New Carry-On Convertible Bag

I came across a new bag last week that looks interesting. It’s the

Caribee Sky Master 40.

Dimensions: 21.25” x 13 x 7…..weighs 3 lbs……made of polyester. I sent a note to the company to see if we can get one for review. No word yet.

But the best part is that this bag is from an Australian company and I know there are many  OBOW readers from Down Under who are looking for a bag like this that fits Aussie carry-on rules. Here’s a link to their Australian site:

Caribee Sky Master 40

Daily Roundup--November 11, 2011

The New York Times has an article titled: “Getting Savier About Carry-On’s.” I thought they might finally publish something beneficial. Nope. Unfortunately, mostly talk of wheeled bags and the most expensive non-wheeled bags. And it’s interesting that the author talked to retailers and a few travelers rather than those who actually know something about the entire light travel industry.

The EU has set strict standards for European airports that use body scanners. Most are similar to the U.S. rules but they don’t want to admit it.

Boeing is assmebling its 1,000th 777 this week.

Virgin Atlantic will start summer seasonal service next year between London Heathrow and Vancouver, Canada. It will Virgin’s only Canadian destination. The airline also plans to add a second SFO-London flight three times a week.

Hong Kong Airlines plans to start an all business class service next spring between Hong Kong and London’s Gatwick airport.

AirTran has announced that starting next June, it will stop service to five cities: Knoxville (TN), Miami, Bloomington/Normal (IL), Charleston (WV) and Washington Dulles.

Happy Veterans Day…..my thanks go out to all those who have served their country to protect our freedoms.

Daily Roundup--November 10, 2011

Airbus stops production on the A340. It just couldn’t compete with the Boeing 777.

Royal Caribbean is lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 on some of its international routes.

If you were one of the 10 million people who traveled outside the U.S. from 1996 to 2006, you may soon be getting a check.  As part of a lawsuit settlement for not properly disclosing fees, major credit card companies and banks agreed to certain payouts. How much? Most people will get $18. More if you can prove you spent a lot.

Our friend Kevin at Practical Hacks reports on a recent trip that TSA didn’t cut off his TSA approved lock, they cut the actual zipper pulls. If I didn’t see it, I wouldn’t believe it.

France is ready to take back the title as the world’s largest wine producer from Italy. I think I’ll go open a bottle to celebrate.

Daily Roundup--November 9, 2011

Au Revoir a “Christmas Carols” et bonjour a “rock n roll.”  Galleries Lafayette is ditching the recorded Christmas carols usually found in their holiday window displays for live rock n roll. What’s next? Rap at Printemps Haussmann? Mon Dieu.

Rick Steves is having a sale on everything in his store. Discounts  from 20-50% off. Runs through 12/12/11.

Daily Roundup--November 8, 2011

United will be the first U.S. airline to offer wi-fi on its transoceanic flights. The satellite based system will be introduced in 2012.

The U.S. will spend $1 billion dollars over the next five years to attract foreign tourists. If it works, it really could be considered a “job creator.”

Tired of carrying around multiple chargers or even a universal charger for all of your electronics? How about luggage that not only transports your clothes, but also charges your gadgets?. Powerbags are one of the latest trends.

Have you ever been on a trip where things didn’t all go exactly as planned. I know I have. Here’s an article on how to handle eight of the worst case travel scenarios. Let’s hope you never have to deal with any of them.

Have you ever left anything behind in a hotel, rent a car, airplane? It seems you’re not the only one. Confession time, what have you left?

Daily Roundup--November 7, 2011

Jack the Cat, the feline lost for two months at JFK airport after getting out of its cage, and found just a week ago, was euthanized over the weekend.

Marriott Hotels is joining Starwood in allowing guests to post unedited reviews. Not all guests can post reviews nor are all properties included. The hotel chains are trying to compete with TripAdvisor and Yelp.

TSA has expanded its passenger interrogation program, I mean casual conversation program to Detroit’s aiport.

