Tag Archives | luggage

The Perfect Couple Travel Luggage

By The Fighting Couple on June 25, 2016 in General

Picture Venice. The soft Italian sun reflecting off the glistening water. The gondola masters guiding their vessels up and down the waterways. The lapping water against the colorful mansions. Our idyllic paradise was nearly destroyed by an unlikely culprit: bad luggage. We made the unfortunate choice to get dropped off couple miles from our hotel. This meant that we needed to cross multiple bridges navigate the sea and hike a long ways. Our heavy mismatched luggage made this trek miserable. Ever since that day we have been on a quest to find perfect luggage for traveling couples.

At long last we have finally found the perfect luggage combo: The Atlantic Compass Unite. We are not ones to wax poetic about our travel equipment. We just want it to work. If we don’t think about the luggage….that’s good luggage. The Compass is extremely light. They are built tough. The best part? They have a built in secret weapon: a little thing called Link2Go™. This little thing is actually really huge when it comes to couple travel. If we could kiss the engineer that came up with this we would. (Luci would…not Mike.) So here’s how it works, two spinners can be linked together making is one spinner, one suitcase that you can handle easily with one paw. It must be hard to connect them you ask? Nope. So simple you can do it with one hand eating a gelato and the other connecting the two. (Yes we have tried it. Strawberry gelato is the best.) Pure genius.

We put them to the test on our recent trip to Norway. So within 5 hours we were in three massive international terminals. Each one was unfamiliar to us. We just connected our Compass Unites and off we went! Look at the picture of Mike over there. Does he look stressed? Ok maybe a little, we were looking up maps of the airport. Were we worried about bags? Not at all.

Give them a try. You can find an Atlantic Luggage dealer here.

Couple travel presents enough challenges…don’t mess up the luggage.

#sponsored

What’s Inside the Fighting Couple’s Luggage?

By The Fighting Couple on August 12, 2013 in General

The Fighting Couple gets asked a lot, “What products do you guys like to travel with?” So we put this post together to give you a peek inside our travel bags and see first hand some of our favorite things. Traveling as a couple, it is critical to travel with the right gear. Being prepared can take a lot of the stress and worry out of the trip. More importantly, having a little style as you travel will make the experience all the more rewarding. So lets open the bags and show you our faves!

Mint and Pink Travel Case from Marble Hill Design Studio

A Girl’s Best Friend

They say that makeup bags come in all sizes and shapes. We have not found this to be the case. Either you have a super jumbo full on makeup “trunk,” or a mini compact holder that fits a stick of lipstick and a small brush. We have finally found the solution, the Marble Hill Studio’s handmade “Mint and Pink Women’s Cosmetic Travel Bag.” The bag’s ample size 10″ x 4′ x 6″, allows me to take all of my “girl gear” for a weekend or week-long with ease. I can even fit my handy propane curling iron in it. (Yes they make them. And yes I love it.) The mint color doesn’t come through well on pictures, but it is gorgeous with the pink bow in person. Who doesn’t want a bag engraved with your name and topped with a cute bow. Can you say, “Adorable?” (As tested: Women’s Cosmetic Travel Bag Price: from $60.00)

Saved by the Strap

Lovely camera straps from Capturing Couture

The great inventor Henry Ford once said of his automobiles, “You can have any color you like as long as it is black.” This adage also seems to apply to today’s DSLR cameras. So what do you do to personalize and spice it up a bit? Our friends at Capturing Couture offer the perfect solution. You are going to love this one….. They offer a great collection of colorful and creative camera straps to fit just about any style or taste. The Fighting Couple’s choice? The Harmony of course!

The Capturing Couture camera strap is a good mix between beauty and brawn. Take the snaps for example…where two rivets to the webbing would be ample, they put three. Where some straps put lining on the shoulder straps, this one has lining and padding. This is especially nice on those long days of sightseeing. The Harmony style is a great option for traveling couples. The colors are not too out there as to scare Mike away from packing the camera. Our only concern is how long the beauty will hold up under pressure of Amazon mud or Thai seaweed…stay tuned. (As tested: Harmony 2” camera strap starting at $39).

