Tag Archives: bags

Saving Money on Ziploc Plastic Storage Bags

Plastic bags are easily one of the most awesome ways to store freezer meals, however they can get expensive if you are constantly buying them. I do not use my freezer storage bags exclusively, I intermix them with other items. However, even with using several options, I need to find ways to save money on the baggies because we use them for other things and they get used a lot. Here are a few easy ways to save money on plastic storage bags. Rinse, Reuse, Repeat A simple method of prolonging the life of your dollars spent on plastic storage … Continue reading →

The New and “Improved” Carry On Rules

Finally, some good news for travelers: today the government announced it plans to partially lift its ban against carrying liquids and gels onto airplanes. (Even if you aren’t a frequent flier you probably know that a total ban on liquids and gels was instituted last month after a plot to bomb jets flying into the United States was foiled.) When I heard the news the first thing that came to mind was “baby steps.” (Regular readers of my Travel blogs know that I have been following this carry-on issue closely.) Officials elaborated by saying that passengers can bring liquids and … Continue reading →

More Luggage Restrictions… Are You Ready For This?

Frequent (and occasional) fliers–are you ready for this? Apparently, applying new restrictions on carry-on luggage just wasn’t enough–now in a historic move–Continental Airlines has announced that it will no longer accept checked pieces that weigh more than 70 pounds. A recent newspaper report says the move makes Continental “the first major U.S.-based carrier to turn away bags that heavy.” The airline says the move is meant “to bring its limits in line with international partners, adding that the 70-pound limit will minimize problems for passengers making connections on international partners.” Of course, the news has Continental baggage handlers doing the … Continue reading →

Travelers Learn A Lesson From A Hollywood Star–Keep Your Eyes On Your Bags

If you missed the news flash allow me to fill you in: Actress Lindsay Lohan has been reunited with her carry-on bag. Yes, Scotland Yard has been notified (literary) and they have called off the search. According to news reports, the 20-year-old actress whose tear-stained face was plastered inside of London’s Evening Standard newspaper Friday can smile once again. British police said they had recovered a handbag that went missing from the star’s luggage cart at London’s Heathrow Airport. Hours after Lohan realized the orange Hermes bag (which contained cash, Lohan’s passport, asthma medication, and jewelry worth an estimated $1 … Continue reading →

Avoiding Long Check-In Lines

The uncovering of the recent alleged terror plot and implementation of new travel restrictions (see my previous blog: “Travel Alert-What You Can’t Pack In Your Carry-On“) has been a shot in the arm to some travel related businesses. Luggage forwarders, which pick up, ship and deliver bags for passengers (for a hefty price), are seeing brisk business as a result of the events in the United Kingdom. Luggage forwarders have been using the recent terror alert to advertise their services to airline passengers looking to avoid standing in long check in lines. In fact, just yesterday, luggage forwarder Bags, Inc. … Continue reading →

Fashion Fix—Bags

I have raved about the upscale luggage manufacturer Tumi in previous travel blogs; certainly my adoration for their sturdy and highly functional suitcases is well documented. So, imagine my surprise when I heard the luggage purveyor plans to enter the women’s fashion accessories market early next year. Watch out Tod’s, I guarantee Tumi will be giving you a run for your money. I love a good bag. What woman doesn’t? Currently, I am engaged in a battle with myself to resist spending more money on the latest, greatest, and cutest diaper bags. Tumi hasn’t entered the diaper bag market yet … Continue reading →

The Land of Lost Luggage

Have you ever experienced the heart stopping agony of reaching your travel destination without your luggage? Talk about a major migraine. Statistics show that each year one in ten travelers must deal with the torment of never seeing their bags again. Airlines rarely offer satisfactory compensation for the loss, rather most passengers are made to simply deal with the fact that their luggage simply disappeared. Or has it? Did you know that much of the nation’s “lost” luggage winds up in America’s Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama? A place where the locals joke that: “The three things that are … Continue reading →

Travel Alert: New Airline Carry-On Restrictions

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I was just hoping that it would be a bit later than… now. I’m talking about the airlines tightening requirements on carry-on luggage. As a mother who routinely flies with a toddler in tow, I can tell you that any change to rules governing carry-on luggage is not good news. I cringed when I heard that Air Canada just issued a strict weight limit on passenger’s carry-on bags. The company’s reason for the move: “it’s an effort to lighten each plane’s load” as the carrier struggles against rising fuel costs. The … Continue reading →

The Great Carry-On Debate

Alaska’s Republican senator, Ted Stevens’ (who chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and transportation Committee) recent suggestion to restrict airline passengers to one carry-on bag sparked a lively debate at a dinner party I attended last night. Stevens’ theory is that airport screeners would be able to pay closer attention to potential terrorists if they weren’t so burdened by checking two carry-on bags. He has a point. But, I am a mom and two carry-ons is the way I travel. (Frankly, in the past, I have gotten away with having three carry-ons, but the flurry of activity that surrounds getting me … Continue reading →

Packing Part 1: What To Know Before You Go

I love to travel, but I hate to pack. Perhaps I inherited my severe dislike for packing and unpacking from my mom (she blames my grandmother). Whatever the reason, traveling equals packing and knowing a few time-tested strategies can go a long way in helping make packing more tolerable and your next trip more enjoyable. 1. Martha Stewart swears by it and I must admit I tried it and it works. It’s tissue paper and it works especially well on delicate items (like a sequined dress or blouse). Lay the item face down and place tissue paper on top. Fold … Continue reading →