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Chicago Tribune
29-03-2025
- Chicago Tribune
How to update your travel essentials ahead of your summer trip
Now that the weather is finally warming up, your thoughts may be turning to the exciting trips you have planned this summer. But if you've spent all winter holed up at home, your travel gear may look a little worse for wear. Luggage may be at the top of your list, but don't forget items that make traveling a little more comfortable, like headphones for listening to your favorite travel playlists or a comfy pillow for taking a nap on the plane. Fortunately, now is a great time to update your summer travel essentials. Amazon's Big Spring Sale offers excellent discounts on everything from suitcases to sunscreen. Check out our list below of travel must-haves that are currently on sale and can help ensure you have plenty of fun this summer. Samsonite 20′ Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage 15% OFF Thanks to its scratch-resistant microdiamond polycarbonate exterior, this carry-on bag can withstand plenty of summer travel. It is still lightweight, though, and has four 360-degree spinner wheels that make it a breeze to push through the airport. It also has a TSA-compatible combination lock to keep all your belongings secure. Simple Modern Beach Bag Rubber Tote Take all your essentials to the beach or pool in this lightweight, waterproof tote. It has a detachable, water-resistant upper pocket that can keep your phone safe and a tip-proof, nonslip bottom. The straps won't twist on your shoulder, either, making it more comfortable to carry. You can choose from more than a dozen fun colors, too. Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones 29% OFF Whether you're traveling by plane, train or automobile, these wireless headphones can keep you entertained. Their plush earcups and a padded band allow for comfortable all-day wear. The battery provides up to 24 hours of listening time, so you won't need to charge too often, either. Vorspack Tolietry Bag 15% OFF This spacious toiletry bag is made of water-resistant canvas, giving it a sharp look and a highly durable design. It has a large main compartment, three small mesh pockets, one long mesh pocket and a zippered compartment, making it easy to organize your belongings. It is available in six colors. Dot¨ Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow 50% OFF Make your next flight as comfortable as possible with this unique travel pillow. It contours to nearly any shape, allowing you to position it for customized support. It has a breathable cotton cover that's machine-washable for easy cleaning. Its snap closure makes it easy to attach to luggage. INIU Portable Charger 36% OFF This super-slim charger makes it easy to keep your phone, tablet, earbuds, smartwatch and other devices charged while traveling. It provides a day's worth of charging capacity and can charge up to three devices simultaneously. Its 15-layer SmartProtect system also prevents overheating and battery damage. Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Twin Pack 32% OFF Delivering UVA/UVB protection, this spray sunscreen can protect your skin throughout all your summer travels. It is a lightweight, nongreasy formula that absorbs easily into the skin. It is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, too, so it's ideal for swimming and sports. BAGAIL Packing Cubes 42% OFF Keep your luggage organized without adding to its weight with these lightweight packing cubes. They are made of a premium fabric that prevents clothing from getting wrinkled and holds up well to regular use. Each set included eight cubes in different sizes that allow you to effectively utilize all the space inside your suitcase. Etekcity Luggage Scale 18% OFF Avoid having to pay overweight fees on your checked bags for your next flight with this convenient luggage scale. It is small enough to fit in most pockets and has a capacity of 110 pounds to weigh even larger bags. The ergonomically designed grip fits comfortably in your hand, so weighing bags couldn't be easier. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag 26% OFF + 10% OFF COUPON This hanging toiletry bag has four zippered compartments and a back open pocket, which makes organizing your makeup and toiletries for travel a breeze. It has a double zipper design that provides easy access to essential items without opening the entire bag. The inner pockets also have elastic straps to hold bottles upright and prevent leaks. Other top summer travel essentials deals Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Chicago Tribune
13-03-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Best lightweight luggage sets
Which lightweight luggage set is best? Traveling means packing suitcases and getting them from place to place. Lightweight luggage is popular because it is easy to handle and maneuver. Wheels can make a big difference too. For many years, luggage only had two wheels. Now, most lightweight luggage has wheels at all four corners for even easier handling. If you are looking for a three-piece hard-sided luggage set that rides on four 360 degree spinner wheels and has side-mounted, TSA-compatible locks, then take a look at the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage. What to know before you buy a lightweight luggage set How many pieces? A great place to get started when looking for a lightweight luggage set is by figuring out how many pieces you need. You will find luggage sets that have anywhere from two to five pieces. Most of the lightweight luggage sets sold today come in sets of three or four. FAA and TSA compliance All luggage sets come with an FAA-certified and airline-approved rollaboard suitcase you can stow in an overhead compartment. The standard maximum height of rollaboard luggage is 20 inches. All other pieces in a luggage set are for checked baggage only. Typically, each successive piece of luggage in a set is 4 inches taller than the next. This means most three-piece sets have a 20-inch rollaboard as well as 24-inch and 28-inch suitcases in the same design and color. Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage Soft sides are lighter in weight. They have some give to them and can stretch to accommodate those extra things you bought while away. Fabrics are subject to rips and snags and do not keep your contents dry when caught in the rain. Soft-sided luggage may be slightly lighter and cheaper, but usually not enough to offset the downsides. Hard sides provide protection for what's inside your luggage. Your contents are more secure and will stay dry in all conditions. Hard sides are more durable and thus capable of standing up to careless or abusive baggage handlers. Hard sides also offer more choices of colors and styles. Two or four wheels The first wheeled luggage had two wheels and a handle to pull with. Two-wheeled luggage was a real breakthrough that has since become the industry standard. Now you see more and more luggage with four wheels. One advantage is greater maneuverability. Another is you can push it or pull it at any angle. What to look for in a quality lightweight luggage set Material Whether you choose hard-sided or soft-sided luggage, choose the one that is made of the material that has the characteristics you value most. Hard-sided luggage sets are made of three different materials. ABS: This thermoplastic material makes the lightest weight luggage. The trade-off is that it is the least durable of the hard-sided luggage types. Polycarbonate: This synthetic resin is a little heavier than ABS plastic but is far more durable. Aluminum: This is the most durable material that provides the greatest protection. The trade-off is that luggage made from aluminum weighs more than luggage made from plastic. Soft-sided luggage sets are also made of three different materials. Cordura: This is a woven nylon that is fairly resistant to abrasion. Ballistic: This is another woven nylon that is stronger and more durable than Cordura. Ripstop: This is the material they make parachutes out of. It shows up a lot in unconstructed luggage sets that do not hold a shape when empty. Handles Handles on soft-sided luggage are usually straps that go over the shoulder or hand grips that meet at the top, above the zippered closure. They need to be sturdy, comfortably padded and firmly attached to the bag itself. Handles on hard-sided luggage are all collapsible, usually telescoping their full length down into the body of the luggage. They should be sturdy and the mechanism should operate smoothly when opening and closing. Security There is little you can do about security with soft-sided luggage. Luggage with hard exterior shells should come with locks. The best locks are those that are TSA-compatible for more hassle-free traveling. How much you can expect to spend on a lightweight luggage set A few soft-sided luggage sets can be found for under $100. From $100-$200, you can find hard-shelled luggage with wheels. Premium luggage sets with more features can run anywhere from $300 upwards. Lightweight luggage set FAQ How do I find the luggage limits for airline travel? A. You can check the TSA website and read their travel checklist. Better yet, check with the specific airline you'll be flying with because you never know what changes they may have made. What happens if one of my wheels breaks? A. It depends on which manufacturer and product you choose. Some sell replacement wheels, but not all, meaning you may need to take it to someone who can get parts and make repairs for you. What are the best lightweight luggage sets to buy? Top lightweight luggage set What you need to know: This three-piece hard-sided luggage set rides on oversized spinner wheels. What you'll love: This set includes 28-inch and 24-inch check-in suitcases and a 20-inch airline-compliant rollaboard available in 10 colors. All three bags have the same polycarbonate hard shell exteriors that are lightweight, durable and scratch-resistant. Each has four 360 degree spinner wheels, a retractable pull handle and side-mounted, TSA-compatible locks. What you should consider: This luggage set is a bit pricey. Top lightweight luggage set for the money COOLIFE 3 Piece Spinner Hardshell Luggage Set What you need to know: This set is for those who want a brightly colored set of luggage that really stands out. What you'll love: These 20-inch, 24-inch and 28-inch bags store inside each other to save space when not in use. They are made of lightweight, durable ABS plastic and have silent 360-degree spinner wheels, and the ergonomic telescoping handle is made of aluminum. Choose from 17 different colors of this squared, full-capacity design. What you should consider: The few complaints about quality were quickly handled by the company. Worth checking out Steve Madden 3-piece Hardside Spinner Suitcase Set What you need to know: Steve Madden's lifestyle designs are at the forefront of fashion. What you'll love: Style is only one of the stories with this 20-inch, 24-inch and 28-inch luggage set that allows you to travel lighter than ever. The spinner wheels at each corner are dual wheels for more support, maneuverability and longer life. The shell is made of an extra-durable composite polycarbonate shell and the top and side handles make for easy handling. What you should consider: This luggage set does not have a TSA lock. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. 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