You’re probably thinking of nothing more than relaxing in the sun and enjoying the warm weather while on vacation, but it’s essential you pack your travel luggage properly to avoid inconveniences down the line. Since it is easy to be carried away, we have put together a quick list of packing “do’s” and “don’ts” to make the packing process easier.

Keep it simple.

Even the nicest resorts are relatively relaxed in tropical areas. There’s no need for high heels or a full suit. Women can wear a nice sundress and men can get by with dress slacks and a polo shirt in the evenings. Keep accessories in mind for dressing your look up or down. Strappy sandals and the right earrings can take you from a casual day to an elegant evening in a snap. The only exception is if you are going on a cruise - you may need to wear formal attire for the captain’s dinner. When in doubt, call and ask.

Bring two bathing suits.

Your travel luggage should have a compartment for wet or damp items, so take advantage, and pack two swimsuits. If needed, a Ziploc bag will also do the trick, but either way, you’ll want an extra suit - there is nothing worse than putting on a damp swimsuit because yours didn’t have time to dry.

Don’t forget sunscreen.

It’s tempting to plan on buying sunscreen and bug repellent once you get to wherever you’re going, but don’t. The last things you want to do when you arrive are look for a drugstore or gift shop, and then pay an arm and a leg for what costs a mere 6 bucks at home. Just pack it in advance.

Bring extra sunglasses.

The sun’s glare can be blinding, especially near beaches where it reflects off sand and water. You’ll need sunglasses just about everywhere you go, and you’ll probably lose or break a pair. Toss at least one extra pair of inexpensive shades into your travel luggage and you’ll be safe.

Don’t over pack.

Base your wardrobe around mix-and-match items in neutral colors for versatility. You can always add a punch of color with bright accessories. You may want to bring one colorful piece that coordinates with the rest of your items. Finally, avoid white – it becomes dirty quickly and isn’t practical for travel.

Versatility.

For men, there’s nothing more versatile than khakis. They look great with tees during the day and can be dressed up with a polo or button-down shirt at night. For women, a sarong can be worn as a cover-up at the beach or a wrap on chilly evenings.

Don’t bring lots of shoes.

High-heels and dress shoes aren’t needed on most warm weather vacations. Sandals, flip-flops, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes for long days of sightseeing should be all you need. Choose neutral tones to match most of your outfits and avoid anything too dramatic.

Remember to bring a sweater.

Sea breezes can turn into cold winds at night, even in tropical climates, so pack a light sweater or jacket in a neutral or dark color. You’ll appreciate having something warm and cozy to wear for late-night walks on the beach, afternoons spent sailing, or in the midst of a surprise storm.

Everyone needs a tote bag. Vacations usually mean shopping and a sturdy, versatile tote is a great way to carry around your finds. Check out online luggage stores for bargains on durable folding totes that will slip into your travel luggage and last for years.

Follow these simple packing tips and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fabulous warm weather vacation without being bogged down with more luggage than you need.

Labels: how to prepare for vacations, luggage, luggage online, online luggage, packing for warm weather, Travel Luggage, vacation packing

When you’re finally ready to take a lengthy vacation, make sure you can enjoy it. Make a list of the things you need to do before you leave and start doing them well in advance of your departure. To protect your home and privacy, and make life easier while you’re too far away to take care of unexpected problems, there are several things to consider.

1. Pay any bills

due during the time you’re traveling. It’s best to check credit card statements online rather than looking through your most recent statements. Some only arrive in the mail a week or so before they’re due, and if you’ll be gone for three weeks or more, you could be hit with hefty late fees.

2. Forward your mail

to a friend or relative and cancel your newspaper delivery until you return. Nothing alerts burglars like mail piling up in your mailbox or newspapers stacked on your lawn – they are practically invitations to come look through your mail for something worthwhile. If taking credit cards with you, tuck them into your travel luggage or purse and you’ll be fine. If leaving any credit cards behind, store them in a safety deposit box or leave them with a trusted friend.

3. Remember important documents.

It sounds simple, but many people don’t plan far enough in advance to secure their passports and visas. Apply for these documents months before your vacation to avoid the possibility of having to cancel your trip. The process has become more complex in the last eight years and takes quite a while.

4. Arrange for a house sitter to visit your home periodically.

Signs of life reduce chances of a break-in. Ask a house sitter turn the lights on and off in different rooms, make a little noise, and stay for a while, whether watching television or reading a book. The point is for your house to seem occupied. A house sitter can also care for plants, adjust your thermostat as needed, and open windows to let in some fresh air.

