through to prevent someone from slashing the strap and running off with your bag.
8. RFID safe pocketsto protect your credit cards and passport from being scanned by identity thieves.
9. Lock down technology: zippers and straps thatprevent someone from accessing your bag without your knowledge.

Most importantly, take full advantage of 72 years’ experience in the luggage and travel industry! Our service is exceptional and personalized; we will help you choose the best bag for your type of travel. We have a wealth of information to help every traveler stay safe, organized and save money on extra fees. We hope you’ll stop in and see how we can help you prepare for your next trip.

Luggage Repair

When you buy from Irv’s, we’ll take care of you down the road if your bag ever needs a little love. We have the largest luggage repair center in the Midwest and haven’t met a bag we can’t fix (okay, maybe a few, but VERY few). We service airline claims (ie. United, American) as well as manufacturer warranties (Briggs & Riley, Travelpro, Samsonite). We also refurbish leather bags, so if you have a beloved leather duffel or briefcase, we can bring it back to life!

 

New Airline Weight Limits

Just when travelers were getting used to dealing with 50 pound weight limits on their luggage, some airlines have , once again, changed the rules.. In the United States, Spirit and Allegiant Airlines now have a limit of 40 pounds on bags that are checked-in. Overseas, many airlines, such as Ryanair, have a 44 pound limit on their checked bags. Dealing with these limits can be a hassle, but new lighter-weight luggage makes it manageable. Here are a few suggestions of super lightweight luggage.

Roncato Venice 2.0 28″ Expandable ML Spinner

Many of the best brands for lightweight luggage are from Europe, and the Italian company Roncato has been specializing in making some of the lightest strongest cases since the 1940’s. This line was recently updated with duo-caster wheels for additional stability as well as a more streamlined look. The best news is that they still kept this case at only 6.1 pounds.

Antler Titus DLX Hybrid Large Expandable Spinner

The Antler Titus has been a huge seller for this British based company, and it has finally arrived in the states. The best feature of this case is that the 32’’ case weighs only 5.7 pounds. This is a great option for people who need to pack items that are bulky. What makes this case unique is the hybrid design that combines the benefits of a hard and soft case. Antler uses polypropylene for the top of bottom of the case for extra durability. This suitcase even has a built-in TSA lock.

TravelPro Maxlite 4 26″ Expandable Rollaboard

American based Travelpro has been making the Maxlite line for several years and they continue to be one of our top sellers. What makes this case unique is the rollerboard design which uses larger sturdier wheels then most spinner bags. This makes this case perfect for use on uneven terrain, such as cobblestone streets. This suitcase is a great value for the infrequent travelers.

High Sierra Winslow 28″ Wheeled Drop Bottom Duffel

For those who prefer wheeled duffels, there is High Sierra’s Winslow line of duffels. At 7.7 pounds, this is one of the lightest duffels on the market. Duffels are great for value travelers because when not in use they can fold up and be stored in small areas.. Those who like to divide up their packing will also appreciate the drop bottom design. At $107.99, this is the least expensive of all the products we have looked at so far.

These are just a few examples of lightweight luggage that Irv’s Luggage carries. As airlines continue to play the weight game, manufacturers are always adjusting their product options. Check out our lightweight luggage section of our website or stop by one of our stores, and we can always help you find the right case that you can use for any trip.

 

Waist packs: A classic that never went away

Waist packs were a travel item long before they were considered a fashion accessory and though the popularity of this item, often call “Fannie packs,” had been on the decline, they have made a comeback and are more popular than ever. For those buying one for the first time, here are some suggestions.
Safe and Secure
One of the best parts of a waist pack is knowing the item is on you at all times. Some brands even feature special safety elements. For example, Travelon’s Anti- Theft Waist Pack has features such as lockable zippers and a cut-proof belt. Other companies, such as Eagle Creek, have a waist pack that features RFID protection.
Sleek and Thin
Large waist packs can hold a lot but can be bulky when traveling to warmer destinations. Fortunately, many of the new packs are slimmer and can still hold everything you need without weighing you down. Spibelt makes a waist pack that is super-thin, yet stretches to hold a phone, keys, and any other small personal items. Travelon also has a sleek top-zip pack that weighs mere ounces and has room for all your beach items.
Classic is Cool
Sometimes the best items are the classics, and leather waist packs are still some of the best looking ones around.. Companies like Piel and Winn have been making waist packs since the beginning and they have kept their classic looks, but have added modern compartments and sizing options so you can find the perfect one. You could even add a free monogram to complete the look.
These are just a few styles of waist packs available on the market. Some brands such as Kipling and Baggallini, even have convertible waist packs that can be worn over the shoulder. Just don’t let anyone tell you that waist packs are passé, because they are functional and stylish.