United Airlines flew the first commercial airline flight today that ran completely on biofuel. The 737 flew from Houston to Chicago.

Daily Roundup--November 4, 2011

It looks like some of Disney’s oldest, and dearest, attractions may be put out to pasture. So much for nostalgia. (And I don’t care if the technology is old, I still love “Country Bear Jamboree.”

Advances are being made to help prevent or find lost luggage. I think I’ll stick to carry-on. As regular contributor Paula S. commented: “ I don’t know what’s worse,not knowing where your luggage is or finding out it is holidaying in a more exotic location than your destination!!”

Exactly a year to the day after suffering an engine oil fire, a Qantas Airbus 380 was forced to shut down one of its engines and make an emergency landing in Dubai. The flight had originated in Sydney, stopped in Singapore and was headed towards London. To make it interesting, English actor and writer Stephen Fry, a known tech junkie, was aboard and Tweeting as events unfolded. No one was hurt. The airline did give each passenger a written apology saying they were doing everything they could to rebook passengers on other flights but because it’s a holiday in Dubai, all nearby hotels were full. Lunch, however, was on Qantas.

JetBlue has begun to give refunds to those passengers held on the tarmac in Harford last week for over seven hours. Each passenger will also get one free rountrip ticket on JetBlue. Some are even getting two.

The parent of British Airways, which also owns Iberia,  is buying BMI Airlines from Lufthansa.

Daily Roundup--November 3, 2011

You know those pesky hotel add-on fees that drive you just as crazy as the extra airline fees? Well, lilke their flying cousins, don’t expect them to go away anytime soon. Last year, U.S. hotels earned an extra $1.8 billion from those same fees. That’s only up 6% from last year but 50% in the past ten years.

Bag News

Tom Bihn released a new mini-briefcase today called The Cadet.

I’ve known about it for awhile but was sworn to secrecy. This looks like it’s going to be a an excellent double duty bag—mini-brief for work, and day bag for leisure.

Designed mostly for Apple users, the bag comes in two sizes—one for larger Macs, and one for Ipad sized tablets. It also has some design changes over previous Tom Bihn bags that I believe are big pluses. (One hint; dual zippers capable of taking a lock and no flap.)

I  won’t go on much here because I’ve been told I should have one in my hands for full review by the end of the month. 

There are other Tom Bihn products soon to be released but, again, I’m sworn to secrecy.

Other bag news….a Patagonia MLC arrived today and I’ll put it through its paces for review in the next few weeks.

A question was asked how I choose items to review. The answer is simple yet difficult. For every product I see or is offered I ask myself if it will be beneficial to one bag travelers. If yes, I try to get the manufacturer to send one.(I usually request colors/sizes that I would personally use which for bags tends to be the darker colors. (Can you say black?)  Otherwise it gets very expensive and this site loses money on its own. In some cases, I actually buy a product I think will make my travel better. These are usually less expensive items. In some cases, items are offered and I turn them down because they just don’t fit our guidelines for one bag travel.

So, if you see some manufacturers’ products more often than others, it’s because they were kind enough to send items for review.

No matter how I get the product or what it is, I always promise an unbiased, honest and fair review pointing out both the positives and negatives of every item.

Daily Roundup--November 2, 2011

The TSA test program allowing passengers who supply personal information to sail through security checkpoints has been successful so far and will soon be expanded to more airports.

The State of Arizona wants to expand the airport at the Grand Canyon believing it will bring much more revenue to the state and the area with direct commercial flights. The Park Service says the Grand Canyon is already handling too many visitors. As someone who has visited the Canyon more times than I can remember and being stuck in numerous traffic jams, I’m tossed on this one. I’d hate to see the Canyon get more crowded but I understand the need in this economy for states and municipalities to do what it can to increase revenue.

Four years after being introduced, most major carriers utilize some type of electronic boarding pass. Here’s one reporters experience and suggestions for use. Personally, I’ve never used one. I still like the paper type—seems much simpler.