If you cannot arrange for a house sitter, invest in a few automatic timers to turn your lights on and off automatically while you are away.

5. Get a physical.

This may not seem like a priority in the days of before you leave, but the last place you want to be when you have an unexpected health problem is thousands of miles from your doctor. A routine physical will give you peace of mind on your trip, and any concerns can be addressed before you leave. Tell your doctor about your travel plans, too, as he or she may recommend preventative care

6. Refill your medications.

If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last for the entire length of your journey. If you’re going on a cruise for two months or renting a cottage in the south of France for the summer, you may need to talk to your pharmacist, doctor, and health coverage provider in advance to get a two-or-three month supply of your medication at once. Take care of any needed refills several weeks before you leave so there is time to handle any paperwork or red tape involved. Overseas regulations may be different and you don’t want to go through a battle to get your refills while you are trying to relax. Also, tuck copies of your prescriptions and your doctor’s contact information into a safe corner of your travel luggage, just in case. You never know.

7. Organize emergency contact information.

Give relatives and friends your itinerary and emergency contact information before leaving. Likewise, print out their information, including phone numbers and addresses, on a small sheet or card, laminate it, and tuck it into your travel luggage. It will come in handy for sending postcards, mailing packages, or as a quick reference if you have an emergency overseas.

If you take care of these details well in advance, the days leading up to your vacation can be stress-free – and knowing you have what you need will help you truly relax and enjoy your trip.

Labels: how to prepare for vacations, Travel Luggage, vacation packing, vacation planning

If you travel a lot (and who doesn’t these days?), having a good set of luggage is essential to traveling comfortably. Most people don’t realize building a good set of luggage doesn’t have to be expensive and or happen all at once.

Many wait until planning the vacation of their dreams to run out and buy a full set of luggage, but if you haven’t tried any of the pieces beforehand, you won’t know how well they will work for you or whether a particular brand is a good fit. The perfect luggage set is one you build over time, adding pieces as needed to ensure you end up with a luggage set that suits your lifestyle and needs.

It’s Never Too Early to Invest in Quality

Your children should have a few good pieces of kids’ luggage so they learn how to pack their own clothes and accessories. It’s part of the fun of traveling and will make them feel very grown up. The choices are endless. You can get them something fun in bright colors or opt for a classic style that will grow with them.

Today there are many styles of kids’ luggage made just as well as adult luggage but scaled to children’s sizes. These versions integrate well into a more adult luggage set as they become teens and young adults. And remember, kids can be pretty tough on their stuff, so investing in quality is worth it.

Buy What You Need, When You Need It

Top quality luggage lines always sell a variety of open stock pieces as well as sets of luggage. You can either start with a basic set and add on particular pieces appropriate to your lifestyle later or you can buy just the individual pieces you need when you need them.

You could start your luggage collection with a few basics such as a wheeled carry on and a garment bag. These two pieces will see you through any week of business meetings or a long weekend in style. They’re versatile, easy to stow in an airplane and, in most cases, are considered carry-on luggage, which is great if you want to travel without a lot of delays.

When you buy a few pieces at a time you can afford to splurge a bit and get the best possible quality. Spending more on a few quality pieces will pay off in the long run – they will last for years, wear like iron and look like new even after years of rough handling. A year or two down the line, add another piece or two to round out your set. Maybe you’re traveling more or your considering a lengthier vacation? Add an expandable upright or a wheeled duffle bag.

The key to building the perfect luggage set is to plan for three different types of travel. Think about why and how you travel, and then consider how long you are typically gone when you travel. Here are three different sample scenarios:

The Weekend Getaway

Have a good, flexible piece of luggage you can “grab and go” with for unexpected adventures over a long weekend.

The Business Week On The Road

Be sure you have at least one piece of luggage that will keep your suits and other work attire neat and ready to go on the road. Think less bulk and more flexibility. Soft-side pieces mean less to weight to lug around.

The Blow-Out Vacation

This is your complete luggage set; from a large upright to hold a multitude of outfits to a carry-on for the plane, do you have what you need to travel around the world?

Before buying, check out different styles of luggage online to see which features and styles you like. It can help you narrow down your choices. You’ll be surprised by the selection of materials and styles from kids luggage to the latest in designer labels, and if you add to your collection each year, you’ll soon have a complete set of top quality luggage you can take anywhere in the world in comfort and style.

