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

Travel Light with Delsey Luggage

Technology is creeping into almost every aspect of our lives. Be it computers, the Internet, GPS technology, wireless phones, portable MP3 players, or handheld PDA’s, more people are carrying around more devices – and relying on them to stay in touch with the rest of the world. It is no surprise that as technology advances in computing and electronics, so does the technology used to create luggage for the modern consumer. While simple bags made of nylon or leather stitched together used to suffice for most people, consumers today are looking for stylish, compact on the outside yet spacious on the inside, and practical pieces of luggage to suit their travel needs.

A recent trend in the luggage industry is the offering of lightweight luggage options. Not only does lightweight luggage make traveling more comfortable for the consumer by keeping the weight of the luggage minimal, it also allows one to carry more while traveling, without exceeding the increasingly reduced weight limit guidelines in place by airlines and other forms of commercial transportation.

Who is at the top of the trend? Delsey luggage, whose new Helium collection is up to 40 % lighter than any other line of luggage, making it an attractive option for those who want to travel light.

Taking advantage of the ultra-light weight of helium, Delsey luggage, already considered a leader in lightweight luggage, has taken its product line to a new level by exceeding consumers’ expectations and offering unparalleled form and function. Since launching the Helium collection, Delsey has revamped many of their pre-existing luggage designs as well. From soft-top suitcases to compact carry-on bags, this manufacturer offers a variety of lightweight luggage options to take you from home to vacation and from business to pleasure in style.

Delsey luggage recently introduced the Helium Fusion, Helium Breeze, Helium Elite, and Helium Pilot series, among others. Each piece in these Helium series features quality workmanship, including the use of frames comprised primarily of extremely lightweight fiberglass, the material also used in making golf clubs and tennis racquets. The polyester used to build most pieces is of superb quality and is reinforced with molded polypropylene to provide extra support at the wear and tear points. The EVA foam backing adds to the bags’ lightweight feel while also making the bag more comfortable to tote around wherever you go. Finally, the zippers are made with self-repairing interlocking #10 nylon coil, a sturdy choice that ensures the zipper on your luggage lasts forever.

Interested in Delsey but not sure you want to take the plunge and buy new luggage? With Delsey you can buy with confidence - this manufacturer offers a 10-year warranty on your purchase.

What’s to lose?

A lightweight piece of luggage built with high-quality materials that offers reliability, durability, and convenience is a must-have for travelers in the know who want style and comfort without having to compromise on function. Next time you travel, instead of cutting down on the baggage that you pack to meet airline guidelines, travel with a piece from the Helium collection by Delsey Luggage.

Lighten your load and check out Delsey luggage online at innovationluggage.com now.

How do you fancy a ski vacation this winter, perhaps with a bit of snowboarding thrown in? There’s nothing better than planning your winter vacation, packing your ski bag and looking forward to a weekend on the slopes. All you need do now is to grab your backpack and head off for the airport, or even just jump into your car and off you go.

But where to? Where are people going this winter? What are the top American ski resorts at the moment? Well, to be truthful it is very difficult to say, and my five would not be your five, but here’s where I would be heading for if I had the choice – and lucky enough to have the opportunity!

Number 5: Alta, Utah

Just 45 minutes drive from Salt Lake City International, this fabulous resort is great for skiers of all abilities. With a 200 foot vertical drop, Alta has upwards of 115 runs with deep powder and a variety of terrain to suit advanced skiers and beginners alike. This resort would have been listed higher due its magnificent scenery were it not for the absence of snowboarding. No need for your snowboard bag on this trip, unfortunately, but the skiing just about makes up for it.

Number 4: Squaw Valley, California.

Famed for its beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is one of the USA’s Olympic resorts and night skiing on the 3.2 mile mountain run is worth packing your wheeled duffel bag for. There is also the Riviera Superpipe, and if your family are not into skiing like you then there are lots for them to do and see at the Ice Pavilion and Olympic Museum where they can soak up the history of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Alternatively, soak up the sun in the Swimming Lagoon and Spa or relax on your comfort pillow on a sundeck at the Gold Coast Lodge.

Squaw Valley has a great deal to offer, and is especially good for a family holiday where nobody will be bored, whether they are into skiing and snowboarding or not.

Number 3: Vail, Colorado

Vail calls itself ‘America’s Favorite Resort’, with which it is difficult to argue. It is the largest individual ski resort in America, with three different parts of the mountain being distinctly different in what it has to offer. It doesn’t matter what you like doing, you will find it here.

You can ski, snowboard or try a high speed quad. If these don’t tickle your fancy, how about putting on the backpack and trying a bit of dog sledding or snowmobiling up into the mountain. For those seeking more cerebral entertainment, there are museums and several art galleries. Add some hockey and ballooning to that and you will begin to get an idea of the scale of this place.

It might have reached number one, but does not quite match the other two for its pure skiing variety. However, it is big and you will find no fewer than four skiers for each acre of snow on a busy day. It doesn’t matter how bad you are – nobody is going to see you!

Number 2: Stowe Vermont

The 200 year old village of Stowe could also have been the top pick, if only for its charm, but what else would you expect of a typical New England ski resort. It actually consists of the two areas of Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain. It also has a lift-link to the family resort of Smuggler’s Notch, which makes Stow a great destination for a full family vacation.

You can snowboard and snowshoe as well as ski, and you will not be short of shopping with over 90 shops from which to choose. This area of New England has a lot going for it and is an excellent choice for a summer or winter vacation.

