How to Have Safe Travels Overseas
January 24, 2012 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
We asked a few people around the Travelpro office about their top tips for safety while traveling overseas. Many of our people travel frequently for business, and our own Scott Applebee used to take extended business trips to Italy when he was in another position, so we have many voices of experience to give us some tips.
When you’re traveling to any foreign country, safety is serious business — even if you’re one of those business travelers who’s at the airport twice a week and bounces around the country on a regular basis. As soon as you hop the pond, as Dorothy said, you’re not in Kansas anymore. So here are our top five tips for staying safe while you’re abroad:
Image via Wikipedia
- Be smart about your money. If you use an ATM and are dealing with unfamiliar currency, head to the bathroom when you leave the kiosk and sort out your bills privately.
- Don’t take rides with strangers. When you leave the airport, don’t just hop into any car with a guy who says he can take you downtown. (This may sound obvious, but being in a new place can be disorienting!) Take a taxi from an airport-sanctioned taxi stand, an official hotel shuttle or some other legitimate form of transportation. And arrive during the day, if possible, just for extra safety.
- Keep your wits about you. It’s easy to get lost when you’re in another country, especially in old, grid less cities like Paris (again, speaking from staff experience). But resist the temptation to pull out a huge map and gawk at street signs. Looking like a tourist is just asking for trouble.
- Inform someone back home. Make sure at least one person knows where you plan to be, for the most part. They should have all your flight information, where your hotel is, the names of anyone you’re traveling with and any side trips or big stops you’re planning. They should also have copies of all your important documents, including your passport, and access to your credit card providers’ phone numbers and your account numbers (so you can call them if your cards are ever stolen).
- Be multilingual. If you’ve traveling to a country whose population primarily speaks a different language, make an effort to learn at least a few important phrases that you can use if you need help — or just want to seem in the know. Having some understanding of the local language and culture will automatically boost your chances of safety and success on your trip.
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Airlines Urged to Lighten Up on Baggage Fees
January 17, 2012 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Who says there’s no good news in the papers anymore? In late November, the L.A. Times did a story on politicians goingto bat for passengers rights by tackling that hassle of the highest order: baggage fees.
Mary Landrieu, a Democratic senator from Louisiana, introduced proposed legislation just before Thanksgiving that would allow airline passengers — by law — to check one suitcase, gratis, per flight. That allowance is only one part of a larger proposal that would keep carry-on baggage free and guarantee travelers access to water and bathrooms throughout their flights.
If you do choose to check your bags, most airlines charge $25 (or more!) for your first bag and additional charges for second and third bags.
But what if you want to avoid those fees? Carrying bags on is a real source of stress for air travelers. Let’s start at the security line. Those used to checking bags — and therefore not accustomed to TSA restrictions on liquids and other items — can cause real hold-ups in line. (It’s stressful for everyone around, too.)
In the Times article, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said that carry-on bags increase screening costs nationwide by $260 million a year.
If you thought that TSA line was long and slow, wait until you actually start boarding. Passengers now have to be ready to fight tooth and nail for a coveted spot in an overhead bin for their Rollaboards or business briefcases. That jockeying for bin space — and the inevitable scramble to gate check a bag (for free, by the way) when the last passengers to board can’t find space — not only slows down the boarding and deplaning process, but it’s also fostering animosity among already-stressed travelers who have to share a very small space for the next few hours. This has also made flight attendants’ jobs understandably more challenging as they attempt to keep customer’s happy and ensure that the doors of the overflowing overhead bins are closed and secure.
Most airplanes are built with a huge area underneath for storing luggage and other items. As fewer people check bags to avoid checked-bag fees, that space is going largely unused. Meanwhile, people are fighting for on board bag space and hoping they’ll find a place for their feet afterward. The system as it stands now is counterproductive — and it should change.
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Travelpro Announces its Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Invention of the Rollaboard
January 10, 2012 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
A Modern Luggage Innovation that Changed the Way we Travel
(Boca Raton, Fla. – Jan. 9, 2012)—Travelpro will celebrate its 25th Anniversary of the invention of Rollaboard luggage throughout 2012 with an array of promotions, dynamic new product introductions, special events and media co-ops.
It all started when Robert Plath, a pilot for Northwest Airlines, changed the physical orientation of luggage from horizontal to vertical, added large wheels and an extension handle; hence, inventing the Rollaboard, an entirely new way to transport personal belongings while traveling.
