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.
###
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.
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.
Related articles
- 7 travel fashion faux pas (holykaw.alltop.com)
- Don’t Pack the Speedos on Your Summer Holidays (uk.prweb.com)
Ways To Reduce Stress When You Travel
October 25, 2011 by Karen Amin · Leave a Comment
After months of stress, strain and endless work days, your vacation has finally arrived! It’s time to say good bye to worry and responsibility, and hello to self indulgence and unaccountability.
Or is it? If you don’t look after those pesky travel details, you could be asking for trouble.
It’s a classic dilemma faced by everyone who plans a trip. You’re taking a vacation to escape scheduling and structure. But “winging it” in an unfamiliar area can be costly, dangerous and – dare we say it – stressful.
Image by Gary Hayes via Flickr
It’s best to combine the two approaches. Determine in advance what you want to see and do, but don’t schedule yourself so fully that you’re exhausted by the end of the trip, or so rigidly that you’re unable to take advantage of the spontaneous opportunities every vacation brings.
When planning your itinerary, focus on the “pace” of your vacation. Create a list of the things you want to do, but don’t assign a specific time and date to each activity. Flexibility is the key to an enjoyable vacation, as is ample time devoted to pure relaxation. In short, plan your trip, but don’t over-plan it.
Another mistake many vacationers make is abandoning any semblance of a healthy lifestyle, which inevitably leads to illness, exhaustion and, yes, stress. When traveling – especially to distant destinations – be sure to:
- Get plenty of exercise and rest prior to your flight, while maintaining a nutritious diet. Plus, make sure you’re well hydrated.
- During travel:
- Drink plenty of water, while avoiding large meals, alcohol and caffeine
- Move around the cabin regularly to promote circulation in both the body and brain
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Sleep, if possible (especially on long international flights where jet lag is a concern)
- Upon arrival:
- Avoid critical decision-making in the first day
- Adapt to the local schedule immediately, eating meals and going to bed at the appropriate times
- Get as much sunlight as you can
- During your stay:
- Eat nutritiously, avoiding unsafe local foods and impure water
- Exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest
- Drink alcohol in moderation
With a little planning and a lot of common sense, a stress-free vacation is yours to enjoy.
Related articles
- 10 Ways to Avoid Vacation Stress (tripbase.com)
- How To Keep Your Vacation Stress-Free (blisstree.com)
Travelpro Luggage Outlet is on Sale!
Pick from an amazing selection of Travelpro® and Atlantic® luggage at huge savings on our outlet web site. Travelpro® is the luggage brand of choice for flight crews and frequent travelers, providing highly durable luggage to over 80 airlines. 
| Atlantic luggage is lightweight, durable and affordable, perfect for families and students on the go. Luggage makes a terrific gift also, so don’t miss out on these savings. |
|
Travelpro International, Inc. |
How To Avoid Travel Scams
July 28, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Is there anything more exciting than the prospect of a sweet deal on an exotic travel package?
As you ponder the many indulgences available on such a dream vacation, who could blame you for losing focus on the more practical aspects of the trip. Scam artists certainly won’t … In fact, they’re counting on it.
Image by Evil Yoda via Flickr
As with all consumer rip-offs, there are unsavory “travel package” operators out there willing to play on your emotions in order to get into your wallet.
One of the most common travel scams is the cruise or vacation package offer that doesn’t provide complete information until after your payment is secured. Predictably, the “details” include restrictions, exclusions and black-out dates that dramatically reduce the trip’s true value.
The ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) recommends the following precautions when considering travel package offers:
- Retain a healthy dose of skepticism. Be extremely skeptical about unsolicited e-mail, postcard and phone solicitations saying you’ve been selected to receive a fabulous vacation or anything free. Be especially wary of firms requiring you to wait at least 60 days to take your trip.
- Do your homework. Some offers might sound great on the surface, but be sure to read the fine-print. Certain offers impose so many restrictions that you will either never have the chance to take the trip or you will end up paying more than had you made the arrangements on your own.
