Target's "Suitcase In Backpack Form" Bag Is Pure Magic
The dance between airline carriers and their passengers' luggage has long been a delicate one. There's nothing like waltzing up to the check-in counter with a bag that you've painstakingly packed to be sub-weight-limit, only to find out that it's not — and getting it to your destination will be an extra $75, please and thank you.
Or to arrive at the boarding of a budget airline with your 'carry-on' to be confronted with that stingy little box with clearly marked measurements that are sure to fall short of what you planned to bring on the plane.Frequent fliers have therefore become well accustomed to stuffing as much as possible into as few square inches or liters as physics will allow — and when a bag comes along that appears to offer that Mary Poppins-like ability to stash a shocking amount of stuff, it's worth noting.Target's Open Story brand is known for its stylish and genuinely functional travel accessories — we've previously written up fan favorites like this suspiciously Away-like hardshell suitcase and the brand's no-brainer, just-buy-it luggage scale that will save anyone from the aforementioned overweight baggage fees. This generously-sized backpack appears to be the next installment in this march of well-designed essentials, and it has a stunning number of long-winded 5-star reviews testifying to its supreme functionality. Overall, it's earned a 4.7-star rating across 90 reviews (with 73 of them clocking in at 5 stars).The 35-liter capacity bag has a clamshell closure, which opens completely flat, and one exterior zip pocket that opens to reveal a series of slip pockets for small essentials like passports, reading material, and the like. The interior reveals two zipper-protected sides that are equipped with every conceivable shape of compartment for keeping clothing, toiletries, and more organized with scientific precision, and the rear laptop sleeve holds a machine measuring up to 17 inches. One reviewer below described using packing cubes, but given the bag's internal structure, we're not even really sure that's necessary. The whole shebang can be compressed shut with the help of adjustable exterior closures, and in addition to the padded backpack straps, there are side carrying handles and a luggage slip for use with handled rolling luggage.Not every review is stellar, and some of the poorer reviews offer perspective on the bag's size, which, at 19.25 inches tall, 13 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, is perhaps a hair larger than, say, a traditional banker's box. For some reviewers, the heft was too much — but this population pales in comparison to the number of customers who happily embraced the bag's girth and stuffed it full of everything they'd need for trips up to three weeks long (in the instance of the reviewer below who brought it on a solo trip to Italy).Enough from me, though — take a look at what some of the most informative reviews had to say (it was hard to narrow down) or just scroll all the way to get this magical bag in time for your next trip.
Promising reviews:
'Took this as my sole bag for two weeks in Europe and it held up amazingly. Fits neatly under the seat in front of me on my flight and holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. Very sturdy zippers and seams. A little uncomfortably on the shoulders when loaded heavy, but manageable.' —Lg'I used this item as a personal item on a Spirit flight. I was a little nervous it would be too big, but I didn't have any problems! I tried not to overstuff, but of course still did. The straps to condense it smaller definitely helped. I have used it a few times since for weekend trips. All of the different pockets and compartments make it perfect for any small trip.' —Jayme'This worked great for my long flight! I was able to bring some clothes and all the things that I needed for my long flight. The computer pocket and small pocket were great for easy and quick access. I wanted to make a suitcase in a backpack form and this is it.' —RebF'Single Greatest Luggage Purchase. Size is perfect for avoiding carry-on fees for air travel. So many well-designed, convenient, and supported compartments. Wears like a backpack, stores like a suitcase! Chef's kiss!' —LFTravels'I used this for a trip to Europe and it was great! I used compression packing cubes, and it held a ton! I love that it still has a protected spot for my laptop and easy-access pockets. It held up really well!' —skb324'If you fly Spirit or Frontier, then this is definitely a must-buy. I used it for the first time on a Frontier flight last week, and just as I expected, I was stopped during the boarding process (along with like five other people) because I didn't pay the extra fee to bring a carry-on bag. Luckily, I was able to squish it down, tighten the straps on the side, and unclip the shoulder straps to make it fit in the little metal bin. At that moment, I said to myself, 'I have to give this thing a 5-star review,' so here I am. Now I'm buying one for my dad and my brother.' —Mia'I needed a backpack for a 3-week solo trip to Italy, and this was amazing. It was so sturdy and held up with all of the travel. It carried so much, and the different compartments are super convenient. I love how it opens fully. It was very comfortable to wear and walk around with. I've used this bag several times since my trip, and it has not disappointed. The ONLY negative thing I can think of is that the zipper handles didn't have a hole thick enough to use miniature locks (for safety while traveling). So we had to use a little creativity to make sure I could 'lock' the zippers. That's literally my only complaint, though. I recommend this bag all the time.' —kbskate'Purchased for my bf last minute as he was flying to Vegas for a bachelor party. He didn't purchase a carry-on or a checked bag and just planned on using a backpack. After packing all of his things, I realized it would not fit, so I quickly purchased this for pickup! It was awesome! The bag fit everything he needed for 4 days' worth of things. He's also a BIG guy, so his things take up a lot of room. All in all, it was perfect and Spirit Airlines had no issues.' —Kat
Get it from Target for $49 (available in five colors).
