The Luggage Blog

Travel related news gathered from around the web and brought to you weekly:

-Southwest Airlines to tweak some of its fees and add fee for children flying solo.

- Fox News offers tips for traveling with a baby…minus the stress.

- T+L Lists Best New Hotels of 2009.

-New passport rules put into effect at U.S borders.

Ever since Travelpro invented the Original Rollaboard- the very first suitcase on wheels- wheeled luggage has dominated the travel goods market. Convenient and practical for long trips, this made perfect sense…until now. With airlines charging travelers up to $25 for the first checked bag, we’re being forced to pack lighter. With that, non-wheeled bags are making a comeback. No need for a heavy frame and wheels if you’ve got less to take on board with you. At the same time, many travelers are staying away from airports all together and opting for closer to home destinations that can be reached by train or car.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorites and along with some help from our wonderful customers, we present to you

5 Great Non-Wheeled Carry Ons

1. Rick Steves Convertible Carry On Backpack- $99.95

Don’t let the word backpack fool you. At the maximum size permitted for carry on (21″ X 14″ X 9″),  this bag will hold a lot more than you think. A zip expansion allows for heavier packing, while compression straps bring it back down to size for when you have a lighter load. With a top carry handle, backpack straps and a padded waist strap, it can be carried easily and comfortably. Strap this baby on and board the plane!

2. A. Saks One the Go 21in. Expandable Carry On- $63.95

Looking for a seriously lightweight bag that will hold a ton and stand up the travel beating you hand out? A. Saks has just the bag.  Jam everything you need into this carry on duffle and leave the baggage carousel fun for someone else. For convenience and ease of use once you arrive at your destination, it zips all the way down on both sides like a traditional suitcase for an extra wide opening.

3. David King Leather Duffle with Large Opening-$142.95

There is something timeless about the soft Vacquetta leather used in David King luggage and duffels. It seems to get better with age - and therefore each use. This over-sized duffle features a large opening that unzips completely for easy access. Use the top carry handles for a classic satchel look or attach the shoulder strap and go hands free. Exterior pockets on each side are perfect for last minute stashing.

4. LeSportsac Large Weekender - $108

Since 1974 LeSportsac has provided handbags and duffels in a wide color and print assortment that are lightweight, durable and super cute. The Large Weekender is sporty, stylish and totally functional.  Roomy enough for a long weekend getaway- like all LeSportsac pieces- it’s also a great extra piece to pack in case you have more to take home than expected. You know, the good kind of travel dilemma

5. Tumi Large Soft Travel Satchel - $325

If you’re looking for a classic soft satchel but only the best will do, the Tumi Large Soft Travel Satchel is a great option.  While it is made from Tumi’s signature ballistic nylon, it isn’t as rigid as other styles, so it can hold everything you’ll need for several days away.  Leather wrapped carry handles, a removable shoulder strap and an inside zip pocket are among its features. Like a chic accessory, Tumi bags add instant style to your travel look.

Travel related news gathered from around the web and brought to you weekly:

-The Washington Post rounds up the best travel deals, including the Survivor Package, where the price goes down along with the amenities.  Take away the bed for best deal!

-The TSA’s blog clears up myths about Whole Body Imaging at airports.

-Starting June 1st, Americans returning by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean must have a passport or other secure ID.

-Hanalei Bay on Kauai named nation’s No. 1 beach.

We really, really like finding travel related items that we really, really like. Really! Fodor’s 10 Simple Truths About Travel is a must read for jet setters and travel novices alike.

Number 2 under the “Shoulds” and number 4 under the “Should Nots” are our favorites, in case you were wondering.

With news that the multitude of baggage fees put in place by major airlines over the past year has essentially saved their butts, it looks like we’re going to have to begin packing lighter. The fees aren’t going anywhere, but hopefully you and your family are! So in order to avoid up to $25 per bag, we suggest a move towards carrying on when possible.

Sure, you may be thinking “when possible” applies to weekend trips only, but would you believe some people use a single carry on bag and one personal bag for up to ten days of travel? That may be extreme, but with the right packing habits and the right pieces, one week- one bag can be done. Doug Dymont, author of OneBag.com has been promoting this idea since 1996, long before baggage fees came into play.

Fees aside, carrying on your belongings saves time and eliminates the lost luggage nightmare. The Luggage Blog is here to help. For today, we’ve compiled a quick list of packing tips gathered from here and there… a few from over there too. Stay tuned for carry on luggage suggestions as well!

1.Pack only what you need: This may be difficult, for say, someone who has a bag just for their shoes. But if you’re smart you gave that habit up years ago. This becomes easier when you pack entire outfits- planned in advance - which also makes for less time getting ready and more time to enjoy your trip.

2. Color coordinate: Pick a color scheme for your trip and stick to it. This will eliminate the need for several belts, shoes and handbags.

3. Accessorize: You can essentially wear them same suit if you switch up your tie, cuff links, jewelry or scarf. The same goes for casual gear. A classic, crisp white tee worn under a cardigan by day, can be dressed with with a statement necklace and clutch by night. These small accessories take up far less space than an additional garment would.

4. Use packing cubes: Many travelers swear by Eagle Creek Pack-It cubes. If you’re a generally organized person, they may work for you as well.  Available in several styles and sizes, they maximize space and simplify packing. Great for T-shirts, jeans, underwear or socks, they make rolling up and stashing items a snap.

Think your packing tips are better than ours? Share them with us below!

TSA.gov created a wonderfully informative page regarding rules, regulations and tips for traveling with children. The Traveling with Kids page includes several videos as well as a link to an additional page for traveling with children with disabilities. No better place to get your info and advice than straight from the source! Plan ahead and save a few whines by visiting TSA.gov today!

For a great selection of kids luggage, like the Heys Disney Collection (with LED light-up, inline skate wheels) featured below, visit LuggageOnline.com.

Heys USA 18in. Disney Cars Carry On $76.95