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.

Heys America Luggage Meshes Pop Art and Travel

Heys America Luggage has become a global leader in luggage design with their innovative and original collections. They have created two Limited Edition luggage series, Britto and Fernando Volken Togni. Each collection combines a unique pop art design with the high standard features of all Heys America cases. These designs and patterns transform your luggage into a work of art.

The Heys America Fernando Volken Togni (FVT) Collection is unlike any other. It features three groups; FVT Cities, FVT World, and FVT USA. Togni is a Brazilian-born illustrator currently living in London. His art style is bold and unique. He uses vivid colors and sharp shapes to create a design of organized chaos. Each collection offers a three piece luggage set, such as the Heys America FVT USA 3 Piece Set, that includes 21”, 26”, and 30” uprights. All uprights are also available as single items to better suit your needs or allow you to mix and match. The Cities Collection highlights New York in the Heys America FVT Cities 30” Spinner.

The Britto by Heys America Collection, while also featuring a pop art style, is vastly different from FVT. It is designed by Romero Britto, a Brazilian-born Florida resident with a neo-pop style. Neo-pop combines pop art with graffiti. With this style, he created lively, fresh and happy designs shown on this Britto by Heys A New Day 26” Expandable Spinner. The bright colors stand out on the hardside cases. Like the FVT, this collection includes luggage sets and individual spinner suitcases, along with beauty cases and smaller travel duffels, totes and business pieces.

All Heys America collections are held to a high standard. Each suitcase, made from polycarbonate composite material, is both lightweight and durable, even the Britto by Heys Butterfly Love 30” Expandable Spinner. The impact-resistant and scratch-resistant printed exterior is protected by a layer of clear coat that provides a beautiful, glossy finish. Designed for easy maneuverability, each suitcase has four spinner wheels for an ultra-smooth and effortless 360 degree rolling. All pieces, including the Heys America FVT Cities 21” Spinner, feature a fully lined interior with built-in divider and mesh pocket. Heys included a built-in TSA lock for your safety and a zippered expansion system to provide you with 20% more packing capacity.

Pop art originated in the mid-1950s in Britain and late 1950s in America. The term was invented in 1955 by Lawrence Alloway, a British curator. Characterized by pop culture and consumerism, the concept of pop art refers to the attitude and not the art itself. It often uses images currently used in advertising, such as logos or product labels, comic books, and news. The style is bold, vibrant, and simple, and often features bright colors. Shop Irv’s Luggage for travel goods that are functional and durable as well as reflective of your style and personality.

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.

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.

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?

Top Hardside Luggage – Samsonite Fiero

 

The Samsonite Fiero Hardside Luggage Collection is one of the newest arrivals at Irv’s Luggage. As a Samsonite Luggage brand, there is a lot you should expect. Given the quality of other Samsonite hard sided luggage as the Winfield 2, Silhouette Sphere, L.I.F.T collections, Fiero Hard Side Luggage carries on the legacy of quality, durable hardside luggage that Samsonite has come to personify. Reengineered spinner wheels, a diamond textured 100% pure polycarbonate hardside luggage shell, TSA-approved lock, super lightweight construction, and expandable functionality certainly make these hard sided cases a confident buy for any traveler.

If you’ve never been sure why spinner wheels are so important, see here:

 

The hardside luggage is composed of a polycarbonate shell; it’s “diamond” pattern helps prevent scratches and scuffs. That is common with hard side luggage, and Samsonite wants to ensure that your case will hold up under whatever conditions you encounter. Seeing your checked bag visibly deformed or squished, possibly scratched/torn would be a thing of the past. The spinner wheels and lighter weight make hardside luggage easier to move and pull alongside you rather than behind you, so you’re not tripping up fellow travelers or getting your handle/hardside luggage caught on a corner. You may pack a lot for your trip, and the lighter weight of the luggage itself and the spinner wheels help you stay on the move regardless of the contents (within reason!) Expandability allows for room for almost everything from laundry bags to electronic device chargers, so that no necessity is left behind. Or so you can bring back plenty of souvenirs.

Hopefully, the Fiero hardside luggage would limit mad dashes because you ran late dragging a heavy non-spinner wheeled case. Hopefully, the Samsonite Fiero hard sided luggage will save you on additional baggage fees because they fit everything you need. The Samsonite Fiero is available in 20”, 24”, and 28” to ensure you have just enough room for any kind of trip and hopefully, you look as good and flawless while traveling, as your scratch-preventive polycarbonate hardside luggage should.

 

Rimowa Luxury Luggage and Cases

 

Rimowa Luggage has a reputation of invention and luxury. Metal trunks were a Rimowa first in 1937, and Polycarbonate luggage started with them in 2000. Both safe and gorgeous in form, one could travel like a celebrity with a Rimowa case, whether it was from the Salsa or Topas Collections.

 

 

 

Combining high-quality polycarbonate, aluminum, and some of the most durable fabric and parts available, Rimowa luggage offers unmatched mobility and security. Rimowa’s signature ribbed shell has proven time and again how protected one’s belongings are from impact and the elements, and the external pockets on a Salsa Deluxe Cabin bag add to its utility. When purchasing a Rimowa bag, you can rest assured that your luggage will be intact wherever you go, and that your belongings are safe regardless of the conditions. The Australian Outback, for example was no match for a Rimowa case.

