By Nicola Bridges
A lot of travelers hold onto luggage they love, even when it's scuffed, tattered and sometimes torn. I've held my breath, hoping my luggage holds out as it tumbles onto the baggage carousel, zipper straining and ready to burst into an airport spectacle of scattered clothing.
Then there was the full-blown suitcase blowout after my overpacked bag dramatically burst at the seams at Heathrow. A panicked two-terminal sprint to the nearest suitcase plastic-wrap counter ensued, where they shrouded my case in what looked like industrial-strength kitchen cling film.
If a globe-hopping friend or family member's favorite bag is looking the worse for mileage wear, upgrade them with some luggage love to help them avoid suitcase and carry-on catastrophes.
Here are some of my current luggage favorites that will hold up for even the most rugged road warrior, no matter what their mode of transportation.
Carry-On Closet Suitcase, Solgaard: This award-winning case contains a removable, built-in compressible five-shelf closet system inner bag. Just pack each compartment 70% full, pull the cord to compress and stow in the case. Unpack the closet, expand and it's ready to hang for easy access to still neatly folded clothes.
Carryall Duffel, Wandrd: This duffel is engineered for gear-heavy extended endurance travel and off-the-grid trips. But it doubles up nicely as a comfortable day-tripper backpack. With lots of organizational pockets, including one for an Airtag and an expandable laundry pocket, it's perfect for keeping your clothing and gear in order and secure.
Expandable Travel Duffel, Knack: A hidden compartment for laundry or shoes that tucks up snuggly to the underside of this duffel makes it super versatile for quick trips or as your carry-on for a flight, with a wide back sleeve that slips over your carry-on's handle for streamlined wheeling through airports and down the plane aisle.
Travel Belt, Cincha: Cincha's travel belts do just that — strap around your favorite tote, purse or laptop bag to cinch it securely to the pull-up handle of your carry-on wheelie case. They come in vivid colors and designs and can also be monogrammed.
Island Hopper Travel Backpack, Cor Surf: Designed for comfort, this weatherproof backpack with luggage-style opening seemingly has everything. Its main compartment is spacious. It has lots of pockets, including two hidden on the back panel for keeping passports and travel documents safe, a padded laptop side pocket with a false bottom for easy access and restowing at TSA, carabiner attachments and lashing straps for a neck pillow or jacket.
La Trotteuse Crossbody, Thafael: For women who want to look stylish and travel worry-free, this elegant over-the-shoulder anti-theft bag is designed to look like a designer purse. It has 12 compartments for keeping everything imaginable safe and secure, from cash and credit cards to phone, charger and sunglasses. With RFID protection against credit-card-scanning thieves, lockable zippers, and slash-resistant straps and lining, it means you don't have to clutch your purse for dear life against pickpockets.
Chiavella Phone Crossbody, Patricia Nash: The front phone pouch with magnet snap on this phone-sized cross-body bag makes phone access easy, and it fits only what you need for a day of sightseeing. The back access has built-in credit card slots, an ID window and slip pockets for bills. My favorite print? The iconic luxe leather European vintage map design, showcasing a passion for world travel.
The Workstation, CaseIt: For business travelers or students in your life, this three-ring binder bag is also a combo laptop case, with a zipper opening that lets you open up your screen and type without removing your laptop from the case. With storage pockets for pens, tech gadgets and charger cords, it's like having an office on the go.
Boss Tote Diaper Bag, Itzy Ritzy: Traveling moms will love this classy doesn't-scream-diaper-bag tote that looks more like a big chic shoulder-bag purse. It has carry handles and chain-detailed shoulder straps, a changing pad and stroller straps, and is made of easy-wipe decoratively stitch-patterned vegan leather. Kids love to have their own carry-on, and the Itzy Ritzy Explorer Backpack is adorable and comfy for traveling kiddos, with side pockets for snacks and water bottles and a roomy interior for their and favorite on-the-go toys.
Hippie Cat Luggage Tags, Comfort Diva: Frequent travelers can never have enough luggage tags. As a cat-lover, I love these standout, brightly colored cat-themed tags. They make it easy to spot your luggage on the baggage carousel. Another favorite that will make your wander-loving gift recipient light up? A Bluestone Solar Flare Luggage Tag. It is ingeniously made from highly reflective material that glows with a quick flick of your phone camera flashlight, making it easy to spot on the carousel or buried in the bellhop's luggage storage cave.
WHEN YOU GO
Carry-On Closet Original, $259: Solgaard.co (no 'm').
Carryall Duffel, $159: Wandrd.com
Travel Belt, Cincha, $29.99 to $39.99: CinchaTravel.com
Island Hopper Travel Backpack, $109.99: Corsurf.com
La Trotteuse Crossbody, $169: Thafael.com
Chiavella Phone Crossbody, $129: Patricianashdesigns.com
The Workstation, $28.99: CaseIt.com
Boss Tote Diaper Bag, $174.99, and Explorer Backpack, $64.99: ItsyRitsy.com
Hippie Cat Luggage Tags, $15: Etsy.com/shop/ComfortDivaStore
Solar Flare Luggage Tag, $20: Bluestonesunshields.com
Nicola Bridges is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Thafael's Anti-theft Crossbody Bag is a supremely protective designer-looking chic purse that compactly carries all the essentials you need on the road. Photo courtesy of Thafael.
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