When the winter weather arrives, people like to travel to warm vacation destinations. The "schlep" associated with heavy, bulky and just plain poorly designed luggage is one of the biggest hassles associated with the traveling.
Traveling to the rescue is David Gregg, senior editor of Beststuff.com, who shared a suitcase load of suggestions on The Early Show about how to lighten the load and streamline the wait at the airport.
HEYS XCASE 20" LIGHTWEIGHT CARRY-ON from eBags.com:
The XCASE is billed as one of the world's lightest pieces of carry-on luggage at 5.6 pounds. It's designed to fit in overhead compartments of most major U.S. commercial airlines. Price: $79.99.TUMI T3 TRANSPORTER 20" EXPANDABLE WHEELED CARRY-ON. This one was designed with an eye toward style, durability, comfort and packing space (www.tumi.com). The highlights include a fully lined, expandable (by 2 inches) main compartment, adjustable tie-down system, removable garment sleeve and a patented metallic dual weave nylon lining. Price: $425.BRIGGS & RILEY 28-INCH PUSH-BUTTON EXPANDABLE UPRIGHT.
Traveling can be stress-free with Briggs & Riley Travelware offers a lifetime warranty that even covers damage caused by an airline, and features the the NXpansion System, a push-button mechanism that is designed to make it simple to expand space up to 30 percent. Price: $489. INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER 5-PIECE POLYCARBONATE LUGGAGE SET features five expandable, lightweight uprights that all nest inside each other for storage. It costs $319 and is available at eBags.com.U.S. LUGGAGE'S TOP-LOADING COMPUTER CASE is designed to give you easy, two-way access to your computer anywhere. The laptop is protected in a removable, padded computer sleeve. It costs $149 and is available at www.magellans.com.
OGIO MONSTER TRAVEL BAG is an oversized home-away-from-home for valuable golf gear. The bag will be available at national sporting goods and golf retailers nationwide beginning Spring 2006. Price: $230 at www.ogio.com. BRIGGS & RILEY TOILETRY BAG. The main compartment is wet/dry to keep possible leaks from spreading to other sections. This bag is constructed with full-grain Napa leather. The large U-shaped opening allows easy access into a roomy main compartment. Price: $99 at Briggs & Riley Travelware. EASYCHECK BIG DIGIT LUGGAGE LOCKS (Set of two with oversized dials and numbers). These locks also won't get cut off by airport security and feature a secure system used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA requires all checked baggage to be screened for explosives and performs manual inspections of luggage regularly. Price: $20 at www.brookstone.com. EASYCHECK LOCKING LUGGAGE STRAP is designed to allow airport security inspect and relock your belongings quickly and easily. Contrasting colors make it easy to spot your luggage. Price: $15 at www.brookstone.com.