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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

FYI Radiation and the TSA

The harmful effects of radiation exposure is all over the news due to the crisis in Japan; but it is also a topic of discussion at the TSA.  While the presence of x-ray technology in many US airports is hopefully, helping to prevent acts of terrorism in our skies, it may also be posing a risk to public safety with over exposure to radiation; a possible health threat to frequent travelers and airport personnel who have daily contact with these machines.

To address these concerns, the TSA has recently released a report on the results of radiation testing and outlined the safety procedures performed on these machines to ensure the “radiation emitted falls within applicable standards”.  To get all the details visit the TSA blog at http://blog.tsa.gov/.

Happy and safe trails from Irv’s Luggage!

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.

 

 

PACKING LIGHT: THE NEW REALITY

There was a time when traveling meant large, heavy cases that were designed to be handled by others and weight didn’t matter. Airline weight restrictions were an afterthought at best and luggage scales were an unnecessary item. Sadly those days are gone and now there is a new reality of ever shrinking weight restrictions and fees stacked on fees. For most airlines the standard weight allowance is 50 pounds, but for some airlines like Spirit airlines anything over 40 can lead to extra fees (some international airlines can be even pickier).  Fortunately, luggage manufacturers have come to the rescue with lighter bags. It is almost impossible to find 25’’ suitcases over 11 pounds or 28-29’’ suitcases over 12 pounds.

However the best way to pack light is to lighten your load. Traveling has become more casual so the need for formal clothes or multiple outfits a day has waned. Below are several tips to make your trip light and easy.

1. MULTI-USE ITEMS

Instead of taking multiple sweaters a zippered hoodie sweatshirt can save space and you can even wear that hoodie on the plane. Shoes are also bulky and add a significant weight, so consider shoes that work with multiple outfits. Also, if you do have to re-wear an item that got dirty emergency wash kits can be a lifesaver.

2. THE RIGHT SIZE BAG

Virtually all luggage manufacturers make a large suitcase (28’’+) that is much lighter than they used to be. However, this doesn’t mean that this should be the case for you. These bags when full can be easily overweight. Medium bags (25-26”) are a better idea.

3. BE ORGANIZED

Avoid packing at the last minute. Make a list of what you think you will need for your trip and go back a day or two later and revise the list. Do a practice pack and think “do you really need all that?” Chances are there is something you can eliminate. Packing cubes are also a great help because they can keep all like items together.

4. GO TRAVEL SIZED

Travel isn’t the time for your huge “Costco” sized bottle of shampoo. Buying the smaller sized toiletries or buying travel bottle kits for your normal toiletries can save both weight and space.

5. SOUVENIRS

Most items you see during your travel can be purchased online at home for a cheaper price and then you don’t have to worry about needing space in your bag. So go ahead and order that item online and have it sent to your house waiting for you when you get home. Don’t worry I won’t tell.

One final tip is to take a collapsible duffel or a zippered tote that can both be used for day trips and if you have extra items to take home. Hopefully packing light will help make your trip as stress-free as possible. Happy travels.

 

10 Items that Help You Travel Stress Free

Do you want to have a great travel experience and one that is stress free from start to finish? The following are 10 essential items that you should carry on your next trip:

1 – An anti-theft cross body bag or backpack is an essential travel item. Anti-theft bags are made with slash proof materials and RFID protected credit card pockets to keep your valuables safe and secure while you travel.

2 – A handbag organizer with several compartments for organizing credit cards, cosmetics, toiletries and other small items you want to carry along .

3 – Bringing your iPad or eReader? You’ll want to buy a padded iPad case to keep your device safe and protected. Your electronics are a big investment so it pays to invest in a quality case.

4 – A cosmetic bag or beauty case to organize your toiletries and makeup essentials; an essential travel accessory for every trip.

5 – A waterproof pouch. Whether is your iPad, eReader or phone, you’ll want to protect your electronics from water, sand or dirt while having fun outdoors.

6 – Bring a jewelry organizer case. This will allow you to separate your jewelry, keep it organized and together, and will prevent your items from getting broken and tangled.

7 – Antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipes. For your own safety, it is better to bring your own antibacterial hand sanitizer and wipes to make sure that you can protect yourself from germs while you travel.

8 – Laundry soap and a stain stick. There are travel size laundry soap packages you can pack in your luggage as well as stain sticks that will come in handy while you travel.

9 – Multi plug adapter. Be prepared to charge your electronic devices anywhere with the appropriate adapter. Make sure you are bringing a “worldwide” or “universal” plug so that you won’t have any problems charging up.

10 – Use packing cubes to organize your clothes and small items. Packing cubes are available in different sizes to accommodate larger clothing items as well as small items like socks and underwear. They save tons of space in your luggage because everything is contained and the cubes can be easily stacked and arranged in your case.