“When Travelpro founder, Robert Path, invented the original Rollaboard in his garage in 1987, he not only changed the way people traveled but his new invention helped energize the entire travel goods industry,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for Travelpro. “The Rollaboard also led to the creation of the company, Travelpro, which immediately became an industry leader due to his powerful innovation.”
Plath founded Travelpro and began providing Rollaboard luggage to airline flight crews and pilots. The idea was so universally successful with the airline crews, Travelpro launched the product commercially through retail stores in the early 90’s and has been changing the way consumers travel ever since.
In 1994, Travelpro was ranked as one of the fastest growing private companies by Inc. Magazine. Recently, Inc. Magazine listed Plath’s Rollaboard invention as one of the top innovations in modern history. In November 2011, in a Discovery Channel program entitled, “What’s America Worth?” the invention was highlighted as one of the leading examples of how innovation adds value to a country’s net worth. Numerous awards have followed including winning the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for “The Best Carry-on Case.” Its luggage also had a co-starring role in the multi-Oscar nominated film “Up in the Air”, starring George Clooney.
Today, Travelpro has continued to grow its reputation of innovation and style as one of the leading luggage brands worldwide. Travelpro luggage is now used by over 80 airlines globally and is sold commercially throughout the world.
Travelpro manufactures numerous luggage collections including Platinum 7, Crew™ 8, FlightPro LITE, Walkabout Lite 4, Maxlite 2 Rollaboards and Spinners, Executive Pro™ and Tpro Bold ™. These collections represent the best of the best for innovation, quality and value. Additionally, Travelpro purchased the well-respected Atlantic Luggage and Austin House to fortify its brand presence in the Luggage and Travel Accessories industry.
For more information about Travelpro, please visit the Travelpro website for a complete list of the latest products and retail locations. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Holiday Gift Ideas for the Frequent Traveler
December 6, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Some people are seemingly impossible to shop for during the holiday season. Maybe they already seem to have everything, they’re very minimalist, or they’re just really hard to read. But if that difficult-to-buy-for person on your list happens to be a frequent traveler, you’re in luck. Travelpro and Austin House have some great gift ideas for the frequent flier in your life.
Universal adapter with dual USB
- Austin House Universal Adapter with USB: This adapter allows travelers to plug in and charge USB devices, such as MP3 players or even compatible cellphones, in more than 160 countries. This item works with most outlets in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Russia.
- Executive Pro™ Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief: Those people who can’t leave their laptop behind when they hit the skies will love this computer bag. Travelers can tote this sleek bag with the handy shoulder strap or the padded handle, and there’s an intelligent business organizer for pens, business cards, cables and electronic items. Best of all, this bag will get a traveler through the airport quickly because laptop computers do not need to be removed and placed in a separate bin (and then packed up again!) when carried in this security-friendly bag.
- Deluxe Totes Ladies City Tote: This tote would be a great gift for any stylish lady on the go. The bag is sleek, yet durable, and includes a laptop sleeve.
- Austin House Travel Neck Pillow: Frequent travelers will appreciate the much-needed support and shuteye or relaxation they can get when using this neck pillow on long flights, car trips, or train excursions.
- Platinum 7 22″ Carry-on Rolling Garment Bag: This stylish garment bag, available in two colors, is a great gift that will keep your favorite traveler from arriving at their destination with rumpled, messy clothes. The bag has plenty of pockets for storage and even features a leather monogram patch so the gift can easily be personalized.
- Atlantic Graphite Lite 3 21″ Carry-on Spinner: This bag has all the convenience of a regular roller bag, but with some extra bells and whistles. Best of all is its eight-wheel spinner system that allows for the bag to roll easily in all different directions, making travel through crowded spaces infinitely more simple.
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Holiday Sale at the Travelpro Luggage Outlet
November 28, 2011 by Karen Amin · 1 Comment
Travelpro is offering a sale on some of their popular carry-on and wheeled luggage lines at the Travelpro luggage outlet, including the Atlantic Odyssey Spinners, Maxlite expandable Rollaboards and rolling duffels, and from our most popular collection, the Crew 7 Rollaboards, rolling duffels, and garment bags.
We’re even offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more.
