Their smiles were contagious, and their travel stories were fascinating.
I was inspired by a handful of travelers we met in Guatemala earlier this year–after I discovered that they had saved their money and were spending a year just traveling the world. Sure, I’d take a year of traveling around Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America!
It hasn’t been realistic for us to go on an extended trip like that. But I couldn’t resist entering my name into a sweepstakes recently for a chance to win hundreds of thousands of airline miles–more than enough for a trip around the world. (In case you’re wondering, I’m not holding my breath on that one.)
Sometimes, I still let myself daydream about going on that kind of grand adventure. I even did a little research, looking at lightweight travel clothing and trying to figure out what kind of luggage would work best. I already have a large backpack and a small suitcase, which are great, but the luggage above would probably work even better for a trip that involved changing planes regularly. First of all, it’s small enough to carry on board, so it could prevent the nightmare of an airline losing my bag the day before I fly somewhere else. Secondly, it has a detachable backpack, which could be used for day trips or short overnight trips. Thirdly, it can be wheeled or carried as a backpack, depending on what’s needed each day. And the main section opens up like a suitcase. I’m not stuck on this particular Eagle Creek backpack, but I like the combination of all of these features in one piece of luggage.
Probably the most interesting (okay, weirdest) piece of luggage that I found was this thing called a Dixon Rollerpack. Basically, you put together the aluminum frame, attach it to your waist, and wheel your luggage behind you. I could see how it might be easier on the back for certain hiking trips, but I can’t imagine pulling this through a city.
Right now, I’m happy with the luggage that I have, but every once in a while, I enjoy doing a little research. Just in case. After all, I don’t want to be unprepared for the email telling me that I’ve won all those airline miles.
