Admit it -- packing for a trip is aggravating. You always overstuff your suitcase, you can't ever find anything, and then there's the fight that ensues when you and a fellow traveler lunge for the same bag at the baggage carousel. Can't traveling be easier? You bet it can. Just pick up one, two or a few of these little goodies and watch your preparation stress melt. You'll be glad you did. (All have been tested by one of our globe-trotting freelancers.)



Up Next: Best Weekender

You may just be taking off for a couple days, but that doesn't mean your clothes shouldn't be in a fun and fashionable bag. The Piper Weekender is available in Sherry, Taupe and Black, made from buttery-soft Italian washed lambskin. The bag's simplistic, but sturdy, construction make it perfect for storing your two-day travel needs, plus it has outside pockets for any trinkets you might pick up while you're out and about. Get yours for $675 at LPCollection.com.


Up Next: Best Duffel Bag

This duffel bag takes all the guesswork out of carry-on sizing -- it's perfect for stowing in overhead compartments, but doing so means you won't be able to spend your flight staring at its gorgeous vegetable-tanned bovine leather hide! The bonus is that, while sleek and stylish, the Rolling D is rugged and durable enough to survive the rigors of going from place to place. Plus, it's ambidextrous -- you can easily switch between carrying it on your shoulder or rolling it along behind you. At $1,045, it's not cheap, but it's worth it. Check it out at Brics.it.


Up Next: Best Luggage Set

Titan's incredible line of X2 luggage has it all -- German engineering, ergonomics and modern design. All of Titan's cases are made of 100% polycarbonate, a chemically-engineered material that's extremely light weight, scratch resistant, very durable, and available in many vibrant colors. The compartments and toiletries kit make an X2 case the perfect haven for overpackers. That must be why Gwen Stefani and Heidi Klum are fans! Check out Titan Luggage USA.com for more information.

Up Next: Best Laptop Bag

Laptop bags used to be lacking in any type of personality, but Abbi has changed that with the Silk Brocade. A top seller at CoolComputerBags.com, the brocade silk design is treated with a water repellant finish and features all the bells and whistles you need on the inside -- a padded sleeve for your computer, pockets for cords and cell phones, a zippered compartment and pen holders. A back pocket is perfect for storing magazines, while the gel-padded shoulder strap eases your lug-along pain. (There are also tons of great stylish choices for men, too.)
Up Next: Best Flight Necessities Bag

Tory Burch has been making fashionable pieces for years, and their tote is no exception? but judge this book by its cover and you'll short-change its functionality! The Tory Tote is great for carrying your iPod, magazines and bottled water throughout your flight, featuring a sturdy design and wide straps, making it easier for you to carry. Plus, it doubles as the perfect beach bag! The striped canvas tote is worth $225, but Tory Burch.com has other materials in stock that cost less.


Up Next: Best Sleep Accessory

This one's great for road trippers and backpackers. The Aerobed Extreme Performalite is the latest in the popular line of Aerobed products. It's ultra-light to carry and has a carrying case that makes it easy to toss in the car or stow in an overhead compartment. You'll have to wait until February 2008 to get your hands on one, but trust me -- it's well worth the wait. Visit AeroBed.com for more details and products.

Up Next: Best Baby Stroller

Bringing the kids on vacation is a joy, trying to find a way to lug everything they need on the trip isn't. That's why the Quinny Zapp is the ultimate travel stroller for those with toddlers. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, it's also the smallest folded size of any stroller on the market at 12" x 27" x 11", making it easy to stash and stow wherever you go. Available in five different colors and accompanied by its own travel bag, you can nab your own for $240 at babystyle.com.

Up Next: Best Luggage Tag

Okay, so maybe having a screaming orange bag with your name emblazoned in Swarovski crystals isn't your style -- but you still need a distinctive way to decipher your luggage. Lucky for you, there's Shutterfly Photo Luggage Tags. Made of durable plastic and bearing a photo of your choosing, this nifty little tag is a surefire way to explain to other travelers that yes, indeed, that's your bag. Don't worry about fading or scratching -- the photo is produced with a special process that ensures a vivid image designed for longevity. Get yours here.

Up Next: Best Packing Secret

Travel expert Anne McAlpin is a frequent guest on HGTV, CNN, The View and Oprah. She's put her travel expertise to work with her very own line of travel accessories. The gem of the bunch is the Packing Board, a nifty little tool to add to your suitcase that gives you a second layer for more packing room. For example, you can pack all your odds and ends below, slip in the packing board and place your neatly folded clothing on top. Or, just pack twice as many clothes. It even has a handy checklist to help you when you�re packing. Check it out at packitup.com.

Up Next: Best General Content Carrier

You know how sometimes you have stuff and you just don't know where to put it? This is the container for that. Whether it be jewelry, cosmetics or CIA documents (okay, maybe not that last one), Glamrock's Personal Case is the best thing for those things you don't know what to do with.




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