If you’re looking to save on some luggage or travel items for the frequent travelers in your life (or just getting ready for a family vacation), check out the Travelpro Luggage Outlet for our latest holiday sale.
The A Position and Golf Road Warriors Announce “Roll Like a Warrior” Sweepstakes [PRESS RELEASE]
November 28, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
(PORTLAND, ORE.)—Golfers who consider themselves “Road Warriors” will have the chance to prove it by registering to win in the Golf Road Warriors: Scottsdale “Roll Like a Warrior” Sweepstakes as part of TheAPosition.com’snewest promotion starting November 28. The sweepstakes celebrates the rollout of the newly redesigned Golf Road Warriors website.
Image via Wikipedia
Between Nov. 28 – Dec. 4, The A Position will send four journalists to Scottsdale, Ariz. to play eight world-class desert golf courses, enjoy the destination’s renowned hospitality, sip tequila, smoke a few premium cigars, and otherwise pursue the adventures and rewards of a great golf road trip. The journalists will create and broadcast daily original content via a collection of websites, print media, social media, podcasts, and radio that will be further disseminated by sponsor partners. The content will include course and equipment reviews; opinion pieces; travel stories and videos; and the observations and commentary of four award-winning golf journalists who have worked for many of the best media outlets worldwide.
Followers of the Warriors now may enjoy the same kind of trip. By registering at GolfRoadWarriors.com, viewers can earn a shot at a grand prize package consisting of . .
- Two nights of lodging at each of the following properties: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, The Boulders Resort, and The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- One round of golf for two at Troon North Golf Club, The Boulders Golf Club, and TPC Scottsdale
- Two-piece Travelpro® Platinum 7® luxury luggage set
- Custom club fitting, new driver, new golf bag, and one dozen golf balls from Callaway Golf
- One dozen premium cigars from Certifresh Cigars
- 12-month subscription for winner’s entire golf club for a white tee membership, plus six blue tee memberships to Grow The Game Golf’s new leaderboard smart phone app
The Golf Road Warriors descending upon Scottsdale include renowned golf broadcaster and historian Peter Kessler and journalists Jeff Wallach, Tom Bedell, and Terry Moore.
Follow this on-going adventure communicating the power of new media at Golf Road Warriors.com and at theAposition.com. The next installment of Golf Road Warriors will take place in Palm Springs next February.
The A Position.com is a network of websites featuring the world’s best golf and travel writers. The term “The A Position” refers to the best place a golfer can land his tee shot. On the web, it refers to the site readers will want to land on for great golf and travel journalism.
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Travelpro Introduces New Maxlite® 2 Spinner Collection
November 17, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Travelpro Introduces New Maxlite® 2 Spinner Collection
New Patent Pending Contour™ Handle Grip offers more comfort and control of 4-wheel spinner luggage
Maxlite 2 20" Expanadable Rollaboard
Boca Raton, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2011– Travelpro the inventor of Rollaboard® luggage and leader in innovative, high-quality luggage design is pleased to introduce Maxlite® 2 its lightest collection of 4-wheel Spinner luggage. This new Spinner collection offers the revolutionary Contour™ Handle Grip, lightweight durability, functionality and affordability for the frequent business and leisure traveler. “With the new Maxlite 2 Spinner luggage collection, Travelpro has taken the lead by offering a dramatic improvement to the user of 4-wheel systems. The new soft pad design of the Contour Grip provides the user more comfort and control when pushing spinner luggage through long airport terminals with markedly less fatigue on the users’ shoulder, arm, hand and wrist,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for Travelpro. “This is the first handle grip specifically designed for 4-wheel spinner luggage.”
The Maxlite 2 collection includes a wide array of innovative features that ease the hassles of travel. The 4-wheel Spinner system provides a smooth glide with 360 degree maneuverability, making it easy to navigate through airport check-in lines and terminals. The patent pending Contour™ Grip improves ergonomic comfort and movement control and the rugged polyester fabric is stain and abrasion resistant. The smooth-action and strong telescoping handle system has two extension stops at 38” and 41” to meet the ergonomic needs of travelers of various heights. Maxlite 2 features a built-in ticket pocket within the front pocket to provide quick access to a wallet, a passport, keys or boarding passes. The New Spinner Collection includes a 20” Expandable Spinner (carry-on size), a 25” Expandable Spinner and a 29” Expandable Spinner. A Lifetime Warranty ensures that the luggage is free from defects in materials and workmanship. The Maxlite 2 collection is available in stylish Ocean Blue and Black.
