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!

 

One person’s African Safari adventure tale

Renee Silverman, vice president of marketing at Irv’s Luggage, recently took a trip to Africa. She is joining us today to discuss her trip and share some things she learned during her trip.

1. So, Renee you were recently in Africa. What countries did you go to and how did you pick your destinations?

My daughter was volunteering as a nurse in Uganda, so that determined the start point of our trip. From there, it was easy to get to neighboring Tanzania, which was where we would spend the majority of our time in Africa. We hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro and went on safari in the Serengeti. From there we went to Rwanda, just to the west of Tanzania, to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. With so much time spent traveling to these destinations, on board comfort was imperative. I couldn’t have made it without a neck pillow, which conveniently attached to my backpack and made the journey much more comfortable.

2. What was the favorite part of your trip?

All of it! If I had to choose 1 thing, I would say seeing the mountain gorillas up close and personal was my favorite.

3. Working at a luggage store, you get to pick what bags you wanted to take. How did you decide what luggage to use?

Knowing ahead of time that we would be flying on small inter-country flights as well as large overseas carriers, helped me decide which bags would accommodate a variety of flights with different baggage requirements. The smaller planes we would be flying had stricter baggage sizes and weights due to the size of the planes, so we planned on packing to accommodate the strictest requirements. This meant traveling with a smaller checked bag than I might ordinarily have taken. Since the smaller planes would only allow a maximum weight of 40 lbs, that was what we used as our overall weight guideline for packing for the trip. I chose to bring a lightweight High Sierra drop bottom duffel that would allow me to separate my items, but which had a lot of packing space. In general, a duffel bag is a great option over a large suitcase when traveling far and needing to pack a lot. In addition, I knew that I would need a backpack for the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb as well as the jungle climb to see the gorillas, so my carry on personal bag was a Granite Gear hiking backpack that I could use for those treks.

4. What was your packing strategy and did you learn anything about packing during your trip?

I used a lot of packing cubes and compression bags in my luggage that I would highly recommend to every traveler. The packing cubes not only save on space in your luggage, but they help keep your belongings organized and make it easy to move when you are traveling from place to place. Everything I packed went into a packing cube. The compression bags are important if you need to pack bulky items that take up space. In our case, we had to pack lightweight down jackets, sweaters and other cold weather gear for the Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. After the climb, we would not need those items, so they were packed back into the compression bags and took up very little space in our luggage.

5. Did you bring any souvenirs home from your trip?

Yes! We purposely brought large duffels and packed light so that we had room for extras. It’s so important to plan ahead for buying souvenirs or the trip home could be a nightmare. Another great idea is to bring along an extra foldable tote or duffel to bring your souvenirs home in.

6. What was the favorite item or items you took with you?

The backpack was the best and most important item we brought. Being hands free in airports and when boarding planes is a huge benefit. That said, be sure that your important documents are secured in the interior of your backpack and not easily accessible from the outside for security reasons. Invest in an RFID passport case to protect your passport and credit cards while traveling.

7. If you go back to Africa again what item or items would you take with you? Did you take anything with you that you didn’t need?

We really didn’t end up bringing anything superfluous. We needed and used everything we brought. Researching your destinations beforehand really helps when it comes to packing correctly for a long trip. Many websites offer packing lists for specific destinations that can serve as guidelines for what to pack.

8. Do you have any warm memories of the people you met during your trip? Can you tell us a little about that?

We have incredible memories of people that we met in every country! We made a point of talking to local people as often as we could so that we could really understand the cultures better. When traveling, local people expect tourists to ask a lot of questions, which we did. There was nothing we felt we couldn’t ask, and we learned more through these conversations than any amount of reading could provide.

9. What type of outfits did you take with you and what would you take now knowing what you know?

It is important when traveling abroad, to research not only the weather of a particular destination, but the cultural norms of the countries you are visiting. We strive to dress in a way that is respectful to the cultures as well as comfortable for us. Layering options are key; we always had long sleeved layers we could add or take away. Also, plan for rain depending on where you are going. Rain slickers roll up small and take up little space in your luggage, but could save you if you encounter wet, rainy conditions.

