When packing your clothes, you don’t want to neatly fold them individually as you would in a dresser. If you do, they will crease when compressed. Here are a couple of alternatives:

Rolling Your Clothes
Backpackers swear by this method. Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.

Fold Clothes Together
Take two or more garments, for example trousers, and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you’ve folded it so it’s less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.

There are many discounuted airlines out there now and their ticket prices look like a great deal but beware of the hidden costs that may be associated with them. Many of these airlines charge a fee for every bag that is checked while others are lowering their maximum permitted weight limits for checked bags.

Most airlines allow passengers one carry-on bag and one personal item, travelers headed to or passing through the U.K. may only bring one small bag through airport security checkpoints and the size restrictions are rigidly enforced. Your best bet is to check your airline’s web site as well as the TSA web site before every trip to be sure your bags are compliant with the latest rules and regulations.

Roses are the most popular of all flowers, but did you know that each color of rose has its own meaning? And when combined in an arrangement, several types of roses can convey an entire message.

This tradition dates back to Victorian times, when rose bouquets were given to convey different romantic messages throughout all stages of courtship. Use this list to send your love interest a romantic message at any stage of the dating game.

Red Rose - “I love you”
White Rose - “You’re heavenly,” “I’m worthy of you,” secrecy
Red and White Rose together - Unity
Pink Rose - Grace, Gentility
Yellow Rose - Joy, Gladness, Friendship
Coral/Orange Rose - Enthusiasm, Desire
Burgundy Rose - “Unconscious Beauty”
Pale colored Rose - Friendship
Rosebuds - “You are young and beautiful”
Red Rosebuds - “Pure and Lovely”
White Rosebuds - “Too Young to Love”
Moss Rosebuds - Confessions of Love
Withered White Rose - “You made no impression”
Hybrid Tea Rose - “I’ll remember you always”
Sweetheart Rose - “You are my sweetheart”
Single rose in full bloom - “I love you” or “I love you still”
Bouquet of Roses in full bloom - Gratitude
Two Roses wired together - an engagement or coming marriage
Any type of rose sent every month - “Beauty Ever New”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

LuggageSource has started carrying a new collection in the Samsonite Brand called Cordoba. Cordoba combines the superior technology, durability, function, innovation and style of the Samsonite brand to give you everything you’d expect from the world’s premier travel accessory and luggage company. Great design, superior detailing and clever functionality. All wrapped up in a package that is ultimately light.

With this collection we are making a special offer. If you buy 2 or more Samsonite Cordoba then you receive this free matching tote.

LuggageSource has started carrying a new collection in the Samsonite Brand called Solana. Solana is a collection that takes Samsonite’s 98 year history of innovation, intelligent thinking, functionality and practicality to a new standard. Delivering an exceptionally lightweight, clever collection that features smart packaging solutions and supreme organization all wrapped in a stylish package.

With this collection we are making a special offer. If you buy 2 or more Samsonite Solana then you receive this free matching tote.

LuggageSource has started carrying a new collection in the Samsonite Brand called Xion 2. The Samsonite X’ion Collection gives you the freedom to travel in style. Every Samsonite Suitcase is durable and beautifully designed. And their spinner mobility makes Samsonite Luggage more than a piece of luggage—it’s a virtual closet on wheels.

With this collection we are making a special offer. If you buy 2 or more Samsonite Xion2 then you receive this free matching tote.

As reported on Friday, December 28, 2007 there are new limits to carrying lithium batteries on aircrafts.

New US DOT Hazmat Safety Rule to Place Lithium Battery Limits in Carry-on Baggage on Passenger Aircraft Effective January 1, 2008

Passengers will no longer be able to pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage beginning January 1, 2008 once new federal safety rules take effect. The new regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags.

Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries (see attached illustration), such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage.

“Doing something as simple as keeping a spare battery in its original retail packaging or a plastic zip-lock bag will prevent unintentional short-circuiting and fires,” said Krista Edwards, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Lithium batteries are considered hazardous materials because they can overheat and ignite in certain conditions. Safety testing conducted by the FAA found that current aircraft cargo fire suppression system would not be capable of suppressing a fire if a shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries were ignited in flight.

“This rule protects the passenger,” said Lynne Osmus, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assistant administrator for security and hazardous materials. “It’s one more step for safety. It’s the right thing to do and the right time to do it.”

In addition to the new rule, PHMSA is working with the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the battery and airline industries, airline employee organizations, testing laboratories, and the emergency response communities to increase public awareness about battery-related risks and developments.

Ever heard of the TSA and wondered what they are or what they do?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a U.S. government agency that was created after September 11, 2001.

The TSA is a component of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for security of the nation’s transportation systems. With state, local and regional partners, the TSA oversees security for highways, railroads, buses, mass transit systems, ports, and 450 U.S. airports.

A Transportation Security Officer (TSO) is a federal employee of the Transportation Security Administration tasked with performing security screening of persons and property at airport terminals and baggage areas. The primary function of a Transportation Security Officer is to prevent all prohibited/dangerous objects from being transported onto aircrafts.

Curious how long you might be waiting at the security checkpoint at your local airport? TSA has compiled data to assist you in planning your next flight. The wait times may vary depending on factors including weather delays which result in increased passengers.

When calculating arrival time, remember to build in time for non-security related issues, including parking, and checking in with your airline. Please consult your airline and airport for additional guidance on arrival time.

When looking at the handles & straps of your luggage opt for recessed handles if at all possible. They are less likely to break or incur any other sort of damage. They also allow the luggage to be stored easier. Shoulder straps should be padded at the point where they rest on your shoulders. They should be wide for more comfort and durability. Also, keep extra shoulder straps for your luggage on hand. They do break, and not having a backup can make the luggage hard to carry.