- Run a “background check.” You should vet the companies from which you purchase travel services. You can do this by checking to see if they are members of ASTA or by researching the company on the Better Business Bureau’s Web site, or at ComplaintsBoard.com or RipoffReport.com.
- Get the facts. You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. Once you have the complete details of your trip, contact the hotel and transportation companies on your own to make certain the reservations have been made.
- Know when to fold ‘em. Know when to walk away. High-pressure sales presentations that don’t allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income are red flags to be heeded.
- Protect yourself. Always pay with a credit card if possible. Even legitimate companies can go out of business. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse paying for charges for services not rendered.
Another proven technique for avoiding travel rip-offs is to use reputable guidebooks (the “Time Out” series is especially informative) to research the techniques commonly used by local scam artists. With a little reading, you’ll be able to quickly identify and avoid shady characters worldwide.
Related articles
- LAX Stowaway Scam Artist ‘Storyteller’ Pleads Not Guilty (laist.com)
- Travel scams and how to avoid them (gadling.com)
- On-line Scams: How To Avoid Getting Fooled (preciseinternetmarketing.com)
How To Pack For An Island Vacation
July 26, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
You’re about to embark on a dream vacation to a tropical island paradise to spend time with your toes in the sand, a drink in your hand, and nary a thought in your head. Who the heck wants to worry about trip planning?
You should. The more you plan before departure, the less you have to think about upon arrival.
Image by Tom BKK via Flickr
As always, the best approach for headache-free travel is fitting all your essentials into one Travelpro® Rollaboard® that you carry on your plane. In doing so, you avoid the hassles of checking and retrieving luggage, paying excess and over-sized baggage fees, and dragging multiple bags through security checkpoints.
Here are some proven tips for one-bag island travel:
- Pack casual, lightweight clothing. But, be sure to check whether your resort has restaurants that require you to “dress for dinner.” If so, you’ll need to take along something more formal than shorts and T-shirts. Be sure to select neutral colors so your outfits are easier to match.
- Pack using the “bundle” method. Wrap clothes around large objects (such as bags of toiletries or pairs of shoes), rather than folding or rolling clothes. In most cases, the bundle method saves the most space and also prevents wrinkling.
- On long trips and extended stays, take only the essentials with you on the plane and ship everything else to your final destination.
- Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes, or, at most, two pairs of shoes and one pair of sandals or flip-flops. Remember, you’re going to already be wearing one pair of shoes.
- Buy small-sized toiletries or transfer liquid contents like shampoo into miniature travel bottles. And, don’t forget plenty of sunscreen and skin moisturizers. Or, buy your sunscreen at your destination.
- Minimize the number of items that require electricity, as converters can be costly and space-consuming. Like shaving – do it by hand.
If you plan to scuba dive, take a guided tour or engage in other “for hire” activities, you may want to invest in a packaged tour to ensure your satisfaction and safety.
We’ve all heard horror stories of unwitting tourists being robbed or assaulted when they wondered into the wrong neighborhood or were lead astray by a con artist posing as a “guide.” It’s always best to research which areas to avoid in your destination, and to only deal with reputable, sanctioned vendors.
So, be sure to do the necessary pre-planning for your tropical getaway. There will be plenty of time for blissful idleness once you reach the island.
Related articles
- What To Pack When Backpacking Europe (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Packing Tips (jackielopina.wordpress.com)
- Eight Tips for Packing Light While Traveling (trifter.com)
- How to Pack Like Flight Attendant. (love2travelwrite.wordpress.com)
What Luggage Is Best For Car Trips?
July 21, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
Over these last several months, we’ve chronicled how Travelpro rollaboards meet the varied needs of air travelers. For international business travelers and vacationing families alike, we’ve illustrated how our lightweight, durable bags maximize travel enjoyment by minimizing airport hassles.
But, the advantages of Travelpro luggage aren’t limited to air travelers. To anyone about to embark on an overnight car trip — whether you’re a lone salesman chasing your monthly quota or overwhelmed parents transporting a van full of kids to Disney World — we’ve got a range of bags that will make your life easier.