About Travelpro
For over two decades, Travelpro International has prided itself on design innovation and durability in crafting the highest quality luggage for travellers worldwide. Since transforming the ease of modern day travel with The Original Rollaboard® wheeled luggage, Travelpro® has been the brand of choice for flight crews and frequent travelers worldwide. Travelpro is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with its customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their needs. The company offers a variety of innovative, high-quality luggage collections and computer briefs; each aimed at a specific user lifestyle and rigorously tested. Travelpro was the winner of the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for “The Best Carry-on Case.” Please visit Travelpro at www.travelpro.com for a complete list of the latest products and retail locations. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelproINTL and Twitter at www.twitter.com/travelprointl.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
Maxlite 2 Collection Dimensions
Description Dimensions
- 20″ Expandable Spinner - 20” H x 14” L x 9” W
- 25″ Expandable Spinner – 25” H x 18.5” L x 11” W
- 29″ Expandable Spinner – 29” H x 20.5” L x 12” W
All Maxlite 2 Spinner Collection visuals are available upon request, please contact Yaneisy at:
yaneisy@gohrmc.com or call 305-573-0882.
Security Tips For European Travel
November 8, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
The good news is that in many European destinations, violent crime is extremely rare. The bad news is that in most of those same destinations, criminals focus on scamming tourists.
And the tourist of choice for these enterprising scam artists? You guessed it … Americans.
Image by caribb via Flickr
It makes sense. As renowned travel writer Rick Steves points out in a recent MSNBC.com post — Common Scams To Watch For In Europe — American travelers are not only naive and overly trusting, but tend to carry “all the good stuff in their bags and wallets.”
One increasingly popular scam involves clerks who appear to be talking on their cell phones, but are actually photographing your credit card number as you pay for your goods. To avoid such identity theft attempts, Steves recommends paying for as many transactions as possible in cash.
Other common rip-offs include:
- Pick-pocketing schemes in which one person will bump into you or otherwise distract you while his cohort grabs your backpack, purse or wallet.
- Con men who’ll engage you in conversation, ask for directions, give you what turns out to be a fake leather jacket, then ask for gas money. Feeling obligated, you’ll give far more money than the cheap vinyl jacket is worth.
- Scammers who’ll ask you to help in a demonstration, in which a friendship bracelet is braided on your arm. You’re then asked to pay for the bracelet which proves difficult to quickly remove.
- The “fellow tourist” who asks you to take his picture at a popular landmark, then drops the camera as you hand it back, and demands that you pay for it.
Being vigilant, avoiding large crowds and using common sense are the best ways to avoid these scams. For example, leave expensive, easy-to-steal items such as jewelry at home when traveling.
If you must bring valuables, protect them and yourself with the following Austin House products:
- Waist Safe: A washable, lightweight, adjustable belt that holds passports, credit cards, traveler’s checks and other valuables.
- Waist Safe Deluxe: A premium belt which features an additional security flap.
- Personal Safety Alarm: A small alarm that emits a high pitch sound when string is pulled.
- Compact Door Alarm: A protection device for your hotel room which emits a high pitched sound when the clips placed between the door and door frame are separated.
As Rick Steves always advises , “Limit your vulnerabilities, not your travels”.
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Worst Travel Fashion Sins
November 1, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Why is it that the farther we venture from home, the less concerned we are about how we’re dressed?
One can forgive an over-worked manager for lounging in a fluorescent Hawaiian shirt while on vacation, but a tie-dyed tank top and a Speedo … really?
Image via Wikipedia
Our tendency to commit fashion faux pas while traveling was comically chronicled by Duncan Forgan in his 9/12/11 post on CNNGO.com. Among his most egregious style transgressions were:
- Thai fisherman’s pants: Lightweight cotton unisex pants that are cut extremely wide in the waist and come in a dizzying range of colors. Ironically, they’re not worn by Thai fishermen (nor, as far as Forgan is concerned, should they be worn by anyone else).
- Socks & sandals: Why travelers don’t recognize the mutual exclusivity of socks and sandals is one of life’s great mysteries. The wearer might be forgiven for trying to conceal ugly feet if the combination covering them wasn’t far uglier.
