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Traveling for work and leisure has become a regular part of life for most of us.

But luggage seems to be something that you either inherit, have had since your first apartment or you got at the last minute for the last vacation you took — 4 years ago.

It’s time to invest in quality, chic luggage that won’t break the bank and will be the best possible choice for your travel needs.

Zip it up in Style!  

One of the best is Helen Rae Carry-On Luggage for Women.  Designed by a woman for women, it is the ultimate for traveling in comfort and style with its black or brown body and pink piping. 

First of all, it weighs only 10 pounds, so you won’t feel that drag that you’ve felt with other luggage.  It rolls smoothly and effortlessly and has an adjustable handle so no matter what your height, you can find a comfortable length.  Ahh! 

With a front laptop pouch, you can save having to carry one more thing, and the handles lie flat, so you can place your purse or briefcase on top without worrying about it slipping off.

Inside, it’s got removable shelves and suitor and hanger, so that you can get your clothes and personal items in and out in a flash and most likely, wrinkle-free.  There’s a plastic-lined pocket so that if any of your toiletries leak, they won’t get all over your clothes and an expansion panel allows you to get one more outfit, one more pair of shoes into the case. 

And the best part?  It fits in most overhead bins (sideways), so you can take your stuff with you and not worry about whether it makes the trip or not and you’ll save waiting at Baggage Claim.

If you’re looking for something for heartier travels, then the Zuca Pro is a great option. 

It has a built-in seat in case you’re up against long layovers or waits in remote areas, and a drawer packing system (removable, washable and replaceable pouches) that is like having your own wardrobe right at your side!

It is light (8.75 pounds), has a comfortable handle and has wheels that make for a very smooth trip.

It comes in two colors, fits into airplane overheads and comes with a toiletry bag that makes going through security a breeze!

If you like something really rugged, but with a bit of edge and lots of style, Heys Luggage is for you.  There are a number of hard cases to choose from with different looks — metallics, plastics and wild, exotic skins.

They are well-known for their metallics and bright colours, but the red plastic Athena is a great, sassy alternative to what everyone else has — so it’ll be easy to identify as yours at the baggage claim — and it comes with three to a set, so your whole wardrobe will coordinate inside and out!

Made from polypropylene, one of the hardest plastics you can get, it can take being thrown about and show no signs of wear and tear. 

The push-button release aluminum handle makes it easy to get up and go in a snap and big inline skate wheels that will keep up with you should you be rushing towards your gate. This luggage has several combination and key locks so that your belongings remain yours and yours alone.

Check in and Carry-on Regulations 

You are allowed one carry-on plus a personal item (e.g. purse, briefcase or laptop)

You are usually allowed two checked bags/luggage.  Each should not exceed 60 pounds.  If it is over, you will be charged a fee.  Check with the airline you’re traveling with about their regulations and restrictions.  

So what’s better, rolling or folding?  How to you keep your suit for tomorrow wrinkle-free?  What should you always remember to bring?

Tips to keep your travels stress and wrinkle free: 

First of all, make yourself a packing list.  There is a great one that you generate based on your travel needs at The Universal Packing List site as well as at TravelSense.  Or check off the items on this list from Frommer’s and this one for specific activities.  If you are more a paper person, Knock Knock’s Pack This! Pad and Buttoned Up’s TravelPrep.pad make packing fun and easy — just check off what you need to bring!

And be sure to enclose a copy of your list in your bag, so that you ensure that everything you came with returns home with you.

For the ultimate in packing tips, check out advice from One Bag, where traveling light — and with only one bag — is possible!  And to make sure that you are in accordance with current regulations, check the TSA (Transport Security Administration) site for packing tips for both checked and carry-on luggage. 

Now, to fold or roll?  If you fold, fold two things together so each faces the other.  This, along with placing tissue between the items will prevent wrinkling, as will placing them in plastic bags.  And roll items between folded ones — the tighter you pack, the less room they have to move and wrinkle.  Roll up items such as nighties and clothes that are made from lycra and other stretchy materials.  These fabrics can take it and come out completely unscathed.

Another thing you can do to make sure that you pack lightly is take advantage of lightweight fabrics that are easy to clean, fold flat and are just as warm as the bulky fabrics you grew up with.

Easy solutions for packing just enough to be comfortable and still have enough room in your luggage for bringing new found items home: 

1. Check the weather of your destination.  If it’s calling for cool and rainy days, you can pack warmer clothes than if you’re heading only for sun and sand. 

2. Take the number of days you’re traveling and pack for just over half those days.  So if you’re going away for a week, pack for four days.  If you’ll be away for two weeks, pack for eight days.  This way you’ll have enough clothes to wear a couple of times — which you’ll end up doing anyway.

3.  Remember that hotels stock items such as shampoo and conditioner and that you can buy items when you arrive.  And they almost always have a hair dryer. This will save you packing these essential items, but not without them.

4.  Have smaller, travel size items such as hairbrushes, wet wipes or antibacterial gel that will save on space.  You can also keep them in your luggage, saving you from having to look for or repack them.

5. Utilize company’s innovative products that save you space such as La Fresh Travel Wipes and Flex Flops, flip flops that fold up. 

6.  Bring clothing that can double as more than one item — a sweater that can be worn as a jacket, a skirt that can look like a dress with a matching top.  This will save you from having to pack — and think about more outfits.  So take that great suit that makes you feel like a million bucks to the convention, but wear the pants again to dinner with that cap-sleeve blouse and throw on the sweater you wore on the plane.

You can carry the essentials in your purse and carry-on and leave the bulky and/or heavy items in the suitcase.  This will make traveling not only to and from the airport a breeze, but will make for an easier time getting around wherever you may go.

Bon Voyage and safe travels!