Celebrate The New Year With New Travel Goals

2018 is here and the New Year means new beginnings. This can include making travel resolutions for this year. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Traveling only with a carry-on this year. Nothing is better than taking a quick trip to your favorite warm-weather destination or a ski weekend, but with check-in fees and time wasted at the baggage carousel short trips can be a hassle. Packing light might seem hard at first but with practice, you will be surprised how little you need. One of our most popular carry-on is the Briggs & Riley U122CX It features a compression feature which allows you to fill it to the max. Check out this video here to see how much this case can fit.

 

2. When traveling with only a carry-on, make sure that you follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids. This limits you to 3 items of 3.4 oz or less. If you like to use your own products when traveling consider purchasing refillable bottle sets, such as Humangear’s GoToob. Switching from liquid soap to bar soap also will help avoid this dreaded rule.

 

3. Another great resolution is to organize your items before you even pack. One great tip is to use packing cubes. Eagle Creek is the original maker of packing cubes and they offer more sizes and styles than any other company. For example, the half-cube is great for socks and underwear and the full-cube is great for t-shirts. There are also garment folders for shirts and pants. Using them will make packing and unpacking a breeze.

 

4. Last but not least…. go somewhere new this year! Here is a link to a great article on the top budget destinations for 2018 https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2017/11/20/the-27-best-budget-travel-destinations-for-2018/#12b4a5b45086. Make this the year of going to new and exciting places and let Irv’s Luggage be your travel companion.

New ways to RFID protect

Thieves are always looking for a new way to steal our identities and one of the most common is stealing our information using a RFID chip reader. Some of the new readers are so small that you will never know the person behind you in line has one. This isn’t new, but is becoming a bigger threat every year. The good news is that manufacturers are integrating RFID protection in more items than ever. Here are a few great new items.

One of our most popular items is an anti-theft tote. Travelon has a line of travel totes that feature both RFID protection and other safety features, like anti-slash straps and locking zippers that will keep you safe and protected against any type of theft. This is a perfect item for overseas travel.

Another great way to guard your credit cards and other items is RFID protected waist belts. These are designed to go under your clothes so thieves don’t even know you are wearing one. What I recommend is keeping a wallet and/or purse with a few items, a small amount of cash, and maybe one credit card on you, and keep your passport and a backup credit card in your hidden waist belt.

Like to keep your passport with you? The good news is that many passport cases now have RFID protection built-in. In addition, many cases have slots for credit cards so they will be protected as well. With both leather and nylon styles available you are sure to find one that suits your needs.

Lastly, if you have older wallets or passport cases that you own and love, then, by all means, continue to use them. Just make sure to purchase RFID protecting sleeves for your credit cards and passports anytime you travel overseas. This is an inexpensive way to keep your information safe. Bon voyage!

Ultimate Luggage guide for Caribbean cruising

With all the damage the recent hurricanes have inflicted on Caribbean islands, many people who would have normally gone to a resort on an island are for the first time considering going on a cruise ship instead. This is a great option if your favorite island isn’t quite ready for tourists, but you still want to enjoy resort type amenities and the great weather the Caribbean offers. However, you will have to approach how you pack slightly differently. Below is a guide to help you out.

Luggage

What luggage you take with you depends on your needs; however, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

1. You will always want to take at least one carry-on suitcase. This is a bag you will keep with you at all times. All your valuables and any items you will need on your first day of the cruise should go in this bag. You will do a lot of walking so make sure your bag wheels well before your trip. If you have an older carry-on this might be a good time to upgrade.
2. Most of the time your suitcases will have to fit underneath your bed. This will require some planning if you are taking several cases. One option is to get a luggage set that can be nested. Another option is a rolling duffel that can be folded down for storage. This might be a good option for families.
3. If you are bringing lots of formal outfits you might want to consider a rolling garment bag. Your nicer garments will arrive ready to wear and the bag can be hung in a closet without taking your clothing out.

Accessories

The following travel accessories are recommended for any cruise travel:

–Packing cubes

–Adaptors and/or convertors (see this previous blog, check with the cruise operator if you need one)

-A small backpack or tote for day trips

–Toiletry bags and pill planners

–Waterproof phone pouch

–Luggage tags (the brighter the better) and locks

I always suggest reading the cruise operator’s website and follow their advice closely. Also, make sure to give yourself time to get to your boat (consider flying in the night before.) Travel insurance is recommended for everyone. Lastly, I highly suggest taking your passport with you and make sure it is not near expiration. Most of all relax and enjoy yourself.

MUST HAVE TRAVEL ACESSORIES

Once you have picked out your luggage the next step is to figure out what travel accessories you need for travel today. In case you need some help, I’m going to highlight a few items that are must-haves for all travelers.

One item each piece of luggage should have is a luggage tag or handle wrap. They serve multiple purposes; they both help you find your bag and if your bag is lost it will have all your information. Even if your bag has a place to write your information a big, bright tag or wrap will help separate your bag from the crowd. This is also a great place to add a piece of personality and friar to a not so exciting suitcase.