10. What memories did you take home from you?

So many memories; from the children in Uganda to Mt. Kilimanjaro to lions feeding on wildebeest in the wild and gorillas playing in the jungle! I highly recommend bringing a journal to record your daily activities, or setting up a WordPress blog before you go. We think we could never forget such memorable experiences, but the details inevitably fade with time. Recording the details in the moment is time well spent when taking a special trip.

11. Renee, do you have any trips planned for the future and/or where would you like to go?

Yes! Our next destination is the Emerald Isle – Ireland! We plan to rent a car and spend 7 days driving through Ireland on a trip that we create. We hope to see the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, kiss the Blarney Stone, see the bustle of Dublin and the extraordinary countryside of Connemara.

Thank you so much Renee Silverman for joining us. No matter where you are going Irv’s Luggage will be there for you with all your travel needs.

 

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.

How to Travel Like a Rock Star

Traveling and stress seem to go hand in hand these days. Having a great carry-on suitcase helps, but what about dealing with headaches like long lines, dashing terminal to terminal, the dreaded TSA inspections, and waiting for your checked luggage at the carousel? By the time you get to your destination you are exhausted. There ought to be a better way to travel. Well, there is, and the good news is that you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to travel like one. Here are a few suggestions.

Imagine arriving at your travel destination and your luggage is already there waiting for you. Shipping your luggage ahead is a great way to travel, especially when you are traveling internationally and/or traveling with sporting equipment, like skis or golf clubs. The company that you contract will pick up your items and hand deliver them to your destination. A plus is that they have insurance if something gets misplaced. Just make sure you are dealing with a reputable company and check online reviews. Here is an article that will help you get started.

Want to avoid all the issues with flying commercial? Then a private jet is for you and it might be more affordable then you think. Traveling in a group? Online searches can help you find a charter plane that might not end up costing you much more than a 1^st class flight on a commercial flight, especially for shorter distances. Another option if you fly quite a bit is to look into one of those private membership airline clubs. Just make sure they handle destinations that you usually go to. As always, make sure to read online reviews and talk to current members to get feedback.

Most of our trips are now booked online and that works great, however, if you are flying to an out of the way place or planning a complex trip then you should consider a local travel agent. A good place to start your search for a travel agent is the American Society of Travel Agents. No matter how you find your travel agent make sure you are comfortable with them. Do they call you back? Do they seem knowledgeable about your destinations? Are they making sure that you have all the travel documents you need?

Lastly, a good luggage store such as Irv’s Luggage will be able to help you with your travel goods. We have the knowledge to make sure you have the right luggage for your trip and all your travel accessories and have the knowledge of what you need for every destination in the world. Feel free to stop in any of our stores or give us a call and we would be happy to assist you.

These tips and tricks can help avoid the headache that is travel today and might not even cost as much as you think. If nothing else it is worth checking out, especially if you are planning a once in a lifetime special trip. After all, great memories are priceless.

Traveling overseas on budget, a how-to guide

 

Did you know that half of all Americans don’t use all of their vacation time? One of the reasons people give for not using their vacation time is they think they can’t afford it. Irv’s Luggage has always worked with our customers to find them the best values for travel and we believe that fun vacations are available in all price ranges.

Saving Money on Luggage

If you haven’t traveled much then you might need to get some new luggage. The good news is that decent luggage doesn’t have to cost you much. Luggage sets are a good idea if you are planning many different types of trips, and buying them together will save you money. If that is still too pricey Irv’s Luggage almost always has closeouts that are a great value. If you live near the Mt. Prospect, IL area, stop into our store to check out the clearance section for special deals.