The Travel Jewelry Dilemma

We are longtime fans of Keli’s Kreations. I have taken Kelli with us to three continents now, and she hasn’t let me done once. So what makes Keli so wonderful? Problem: every time you pack necklaces and bracelets, they always end up in one knotted mess by the time you arrive in country, or worse, they break. Can I get an amen ladies? That’s where Keli comes to the rescue. Her diva collection organizes and protects your bling. Your Keli will fit nicely into your carry on even in your purse. Your necklaces will be protected and you won’t lose one earring. Pick the style and color you like best and never worry about the jewelry dilemma again. Luci swears by this and she travels a lot and wants to look her best. What’s worse than forgetting your jewelry to go with the power suit: Having it break because you packed it in flimsy plastic sandwich bags. Get a Keli! (As tested: Diva Lite Price: from $33.00)

Leather Travel Pouch from Nomad Travel gear.com

Shave in Style

We love international travel items that hold up well under pressure, that said, we are definitely not the scruffy backpacking types. One of my (Mike) fave items to travel with is my Nomad Travel Gear shaving bag. This is one item that I use on every trip, overnight business trip? Yes. Extended Europe vacation? It’s a must have. Don’t let the subtle exterior fool you, this is one tough character. I do like the touch of class with the light tan leather, red accents and heavy-duty brass zipper. Very refined. I do worry about the lack of lining over time. I will keep you posted on how it holds up. (As tested: Leather Pouch Price: from $85.00)

The Luggage Workhorse

The Delsey Helium 4.0

Besides our carry-on luggage, we have two primary bags in our travel luggage fleet. One is this heavy industrial grade plastic hard side aka “Ole Ironsides.” Empty, it weighs roughly the same as a WWII era battleship. Due to weight conscious airlines, all we can pack inside is a pair of socks….just kidding…but pretty close. Bag number two is much lighter, but is a little like a Hollywood starlet….cute, but going to pieces at a very young age. But now we have found the ultimate and our quest for the perfect bag ended with the Delsey Helium Breeze 4.0. Sounds high-tech? Well it is. The case is crafted from bullet proof ballistic grade nylon. It generous size 18” x 28” x 11” and ample pockets make it the new admiral of the fleet.

What we love about the Helium is the little extras that go a long way. The bag includes a built in over weight indicator. Isn’t that cool? It’s a little handle that comes out and tells you if you are over 50 lbs. Don’t get us wrong, we always look for a reason to fight…but over-packing and paying a hefty fee shouldn’t be the reason. (Fight over which Michelangelo is better or who has the better Pad Thai, Bangkok or Phuket.) The other nice surprise with the Helium is the “Easy access” compartment. It is located at the bottom of the bag and allows for easy entry for those damp cloths or shoes. It keeps them separated from the rest of your clothes! Genius! (As tested: Delsey Helium Breeze 4.0 Price: from $179.00)

Just so you know, some companies featured in this post were kind enough to provide samples for us to review. Does this affect our love of these products? Nope. Not one bit. Our opinions are our own. Lets go travel!

Stay at the Airport?

By The Fighting Couple on July 7, 2011 in General, Slideshowable

VS.

I’m sure when asked, you would find more than one way to improve your holiday. Now I know of lots of ways to improve your holiday, from finding an excellent Mojito bar to bungee jumping, but my tips are simpler and will make your whole holiday better. First, book a stay in an airport hotel before you fly. I’ve started doing it recently and it’s made all my trips fantastic. Why? I hear you ask. Well it’s simple; it makes the worst part of any holiday almost enjoyable.

The worst part of any holiday is always departure day. Take-away the excitement about the holiday to come and all you’re left with is stress, panic and irritable people. Everybody’s in a hurry, they’re all worried about catching flights and checking in and most haven’t had enough sleep the night before. This isn’t a good mix and it can make the start of your holiday less than pleasant. This is where a night in an airport hotel swoops in and fixes everything.

Wherever you fly from there are airport hotels available and they’re usually really good. I’ve stayed in Dublin airport hotels and Stansted airport hotels, and also recently enjoyed a Gatwick airport hotel and parking package, which have all been brilliant. Not only are they high quality (a personal highlight was the massage room in one of them) but they are all really convenient. By staying in one of these airport hotels you get a great night’s sleep after a really nice evening of wining and dining. The effect this has on you makes it the best route to a better holiday.

You’ll wake up rested and refreshed already in a much better mood than you would have been. Then, over a big tasty breakfast you remember that you’re in one of the discount Manchester airport hotels (or wherever you may be) just minutes from the terminal.

There’s no stressful journey to the airport, no worrying about being late, just a relaxing morning to enjoy before popping over to the terminal and checking in. What is normally a bit of nightmare has been transformed in to a bit of a treat and the whole process until take-off will seem much simpler because you’re rested, calm and have nothing to worry about. It makes your holiday that bit more special and all it takes is a few clicks on a website like holidayextras.co.uk.

1000Fights: We want to share this guest post from Nick with www.holidayextras.co.uk. He makes such a great point and it is something that we really believe in. Getting a hotel near the airport at the beginning or end of your trip takes much of the undue stress away. Take for instance our recent trip to Venice. Getting from the islands back to the mainland is more involved than you might think. On top of just getting back across the bay, add in the time it takes to return rental car, go through security, and get rid of the left over euros that your have accumulated…this takes time! Great advice Nick. One less thing to fight about…(darn!)

