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Durable Luggage – Why it Matters and What to Look For

Durable Luggage – Why it Matters and What to Look For We all know what a beating our luggage takes when we travel – dragging it down a cobblestone street, up and down flights of stairs, on and off trains, buses, and taxis, or strapping it to the back of my favorite car in the world. If our luggage is not durable enough to handle the rigors of travel, it can make for an unpleasant and inconvenient journey. In this post, we will discuss why durability matters and what to look for in durable luggage. We will also show you some of the top brands known for their durability. Let’s try to avoid some of these functional nightmares by understanding what to look for in durable luggage and which brands deliver Why Durability Matters We recently had to walk two miles, dragging our luggage through the streets of Rome, Italy to get to the nearest metro station. Just in that short distance, our luggage went onto and off of curbs, across cobblestone streets, up and down stairs at the station, and finally ended up being pulled onto the metro car and stuffed up in the luggage rack. That was just one day in the life of our luggage. Imagine being tortured like that every day of our month-and-a-half trip. You can understand why having durable luggage matters. Elements of Durability – What to Look For If you have ever had your luggage break down on a trip, you know it can be a real inconvenience. Here are some things to look for when purchasing durable luggage for your next trip. Feature What to Look For Why it Matters Shell/Material Rigid Shells: Polycarbonate, ABS with reinforcement; Soft Shells: High-denier ballistic nylon, Cordura, with corners reinforced Rigid shells resist impacts and crushing; Soft shells offer flexibility and external pockets Corners & Edges Reinforced corners, bumper rails, extra thickness at stress points Those are where cracks or splits usually start Zippers & Hardware YKK or equivalent premium zippers, strong pull tabs, metal hardware, reinforced stitching around attachments Zippers and pulls often fail first Wheels 360-degree spinner wheels, sealed or shielded bearings, dual wheels or thick wheels, durable wheel housings Wheels take a lot of impact on rough surfaces and curbs Handles/Telescoping Mechanism Multi-stage (adjustable) tubular handles, thick-walled, robust, aluminum or steel, base supports, securely anchored in the shell Weak handles wobble or break Interior Structure Strong lining, compression straps, divider panels, reinforced seams Helps the shape and reduces internal stress Warranty/Repair Options Lifetime or generous warranties; accessible replacement parts (wheels, handles, zippers) Even the best luggage eventually may need a fix – a good brand supports you Top Brands Know for Durability These are the top brands know for their durability. The top brands for durability have a variety of luggage styles. If you are interested in checked luggage, they will have something for you. Travelpro – very strong reputation, especially among frequent flyers and airline staff Samsonite – wide range of luggage, frequently praised in independent testing Briggs & Riley – especially for lifetime guarantees that cover damage from airlines Tumi – often premium price, but very solid materials. (e.g. ballistic nylon) and strong craftsmanship Delsey – have good options, especially in hard-side shells Top Durable Carry-on Luggage Picks (2025) Here are some of the best carry-on options that emphasize durability. Each has it strengths, so which is “best” depends on your budget, travel style and features you prioritize. You can also check out these tips on packing light using carry-on luggage. Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner – A balanced, mid-to-upper range hardside with solid shell material, a molded handle, and user-friendly features. Well vetted by luggage reviewers for reliability. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner – A premium soft-side option backed by Briggs & Riley’s famous lifetime warranty (including airline damage). This is a strong choice if you prefer soft-side flexibility plus repairability. Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable Carry-On – Tough polycarbonate shell, sleek lines, excellent build — a top pick if you’re looking for a luxury, high-durability shell option. Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Expandable Spinner – Tough polycarbonate shell, sleek lines, excellent build — a top pick if you’re looking for a luxury, high-durability shell option. Delsey Chatalet Air 2.0 Carry-On Spinner – Elegant styling plus performance — features like the SECURITECH zipper system that’s claimed to be more resistant than standard zips. Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Expandable Spinner – A lighter soft-side spinner that still offers durability. Good pick if you want something robust but less heavy. American Tourister Burst Max V Hardside Spinner – A hard-side option that gives a lot of bang for the buck. For more casual or occasional travelers who still want durability. Samsonite Spintech 6 Carry-On Spinner – A newer polycarbonate design from Samsonite with a modern look and durability feature. Final Thoughts When choosing a durable carry-on, consider where and how you travel most. A well-made carry-on isn’t just luggage — it’s a travel partner that makes every journey smoother. Invest once, travel worry-free for years. Also, check out these tips to help you prepare to travel abroad.