Getting there

The first thing to plan is where you’re going. A good way to start is to research flights and see what’s in your budget. One idea is to travel off-season. For example, Europe is very popular in the summer, so waiting to go in the fall can save you money on flights, hotels, and attractions.

Staying there

This is the tricky part. There are all types of options depending on your budget and how adventurous you are. If you are traveling alone and up for anything then couch surfing or a hostel could work. If you have a travel partner or a group, then you can look at using such sites as Airbnb to rent a room or an apartment, at a lesser price then a hotel.

Eating and getting around

The best way to save money on your trip on is to live like a local. Stay away from the touristy parts of town and seek out where locals like to eat and how they get around. I would stay away from popular areas and takes buses rather than more expensive trains or planes. For a group renting a car might be an option too.

Final words

Look at budget travel as part of the adventure, not as something that you have to do. You will have a chance to meet people and see parts of the country that most first class travelers will never see. So get out there and see the world.

 

What’s in a Carry on?

What are the odds they’ll lose my luggage?

It’s only a two…three… hour delay.

We’re just going to circle for ten minutes.

We’ve all been there and heard that before. We’ve stood around bag claim watching that same blue duffel make its rounds on the conveyor belt. Yours has to be the next one. An hour later- no such luck. So much of traveling is never in our control. The one thing that always is? Your carry on. Take an extra 15 minutes and put some effort into it. You will not regret it. To help out, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of items you should always have in that carry on bag.

1. Complete change of clothes. Complete. As in: top, bottom, socks and undergarments.
2. Chargers. We’re talking phones, iPads, tablets, kindles, computers, shavers. Let’s be honest- your phone dying just might be worse than losing your luggage.
3. Headphones. The baby crying behind you. The grandparents in front of you bragging about their grandson: he’s a doctor, you know. You need to plug in and block it out.
4. Toothbrush & toothpaste. Enough said.
5. Face wipes. Whether it’s a long or short flight, nothing feels more refreshing than being able to clean up a little bit.
6. Big comfy scarf. Airplanes are always freezing. Always. Wrap up and settle in. Plus, it works as in instant outfit update.
7. Meds. Not worth the risk of losing them in your luggage. Get them all, too. Sleeping aids, cough relievers, daily vitamins.
8. Eye necessities. You have 20/20 vision? Great. But for the rest of us, we need our eye drops, glasses and an extra pair of contacts. Nothing worse than waking up from a nap in the sky and blinking out a contact without a spare.
9. Gum. Your ears will thank you.
10. Wild card reward. This looks different for everyone. For my best friend, it’s a piece of chocolate. For me, it’s my lucky heart shaped crystal. Throw in something small that makes you smile. Maybe it will help you through some rough turbulence. Maybe it will help you stay calm before meeting his family. No matter the case, you deserve a little treat.

Now that you have everything you need to go in the bag, do you have a quality carry on? We’ll help you out with that, too.

Best Destinations to Travel to in 2015

Best Destinations to Travel to in 2015

Planning to start 2015 traveling to different destinations and just have the best experiences in your life? Then the following are perfect destinations that would make you prepare your travel backpacks!

1. Montenegro

This is a unique vacation destination that has been overshadowed by Croatia. For many who are trying to experience a world class travel destination where luxury can be experienced, you’ll want to be sure to bring your anti-theft cross body bags with you to Montenegro.

2. Lithuania

This is a former country of the Soviet Republic that is located in the eastern area of Denmark and Sweden. Since it will be a part of the Eurozone in 2015, you’ll get the chance to experience Lithuania in the same way European travelers do. There are many attractions within the country, most especially the beaches. To enjoy these places, you should bring your waterproof cases and just enjoy the adventure that awaits you in the latest EU country.

3. Namibia

Being in its 25^th year as an independent country, Namibia is definitely a country considered a jewel in Africa. If you want to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment, then this country is a worthy destination to visit. Don’t forget to bring your travel shoulder bag so that you can carry everything you need with on your excursion into the African landscape.