Image by DennisSylvesterHurd via Flickr
While airline size restrictions require air travelers to pack light, “road warriors” have much more latitude in the number of possessions they can take on their trip. Enter Travelpro’s comprehensive line of spacious garment bags, and versatile duffels and backpacks.
These expandable bags measure up to 28″ in length, and can easily accommodate a week’s worth or more of clothing and belongings.
The key to traveling with a large wardrobe is intelligent design and capacity. Most rollaboards offer roomy main compartments which expand 2.5 inches, maximizing space and packing flexibility. Some rollaboards and garment bags also feature a removable suiter sleeve and wrinkle-free foam bars which minimizesthe wrinkling of dresses, suits and other formal wear.
If your travel wear is more casual, the suiter sleeve also accommodates shirts, pants and other outfits while keeping them wrinkle-free. On certain collections, it also acts as a divider, separating “his” clothing from “hers” (and “theirs”), or dirty clothing from clean, which helps you stay organized.
Travelpro’s luggage also feature many side pockets. Use them to store small items, such as belts and portable electronics, that can wrinkle clothing. And don’t forget to utilize the top lid to store shirts and other folded garments.
Common sense plays a major role in effective packing. Place heavy objects, such as shoes and toiletry kits, on the bottom of the main storage compartment, then arrange your garments on top. Pack your formal wear properly in the suiter sleeve and secure your clothing with the interior tie-down straps to prevent shifting – and wrinkling – in transit.
So, whether your travel plans involve the friendly skies or the open road, remember to take along your Travelpro rollaboard. And, if you are hitting the highway (especially with the family), feel free to take more than one.
Related articles
- How Travelpro Tests Its Luggage (travelproluggageblog.com)
- What To Pack When Backpacking Europe (travelproluggageblog.com)
- Packing Tips (nyulondonfall2011.wordpress.com)
- Packing Tips (nyuberlinfall2011.wordpress.com)
The TSA Is Now Monitoring Passenger Behavior
July 5, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
In this age of global terrorism, most air travelers recognize and accept the need for enhanced security measures.
Let’s hope so. For, in addition to the many indignities you endure at airline security checkpoints, your behavior is now being “monitored.”
Image by Getty Images via @daylife
As reported on 4/27/11 by Kate Auletta of AOL Travel News, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has deployed “Behavioral Indicator Officers” in 161 U.S. airports to monitor passenger’s antics while in security lines. The particular behaviors they are trained to spot include a cocky attitude, verbal expressions of displeasure at long lines, and fearful or impatient looks.
Auletta indicated that ” … the immigration agent who stopped the so-called 20th 9/11 hijacker recalled that his behavior was ‘arrogant.’ The TSA modeled this program off that argument and other conversations with would-be hijackers.”
On their website, the TSA describes the Behavior Detection Officer’s duties as “screening travelers for involuntary physical and physiological reactions that people exhibit in response to a fear of being discovered. TSA recognizes that an individual exhibiting some of these behaviors does not automatically mean a person has terrorist or criminal intent. Individuals exhibiting specific observable behaviors may be referred for additional screening at the checkpoint to include a hand-wanding, limited pat down, and physical inspection of one’s carry-on baggage.”
Predictably, many civil liberties advocates strongly oppose this practice, and question its effectiveness. Michael German of the ACLU called it “anti-American.” And national security analyst Peter Bergen told CNN that “it doesn’t make any sense to me.”
However, while the politicians and security experts continue to hammer this out, it also means that everyday travelers will have to put a check on their impatience and their annoyance at waiting in longer lines. While it might make you feel better to voice your frustration, just remember that it may be misinterpreted, and give you some unwanted extra attention.
Related articles
- TSA ‘Behavioral Officers’ Monitor Airport Passengers (VIDEO) (huffingtonpost.com)
Adoption Travel Tips
June 28, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
People travel overseas for many reasons. Some pursue the challenges of international commerce, while others seek relaxation in exotic locales.