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8 Smart Ways to Save Money for Travel

Travel Tips / Tom

For many of us, travel feels like the ultimate reward for our hard work. Exploring new worlds, tasting new foods, and creating unforgettable memories are a few of the benefits we receive when we travel. But one of the biggest barriers to travel is money. Saving money doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. It can actually be fun. What a wonderful feeling it is when you set a goal and start finding ways to achieve it. With a few intentional changes and strategies, you can build a travel fund faster than you think. Here are some practical ways to save money for your next adventure. 1. Create a Dedicated Travel Fund Start by opening a savings account just for travel. This way, you can keep it separate from your everyday expense money, allowing you to focus on making it grow. We all pay our electric bills, cable bills, and other bills every month. Why not pay your “travel bill” first? Set aside a percentage (10% is great, or whatever you can afford) of your paycheck and put that into your travel fund. Better yet, set up a fixed amount to be automatically transferred to your fund every paycheck. Challenge yourself to save as much money as possible. 2. Cut Back on Small Luxuries Daily lattes, streaming services you rarely use, or frequent take-out meals can all add up quickly. Track your expenses for a week and identify areas you can save money. Put that money into your travel fund. Soon, you will feel the excitement of watching that fund grow. Even $5 a day can add up to $150 a month! 3. Sell What You Don’t Use You can take a look around your home and identify things you never use. Old furniture, wedding gifts you never use, or gear from old hobbies, can all be sold on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Postmark, or eBay. This is a two-for-one bonus. Not only do you de-clutter your living space, but you also add extra cash to your travel savings. 4. Use Cash-Back and Rewards Programs Apply for and use credit cards that offer cash back, travel rewards, or credit card points. When used responsibly, these programs can save money on flights, hotels, and even your day-to-day expenses. All these savings can help to grow the balance of your travel fund. You will also be able to use your rewards and points to upgrade you seating on the flight or get a discount on your hotel room. 5. Cook More at Home It’s expensive to dine out. Dining out regularly can drain your budget. Try preparing a few days’ meals in advance (meal prepping) or cook your meal each night at home. Pack a healthy lunch and eat it at work. If you still want to treat yourself, set a limit to one or two meals out per week. Set aside the money you save for your travel fund. 6. Create a No Spend Challenge Commit to a week (or even a month) of avoiding non-essential spending. No new clothes, gadgets, or impulse buys. You will be surprised how much money you can save. It also helps build discipline. Oh yeah, put that money you save in your travel fund. 7. Find a Side Hustle Whether it’s freelance work, tutoring, pet-sitting, or driving for a rideshare app, a side hustle can help add extra cash to your travel fund. 8. Track Your Progress Visually This is where the fun comes in. Savings can feel very rewarding when you can track your progress. Your motivation to save money also grows as you see yourself making progress towards your goal. Create a spreadsheet, use a travel savings app, or create a chart to help you visualize your goal. Final Thought Saving for travel doesn’t mean you have to give up everything you love. It’s about having a higher goal, about making small sacrifices to achieve that goal. Finally, it’s about feeling the joy that comes from implementing these changes and strategiesas you board the plane to your dream destination.Please send us an email and let us know what destination you are saving for!!

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Open suitcase with clothes, camera, and travel essentials neatly arranged on a wooden floor.

