{"id":5009,"date":"2017-01-19T20:50:25","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T20:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=5009"},"modified":"2017-01-24T22:40:04","modified_gmt":"2017-01-24T22:40:04","slug":"got-bag-will-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2017\/got-bag-will-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Got Bag, Will Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Alexis Daly<\/p><\/p>\n

W<\/span>What to bring and how to pack is the modern air traveler\u2019s conundrum. It ranks right up there with choosing an aisle seat in a preferred section with reward miles. Add in the challenges of security screening, checked bag fees, carry-on limitations, and the inevitable race for overhead bins means you better think carefully the next time you choose what to buy for carrying your underwear, golf clubs, and laptop.<\/p>\n

\"Luggage<\/h4>\n

Unsplash, ErwanHesry<\/p><\/p>\n

The Evolution of Luggage<\/h4>\n

However, luggage did not always come with this much baggage. Indeed, it has a very interesting and evolutionary history.<\/p>\n

From trunks to the modern day wheeled luggage we know now, the means to which travelers carry their items has always been changing. The earliest known forms of luggage date back to the 1100s where it was used to carry weapons during the Crusades. Later on, the term luggage was coined from the verb \u201cto lug\u201d since people were dragging around their items.<\/p>\n

Fast forward to the 1800s where new forms of traveling were popping up, so came the invention of the trunk. Louis Vuitton was actually the inventor of the first steamer trunk. He created the flattop trunk that was ideal for storing in the cargo holds of steamships. This trunk model was popular until the late 1920s, but the brand is still extremely popular today.<\/p>\n

Samsonite, now the world\u2019s largest travel luggage company, began in 1910 as a trunk-manufacturing company founded by Jesse Shwayder in Denver, Colorado. The actual brand was introduced in 1941. Proud of the strength of their luggage, they created catch phrases like \u201cStrong Enough to Stand On\u201d to lure in buyers of their hard exterior cases. Remember the elephant sitting on the piece of luggage ad?<\/p>\n

\"nypl.digitalcollections.510d47d9-b7b5-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.001.w<\/p>\n

Photo circa 1860 – 1920. Courtesy of New York Public Library Digital Collections.<\/p><\/p>\n

By the mid 1900s, luggage was designed to carry items other than just clothing. They began to come in all shapes and sizes to carry oddly shaped items like hats, cigars, and more. The suitcase was first used as a case to literally carry suits, which sometimes came with an attachment to carry hats.<\/p>\n

With the beginning of mass air travel in the mid 1900s, suitcases needed to change and become more compact and moveable. So came lightweight luggage, made from different materials other than leather. This was also when U.S. Luggage patented wheeled luggage though they did not have specific design for it.<\/p>\n

However, the rolling luggage with an extended handle we know today was invented by pilot Bob Plath in 1989 and was called the Rollaboard. There have been slight modifications since then, but luggage is generally the same. Although, there have been some advancements with the latest trends.<\/p>\n

The Latest Trends<\/h4>\n

Ever since the invention of the suitcase with a handle and wheels, luggage has not changed much. However, modern technology is changing everything these days, and luggage is not being left out of this change. Improvements are being made to your average suitcase in order to keep up with the trends of technology.<\/p>\n

\"LuggageArticle_Bluesmart_SmartLuggageSmart Luggage<\/h4>\n

Bluesmart <\/a>has created a suitcase that eliminates all of the typical obstacles people experience when traveling. The Bluesmart One luggage is a one-stop shop for travelers. This suitcase comes with a battery with two USB charging ports, so you can charge your devices anywhere at anytime. You will never lose your luggage again, because this suitcase also includes a GPS tracking device that lets you track your suitcase anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n

It also features a handle with a builtin scale, so you never have to worry about going over those pesky baggage weight limits at airports again. This smart luggage also includes a remote digital lock so you can lock and unlock your suitcase using your phone. It is also carry-on size and TSA approved.<\/p>\n

However, since this technology is fairly new and advanced, one piece of this luggage costs roughly $500.<\/p>\n

\"LuggageArticle_ModoBagMotorized Luggage<\/h4>\n

Although it may look like it, the Modobag is not your average suitcase. It includes all of your typical features like wheels and a collapsible handlebar, but this suitcase gives you the option to ride it through the airport.<\/p>\n