Daily Roundup--November 1, 2011

Jet Blue offers apology for for 7-hour tarmac delay via YouTube.. Let’s see, the new three hour tarmac rule was put into place because of a similar situation with Jet Blue four years ago. And now you say you want to learn from it. What happened during the last four years?

Singapore Airlines introduces Scoot, Its newest long-haul discount carrier.. It will fly Boieing 777’s.

Onebagging: a definition

What is one bag travel? Is there a concise definition? Does it mean the same for everyone?

These are questions I get asked quite often yet have never, in one place, answered. So, I’d like to give out what I believe “one bag” travel constitutes and what this website will use as its guideline.

First, let me say that everyone should travel and pack the way that is comfortable for them. For some it will be a very lightweight bag and others two or three full size suitcases.

Onebagging is most important when taking some type of mass transit: plane, train, ferry, boat.

One bag travel….the gold star definition……one bag, preferably non-wheeled, no more than approximately 22 x 14 x 9  in size and a total packed weight of 20-22 lbs (slightly higher in winter.)

That, I understand, may be difficult for some while others  may do even better (you get two gold stars.)

The next level, for silver star status, is the one gold star definition plus a small “personal” item measuring no more than 35 linear inches. I realize that in today’s world, so many of us carry a plethora of electronics that one bag may not be enough.Total weight should still be 20-25 lbs.

Then there’s the bronze star….a wheeled bag, weighing no more than 6 lbs empty, measuring no more than 22 x 14 x 9 including wheels and a personal item.Total weight still no more than 20-25 lbs.

I also realize that there are extenuating circumstances where none of the above can be followed.

Traveling is an individual experience and how we pack should be just as individual. Please don’t compare yourself to others or think someone is better because they take less. But if you’re here, I’m guessing your goal is to take less.  If that’s the case, then let us know how we an help. And for those who are already onebaggers, please chime in to share your experiences and tips.

One other thing….there is one caveat to one bag travel. And that’s travel by car. If not using some type of mass transit, and you’ll only have to go from car to accomodation and back, then packing heavy isn’t that bad. In fact, for car trips, I’ve even been known to take my 25” wheeled duffel.

Addendum….if you have a smaller bag that is used at your plane or train seat or as a daybag when your main bag is stowed, but normally carry that small bag inside your main bag, then you still have gold start status.

Daily Roundup--October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!!!!

The world’s population has reached 7 Billion People. Somehow, I think all of them are trying to get through Atlanta  airport the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Amtrak is adding free wifi service to 12 east coast routes. California is next scheduled to start operation sometime this year.

This weekend’s early snowstorm in the Northeastern U.S. wrecked havoc with flights all over the place. Four flights diverted to Hartford—3 on Jet Blue, 1 on American—forced passengers to stay on their planes for more than seven hours. This is in clear violation of the new passenger rights laws that could mean a fine of $27,500  per passenger. The U.S. government has yet to enforce the law. I wonder if they’ll start now. (Somehow, I doubt it.)

Qantas is flying once again. A labor dispute had grounded their entire fleet over much of the weekend.

After 42 years, the D.C. Tourmobile, that offered narrated tram  tours of the nation’s capital, will shut down after today.. Like so many other businesses, it’s been hit by financial problems.

A Washington, D.C. hotel guest is finally checking out—after over 10 years in residence. I think it would kind of cool to live in a hotel. You need anything, just pick up the phone. A friend of mine lived in an extended stay type hotel for three years and loved it. The only reason she left was because she inherited a house and decided to move in.

Daily Roundup--October 28, 2011

Here’s one overpacker’s attempt at one-bag travel.

Happy Birthday Lady Liberty……125 years old today. (She doesn’t look a day over 110!!!). 

Ever wonder what happens to all those items left at airport security? You might be surprised at the answer.

Daily Roundup--October 27, 2011

Megabus, the “luxury” bus service taking over America, Canada and the UK, is expanding southward and will soon open a hub in Atlanta. Additionally, in the UK, they’ve started sleeper service between London and Glasgow.