Labels: business luggage, kids luggage, luggage, luggage online, online luggage

The cost of airfare has been rising steadily, and even with the price of gas hitting record highs, more families are taking mini vacations closer to home. Hitting the road when the mood strikes is a fun way to spend time with the family, and being flexible enough to take last-minute trips shows kids the value of being spontaneous.

Sound like fun? Of course, but children have short attention spans and this can make long road trips difficult for everyone. Pack a few activities for the children to play with on the road, and be prepared to make frequent stops – to stretch, grab a bite to eat, or use public restrooms. No matter what, don’t throw the kids and their Disney luggage into the family van and expect to drive eight hours straight just to make good time. You’ll be in for quite a surprise.

Get the Kids Involved in Planning

Involve kids when mapping out the road trip. Make a list of local sites you want to see and then make a list of sites that appeal to the children. Ask for their input and don’t forget about natural sights they might enjoy. If you’re driving down the coast of Florida, you’ll likely see alligator farms and a multitude of orange groves. Wouldn’t the children love to feed a gator or pick their own fruit? You bet.

Let the Kids Pack Their Own Luggage

While it may not be practical to put the kids in charge of packing their suitcases, they can certainly help. Let them know what the weather will be like and how many outfits they will need. If children can pick their own outfits and pack them in a fun Disney luggage set, they will feel very grown up, and the sense of involvement they get will add to the excitement of the journey.

To get younger kids involved, lay out a variety of outfits and let them narrow down the choices, or tell them they can pick out something on their own, like two pairs of shoes or two sweatshirts, for example. When packing younger children’s suitcases, let them watch you fold and place their clothing inside – eventually they’ll be doing it themselves, and younger kids love to watch and learn.

Keep Them Busy

Thanks to technology, it’s easy to put on a kids movie in the car, but don’t rely on movies for the entire trip. Children tire of doing the same thing and the goal is to keep them happy so adults can enjoy the ride. Playing simple games that involve the whole family and get kids to notice their surroundings are a safe bet. You can look for out-of-state license plates or see who can be the first to find the whole alphabet on billboards. These types of activities will keep kids engaged and create a memorable bonding experience for the whole family.

Don’t Forget the Snacks

Snack-size bags of chips or cookies, fresh fruit, juice boxes, and string cheese are all easy to take with you. Bring a small cooler if you have one, too. You can pack more snacks this way and avoid paying high prices at rest stops for vending machine junk. Sharing homemade popcorn in the family car or van is also a nice way to kick off the road trip.

Frequent Stops Are a Must

Incorporate a few extra hours of driving time into your daily itinerary for restroom breaks, sit-down meals, and unexpected “detours.” If kids see a sign that reads “Buffalo Preserve – Next Left,” making an unplanned stop to see the buffalo will add to the fun for everyone. The little detour may even turn out to be a high point of the trip - you never know. Stay flexible and open to seeing a variety of sights.

Creative Loading

It’s inevitable. At some point during the course of a road trip, someone in the family (usually kids, but sometimes adults, too!) will need to retrieve something from their luggage. If you’ve packed all the luggage tightly into the trunk, you’re going to have a problem finding things on the fly. Load your vehicle carefully and keep frequently used items in the front of the car for convenient access. Kids will feel better with their favorite Disney luggage tucked away at their feet, knowing they can reach for their stuffed animals, books, and toys whenever they want.

In the end, getting your kids involved in your vacation is easy – and keeping them comfortable along the way has a lot to do with your planning. Give kids a chance to be responsible, buy them a fun luggage set online to keep things exciting, bring along car activities and snacks, and keep items kids will access frequently in the front of the car. Once on the road, you may be surprised with all there is to do is see in your home state.

Labels: Disney Luggage, luggage online, online luggage, Road trips and kids

Your luggage should be built to last. Quality and durability trumps a bargain when it comes to transporting your personal belongings safely, comfortably, and securely. You need a piece of luggage you can rely on from a brand you have come to know and trust. You need Swiss Army.

When shopping for a new piece of luggage to suit your busy lifestyle, buying brand name can help take the guesswork out of your purchase. Plus, when it seems there are as many luggage brands on the shelf as cities on the map to visit, choosing a brand you can rely on is strangely satisfying. Almost like your little secret. A well-deserved indulgence. A mini-luxury.