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Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
The Best Kids Luggage, According To Parents And Travel Experts
My three kids adore rolling their luggage through hotels and when they're excited about their bags, our travels tend to go more smoothly. The best kids luggage is durable, correctly-sized for your kiddo and visually appealing to them. It's also helpful when the luggage has extra useful features for kids, like ride-on capability or storage compartments for organization. With its abundance of features—including organizational compartments, a laundry bag and a TSA-approved lock—the Away Kids Carry-On is our top pick. The best kids luggage is durable and kid-friendly so they'll actually want to use it. My own kids and I have personally used many of the suitcases on this list, and we spoke to frequent traveler parents as well as two travel experts to help narrow down our list. My kids also played with them extensively, the ultimate test of durability. After thorough research, combined with real-world testing, here are our picks for the best kids luggage. Away Dimensions: 19.1 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Colors: 5 colors | Warranty: Limited lifetime warrantyI've been testing the new Away Kids Carry-On since its release, and I've been impressed with the overall quality and abundance of features. The thoughtfully designed luggage includes interior compression, a laundry bag, a silicone luggage tag, a TSA-approved combination lock and multiple interior pockets. These features can make it easier for kids to not only pack everything they need but to keep it organized, too. In addition to the fun, bright colors the suitcase comes in, you can also add personalization, which is exciting for young kids who are learning to recognize their names. It's really easy to maneuver with 360-degree spinner wheels, which roll really smoothly in my experience. An adjustable trolley handle that has multiple positions makes it easy for kids of any height—and their parents—to pull the luggage. The suitcase comes with a cleaning sponge similar to a Magic Eraser so you can keep it looking nice. However, I found that it scuffed a bit easier than some of the other suitcases I've used. We still think it's the best overall thanks to its smooth maneuverability and wide variety of features, but if you want something that will still look new after multiple trips, you might want to try one of our other picks. Amazon Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.5 x 20.9 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Colors: 5 colors/patterns | Warranty: Optional 3- or 4-year protection plan at additional cost Older kids may not want a cutesy suitcase, and they probably need a little bit more room than most traditional kids' luggage offers. We like the Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner because it's a true carry-on they can continue to use for years to come. It also comes in a few aesthetic colors like rose gold and orange, so they don't have to stick to the more muted colors of most traditional suitcases. The suitcase has multiple interior pockets for easy organization. It also has multi-directional wheels and a telescoping handle so kids can easily maneuver it. Even though two of my kids tested this as toddlers, they had no problem maneuvering it, and there was more than enough room for all of their clothes and other items. In addition to testing this suitcase with my kids, my husband has taken it on quite a few business trips, proving it's an option that will grow with kids as they transition to adulthood. Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala has also used this suitcase with her kids, and says it has held up well on several long trips, including a cross-country flight. The scratch-resistant hard shell helps keep it in good shape through various trips and it's expandable, giving them that extra room they need as they grow. July Dimensions: 21.3 x 14.17 x 9.65 inches (when expanded) | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Colors: 9 colors/patterns | Warranty: Lifetime warranty on defects Any concerns about your kids being able to maneuver their luggage are gone with the incredibly lightweight (it's less than 5 pounds) July Carry On Light Expandable. The 360-degree spinner wheels help the whole thing glide effortlessly. Most kids don't need a sleek suitcase like this, but if that's your priority, it's the best choice. It's an investment, but its expandable design, true carry-on size and generous lifetime warranty ensure it will be around for years. I've been using the similar July Carry On Essential with my kids for about a year, and it's one of my favorite suitcases. Extra features on the light expandable suitcase include a TSA lock and zipper compartments to help keep small items like socks and underwear easy to find. Kids will like personalizing their luggage and choosing from nine colors, including navy and blush pink. Pottery Barn Kids Dimensions: 13 x 8.5 x 19 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Colors: 10 colors/patterns | Warranty: 30-day return window Pottery Barn Kids is known for their backpacks, lunchboxes and other kids' items that are beautifully designed and personalizable. The Mackenzie Hard-Sided Luggage is no exception; it's available in 10 kid-friendly colors and patterns that you can personalize with names, initials and even some graphics. You can also find matching accessories like duffle bags and water bottles. The suitcase has a waterproof and weather-resistant exterior to keep their belongings dry and the exterior looking