Most airlines nowadays limit checked bags to 50 Ibs. If you exceed this the extra fees can be HUGE. The best way to avoid this is with a luggage scale. Scales come in two different varieties, spring-loaded and digital. The advantage of the spring-loaded ones is the reliability. It never needs a battery. The digital ones though are smaller and easier to read. Pro tip: If you are planning to buy items on your trip you might want to pack your scale.

One item you never want to leave home without is your medication. It is no fun having to take time away from your trip trying to track down new prescriptions or medicines. You can carry all your pill bottles with you but for one week or less trips it will be easier to use a pill planner. This way you can make sure you have everything you need to. Another pro tip: no matter what you should always keep your medication on you and not in a checked bag.

Worried about leaving your bag unattended? You will need a luggage lock. What makes these locks different from other locks is that with a luggage lock the TSA can still access your bag. If your lock is not a TSA lock they will cut it off and maybe even damage your zippers. A good way to know if your lock is TSA approved is to look for “TSA” followed by a number somewhere by the keyhole. If your lock doesn’t have that don’t use that lock.

These items are must-haves for any traveler and having them can make the difference between a fun trip and a nightmare. Don’t forget to stay tuned for more tips on travel accessories.

 

Holiday Road: Your Guide to Summer European Travel

Summer is almost here and that means summer travel. One of the most popular destinations this time of year is Europe, and it’s no question why. With all its culture, cuisine, and beaches it is the summer hot spot. Once your trip is booked it’s a good idea to come up with a packing list. Besides the need to keep your valuables (such as your electronics) safe, what else will I need to take with me? Below are some tips for easy packing.

Safety First

Going to Europe can be a lot of fun and for the most part very safe. However, theft can be an issue in some parts of Europe. For all the attention that electronic theft has been getting in the media (see this previous blog post for more about RFID) the most common issue is still good old-fashioned pick pocketing. Having your passport stolen and can quickly turn you dream trip into a nightmare. The best way to protect yourself from pick pocketing is to keep your passport, extra cash, and credit cards in a money belt under your clothes. When worn properly, the thieves will never know that you have one on. My advice is to keep only a few essentials in a backpack or purse and everything else should go in the money belt.

Light and Flexible

For traveling around Europe the best advice is to pack light. If a carry-on doesn’t have enough room then take one medium (24”-26”) case and either a backpack or a wheeled tote. Having a small item like that is especially great if you’ll be doing lots of walking and sightseeing. Also, European cars tend to be smaller so you will be thankful for the extra room there. If organization is not your strong suit then packing cubes are a life saver!

Other Necessities

Adapters and converters will be needed for your electronic appliances. If you are not sure what you need check out this guide. Another great item to have is a daypack for short trips. This a great place to keep a sweater, water bottle, and anything else you might need for the day. If you plan to shop on your trip remember that stores in Europe often don’t have bags, so a foldable shopping tote is a great item to throw in your purse or daypack.

Have fun

Once you have your trip booked and you are all packed up, then it’s time to relax. Studies show that the less stress you have during the trip, the more beneficial you time away from work will be. Make sure to give yourself “off” days on your trip so you can just sit back, relax, and take in an unique culture and just have fun. Bon Voyage.

Adapters/Converters… What you need before you go

One must-have item before you travel overseas is the right adapter or converter. Most countries outside of North America are on a different electricity standard, which requires the use of an adapter/converter. Buying one can seem confusing, maybe even overwhelming at first, but with this handy guide you will be on your way with everything you need.

The first question is what country or countries are you going to. North America, most of the Caribbean and Central America, and Japan use our plugs so if that is your destination then most likely you don’t need anything at all. However, the rest of the world has different sized plugs and/or different voltage than the United States so you will have to look up the standard of the country you will be visiting. Most travel agents or hotels will be happy to provide you with this information, and Lewis & Clark publishes a handy guide. Be careful though, some countries have more than one standard so you might have to get several types of adapters

Small electronics, such as phones, tablets, and e-readers only need adapters, as well as most camera batter chargers and shavers. Laptop computers also only need adapters, but those should be grounded. Hair appliances are a different story though. Some are duo-voltage, but many still are not. Most hotels now have hairdryers and if you usually use a hair curler or straightener maybe consider a hair style for your trip that will not require the use of one (hats always work). If you still feel the need to take one the next step is to determine both the voltage and wattage of your device. It will be on the device usually on the handle or inside. When you get your converter make sure the wattage of your device works with your converter. If you are using more than one item I recommend a high-low converter.

Once you know what you need then it is time to choose what adapter and/or converter you wish to purchase.  Most people will be fine with a single use adapter. They are the easiest to use and the least expensive. There are also kits available that contain adapters for all over the world or both the adapter and the converter. One other choice is a device that has all the adapters or adapter/converter in one. These tend to be the most expensive and might not work with grounded items (or even in all countries).

If you are still not sure what you need after all this then going to your local travel store (such as Irv’s Luggage) might be a good idea. They are the experts and deal with these questions all day long. I often tell people to bring what they are planning to take with them so I can see what they need and not just guessing. This is the surefire way to make sure you are not stuck with a wrong plug or even worse a burned out appliance.