Air France flight attendants are planning to strike from Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. Air France says to expect some delays. 

The EU has agreed to share air passenger data with Australia. Under the new legislation, which is supposed to help fight terrorism, passenger’s names, addresses, passport numbers and credit card details will be shared with Australian Customs who may keep the data for 5 1/2 years. Similar negotiations are underway with the U.S. and Canada but the EU says they are worried about the confidentiality of the data with current U.S. laws. 

According to Consumer Reports, the fish you buy in restaurants or supermarkets may not be what you think you’re ordering. . 

Facebook

I’ve created a Facebook page for 1bag1world. It’s still being built but always open for “likes.” 

Here’s a link to the page:  1bag1world 

Daily Roundup--October 26, 2011

Holiday Inn’s parent company, IHG, announced it will start a new mid-priced hotel chain in the U.S. early next year. They also announced a makeover of their Crowne Plaza chain..

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner made it’s maiden passenger flight yesterday  from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Many on the flight commented on the roomier overhead bins. Music to a “onebaggers” ears. 

For those following the story, Jack the cat has been found.

Daily Roundup--October 24, 2011

The Statue of Liberty is going high-tech. Five webcams are being installed as part of the monuments 125th anniversary and renovation. One camera will point towards the inscription on the monument: “Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses,  yearning to be free…..” But not free of being seen on camera!!!!!

 After months of delay, the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner was delivered to All Nippon Airways. Within a few days, the airline crashed it into a jetbridge.. Fortunately, no passengers were on board and the damage is literally only “skin deep.”

Another structure at Pompeii has collapsed.. It was an outer wall and happened last week during severe weather. Last year, four collapses led to calls of mismanagement and neglect so severe it forced the Italian Cultural Minister to resign. While no such calls have come for the new cultural minister, with Italy’s debt problems, one has to wonder which will collapse first: another wall at Pompeii or the current Italian government?

Delta is introducing Economy Comfort—a premium economy class—into its entire domestic fleet. It introduced this class in its international fleet earilier this year.

Daily Roundup--October 20, 2011

Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest airline, will begin flying non-stop between Los Angeles and Berlin beginning in May of 2012. There will be three flights a week. Air Berlin is also increasing the number of flights it offers between Berlin and New York. This will  coincide with the new Berlin Airport (BER) scheduled to open at the same time. 

Like many, I use Google Street View to check out places I plan to visit. But for the first time, Google has put its camera on top of a train. The train in question is in Switzerland and the shots should be amazing. They’re not available yet but should be in the next few months. You can use this link to go to a page, in German, with photos of how the gathering is taking place. Amazing. 

Everyone looks for travel deals, right? Well,   these may not be high on your list.

Have you ever wanted to own your own tourist attraction? Now you can. Carhenge, , the Nebraska based sculpture made up of 38 spray painted cars to look like England’s Stonehenge, is up for sale. Asking price:  $300,000

Our friends at Frommers came out with a list on How To Pack For A Train Trip. I love the first one: Use Lightweight luggage with wheels….“You’ll want something small with a light frame, as you’ll likely be hoisting it aboard the train or above your seat. And wheels are an absolute necessity; many train stations in Europe have multiple platforms (most without escalators) so there’s a fair amount of schlepping involved. The ideal setup? A four-wheel carry-on bag that’s wide enough to add another piece on top, such as a mid-size duffel or daypack. Two smaller bags are much easier to carry than one huge one, says Samina Sabir of Rail Europe (www.raileurope.com). “

Hoisting above your head and up and down stairs is easier with wheels? And spinners? And two bags? I guess their definition of “lightweight” and ours is completely different. 

 

Daily Roundup--October 19, 2011

The Ritz Hotel in Paris will close next summer for two years. It’s going through  a complete renovation.. If it closes,  where am I supposed to stay? 

 

Light travel news day….perhaps more tomorrow.