Vacation is supposed to be fun. So why do people get so stressed out when they travel?
Travel stress can be caused by everything from thunderstorms to lost luggage, cranky children to overworked ticket agents. Believe it or not, you can prevent many of the problems you encounter on vacation – or at least mitigate them – with proper planning and packing.
For starters, give some thought to your bags. Sturdily built, well-marked baggage is less likely to get lost or forced open in transit. Also, pack the right stuff. Proper travel shoes and travel-friendly clothing mean you'll feel comfortable and look good for those all-important photos. And never forget to bring along some diversions: portable games, a good book and some snacks might prevent you from coming unglued with a travel agent or restless child.
Sierra Trading Post carries a wide selection of everything you need for that next vacation, from luggage to travel clothing and accessories. So plan ahead by buying the right stuff, and always remember to have fun when you're on vacation!
Baggage Know-How
Even if you've bought luggage before, it's not always easy to know which bags are best for you. New innovations are constantly added to luggage, and unless you can actually pack your stuff in a suitcase you're considering buying, how can you know if it's the right size? Here are a few guidelines to help you select the right luggage:
- Think beyond your next vacation. Always buy luggage that's ideal for the most common trips you make – not just the next one on the list.
- Know that size matters. Large suitcases are necessary for weeklong trips; mid-size bags are versatile but best for short vacations; carry-on-size luggage is ideal for weekend trips.
- Consider climate. If you plan to travel to warm vacation destinations, you will need less space for lighter clothing, so you may be able to go down a size in luggage. Alternately, if you're headed for a ski trip, you'll want to bump up a bag size for bulky sweaters and long pants.
- Own a variety of luggage sizes. It helps to have options when you're ready to pack for the next trip.
- Understand that you get what you pay for. Cheaper bags work for infrequent travelers, but spend the extra money if airports are your second home. Otherwise you'll have to buy a new set of luggage sooner than you'd like – or worse – you may experience the horror of seeing your personal items strewn all over the baggage carousel next to your damaged suitcase!
- Choose "flying colors." You may be considering black or subdued colors for your new luggage… but so is everyone else! Buy bright colors like red, orange or green so your luggage is easy to spot and won't accidentally be taken by another traveler.
Unique features are one reason some luggage costs more than other luggage. Here are a few good ones to look for:
- Telescoping handles and inline skate wheels for easy mobility
- Extra-large zipper pulls or YKK® "self-healing" zippers
- Reinforced or hard bottoms
- Expandability and/or compression straps to adjust volume (for all those souvenirs!)
- Padded straps for non-rolling luggage
- Multiple compartments such as suiters, internal bags for shoes or built-in pouches for dirty laundry
- Waterproof pockets for wet bathing suits, so you can take one last dip before flying home
- Waterproof finish (luggage can sometimes sit on rainy tarmacs for extended periods, soaking your clothes inside)
- Personalized ID systems
Need a lot of room? Giant duffels are the way to go if you are carrying a lot of stuff or bulkier items. Plus, duffels are your best option for sporting adventures, to carry things like tents, large boots, heavy jackets, etc.
Vacations planned around snow skiing, hunting and camping demand a duffel. Many large duffels are designed to roll, and generally can be compressed and manipulated as to pack into a variety of spaces. If you don't need to arrive with neatly folded shirts and suits, a duffel is perfect for you.
Tote bags and other accessory bags can serve as large purses or beach bags on vacation. Also, they can be ideal for carrying school books or work-related files during the daily grind. Here are some of the benefits of specific types of accessory bags:
Laptop Cases or sleeves are designed to protect specific laptop sizes, so be sure to choose the correctly sized case. Full padding and a tough, moisture-resistant exterior are essential for any laptop carrier, just in case you get clumsy.
Messenger Bags have become the contemporary replacement for run-of-the-mill daypacks. Most feature a padded shoulder strap, numerous pockets and ample room for a laptop, documents or standard carry-on items. These bags come in a variety of styles and colors, so shop through them to find the one that's right for you.
Toiletry Kits
are often water-resistant and the perfect size for carrying your bathroom essentials and cosmetics.
Backpacks
An internal-frame backpack is your best choice for adventure travel or casual trips where you will be covering a lot of ground daily. With everything on your back you can cross all types of terrain, unlike when you're towing a wheeled suitcase, which is only good for shorter walks on smooth surfaces. Plus, many travel backpacks are designed to separate into two different packs, providing a smaller pack that's great for daily excursions or use as your carry-on bag.
Carry-On Bags
Carry-ons are great for getting your weekend trip started right when you land – without the risk of ruining the whole trip due to baggage delays. If you plan to travel with only carry-ons, be sure you've researched which items the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and your airline will allow you to bring on the plane. For updated information on the TSA's list of prohibited items for carry-on and checked baggage, click here.
Virtually all US airlines allow one carry-on plus one "personal item" per traveler. Personal items are defined as smaller articles like purses, handbags, laptop cases, daypacks, etc.
Note: Sierra Trading Post does not include "carry-on" in the description of any luggage. Please consult the table below to determine if a particular luggage item will make an appropriate carry-on for your needs.
