It’s all about the bag

What does your travel luggage say about you? I saw some pretty weird bags on my recent trip to Europe and it got me thinking. All those people you pass in the airport – next time take a moment and check out the type of bag they have. There is some pretty weird stuff out there.

Now before I even think of criticizing someone else I have to be honest and say that my travel luggage is a bit lame. First of all my husband and I have matching wheeled carry-on bags. Seriously? Matching. No, not matching – they are identical. How nerdy is that? To make matters worse I had luggage labels made for us and thought it would be a great idea to have the name of my agency on the labels – a bit of advertising you know? Mind you I don’t know who I thought would be booking a world cruise with me while I was trotting through Munich airport – but whatever!

Back to the labels – there is my poor husband walking around with a suitcase labeled “The Travel Lady”. Yep, I didn’t think that one through very well. And then I always travel with a backpack until just recently on my Seabourn cruise. Air Canada lost my suitcase so all I had was my backpack. My Seabourn colleague was appalled. What the hell is this travelling with a backpack – you are not going hiking are you, he laughed as he stood there in his impeccable sports coat, rollaway suitcase and leather briefcase. Mmm, maybe he had a point. I might score an upgrade if I had to dress up a bit.

The thing that makes me laugh the most is how popular the old fanny pack has become. This useful bag evolved into the not cool old person’s way to carry their tickets and passport around.

But hey – suddenly the fanny pack is super popular – but you have to know how to wear it. Not around your waist but slung across your chest. Seems to defeat the object of the exercise. Like this one. This is a pickpocket’s delight. I just don’t see the point.

Then you see all those crazy suitcases with funny pictures on the front. I guess it makes sense when you stand by the luggage carousel – at least you can see it coming a mile away (that’s if it actually arrives at your destination!) And if you think you might have to do a sleepover at the airport – well there is a bag for that too!

And how about this rolling suitcase – looks alright I guess but imagine getting that into the overhead bin

Can you imagine the flight attendant’s face coming on board with this? Would she be able to stop laughing? And if you hate unpacking – well here you go baby – problem solved!