Number 1: Aspen, Colorado

Aspen has to get top spot for the only reason that this is a list of the top 5 ski resorts. Aspen is unbeatable in the USA for its skiing, and wherever you go you are liable to bump into somebody famous. Or rich. Or both! The Aspen Mountain Powder Tours will test the best of skiers, and those just short of being experts will find the intermediate slopes to present just the right degree of challenge. The backside of the mountain offers acres of terrain for expert skiers.

The steep slopes of Aspen are famous, and the area contains four separate mountains that offer fabulous skiing opportunities for all levels of ability. You can also get snowboarding, paragliding and fly fishing, and Aspen is just right for a fantastic winter vacation. That sounds a bit repetitive, but every one of these five resorts is astounding in its own way.

Whether you pack your ski bag or just a backpack for wandering around the mountains, there is everything in all five of these resorts for you, and both Vail and Stowe are ideal for a full family vacation.

Many of these sites also offer snowboarding, and if winter sports is your thing then check out this page here: http://www.innovationluggage.com/c-206-skisnowboard.aspx
where you will find some stylish ski and snowboard bags that will protect your valuable equipment while looking great with your luggage.

How do you vacation? Amidst excitement of getting a great deal on your luggage set, you have to ask yourself where and how you will plan your vacation. One must consider many things: hotels, entertainment, transportation, etc. One form of traveling combines several elements together – taking a cruise. Many people have been happy forgoing other forms of traveling in order to embark on the open seas aboard a cruise ship.

You may have several questions and concerns before beginning your journey. This article is orchestrated to help answer your inquiries.

Length
How long can you go on a cruise? That is up to you. Most cruise lines offer hours, days, weeks, and even months as lengths of time. Cruises are engineered to fit your vacation dollars. You can board a ship for a few hours to gamble in international waters, or pack your leather luggage and stay for several weeks basking in the sun and touring exotic lands.

Destinations
You can find a cruise for just about any destination in the world; if there is water, you can be sure it has been chartered by cruise lines. Where would you like to go? Choose from the Caribbean, Pacific coast of California, Mexico, Alaska, etc.

Variety
Regardless of the area of your cruise, you will have many options to choose from. Cruise lines range in price and packages offered. Different lines are notary for varied reasons such as food, entertainment, customer service, etc. You will need to study different cruise lines in order to find a perfect fit for what you are looking for: a romantic getaway, a single’s cruise, a trip where you will be bringing carriers of kids luggage, etc.

Differences
Certain cruise lines are known for catering to particular populations and categories. For instance, one cruise line may be perfect for a single person to meet others and party, yet another may be better suited for a family looking to see different sites. It is important to consider what you want out of your cruise in order to choose where to go to get it.

Finding your cruise
Take some preliminary steps to ensure the cruise will be everything you wish it to be:

1. Research cruise line Web sites and brochures


2. What type of ambience do you desire? Quiet? Romantic? Family oriented? Make sure the cruise will meet your expectations.


3. Ask others about their experiences on cruises and particular lines. Word-of-mouth is a great way to supplement your own research.


4. Use a booking agent. Ask them all pertinent questions and to address any concerns you may have.

How to decide
Consider some factors while making your decision before you pack your luggage:

• The amount of money you have saved for the trip


• If the cruise line is offering deals


• The quality of the line’s food


• The customer service of the cruise ship


• Does the line have a reputation for partying, elegance, romance, etc.


• The length of the cruise


• Activities planned by the line


• Ports you will be visiting


• The ship’s facilities


• Shopping for carry-on bags and other luggage.

Labels: adventure, travel

How badly do you need to take advantage of your name brand luggage and take a vacation? Most people will vigorously shake their head in the affirmative when asked if they need a vacation, but it does not always seem like an easy endeavor. Besides the monetary issues, many people have anxious feelings relating to work when pondering a vacation break. People feel pressure to be model employees; and model employees do not take vacations- they are too busy working.

Foregoing vacations due to work-related anxieties is not healthy or good for your working life. Just as taking too much time off is bad for your career, not taking enough time off can be detrimental as well.

How can businesses and employees alike take better advantage of leather luggage, hardside luggage, and accessories?

It starts from the top
The executives can start trends. If employees see that the executives can balance work and life, then they will most likely follow suit (ha ha). Once employees observe that executives can appropriately find balance, then others will emulate the process. It is important for executives to take a “normal” vacation. This means that they really “vacate” all work duties while on vacation (except in emergency situations). If executives are sending emails, making calls, and “checking in” while on vacation, then others will feel that they will have to do the same when they have time off.

For everyone
All employees (from top to bottom) need to follow the appropriate protocol in asking for a vacation. Let supervisors know in advance and make sure all work that is due during your time away is accounted for. Most workers get at least two weeks of vacation; it is not a crime to take advantage of your luggage sets. If your motions of taking a vacation are apropos, then there should be no anxiety in going for it.

Prepare
As aforementioned, before you use your luggage, you need to prepare others for your departure. Let supervisors, clients, and coworkers know about your vacation plans. Supervisors will be able to log your time off and delegate duties accordingly, clients will not be left in the dark if they need your help and can refer to others, and coworkers will be able to help you with internal and external tasks if needed.

Get away
Now that you have properly prepared for your departure, grab your spouse and the kids luggage (don’t forget to grab the kids too) and take off. It is important not to think about the office, bosses, or anything job-related while away. Just relax and enjoy yourself. At most, leave a message on your voicemail indicating to others when you started your vacation and when you will return. If it is really important, leave a contact number of where you can be reached in exigent instances.

Again, do not try to be in two places at the same time; either you are on vacation or you are at work. Respect your time off as you respect your working life. Do not forget to have fun!

Labels: adventure, travel, work