How to Pack Light for Travel Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

Travel Tips / Tom

How to Pack Light for Travel Abroad: The Ultimate Guide Traveling abroad is very exciting. Dragging a heavy, overstuffed suitcase through airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets? Not so exciting. We just spent a month and a half traveling around Italy. I can’t tell you how many times we were grateful we packed light. Watching people with big suitcases trying to get on and off the train, trying to climb the stairs to enter or exit the station, or the time we had to walk two miles pulling our suitcase through the streets of Rome to get to the metro station, because it was a holiday and the taxis weren’t running, was enough to make us grateful that we took the time to learn how to pack light. Keep reading, and you will learn how you can do yourself a big favor and save money on airline fees by packing light for your next trip abroad. 1. Start with the Right Luggage Much like the old adage, “the work expands to fill the time allotted,” the items you choose to pack tend to fill the space allotted by the size of your luggage. By choosing the right carry-on luggage, you will focus on packing the essentials needed for your trip and save money on airline baggage fees. Bring one suitcase and one day bag. While there is no standard size and weight, a frequently cited maximum for international carry-ons is approximately 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (or around 55 x 40 x 23 cm), and the weight is between 10 and 18 pounds (or around 7-9 kg). This is just a guideline. It’s best to check with your airline for specific size and weight restrictions. We chose the TravelPro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner, combined with the Platinum Elite Under Seat Tote. We appreciated this combination for its convenience and durability. 2. Check the Weather Spend some time researching the weather in the regions you will be staying. This is essential for choosing the appropriate clothing for your destination. 3. Pack Versatile Clothing There are many guidelines for the combination of clothing to pack. Familiarize yourself with the 333 rule or the 54321 rule and modify these rules to fit you needs. Pick clothing that is lightweight, breathable and quick drying. Think about mix and match outfits instead of packing something for every possible scenario. Pack layers rather than bulky sweaters and jackets. Choose neutral colors like black white, navy, and beige to make coordinating your outfits easy. Limit your shoes to two pairs. One comfortable walking pair and one pair for dressier occasions. Wear the bulkiest pair of shoes on the airplane to save packing room. Pack a small steamer to help with any wrinkles. 4. Use Compression Bags or Packing Cubes This method of packing will help organize your luggage and make the most of the space you have. Compression bags allow you to put multiple items in the bag and compress the air out of the bag. This creates more vertical space in your luggage. Should i fold or roll? We find it is better to fold clothes such as dress shirts and blouses, pants, and dresses.It’s easier to compress the air out of a flat garment rather than the large roll that is created when rolling these items. Folding also helps cut down on the wrinkles. Rolling smaller items like socks, t-shirts, and underwear works well. Packing cubes – These are the same type of cube as the compression bag. They just don’t have the extra zipper for compression. The compression bag is more versatile. Just don’t use the extra zipper if you don’t need to compress your clothes. 5. Understand the 3-1-1 Rule for Liquids The standard rule for liquids in carry-on bags in the U.S. is the 3-1-1 rule: liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, with one quart-sized bag allowed per passenger, and each container must fit into a clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. You will be very grateful you have taken the time to learn about packing light. Aside from saving money on airline baggage fees, the freedom and ease of movement you have while moving between destinations will put a smile on your face as you watch others lugging their overstuffed suitcases to and fro. There are other considerations to think about when traveling abroad. Check out these tips to help ease your mind while you are enjoying your vacation.

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Flat lay of a map with colorful letters "TRAVEL" and a compass for planning adventures.

