Travel Products Making Traveling Easier

When traveling, companies are taking note of the newly imposed carry-on restrictions, weight limits and additional fees for even checking a piece of luggage on most airlines. There are products designed to maximize space, minimize weight and hopefully save money on additional levied baggage fees (whether for an extra bag or for one that exceeds weight restrictions). Following are a few products to help travelers when packing or items that make traveling easier. 

• To maximize luggage space, use Compression Bags. The bags remove excess air around bulky items, creating up to 80% more packing space. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.
• Maximize clothing purposes with versatile articles such as the Women’s Sophisticated Three Piece Set. Offered by TravelSmith Outfitters, www.travelsmith.com.  
• Clear bag sets to take your personal toiletries, eliminating need to purchase travel-sized products. One stylish choice for men, women and children is the Clear Bag System^TM toiletry kit. Available at: www.clearbagsystem.com.
• Travel size personal care product packs by mysmartpac are convenient, carry-on approved, disposable, and earth-friendly. The packs, available in HIS and HERS, take the guess work out of packing personal hygiene products (figuring out container sizes and worrying about bottles opening en-route) when traveling. Visit: www.mysmartpac.com
• Maximizing space without sacrificing style is possible with Coakley travel bags. With the number of bags allowed as carry-on items when flying this functional product ensures nothing is left behind without trying to juggle lots of bags. Available at www.coakleybusinessclass.com
• For those needing some extra space for their souvenirs, pack an expandable checkable tote bag in your carry-on bag. Constructed from durable ballistic nylon and comes in black, olive, blue or red. Offered by Anne McAlpin^TM, www.packitup.com.
•  Wanting to avoid any checked-in luggage fees all together? Consider Brookstone’s Dash Rolling Hardside Carry-on, which is sleek and stylish and comes in black, silver, red, pink, green or yellow. The light weight (less than 8 pounds) hard plastic case protects your belongings and fits in standard overhead compartments. www.brookstone.com.
• Weigh luggage before arriving at airport to avoid surprises and the need to quickly perform the shuffle game (switching items from one bag to another) or even rushing to an airport kiosk/store to purchase a new bag. Several companies offer this product including:

• - TravelSmith Outfitters’ Digital Luggage Scale - a portable, handheld luggage scale that weighs up to 100 lbs. (44 kg.) of luggage. www.travelsmith.com
• - Brookstone’s Digital Luggage Scale (available October 2008) weighs your bags to ensure they meet airline requirements. Measures bags weighing up to 75 Lbs. Simply place the clip on your luggage strap and use the handle to lift the scale and bag off the ground. Measures the weight in pounds and kilograms. www.brookstone.com
• - Balanzza digital luggage scale (available August 15th), a scale developed specifically for travelers that weighs 10oz, so it is easy to pack and take with you to ensure souvenir bags are not over the limit. Weighs up to 100 pounds and weighs in pounds and kilograms. www.balanzza.com

Yet, if these packing products do not work and you still end up checking multiple bags with a resulting fee, some hotels are helping you ensure you leave nothing behind.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the “We Got Your Bag” promotion that runs through Sept. 9, 2008. Guests need simply to show proof of an additional airline baggage charge upon check in at any one of Kimpton’s 43 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, and a room credit will be issued in that amount, up to $25, offsetting the fee imposed upon air travelers. Some restrictions apply. Visit www.kimptonhotels.com.

The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel in Washington, DC, has developed Travel Smart program offering a 10% discount to ship baggage; an Airline Restriction Relief package featuring a full-range of airline approved toiletries and other travel necessities, free of charge to guests; a 24/7 Tech Butler, offering adapters and chargers for its guests’ technology needs powered by I-Go; and more. Visit www.affinia.com.

What is your favorite travel product that is a must-have for any traveler?

Photo Credits: Top Left (www.coakleybusinessclass.com); Top Right (www.clearbagsystem.com); Middle (www.brookstone.com); Bottom Right (www.balanzza.com)