Weather resistant and waterproof, Rimowa has it all in a variety of sizes and colors, the better to show that form and function go hand in hand. The Salsa Collection alone has the Deluxe and Air variations, all of which are available at Irv’s Luggage. Additionally, you can find Rimowa Luggage carry ons, spinners, wheeled upright cases, and business/laptop cases from 22”-32”. When you decide to go big, you can choose to go big with us and be confident the case you pick is worth the investment. Check our Rimowa Luggage section and see what would be a good fit for you!

A pedigree that started in 1898, Rimowa continues to innovate as the choice brand of the world traveler and those who don’t put a price on safety and adventure. They gave the world the polycarbonate shell many other brands use today, but while there are many who followed by example, Rimowa leads by example. By choosing a Rimowa business case, spinner bag or carry on luggage, you purchase the history of a company that has worked tirelessly to bring their customers an unrivaled, safer, more secure, lighter and easier way to travel.

 

 

 

Anti Theft and RFID Blocking Wallets and More

 

RFID signals and RFID-Blocking wallets are relatively new compared to suitcase locks and spinner wheels, but in the realm of identity protection it is a very important concept to understand.  This video should help.

PacSafe and Travelon both offer a variety of RFID blocking wallets, travel handbags, passport wallets, backpacks, sling bags, and more in a variety of colors and styles, so you can have form as well as function.

 

Theft is a bit less techno savvy than RFID identity theft, but Pacsafe has a number of anti theft countermeasures (in addition to RFID blocking) to keep your personal belongings safe.

 

Luckily, the solutions are pretty simple as well with anti theft accessories.

PacSafe and Travelon offer anti theft bags, travel packs, and tablet cases to deter/hinder theft in a variety of ways.  While you should still be aware of your surroundings, these accessories can make things a little bit easier on you if that proves difficult.

 

 

But beyond the human factor, nature has a way of making a vacation go sideways.  Inclement weather, or in some cases, gravity takes over and your fabulous camera/electronic device goes into the water or something like it.  In such instances a waterproof pouch from Travelon is perfect to keep your devices protected from the elements!

As covered in a previous post, Packing Cubes and Packing Folders help keep your belongings and clothes orderly and clean.  With everything organized, it can also be a lot easier to fit more stuff into less luggage.

Travel Easier, Travel Organized.  But also travel safe and Travel Out Loud!

About Packing Cubes (Athalon, Eagle Creek)

I recently traveled on business to Philadelphia, PA for Irv’s Luggage.  The City of Brotherly Love, the birth place of the nation, all sorts of history just permeating the 5th largest city in the United States (who knew?)  Not known for the biggest population or overwhelming skyline, Philadelphia is however a city of firsts.  Rather appropriate, as this was my first true business trip.

But before I even got on the plane, I had to pack.  I needed to plan for casual, business casual, extra shoes, toiletries, business collateral, and anything else I might pick up along the way.  I needed a plan.

In recent history, I’ve become a big fan of packing cubes.  They fit together nicely in my luggage, keep my personal effects (from clothes to electronics) sorted, and overall just make keeping track of everything so much easier.  I find myself worrying less about if I packed all the socks I brought with me or that all my shirts are together.  I know, because using the packing cubes (in my case I use the Athalon variety pack) helps me eyeball everything instead of having to dig for what I have left.  Irv’s Luggage carries other styles from Travelon and Eagle Creek, so count on a variety of options to choose from, and each one worth it.

The key to the packing cubes (as any seasoned traveler might tell you) is rolling your clothes properly and tightly (refer to the video).  You can fit plenty of shirts and pants as opposed to bundling all your clothes loose and hoping they stay in one place.  Shoes can go inside your bag and a packing cube will make sure nothing gets on your other clothes (and that everything easily slides together.)  A carry on bag or an expandable luggage case all of a sudden has a lot more capacity than you originally thought.  You do it right, you just might save $25 on a checked bag fee.

The best part about having all your belongings organized?  Less time worrying about your stuff and more time spent on taking in the local sights –

 

 

 

Irv’s Luggage Highlight – Atlantic Compass Unite Expandable Spinners

The Atlantic Compass Unite Expandable Spinner from Irv’s Luggage is an impressive line of luggage.  It is full of features, perfect for family travel  and people on extended stay vacations.  The Features:

• Link2Go™ system connect luggage back to back with Velcro straps and roll two pieces with just one hand, or comfortably roll four pieces at once!
• 360-degree 4-Wheel Spinners
• Durable crash-guard wheel housings, skid bars and corner guards
• Built-in zippered wet pocket
• Adjustable interior hold-down straps
• Removable hanging laundry or shoe bag
• Locking retractable handle has two stops at 38” and 41”, providing a comfortable grip for users of different heights
• Integrated accessory clip on top carry handle

The best part is the Link2Go™ system; you can attach two pieces of Atlantic Compass Unite spinner luggage together and roll them as one piece.  The spinner wheels assure the upright movement of the luggage, so you can keep one hand free or for your child if they travel with you.  For parents and travelers on the go, this is one way to make life much easier rolling through an airport.

Regardless of size, a carry on with Link2Go will fit against a larger piece with Link2Go technology.

 

 

 

 

The included laundry/shoe bag helps keep your clothes separated as necessary, and the accessory clip makes for an extra hand when needed.  Atlantic Compass certainly thought of everything with this spinner luggage, and it shows.   Also an expandable luggage, you’ll have the space you need for what you leave with, and what you bring back.

 

Factor in the tough poly fabric and 10 year warranty, this is an innovative and useful piece for all travelers.  The Atlantic Compass Unite Luggage is available in 21″, 25″, 29″, and tote sizes at our guaranteed low prices, make your summer travel a lot easier when you travel united.