- Crocs: Their comfort is vastly outweighed by their unsightliness. And, when paired with socks? Don’t even ask …
- Fanny packs: Not only do these packs look funny, they scream “tourist” and invite pick-pockets to pilfer their poorly protected contents.
Fashion snarkiness aside, the way you dress when traveling is important, not only for your comfort but your safety. If your wardrobe does, in fact, scream “tourist”— especially when traveling abroad — you may be inviting trouble.
For example, the typical American combo of a ball cap, logoed T-shirt, blue jeans and white running shoes are a dead giveaway, and may attract scam artists who prey on tourists. Europeans tend to dress fashionably, prefer darker colors, and wear boots. Adopting that style while overseas is not a bad idea.
Use common sense when sightseeing abroad. The US Department of State recommends the following measures:
- Don’t dress in a way that would mark you as an affluent tourist.
- Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets, and avoid traveling at night.
- Appear purposeful when you move about, and only ask for directions from someone in authority.
- Keep a low profile, and avoid loud conversations or arguments.
- Don’t discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
- Only take taxis that are clearly identified with official markings.
- If confronted, don’t fight back – give up your valuables.
The key is to enjoy your trip, while maintaining both your dignity and safety. Trying to blend in as a local will not only make your trip more enjoyable, as you get to experience the cultures as a local, it makes it much safer as well.
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Baggage Check: A Look at the Latest and Greatest Luggage Innovations
October 11, 2011 by Scott Applebee · 4 Comments
It’s been 24 years since Robert Plath, a Northwest Airlines 747 pilot and founder of Travelpro, slapped a set of wheels and an extension handle on a suitcase and changed travel forever. Rolling luggage satisfied a need travelers didn’t know they had. Few inventions have changed the travel landscape like Plath’s Original Rollaboard®. However, today’s manufacturers continue to turn the heads of luggage shoppers with smart and useful innovations.
Checkpoint-friendly briefcase
Checkpoint-Friendly Designs
In the wake of post-9/11 security, checkpoint-friendly luggage designs allow travelers to keep their laptops (and tablets, like the iPad) in their bags while going through security checkpoints. These checkpoint-friendly bags have either a separate fold-down section or a standalone protective sleeve that is easily inspected. With all of these designs, moving through security is now a breeze. Checkpoint-friendly designs can be found in business cases and backpacks.
Lighter Everything without Sacrificing Durability
Figuring out how to lighten lightweight bags and maintain durability is what keeps luggage engineers very busy today. With airlines lowering weight allowances, super lightweight bags allow travelers to pack more without incurring penalties. So lighter bags can save you money, but they most hold up over the long run. The key components that’ll lighten the load in your bag: honeycomb framing, durable EVA foam for stiffness and sleek contours, telescoping aluminum handles and nylon fabric.
Business Organizers
Easy access to business stuff inside the bag has become an essential feature for business travelers on the go. Pens, business cards, keys, CDs, computer accessories, folder and books pouches, a laptop and iPad can be stashed for easy storage and retrieval in today’s typical business organizer. Interior accessory pockets can be used for bulky electronic gear and assorted cables as well. The most popular bags featuring business organizers are backpacks, smaller uprights or carry-ons, business cases and totes.
Duffels with Drop-Bottoms and Zippered End-Compartments
Drop-bottom designs have added a whole new dimension to packing a duffel. Using a zippered divider, this innovative feature allows you to pack in smaller compartments, thus preventing clothes from bunching and wrinkling. Many duffels also add small zipped compartments at the ends of the bag for shoes, cables and last-minute items. Again, this feature prevents your things from moving around in a big duffel.
Widebody 20-inch Carry-On
Shorter and wider than traditional carry-ons, the 20-inch Widebody bag is roomy yet still fits easily into overhead bins. They give you the added capacity of a 22-inch bag while still falling into the carry-on category. Because of its slim width, the 4-wheeled Widebody Spinner bag can be easily pushed forward up an aisle, without catching on seats or passenger elbows.
Lightweight, durable and innovative luggage is the hallmark of Travelpro, founded by pilot Robert Plath. Today flight crews and pilots of over 80 airlines use Travelpro products. Visit www.travelpro.com to view Travelpro’s many collections.
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