These are just a few of the perfect destinations that should top your list of places to visit in 2015.

Luggage Sets, get your Discount Luggage Sets!

 

It’s one thing to buy a single piece of luggage to travel, but there will come a day you will need a full luggage set.  Enough toiletries to last a month, clothes and shoes of a number of varieties, and in this day and age possibly a lot of gadgets, chargers, and so on.  Luggage sets, while initially a bit pricey, pay off in the long-term by giving you everything you need at once as opposed to buying luggage piecemeal, and consistently designed luggage is easier to keep track of when traveling.  Not that there’s a shortage of companies that make luggage sets.  Samsonite, American Tourister, and Heys USA all make luggage sets, and at Irv’s Luggage you can guarantee the price you’re paying for it is the lowest one out there.

Heys USA Luggage sets are some of the best lightweight luggage sets out there.  Their Britto by Heys spinner luggage set is hard to miss, and its hardside polycarbonate shell ensures its durability in addition to being light to carry and easy to move.  It comes with a 12” beauty case; a 19” carry on, as well as a 23” and 25” piece of luggage. Whatever you need for an extended stay, it’s safe to say you could bring it with you.  Or bring a lot of souvenirs back.  Currently Britto is 50% off at Irv’s Luggage as well, down from $2,120.00 making it one of our best discount luggage sets.

 

 

American Tourister Fieldbrook Luggage Sets come in 2 or 4 pieces, and are another great lightweight luggage set offering. Made of tough polyester and with multiple, this is a steal at 55% own from MSRP from its already everyday low price.  American Tourister Luggage is certainly a great brand to look at when you’re on budget.

 

 

Finally, one does not simply write about luggage sets without mentioning Samsonite.  The luggage heavy hitter offers a couple of hardside luggage sets in its popular Winfield 2 and Gravtec models, and while these lack totes they have dual spinner wheels and a polycarbonate shell to withstand the roughest terrain and calamities, as Samsonite is known for.  Starting at $347.99, Samsonite luggage sets truly provide some bang for your buck.

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Spring Travel – American Tourister Spinner Luggage & Anti-Theft Accessories!

As the weather warms up, the wanderlust is unavoidable.  You feel the need to travel, to go and see something new!

Make sure you’ve made the right choice with American Tourister Luggage.  With a variety of wheeled carry on luggage, spinner luggage,  and luggage sets, American Tourister is sure to have just what you need and Irv’s Luggage carries it.

We now have the American Tourister Colora Collection as well. Thanks to the spinner wheels, this piece is incredibly mobile.  Its vibrant colors assure how easy it is to spot and gives it a sense of of fun, along with plenty of room to pack for your trip.

After you’ve picked your luggage, packing comes next.  There’s the tried and true “rolling” method to save space, but recent experience has taught me the majesty of packing cubes.  Eagle Creek has a wide variety of packing solutions to keep your clothes folded neatly, (especially when it comes to button down dress shirts) your socks and undergarments organized and together, and your shoes covered and separated from the rest of your clothes.  Everything is clean, fits together, and saves you on wasted space which could lead to additional check bag fees.  These packing cubes can also organize your personal electronics and toiletries, an invaluable aspect when you really don’t want to lose anything.

And when you’re not just looking at the luggage, you have to keep in mind your personal effects.  When you travel, make sure you travel safely.  Pacsafe Smart Travel Gear offers a number of solutions to protect your personal effects when traveling, especially during the popular travel seasons, when it’s easy to find yourself a target for theft.  RFID-blocking wallets, and anti-theft bags with slice-proof panels and straps, mesh camera bag protectors, we carry a myriad of options to help you make sure your personal effects remain personal.

When all is said and done, enjoy your vacation to the fullest.  Preparation only goes so far before it begins to diminish the joy of getting away from it all.  Conversely, it does not pay to be reckless and lose common sense and self-awareness when on vacation.  Be safe and be smart, but most of all make as many memories as you can.