Even if it costs a little more to buy brand-name pieces, quality goods are a savvy investment. Because brand-name luggage tends to last much longer than its no-name counterparts, in the end you actually save. Pay less today for a flimsy piece of luggage and you will only end up replacing it when it rips and buckles tomorrow.

Check out the five reasons our guest blogger, Andrew P., a seasoned world traveler and long-time InnovationLuggage.com customer, swears by Swiss Army luggage for classic pieces that last.

Quality

Famous for its steel knives and renowned for delivering high-quality goods consistently, Swiss Army makes luggage you can live with. Never worry again about the stitching on your bag coming loose, the sides of your suitcase buckling, or the zippers coming off the tracks after only one or two uses.

Durability

Ever had a duffle bag rip during a routine security search at the airport terminal? Maybe you have watched your bag coming down the conveyer belt and noticed your personal belongings and clothes were popping out the sides. Avoid the hassle with quality pieces, and you can make sure your comings and goings are stress-free.

Warranty

Buy a less expensive, disposable piece of luggage and you have to throw it away when it falls apart. What a waste. Spend a little more and you can benefit from the Victorinox “carry with confidence” guarantee, whereby every piece of luggage is guaranteed free of manufacturing defects, for the life of the bag.

Money back

Not sure you love your purchase? Disappointed with the styling or realize it doesn’t suit your needs? Buy Swiss Army luggage online at innovationluggage.com and you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee – not something you can count on when you buy any old suitcase you find on the sale rack.

Discounts

Think discount luggage is a real value? If your piece lasts only a few short trips, where is the value then? When you shop Swiss Army luggage, you can look for discounts on quality pieces you like, and purchase them with confidence, knowing you are getting an incredible deal.

Next time you need new luggage for a business trip, vacation, family outing, or kid going off to college, visit innovationluggage.com to shop luggage online to and save on all the latest styles.

Leather briefcases, laptop cases, and business cases are must-have accessories for busy professionals. Whether commuting back and forth from home to work, running from meeting to meeting, traveling for business, or going to meet clients at their offices, business professionals need a practical way to carry the tools they need to do their jobs on the go. Moreover, with our culture becoming increasingly reliant upon wireless and handheld technology to stay connected and conduct business on the fly, it is important your business luggage can comfortably accommodate everything you need to carry – from laptops to file folders and cell phones to PDA’s.

Ready to shop? Don’t get overwhelmed the vast array of options. Check out our descriptions of three popular styles of business luggage below to help you select the right piece for your lifestyle.

The Briefcase

The briefcase is everywhere. Attorneys, executives, consultants, and the like carry them around every day, taking important papers, files, and productivity tools everywhere they go. If you decide to go this route, a leather briefcase is standard for serious professionals. A classy briefcase confers an air of competence, professionalism, authority, and style onto the owner. And while you can choose from a variety of designs, colors, options, and textures, don’t compromise on your briefcase’s essential features.

Here are a few things to consider:

Organization

Does your briefcase have enough pockets, zippers, and compartments to keep your papers, devices, pens, and files organized and easily accessible?

Security

– While some people prefer a key lock, this type of lock is outdated. Get a briefcase with a number lock if you care about convenience and speed. All you have to do is remember the combination, and you never have to worry about losing or forgetting the key.

Sturdiness

– Do you travel often? Attend meetings outside of the office? Avoid a soft top and get something sturdier that will not be easily damaged.

The computer case

– Inspired by the leather briefcase, computer cases, also known as “laptop bags,” are specially designed to transport laptops safely and securely. Most computer cases have several compartments for accessories like mice and power cords, and extra padding in the section designed to hold the laptop. Get a computer case that carries everything you need – it is much easier than carrying around two bags all day.

The business case

– A briefcase, computer case, and file carrier in one, business cases are usually made of durable materials and are great for those times when you need to carry everything but the kitchen sink. With places for a laptop, file accordions to hold files securely, and various compartments for your PDA, cell phone, and other accessories, business cases are a great comprehensive solution for the professional who needs a mini-office at their fingertips.

No matter what type of bag or case you are looking for, shopping for business luggage online is a great way to save time and money by comparison shopping – without ever having to leave your home or office. Moreover, looking at the different options available online will help you narrow down your choices. Check out innovationluggage.com now to compare prices, features, and styles and find the perfect piece.

Labels: business luggage, carrying luggage, laptop cases, leather briefcases, leather laptop., luggage online, online luggage