But, few overseas trips combine discipline and pleasure quite like adoption travel — a series of complex journeys to a foreign country for the opportunity to enrich you and your spouse’s life, along with that of an orphaned or unwanted child.
Image by real00 via Flickr
As reported at Travelsense.org, adoption travel is increasing in popularity due to the reduced number of U.S. newborns available for adoption. The Department of Health and Human Services indicated that over 20,000 Americans adopted foreign-born children in 2002, over 75% of whom came from China, Russia, Guatemala, South Korea and the Ukraine.
International adoptions typically include several visits (pre-adoption, actual adoption and homeland heritage trips) and a certain amount of unpredictability due to the involvement of foreign bureaucracies. Therefore, we recommend planning your trip with a professional agent who specializes in adoption travel, and allowing ample time for unexpected delays.
During your pre-adoption visit, it’s important to immerse yourself in the child’s native culture. Absorb as much as you can by keeping a journal and taking plenty of pictures as you interact with the locals. By developing a thorough understanding for your child’s birth country, you’ll be able to answer his or her questions as they grow and their curiosity intensifies.
Preparation is key during the actual adoption trip. Be sure to bring all boarding passes, reservations, passports and adoption documentation. When packing your Travelpro Rollaboards, make sure you leave enough space for your child’s belongings for the return trip. Or, better yet, fill that space with supplies (diapers, infant clothing, wipes, etc.) to be donated to the agency or orphanage you’re working with.
If bureaucratic oversights do delay your departure, use the opportunity to soak in more of the local landscape. Many foreign adoptions take place in “non-touristy” areas, so take full advantage of your chance to take the path less traveled. Just be sure to confirm with your contacts which destinations are safe for sightseeing.
Should your budget allow (which, with the expense of an international adoption, isn’t always the case), homeland heritage trips are highly recommended. Enabling your child to see his or her birthplace firsthand will deepen their appreciation for their native culture and their relationship with you.
Adoption travel — a substantial investment with a tremendous return. Safe travels, and enjoy your new family.
Related articles
- Adoptive parents or considering international adoption? (goaupairphiladelphia.wordpress.com)
- Inside the mind and heart of an internationally adopted child (1morepage.wordpress.com)
Travelpro Announces Its New WalkAbout® Lite 4 Line of Rollaboard® and Spinner Luggage
June 1, 2011 by Scott Applebee · Leave a Comment
We’re very proud to announce the launch of the new WalkAbout® Lite 4 collection of Spinners, Rollaboards, Totes and rolling carry-on luggage. Our design and development teams have worked very hard to come up with the latest improvements in design and materials, in order to provide lightweight durable luggage at an affordable price.
The WalkAbout Lite 4 collection is extremely durable with a lightweight, strong honeycomb framing system and EVA foam. In fact, the 22-inch Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter weighs less than 8.5 pounds. The extension handle is made with airline grade aluminum tubes for added strength and stability. It has two stops at 38” and 43” to ensure a comfortable roll for users of different heights.
Walkabout Lite 4 22" Expandable Rollaboard Suiter
The 20-inch Business Plus Rollaboard® includes a padded laptop sleeve and business organizer. It’s ideal for the business traveler who only wants to carry-on one bag, eliminating the need to bring a separate briefcase.
Our 360 degree, dual-wheel Spinners roll effortlessly any way you want them to move. Their over-sized rear wheels switch easily from rolling upright beside you to being pulled behind, making it easy to navigate through busy airports.
Our new WalkAbout Lite 4 collection includes:
- Deluxe Tote
- Rolling Tote
- 20” Expandable Business Plus Rollaboard®
- 20” Expandable Wide-Body Spinner Suiter
- 22” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 24” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 26” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 28” Expandable Rollaboard® Suiter
- 25” Expandable Spinner Upright
- 29” Expandable Spinner Upright
- Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag
For more information go to Travelpro.com.
