the travel goodies

We had the opportunity to visit The Travel Goods Show this week in Chicago. Browsing the world's largest travel products trade show we felt like kids in a candy shop. 300 brands with over 40,000 items was more than even we could manage, but we did see quite a few new and interesting products. There are definitely some trends afoot, with products and services reflecting the needs and desires of the customer. So with that in mind, we thought we'd share these insights with you.

WEIGHT Since the advent of check-n baggage charges, luggage, back-pack and bag folks are all about the weight. Bags like Intus Sirus Collection have built-in scales and there are also separate scales available of every type imaginable, including one that talks to you telling you how much your bag weighs. Clearly carry-on luggage is getting lighter and lighter, from parachute material to hard-side polycarbonate luggage and everything in between. Some of these bags are absolutely feather-light, and this seems to be a trend that is only just getting started. No one wants to hoist a heavy bag above their head and try to shove it into the overhead compartments in the plane. We also saw a lot more fashion-forward bags than ever - style will indeed follow function.

FEWER ITEMS Again with more and more people carrying on their luggage, the travel industry continues to invent and re-invent items to assist travelers in lessening their load. ExOfficio's travel underwear is easy to wash out in your hotel sink and quickly dries in 2-4 hours, allowing you to travel with just two pair of underwear instead of a pair for everyday. Wear one while the other is drying. Then switch for the next day. Pretty simple and great for getting rid of some bulk as well. As one tradesman told us, "bulk is the enemy." Many options of luggage come with shelves or cubes for easy packing organizing. From folding shelves that you can hang from the closet rod to removable self-contained "drawers" that you pack within your suitcase, the trend is clearly for taking your shelving with you, so that it is easy to pack, unpack and stack your items regardless of what drawer space is available at your destination. Another interesting development is the recently launched Archtek's Toothpaste Tablets. With so many people using only carry on luggage, which comes with restrictions on the size of liquid containers and paste tubes, this handy little idea is sure to strike a cord when you're taking a longer trip but need more toiletries than clothing. Simply chew the tablet, brush your teeth and rinse. No need to carry toothpaste, big tube or small. The tablets are small, lightweight and airport/airplane friendly - no water necessary.

SECURITY/SAFETY While stolen laptops and pickpockets in crowds have long been a concern of harried travelers, more recent and aggressive forms of theft, such as "slashing" where a thief simply cuts through a fabric bag and scoops up wallets, IDs, jewelry and whatever else comes tumbling through the gash, have become more prevalent in many countries. Additionally, changes in passport technology, which provide microchip information that can be read by computers have also helped thieves capitalize on unsuspecting travelers. From RFID blocking identity theft protection passport cases to PacSafe's "smart" travel gear anti-theft bags that are slashproof, snatchproof and tamperproof security is clearly top-of-mind with today's traveler. And, if you've heard the news stories about bed bugs making their way into to way more accommodations than they are expected, you'll be pleased to know that bed bugs were also a hot topic. Many companies have a variety of sprays you can use to prevent unwanted guests from returning home with you.

PORTABLE ELECTRONICS Adapters, chargers, cases, cord wranglers anything that the road weary traveler needs to keep the many gadgets charged, safe, dry and at their finger tips is available in every color and style imaginable. There was even a small electronic system called "Back 2 You" that acts as a sort of Lo-Jack for your luggage. You can put tas on your luggage and never worry about them getting lost or stolen again. There are now plenty of solar options as well, including solar USB flash drives.

In addition to a marketplace for all the products, the winners of this year's Travel Goods Association Product Innovation Awards were announced this week at the show honoring outstanding product design, community leadership and industry achievement.

First place - Thüle’s, Crossover Rolling Duffel, aluminum hardware, water-resistantant fabric make this a lightweight and durable bag. Over-sized wheels and compression straps help customize the size to your load. Heat-molded SafeZone™ compartment is crush-proof and protects electronics, eyewear and other breakable items.  You can also keep clean and dirty items separated with the divided main compartment.

Second place - Shelves-To-GO, packing made easy and fast. Hang the lightweight shelves in your closet at home and place the shelves clothes and all into the luggage. When you arrive at your destination, lift the shelves out and hang them in your closet, no unpacking, no nasty hotel drawers, nothing left behind. Packing just simply could not be easier.

Third place - Powerbag Business Class Pack, built in battery for recharging almost every type of portable electronic. Never run out of juice again with this inventive product.

Congratutions to all the winners! And remember to check out these innovative products that help you capitalize on the trends in travel goods that are bound to make your next vacation that much easier. Bon voyage!