fresh. The sleek, rounded design looks less utilitarian than other suitcases and may be more appealing to kids than traditional suitcases. Witg an adjustable handle and 360-degree spinner wheels, it's easy for kids to maneuver. Regrettably, there isn't a warranty for this suitcase, only a 30-day return window. State Bags Dimensions: 18.7 x 13.4 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Colors: 7 colors/patterns | Warranty: 1-year warranty for material or manufacturing defects Some parents may worry about soft-sided luggage being less durable, but after personally testing this suitcase for over a year, it has held up really well. Forbes Vetted editor and family travel writer Esther Carlstone agrees: 'They still look great after dozens of travels over three years,' she says of the multiple State Logan suitcases she owns. The exterior is water-resistant, and while we wouldn't recommend leaving it out in the rain, it will easily keep things dry while briefly walking in wet conditions, if necessary. In addition to taking it on trips, my kids also play with it at home, and it's still in great shape. The Logan is recommended for kids ages 6 and up, and there's a mini version for kids ages 3 to 5 if you're looking for something a bit smaller. The suitcase boasts lots of helpful features like exterior straps for water bottles or other items, a front pocket with pencil holders, various interior pockets, an adjustable handle and 360-degree spinner wheels. 'My kids are obsessed with the fun designs and kid-friendly compartments like the 'stuffy straps' as my youngest calls it. I love how much it fits inside and how durable they've been,' says Carlstone. It has top and side carry handles, too, so you can grab it whichever way is easiest. With seven fun colors and patterns including a thunderbolt pattern and pink and silver, there's something for every kid. Amazon Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 18 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Colors: 13 colors/patterns | Warranty: 2-year limited warranty My kids and I have been testing this luggage set for a couple of years and it remains their favorite, largely thanks to the kid-friendly design. Though it's a more cost-effective option, it has also proved very durable. We took it on a cross-country road trip, packing and unpacking repeatedly, loading and unloading the car nonstop—and the luggage held up beautifully. It hardly has any scratches and is still in great condition. It also garnered many comments from fellow travelers about how adorable it was to see my kids pull their own luggage. The luggage set includes a suitcase, a backpack, a lunch box, a luggage tag and a neck pillow in 13 designs, including 'cool dog' and ice cream. Inside, there are a few different pockets to help your kids organize their belongings. Given the fun designs and its compact size, it's best for toddlers or preschoolers. It also tips over relatively easily, which isn't something that typically happens with higher-end suitcases. Amazon Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 19 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Colors: 8 colors/patterns | Warranty: 5-year warranty It doesn't get much more kid-centric than the Rockland Jr. Kids' My First Hardside Spinner Luggage, which comes shaped like various animals, including a frog, shark or turtle. The details of the thoughtful design include a matching luggage tag and functional zipper pulls. The rubber grips help kids independently open and close their suitcase. The suitcase is on the smaller side, making it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. With 360-degree spinning wheels and an adjustable handlebar, they can maneuver it easily. To help little ones organize their bag while they're packing, there's a zipper compartment as well as elastic straps. Amazon Dimensions: 7.9 x 15.4 x 18.5 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Colors: 6 colors | Warranty: 2-year warranty A suitcase kids can ride on that also transforms into a bed on the plane? Sign me up. The Stokke Jetkids Bedbox comes with a mattress that helps transform the suitcase into a bed, and all of the parts nest inside the suitcase. Parents who are concerned about safety will be happy to learn that kids can wear their seatbelt while using the bed, even in the lying down position. Both experts we spoke to recommend the Stokke Jetkids Bedbox. 'It's sturdy and easily maneuverable by both kids and parents, so it eliminates the need to also take a stroller for kids that are old enough to sit on the suitcase,' says Marianne Perez Fransius, the CEO of Bébé Voyage, an online community for traveling families. It also comes with stickers so kids can personalize their luggage. The fun and unique features make getting to the destination almost as fun as being there. Both Perez Fransius and Lindsay Myers, a travel expert and Access Hollywood contributor, tout it as a durable option. It's 'strong, durable and gives them a fun ride,' says Myers. Perez Fransius explains that the top opening makes it easy to get items out mid-flight. After testing this suitcase, I definitely recommend it as a carry-on due to the airplane-friendly features and because there's limited room inside the suitcase. Rather than think of this as your kid's sole suitcase, think of it as a tool to make air travel easier and to pack in-flight essentials, but plan on another suitcase or extra room in your own luggage for your child's clothes and other belongings. At Forbes Vetted, the baby and kids gear team spends countless hours testing and researching products, from the best travel cribs to the top baby travel essentials. To find the best kids luggage, we took suitcases on various trips with our kids. Curating a list of the best luggage for kids required a lot of thorough research and real-world testing. We also compared specs such as size and weight. As with anything, kids will like their luggage more when they get to pick out a fun color or design. 