You read that right. This suitcase is motorized and travelers can sit on it and drive it through the airport. This luggage comes complete with a telescoping handle bar with throttle, brakes, steering, as well as quick-release foot pegs for stability, and a memory foam seat for comfort.<\/p>\n

Not only can you ride this motorized suitcase, but it includes other great features like two USB ports for charging your devices anywhere and a crush-proof laptop compartment to protect your electronics.<\/p>\n

The Modobag is still in its startup phases but is definitely the trending topic when it comes to luggage. The starting price for one of these motorized suitcases is $1,500 but can go up from there based on the different features you can add. For more details regarding the Modobag or to purchase your own motorized luggage, visit their website at http:\/\/modobag.com.<\/p>\n

\"crumplerTransparent Luggage<\/h4>\n

Just as transparent purses and duffel bags were a previous trend, transparent luggage is a trend that is gaining in popularity recently. Crumpler, an Australian baggage company, has created a line of transparent luggage. Crumpler believes it is a chance for travelers to express themselves and stand out amongst other travelers. It might even make it easier to get through security and prevent officials from digging through your belongings.<\/p>\n

Although it is trendy and unique, there are some downfalls that go along with the perks of transparent luggage. Your items will be on display for everyone to see so if you\u2019re not the neatest packer or have some dirty clothes in your bag, then you may not want everyone to see. However, the luggage includes privacy tubes to store your more personal items.<\/p>\n

If you are looking to buy the most on-trend luggage and express yourself while traveling, then the Vis-A-Vis clear suitcase is for you. If you\u2019re still on the fence about this kind of luggage, visit Crumpler\u2019s website at https:\/\/crumpler.com\/au to learn more about this unique baggage.<\/p>\n

Luggage Forward<\/h4>\n

One of the newest concepts when it comes to transporting your luggage is Luggage Forward that allows travelers to ship their luggage and belongings separately to avoid checked bag fees and carrying bags while traveling. This company literally lets you travel light.<\/p>\n

Luggage Forward lets you ship your bags anywhere in the world, door to door. Their shipping service is safe and convenient, and they guarantee it will arrive on time; otherwise, you receive a full refund plus $500. With Luggage Forward, you can pack as much as you want and choose any shipping speed to accommodate your traveling needs.<\/p>\n

Luggage Forward is especially convenient if you need to travel with excess baggage like golf clubs, skis, or even bicycles. To learn more about Luggage Forward and the services it has to offer, visit their website at https:\/\/luggageforward.com.<\/p>\n

The Top-5, Must-Have Luggage Pieces<\/h4>\n

1. Carry-On Bag<\/h5>\n

A carry-on bag is a must. From the first-time traveler to the most avid traveler, if you are catching a flight to anywhere in the world, a carry-on will be your best friend. If packed correctly, a carry-on can fit all of your essentials, especially for short weekend trips.<\/p>\n

2. Toiletry Kit<\/h5>\n

This is one that most travelers forget. The last thing you want is for your toiletries to be freely rolling around your suitcase. A toiletry kit helps keep your items tidy, organized, and from leaking all over your other belongings. Although this is a small item to add to your collection of luggage pieces, it is definitely an important one.<\/p>\n

3. Weekender Bag<\/h5>\n

Although comparable to a carry-on bag, a weekender bag is essential for any trip, whether it be long or short term. This bag can be where you stow all of your essentials, things that you definitely do not want to get lost, that you can store under the seat on the plane or in the passenger seat of your car. A weekender bag is the perfect addition to a collection of luggage pieces for every kind of traveler.<\/p>\n

4. Backpack<\/h5>\n

Most people ditch their backpacks once they finish with school. However, backpacks are an essential when it comes to traveling, especially trips that include a lot of walking or moving around. Backpacks are a place keep things like cameras and electronics but can double as an everyday bag as you tour your destination.<\/p>\n

5. Packing Cubes<\/h5>\n

For the disorganized packer, packing cubes will insure a neat suitcase or bag. These convenient cubes organize your belongings and keep them separate to avoid digging through your bag to find one particular item. Packing cubes are a small investment that is definitely worth adding to your travel bag collection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Evolution of luggage and what\u2019s new<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5213,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[70,72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-winter-2017","category-winter-2017-features"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5009","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5009"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5009\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5225,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5009\/revisions\/5225"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5009"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5009"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5009"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}