Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Baggage Claim

One of the most important things about being an organized traveler is where to put all the objects which are essential for a flight. My carry on bag has to be light weight, roomy, include lots of pockets for my nic-knacks, be able to zipper the opening, and have long enough straps so they do not cut into my shoulder. I may sound picky when it comes to the perfect travel bag but my theory is you have to be. If you don't have the "perfect" carry on bag it can really cramp your style and make for an unpleasant trip. I mean, you don't want to be running towards your gate and then all the sudden, the bag which you were swinging behind you dump out its contents out, all because it didn't have a zipper. Not only could that be embarrassing but it could also make you late for your flight. So I have compiled a few images of some of the perfect travel carry on's and cute accessories to go with them.

L.L. Bean might not be the store which you conjure up in your head when you hear the word "tote bag," but it should be. Lets be honest, L.L. Bean does not always sell the cutest apparel or bags, however, I have found a few over the years which are both functional and good looking. My mother swears by these tote bags when she travels (she tends to use her medium sized one as a carry on). The website even has a page where you can customize your tote, by picking out the color's for the bag. Besides looking pretty, these tote bags are made out of heavy duty cotton canvas, which means they last a long time.

If you are looking for a stylish bag which will fit your travel needs, look no further than Urban Outfitters. I found several bags which could make adorable carry on's when looking on the stores website. Instead of using a tote bag, why not use a backpack? Urban Outfitters offers several different style backpacks, many of them come in multiple colors as well. One of my favorites is this backpack; it looks rather roomy, has several pockets, leather detailing, and looks good! What more could you ask for?

While searching on Amazon (I love this site, it conveniently places almost everything under one roof) I found some really nice luggage tags. I think these would be a great upgrade from my current method of identifying my bag by tying a bright ribbon on the handle of my suitcase. Lets face it, this current method, isn't always the nicest looking. I particular like this "Ciao" by Tepper Jackson luggage tag. It certainly would make almost any bag be easy to spot while at the baggage claim!

So tell me, what type of bag do you like to use as a carry on? Do you have any suggestions as to good brands I should look at when investing in a good travel bag?
Jem

Monday, May 10, 2010

Summer Dreams

Paris, France (http://www.nyt.com/)
Can I be here right now? Instead of in school? Yes? Okay! Sounds like a good plan to me. I wish I could be lounging outside a cafe in Paris reading a newspaper, instead of sitting in a computer lab working on homework. Thank goodness schools almost out! So tell me... what are your summer plans?
Jem