'If they don't like the color or if it's too heavy for them, then you're going to get stuck carrying their suitcase (and maybe them),' says Perez Fransius. Whether it's their favorite character or color, or even personalizing the exterior with their name or initials, a kid-friendly design can increase their chances of wanting to use their suitcase. To ensure your child actually wants to use their luggage, look for prints and colors that excite ... More them. 'The last thing you want is for your kid to have a meltdown in the airport because a wheel popped off their suitcase or the zipper doesn't close properly,' says Perez Fransius. You also don't want the contents of your child's luggage spilling all over if the zipper splits or the material comes apart. Look for luggage that is made of high-quality materials and consider how long the warranty is so you can address any issues that may arise. When considering the size, think both about the size of your child and how much they need to fit in their suitcase. You want something that they can easily manage but also has enough room for all of their belongings. Some luggage designed for kids is pretty small and is best for toddlers and preschoolers, while other options like full-size carry-ons have more room. 'Think small and mobile but fits all the 'emergency-while-in-the-air items,'' says Myers. 'This is going to be items like stuffed animals, snacks, books and tablets.' Pockets and separated compartments can help your child keep their belongings organized in their luggage so you don't have to pull everything out to find one thing. Many suitcases have zipper compartments inside, and some have extra features like exterior pockets and compression straps. There are two main factors to consider here: wheels and handles. The best kids luggage options have a telescoping handle and 360-degree spinner wheels. Both of these factors make the luggage easier for kids (and parents) to maneuver, which can prevent meltdowns and help travel go more smoothly. What Is The Best Luggage For Kids? The best luggage for kids is durable and has a kid-friendly design. We like the Away Kids Carry-On because it has intuitive features like a laundry bag and TSA-approved lock and it comes in fun bright colors kids will like. Is Hard-Sided Or Soft-Sided Luggage Better For Kids? Both types of luggage can work for kids, provided they're durable. A high-quality softsided suitcase can be just as durable as a high-quality hardsided suitcase. Ultimately, it's more important to consider things like organization, maneuverability and whether your kid will actually like the suitcase or not. What Size Luggage Is Best For Kids? When it comes to size, you want something that can hold your child's belongings but that they can also wheel around themselves. For older kids, a regular carry-on will likely be the best size. For younger kids, look for suitcases that hold around 20 liters.
Buzz Feed
6 days ago
- Buzz Feed
11 Things We've Tried And Loved This Month June '25
A cuticle oil pen that will have your nails shining brighter than the sun — so warn everyone around you not to stare at them directly. Ok, maybe not that bright, but your nails will look fresh-from-the-salon shiny and the argan, coconut, and sunflower seed oils will add some moisture. It even comes in a ridiculously cute and convenient keychain tube so you can touch up your mani on the go. A portable Thermacell mosquito repellent device, which is bound to become your new summer BFF. No seriously, you might start planning road trips and rosé nights together. Just pop in one of the repellent cartridges, power it on, then kick back as it repels mosquitoes up to 20 feet away. The best part? The battery is rechargeable, so you can carry this around with you everywhere. John Frieda's Secret Weapon Touch Up Creme — finding a leave-in you can use on fully dried hair is surprisingly tricky, but this one is designed specifically for that! It's super easy to spread through and softens hair enough to re-style without looking overly wet. Oh, and you'll also get a touch of moisture thanks to the lightweight avocado oil. A kid-size Away carry-on in playful colorways that'll have you thinking, "do they make these in adult sizes?!" This compact yet spacious carry-on has a super durable outer shell and tons of room on the inside for some extra outfits, which you'll be eternally grateful you packed when they inevitably spill their entire cup of apple juice at some point. Lush's Rose Jam Perfume and Shower Gel that even the most passionate rose haters will be tempted by. This is NOT your typical rose scent — it pairs the classic floral fragrance with sweet vanilla and a zesty touch of lemon. The result? An unexpectedly sweet, playful rose fragrance that's about to become your new "jam." Start with the shower gel (bonus: your entire bathroom will smell like it after you use it), then layer the perfume and prepare for the onslaught of "what are you wearing?!" coming your way. Conair's The Knot Dr. smoothing dryer brush — a multitasking miracle that combines a paddle-style hairbrush with a blow-dryer. It has two heat settings (and a "cool" option), and you can even snap the brush head off and use it as a normal blow-dryer before you get to styling. A shapewear bodysuit that proves you don't have to