Carry-On Restrictions: Major U.S. Airlines
(As of November 2007. Always check with your airline before travel, as restrictions change.) Carry-on size is listed either by maximum dimensions or by total linear inches (L + W + H), depending on individual airline rules.
| Airline | Max. Carry-On Size |
|---|
| AirTran | 55" total (L + W + H) |
| Alaska/Horizon | 24 x 17 x 10" |
| America West/US Airways | 51" total (L + W + H) |
| American | 45" total (L + W + H) |
| ATA | 25 x 15 x 9" |
| Continental | 51" total (L + W + H) |
| Delta | 45" total (L + W + H) |
| Frontier | 49" total (L + W + H) |
| Hawaiian | 45" total (L + W + H) |
| Horizon/Alaska | 24 x 17 x 10" |
| JetBlue | 26 x 18 x 12" |
| Northwest | 45" total (L + W + H) |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10" |
| Spirit | 22 x 13 x 10" |
| United | 45" total (L + W + H) |
| US Airways/America West | 51" total (L + W + H) |
Common Luggage and Bag Fabrics
Leather luggage is the "first-class" option in the baggage world. Leather is used to construct luggage covering a wide range of costs and levels of quality. Top grain leather is the best leather for travel bags, since it has a smooth surface and therefore fewer stress points where the bag can tear. Calfskin makes for an ultra-classy bag, while bonded leather and genuine leather are less expensive leather options. For more information on different types of leather, check out our Leather Guide.
Nylon is well known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. Incredibly durable ballistic nylon is perhaps the most popular fabric for travel bags, with a thick weave specifically designed for abrasion and tear resistance. Ripstop nylon is lighter in weight but less durable than ballistic nylon. It offers amazing strength due to a "ripstop" pattern with reinforcement threads interwoven in a crosshatch pattern to prevent tears. A very light form of ripstop nylon is used for parachutes and hot-air balloons.
If you see a "denier" rating, such as "1000-denier nylon," this refers to the fiber thickness of the nylon. The higher the number, the thicker the fiber. Larger luggage and packs should always have higher denier ratings to withstand rugged use, generally in the 500-2000 denier range. Regular nylon (with no rating) is sometimes found in smaller or less expensive luggage, such as tote bags and toiletry kits.
Hard-Sided Luggage Materials like aluminum, polypropylene, ABS, or polycarbonate are used to construct clamshell suitcases. All these materials make luggage that is super-sturdy but inflexible and lacking exterior pockets.
Cotton Canvas is not as common in bags as it once was, but is a very hardy material for baggage construction (most military rucksacks of the past were constructed of canvas). Canvas is heavier than nylon, however, so it's used less frequently.
Polyester is utilized for smaller and less-expensive luggage items, but can be woven specially for added strength.
Travel & Adventure Clothing
Shirts & Pants
Since travel itineraries can vary greatly, from two-week adventure tours in Patagonia to weekend trips to Vegas, the category of "travel clothing" is equally broad. All great travel shirts and pants should have at least a few of the following features, however:
- Wrinkle resistance
- Lightweight construction for easy packability
- Stain resistance
- Convertibility (pants to shorts, long-sleeve to short-sleeve shirt)
- Extra cargo pockets for tickets, maps, etc.
- Built-in sunblock (listed as a UPF rating)
- Moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties
Jackets/Vests
Ranging from the more classy to the purely functional, travel jackets and vests come either lightweight or midweight and offer a simple extra layer for changing conditions as you make your way from point A to point B. Expect a comfortable, looser fit and adequate pockets for things like a cell phone, small camera, documents, etc. You may also want to browse our selection of casual jackets (Men's / Women's) if looking good will be a priority on your trip; or look at our lightweight performance jackets/vests (Men's / Women's) if what you really need is outerwear that will protect you in a variety of weather conditions.
Travel Accessories
Travel wallets are larger and more durable than standard wallets, to carry a few extras on the road like cards, pens, passports, tickets, etc.
Travel kits range from small toiletry collections with towels and body washes to handsome cosmetic bags.
Travel games help pass the time on long flights or layovers. Smaller electronic games are great because they continue to offer an endless number of new games, and some offer multiple game options.
Destination planning information includes media like CD-ROMs, books and maps that help you get a head start on getting around the place you'll be visiting. With proper planning, you'll get more time out of your vacation.
Handy Travel Tips
Some Packing Hints
- Pack light. Travel is more enjoyable with less to lug around.
- Keep a change of underwear, necessary toiletries, and medications in your carry-on bag – just in case your checked luggage doesn't arrive with you.
- Put anything that leaks in zip-close plastic bags.
- Bring shoes that can be worn with both dress and casual clothes to save space.
- Roll your clothes rather than fold them. This saves space and reduces wrinkles.
- Bring snacks and books or games. Airlines often provide very little food, and unexpected layovers happen.
Pre-Travel Tips
- Apply for a passport at least 2-3 months before your vacation.
- Call your airline the night before you leave to verify that your flight has not changed.
- Program a list of airline 800 phone numbers into your cell. If your flight is canceled or delayed, this is the fastest way to get yourself onto another flight.