10 Things You Need To Do Before Traveling Abroad

Travel Tips / Tom

10 Things You Need To Do Before Traveling Abroad Visiting new cultures and meeting new people offers us a chance to experience a bit of freedom. To ensure a carefree time on our trip, it is necessary to make the proper arrangements. Here is a list of 10 things that will help put your mind at ease as you prepare to travel abroad. 1. Get a passport If you don’t have a passport yet, you will need to apply in person and submit the application at an authorized acceptance facility, usually your local post office. The required form for U.S. Citizens is the DS-11 form. You can fill it out online and print it. You can find this form at www.travel.state.gov. If you already have a passport, be sure to check the expiration date to ensure it won’t expire during your trip. Be sure to make a couple of paper copies of your passport and also have a digital copy with you. Even if you lose your passport, this copy should be sufficient to help you check into your accommodations and expedite your application for an emergency passport. You can expedite your passport renewal or emergency passport through services like ItsEasy Passport & Visa Services and RushMyPassport.com. The fee ranges from $50 to $950. 2. Check your destination for any Visa requirements Visa requirements vary for every country. If your destination requires a visa make sure you start this process early. It can be time-consuming. A growing number of European countries will require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for visa-exempt countries (like the U.S.) starting in late 2026. Make sure to keep this in mind even if you don’t need a visa for your destination. (The businesses in point #1 can also help you obtain the necessary visas) 3. Check on vaccinations and medications Check on any vaccinations you need for your destination. This is more common when traveling to third-world countries where there are diseases like malaria, dengue, bird flu, and Zika (to name a few). Also, make sure you have enough of your daily medication to last the entire duration of your trip. Carry your medication in the original bottles and have a doctor’s signed list of prescriptions. This is not always required, but it is a safe practice. 4. Travel Insurance Better to be safe than sorry. When traveling abroad, an accident that requires hospitalization or medical transport back home can be an astronomical expense. Travel insurance is an affordable way to protect yourself against this financial risk. Check out this Forbes review to help you make your choice. 5. Alert your bank Please make sure your bank knows about your travel destination(s). Banks constantly monitor for fraud. Your ability to pay for anything could be disrupted if your bank disables your card due to suspected fraud. 6. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees on ATM’s and Credit Cards Check for relationships between your bank and any bank in your destination country to avoid transaction fees on cash withdrawals from ATM machines. (For instance, Bank of America has relationships with Barclays (UK), BNL (Italy), and BNP Paribas (France)) There are many credit card companies that do not charge foreign transaction fees. Here is a list of credit cards with no foreign transaction fee. Remember: Always choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid DCC. 7. Use paperless billing and/or set up Auto-pay If you don’t want to worry about those recurring bills you might want to set up auto-pay while you are gone. You can always turn it off when you return. Otherwise, convert your billing to paperless and use your bill paying feature on your online banking site. 8. Cash Before you leave, convert enough cash into the currency of your destination. You will need to pay for the transportation to your accommodations. It is also nice to have a little money for smaller items, such as a bottle of water or a piece of fruit. Please always remember to keep enough local currency to pay for your return transportation to the airport when you’re leaving. (It’s no fun discovering you underestimated the cost of your 5:30 a.m. cab ride to the airport.) Not that that ever happened to us.:) 9. Cell Phone Communication Most major carriers offer international calling plans. AT&T’s international calling plan, for instance, offers unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data for $12/day. A plan like this, combined with wireless communication apps like WhatsApp, makes for a good combination to stay in touch with family and friends, as well as for any emergency communication needed while traveling. Check with your local carrier to see if they offer international calling plans. Another option is eSIMs and local SIMS, which can be an affordable and easy way to stay connected. When not using any of these options, remember to put your phone on airplane mode in order to avoid roaming charges. These charges can add up quickly. 10. Itinerary Researching and booking hotels, planning day trips and activities, purchasing advance tickets for your favorite attractions, and scheduling transportation to your next destination are all essential features of a well-organized travel itinerary. Depending on the length of your vacation, you may want to plan every destination in advance. If you plan to stay for an extended period and would like the flexibility of not being tied to a strict itinerary, it is helpful to book your hotels for your first two destinations. This gives you time to enjoy your first stay without the stress of planning your next move. If you would like some tips on how to pack light for your travel abroad, please check out this post.

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