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.

 

Travel Gift Guide: Our 5 Best Necessities

‘Tis the season to shop, and our Gift Center has a number of gift ideas perfect for the traveler in your family.  Get a head start on your shopping list for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or stocking stuffers for the holiday shopping season.

 

1. Pacsafe 

Prosafe 1000 TSA Approved Combination Locks can protect your things while still allowing TSA to check your bags as needed.  Very important as you travel during the holidays, especially at the airport.

 

2.  Victorinox Digital Luggage Scale

Don’t get caught checking your bag and THEN an overweight charge on top of it.  Lighten the load (and not your wallet) by ensuring you’re within the weight restriction of your airline with this luggage scale.

 

3. The Mighty Purse by Handbag Butler – Leather iPhone Smartphone Charger Wristlet (Poppy Pink shown)

Don’t get caught with your phone’s battery running out again, whether you’re in the airport terminal or out to dinner.  Hold all your essentials and be ready to recharge at a moment’s notice where ever you are.

 

4.   World Time Alarm with LED Flashlight

A number of features for numerous time zones, whether you’re camping or in a hotel this gadget can prove invaluable keeping time or as a flashlight.  AAA batteries means no outlet needed when you’re on  the go, and it is conveniently pocket-sized to make it easy to take along.

 

5. Toiletry Kits

With a wide selection of Dopp, Ricardo, Travelon, and PackSmart, toiletry kits are the unsung heroes of travel. Holding together all the amenities you might forget otherwise, and keeping them safe, secure, and most importantly, together.  Why rely on hotel shampoo and soap when you can bring your own?

10 Must Have Luggage Accessories

Avid travelers know that investing in a great piece of luggage is a key component of successful travel but they also know having the right luggage accessories to accompany this great piece of luggage is crucial to hassle-free travel as well. After consulting with several world travelers and top luggage experts the following list was compiled of the ten must have luggage accessories in 2012:

1.  TSA Approved Lock – With airline security being tightened throughout the world and the chance of encountering a luggage thief always a concern, a high-quality TSA lock that can be unlocked as well as re-locked by security personnel ( so your belongings continue to be secure even after going through security).
2. Luggage Tags – With the paper tags provided by the airlines susceptible to being lost and thus your luggage being lost too; a good, sturdy, colorful luggage tag that will also help identify your luggage on the carousal is a must for all kinds of travel.
3. 3 oz. Bottle Travel Set – A bottle/container set that includes of a variety of 3 oz. bottles to choose from, that will allow you to carry a limited numbers of liquids on-board as the TSA now dictates.
4. Luggage Scale – Even though sometimes you feel like bringing everything but the kitchen sink. Keeping your luggage within the weight limits required by the airlines, so as to not rack- up exorbitant  baggage fees, makes having your own personal luggage scale to weigh luggage while at home or on the road (before arriving at the airport) key!
5. Laptop Sleeve – Some business travelers may bring a laptop business case as a carry-on but many travelers will not, so a laptop sleeve to protect your computers is of critical importance.
6. Dopp Kit – A well designed nylon toiletry bag with great organizational features including a hook (to hang your bag in the shower or by the sink); and while leather is considered a more luxurious material, a well designed nylon bag that is water resistant is a far better choice when taking your “personal essentials” on the road.
7. Packing Folders & Packing Cubes – Packing efficiently is critical due to baggage fees and the desire of most travelers to have wrinkle-free clothing. Packing cubes and folders can help make this happen!  Another added benefit of using these handy packing aids is the less likelihood of bed bugs creeping into your clothing while sitting in a hotel room, due to the zippers and velcro closures keeping the little critters at bay.
8. Garment Sleeve / Bag – Some luggage pieces are designed to be suiters but many are not!   A garment sleeve is great for packing suits and dresses for that all important meeting or party on your trip.
9. Shoe Sac – Shoes have all sorts of dirt, chemicals and germs on them, so keeping them separated from your clothes and personal effects is very important.
10. Hide-Away Tote Bag – Rarely, if ever, does someone go on a trip and not end up purchasing some kind of additional “stuff” that needs to be packed in an already over- stuffed suitcase for the return trip home; thus, having a hide-away, collapsible, tote bag as a catch- all for all those additional “treasures” is perfect!