Panic Packing

By The Fighting Couple on May 7, 2011 in Best of the Fighting Couple, General, Slideshowable

Avoiding Panic Packing

Weight limits, per bag charges, Overweight fees: OH I hate thee! The Art of Packing is truly becoming more critical for the frequent traveler. How do you get all of the must haves for an African Safari in tiny box the size of a lunch pail? IMPOSSIBLE! One of the biggest packing challenges we at 1000Fights.com face is our traveling tendencies. We typically travel on the “shoulder” seasons (April & May or Sept. & Oct.). Weather during these times is especially difficult to predict. You need to be prepared for every possibility. We put together a few tips and hints for your packing panicking!

Men vs. Women

The lines between how females and males pack are certainly blurred. Take Mike for instance. He is a classic overpacker (which tends to be a female trait). He wants to be prepared for every fashion eventuality! Luci on the other hand has a collection of cosmetics that would rival even the most humble Hollywood starlet. Men in general tend to pack the old stand bys Jeans, tee-shirts and flip flops. Women tend to stuff the case with every fashion combination imaginable.

Take direction from some of the best dressed travel bloggers out there:

>Vagabond Adventures– Lucie always finds the best sun dresses.

>Me and Frenchie–You can always go native. Check out their rotating header.

>My Beautiful Adventures— How could we have this list with out Andi? How does she do it?

Hints for the Hommees

Ok guys, too many of us think that a tee-shirt and jeans are the ideal travel uniform. Candidly, that can be the most comfortable for sure. But why do you go on vacation? To relax? To see great sites? Nope. You go to take pictures of yourself. A word about shoes: Pick good ones. If you are looking for mens shoes look no further. I am loyal to my Clarks Natureveldts. Luci calls the old man shoes…but they are extremely well built, comfortable and go with jeans to jacket. So…Guys, step your game up. Pack a dinner jacket. How about pants made of something other than denim?

Hints for the Femmes

A few ideas for a recent Ladies Home Journal article:

1. Assess your trip. Are you going to the beach or lake for a family vacation? The Caribbean for a romantic getaway? Europe for a sightseeing tour? Let your destination and planned activities guide your packing.

2. Accessorize! . Simple is sometimes better. Pack a few all purpose scarfs to spiff it up a bit.

3. Choose mix and match bottoms. You can get away with wearing shorts, pants, or skirts multiple times on a trip. For a weeklong beach vacation, three pairs of shorts, one skirt, and one pair of pants should be enough.

4. Location. Keep in mind that some museums, religious sites, and even some reasterants have “dress” codes. Pack accordingly.

5. Bring one dress. A simple style such as a shift in an easy shade (black always works) can be worn during the day with sandals and at night with heels. It’s particularly good to have if your plans suddenly include a dressy event.

6. Go Native. If everyone at the beach is wearing flip-flops and athletic slides, for example, strappy heels will look out of place — and stop you from feeling comfortable and enjoying your trip.

7. Keep fabric in mind. 100 percent cottons and linens wrinkle easily and require lots of ironing. Choose to bring clothing in fabrics blended with wrinkle-resistors like nylon or spandex, or pack pieces in knit and jersey.

8. Stick to neutrals. Clothing in black, white, and khaki, with a splash or red or denim thrown in, makes stylish dressing easy because it all matches, all the time.

9. Scale back on shoes. Most women bring many more pairs than they need! For casual vacations, one pair of sandals and one pair of sneakers is sufficient. Add a pair of dressy mules if you anticipate more formal evenings out.

10. Don’t forget one versatile purse. A small canvas tote can go from the beach to the boardwalk to casual dinners, and look appropriate in all places.

Backpacker vs. Luggage-ites

I am truly in awe at those folks who sell everything they own and pack a little daypack and head off to chase lamas in Peru. Perhaps my obsessive compulsive side makes me want to have things around me. There is a tiny piece of me that is jealous of those that forsake all and backpack, it goes back to my upbringing. I have a very responsible mother. So as I headed out to scouting adventures, my pack would be chock full of really helpful stuff: snake bit anti-venom, healthy snacks, rain poncho ect. Other troopers with came armed with packs full of pop-tarts and Mountain Dew soda. #jealous.

We can learn a lot from our back packer buddies. Focus on the basics. A great travel packing list was put together by >Our Traveling Circus: Not sure I want to know what unmentionables they are packing, but it is a complete list for sure. Great blog to checkout by the way. What backpackers do best is identifying what is really needed. Nothing too heavy is included.

Too many people leave the packing to the wee hours of the morning before departure. Bad idea. You are much more prone to forget something. Pick socks that don’t match. Take a little extra time and follow the advice above and you will be glad you did once you open your luggage.