The Travelpro Maxlite 4
The Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry-On Spinner Suitcase is where it’s at if you want something lightweight and sturdy for your carry-on luggage. I’ve had it for nearly 3 years, and it has been to 13 countries and on countless domestic flights. The 4 spinner wheels have been put through the ringer; up and down stairs, through endless airport garages, on cobblestone streets and tossed in more overhead bins than I can count. The handle is larger than normal, which is great for comfort, but can be a bit tricky if you have a laptop bag with a trolley sleeve or pass-through sleeve that’s a little too tight. I’ve always made it work though.
It is international dimensions, which is important when trying to avoid checked baggage fees by carrying on. This means it’s one inch smaller than domestic dimensions, so it will easily fit in smaller regional international overhead bins and regional domestic bins. Plus, it has also helped me become a packing pro. Even with my Tetris-like packing skills, the smaller size ensures I can’t take as much and therefore it will pass the weight test. A lot people don’t know that there are such strict rules, but let me tell ya’, they will test you. The Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry-On Spinner Suitcase has held up beautifully and I’m hoping to get more years out of it.
Caroline
Patagonia duffel bag
Have you considered a duffel bag as a luggage option for traveling? Our favorite luggage is the Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole 60L duffel bag. We’ve used this bag everywhere from visiting the remote Easter Island, Chile, climbing the life changing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and even bringing it on a safari. It’s convenient and easy to use versus rolling luggages.
The duffel bag has wonderful options – its weight (approximately 2 pounds without anything inside), made with water resistant material, and durability. You’ll also love the stylish colors that Patagonia has to offer. An awesome feature is that this bag converts to a backpack by adding the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps have enough cushion if you’re planning to walk a long distance with it. Plus, the backpack converter is perfect for traveling between various transportation options. Even though 60L is a large amount, we use it as a carry on luggage. As long as travelers under pack the luggage, airlines will allow it in the overhead compartments. After using the bag, storing it is easy as it folds up against itself into an inside pocket. We hope you consider using this luggage or other sizes that Patagonia has to offer for your future travels.
Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh
Packing Cubes
I believe one of the best innovated inventions for travel has been the packing cubes. It’s one of those things you say, “I wish I invented this”. Most packing cubes found are made of nylon with zippered opening and come in all sizes and colors. There are ones designed for your pants and blouses but there are also ones perfectly sized for shoes, ties, scarfs and more.
I use the packing cubes for all types of travel. Shorter trips, I put complete outfits together in different cubes, accessories and all. For long trips I divide by type of item; socks, underclothes, blouses, pants, dresses, accessories. I find on my extended holidays I do not have a day to day plan of what I will wear so this works better for me.
Another great point is when ...