give up comfort if you like to wear shapewear. The smoothing, seamless design is made with a super soft mix of nylon and spandex that's so comfy, you won't daydream about taking it off at the end of the day. It also has built-in support and removable cups at the bust, so you can wave goodbye to that way-too-thick-for-summer bra you always regret wearing. A Taylor Swift–inspired JavaSok — the perfect companion for your Caffeinated Era. The thermal insulation helps to keep your drink colder for longer, which will come in handy when you forget about it while scouring the JavaSok's pattern for clues about when "Getaway Car (Taylor's Version)" will finally bless our ears. A pack of delightfully chewy Blobs sour gummies that are equal parts tart and sweet, and will take you back to your childhood days of devouring an entire box of Scooby Doo fruit snacks (those matte blue ones were ELITE). The sour pack comes with flavors like strawberry-yuzu, watermelon-lychee, and black raspberry-cherry — so this is basically a "Greatest Fruits of All Time" convention. Poems of Parenting — this will instantly cheer you up on those days when parenthood feels comically difficult. It's filled with cheeky poems by Loryn Brantz that tackle everything from bedtime struggles to the joys of baby snuggles. The Roc Vitamin C Eye Balm, a TikTok-viral product that definitely lives up to the hype. This super convenient serum-in-a-stick is designed to be swiped directly on the under-eye to provide an instant cooling effect. The vitamin C can help brighten the appearance of dark circles over time, while the inclusion of peptides helps to firm and tighten.
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Carnival Cruise Line rep addresses adults-only cruise controversy
Adults-only cruises have been a big hit for the hip Virgin Voyages cruise brand. These kid-free cruise vacations have become so popular that many cruisers have begun to wonder whether other cruise lines would break with classic cruise tradition to test out the new style of sailing, too. Related: Carnival Cruise Line gives passengers Titanic-like warning Loyal Carnival Cruise Line fans often write to the cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, on his popular Facebook page with questions and requests about adults-only cruises. Few people expected that the family cruise line would actually add adult-exclusive sailings, though. On his page, Heald even told passengers he didn't think that would ever happen. But then it did. Why the sudden shift? Is Carnival Cruise Line moving toward becoming an adults-only cruise line? Those were some of the questions swirling around the internet after Carnival recently announced a series of casino-exclusive sailings and SEA cruises - sailings exclusively for adults. Sailing from Miami on select dates this summer and fall aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic, these specialty itineraries are casino-focused cruises featuring expanded casino access and other perks for Carnival Players Club casino loyalty program members. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. After the release of these specialty sailings led to rumors that Carnival is moving to become an adults-only cruise line, John Heald was quick to set the record straight. "Please ignore that; we are a proud family cruise line, we have been and I'm sure we always will be," Heald insisted in a video message posted on his Facebook page. Heald assured his followers that the only reason Carnival is offering adults-only casino cruises is because of schedule changes for Carnival cruise ship dry docks - maintenance and refurbishment that cruise ships undergo every few years. Related: Carnival Cruise Line answers controversial tipping question "This all is because we moved Carnival Magic's dry dock and the casino have taken a couple of cruises and made them adults only. They're making special casino offers to people," Heald explained. Since both Carnival Magic and Carnival Conquest won't be out of service as originally planned for a few weeks later this year, the cruise line decided to offer some special invitation-only casino cruises to fill the void. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. The reason these sailings are adults only is simply because they're casino cruises. "Now, because they are casino offers, we cannot make those casino offers to children, which is why these cruises are for adults only because they are casino-based offered cruises and they are very popular," Heald pointed out. These new offerings have made the brand ambassador more open to entertaining the possibility of future adults-only Carnival cruises, however. "I understand why people are saying, 'Oh, we need an adults' cruise,'" Heald noted. "So listen, I don't know what the future is going to hold, but let me just tell you we are not moving to an adults-only cruise line now." More Carnival cruise news: Sailors recount their life-saving rescue by Carnival cruise shipCarnival and Royal Caribbean both have this surprising extra chargeCarnival cruisers eat way more of one food than Guy Fieri burgers Those who want to continue to enjoy Carnival cruises with kids shouldn't fret. "This is not something that you should be concerned about because for every one person who says, 'I would love an adults-only cruise,' there are many who have written and said, 'What do I do with my children, my grandchildren?'" Heald explained. "No, we are a proud family cruise line," the brand ambassador reiterated. "These were cruise-specific situations, so please ignore what some people have been highlighting." (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
