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April 27, 2015

Meet the 5 Perfect Carry-On Bags

For me, the perfect carry-on bag has to be compact, versatile and stylish. It needs to be roomy enough to hold all of my essentials but small enough to actually fit in the overhead compartment, especially since space comes at a premium on flights these days. Below, you’ll find five perfect bags for any type of traveler. Whether you like to pack sparingly or need something that’ll hold a hefty portion of your wardrobe, there’s an option for you. And, when you shop for any of them through Ebates, you’ll be earning Cash Back.

The Take-Anywhere Tote

If you like to travel light, the Tumi Voyageur M-Tote is the carry-on bag for you. Roomy and stylish, this tote has a 13″ laptop pocket, one zip pocket and three open pockets for storing chargers, headphones and other accessories. If you learn how to roll your clothes, you can fit at least two outfits in this carry-on, which makes it ideal for quick business trips or a compact way to carry your essentials.

Tumi Voyageur M-Tote
from Tumi Luggage
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The Do-It-All Duffel

The bag I reach for the most, for any sort of travel plans, is my Chrome Industries Surveyor duffel bag. I have the predecessor to this model, and it’s a tank. I’ve taken it on dozens of flights, weekend trips and camping adventures. I even used it as a cooler for oysters and beer once when I lived in the Bay Area. Chrome has made some nice upgrades with the addition of a strap and interior organization. There’s even an added shoe compartment. It’s crafted from ballistic nylon, which is incredibly tough, so it can handle being squished into an overhead bin with ease. After years of abuse, my bag still looks brand-new.

Chrome Industries Surveyor Duffel Bag
from eBags
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The Weekend Workhorse

A weekender bag is a must-have in your carry-on luggage arsenal. This one from Vera Bradley has a classic profile and plenty of room for all of your staples. Vera Bradley says it can hold anywhere from four to six outfits. It can also double as your go-to bag when you’re not flying, which makes it a fantastic investment. I particularly like the navy colorway, but there are four additional colors to choose from if navy’s not your thing.

Iconic Weekender Travel Bag
from Vera Bradley
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The Compact Compartment

How many times have you boarded a plane only to find that the overhead storage is completely full? It happens to me all the time, which is why I often reach for something like this under-seat bag. Sure, it’s not as roomy as other carry-on luggage, but it’ll get the job done if you pack smart like I mentioned earlier. If you find that the overhead compartments are full, simply slip this bag under your seat, sit back, relax and enjoy your flight.

Eco-Glide Wheeled Underseater Carry On
from eBags
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The Certified Classic

There’s something to be said for a classic, and this spinner suitcase from Samsonite is a modern take on a tried and true design. It’s expandable, so you’ll be able to fit much more in this bag than you would the other picks above, but it still complies with carry-on luggage rules, so you’ll be all clear when you board. Simple, sleek and stylish. What more could you ask for?

Hyperspace XLT 30-inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase
from Overstock.com
Buy Now

February 26, 2015

Packing for the Perfect Spring Weekend Trip

There’s nothing better than getting out of town for a fun springtime weekend trip. The weather is getting warmer and it’s nice to soak up some sun after the long winter. While most of us would love to be on a perma-vacation, it probably won’t happen any time soon. Instead, focus on making the vacation’s that you do have flawless.

To execute the perfect weekend getaway, it all boils down to planning. Planing what you’re going to do, what you want to see, what you are going to wear, the places you want to eat, and maybe a little room for spontaneity thrown into the mix. But perhaps the most essential component of planning for your weekend trip? Packing! We’ve put together a quick guide to help you pack confidently for your perfect weekend trip.

1. A Medium Sized Travel Bag
The first thing you need for your weekend trip is the bag to fit everything. A solid, durable weekend travel bag is essential. Save yourself the hassle of checking a bag and get something small enough to fit into an overhead compartment, lightweight enough to carry on stairs, and light enough to take in and out of a car trunk. The TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible from eBags is perfect for a short trip. With 7 colors available and tons of room (without being bulky) this bag will allow you to pack it all and go with ease.

2. The Lightweight Sweater
No matter what the season, a versatile lightweight sweater is a must. If the air conditioning is up too high on the flight, if its start to cool down at night, or for fashionable layering, your sweater is bound to come in handy. J. Crew has great sweaters and the Relaxed Merino Wool Sweater comes in an array of colors to choose from.

3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
This one should be a given, but it must be mentioned. Whenever you travel, you’re going to active, and that means doing more walking than you normally would. You don’t have to wear sneakers for the entire weekend, but you’ll want to bring along a pair of shoes that can be dressed up or dressed down for the occasion, and you won’t mind walking around in all day. Keds are classic as well as versatile, but the Champion Eyelet version from OnlineShoes takes them up another notch on the fashion scale.

4. A Button Down
A solid button down is a good go-to piece for both men and women. Arguably the most flexible piece of clothing you can bring, a button down can be styled in an endless number of ways from heading to a nice restaurant for dinner, going out at night, or just kicking around during the day. The chambray shirt is perfect for both men and women alike and this Levi’s Workwear Boyfriend Chambray Shirt from Nordstrom is easy to style with multiple outfits.

5. Dark Jeans
A nice pair of dark jeans is another essential if you’re aiming for versatility. The staple piece in any casual wardrobe, they’re the perfect thing to thrown on and head out the door, so you won’t be wasting any time on your short trip. Most people already have a pair of dark jeans but if you’re looking for a new pair, the Demi Curve Skinny Jeans from Levi’s are flattering and classic.

Pack these weekend trip essentials and you’ll have everything you need for a great time!

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February 25, 2015

Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

No working from home
No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

Visit your local museums
Check out your local library for activities
Root for your favorite major or minor league team
Have a board game tournament
Camp in the backyard
Catch a show at your local theater
Tour a local brewery
Take a painting or pottery class
Visit a local park
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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February 24, 2015

Travel Essentials: 11 Items to Make Any Trip Easier

Whether you are a solo adventurer or you’re traveling with your entire tribe, getting away has its hassles. From sensible packing to keeping little ones happy (and yourself from going insane), this ultimate list of travel essentials eliminates your questions on what to pack and guarantees smooth sailing during your next “bon voyage.”

1. SHOLDIT Infinity Wrap Purse
Forget fanny packs or even the hidden ones you strap under your clothes. How uncomfortable does that sound? Instead, carry your small essentials with easy access and stay in style with this infinity scarf-turned-purse.

2. Prince Lionheart Backseat Organizer & Kickmat
Long car rides with toddles can wreak havoc on the backs of your seats. This kickmat and organizer protects your upholstery with one easy install.

3. Snack and Play Travel Tray
Another must-have for family road trips, this travel tray will keep everything your little one needs within arm’s reach to reduce the need for pull-overs or dangerous reaching behind your seat.

4. Triangular Crayons
Whether you’re in a plane, train, or automobile, these crayons will not roll away so your kids can keep creating while you get closer to your destination.

5. Travel Jewelry Case
We’ve all opened a suitcase to reveal a tangled mess of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that we have to spend precious vacation minutes untangling. Avoid this time suck with a small and simple travel jewelry case with multiple compartments and ample protective cushioning.

6. Foldable Water Bottles
That hefty plastic water bottle is great when it’s full, but takes up precious cargo room when it’s empty. These foldable bottles are reusable and roll up for easy storage when not in use.

7. EarPlanes Flight Ear Plugs
The change in air pressure on flights can be painful for tiny ears. These ear plugs relieve the pressure and reduce harsh noise naturally with their exclusive CeramX Filter.

8. Tegu Blocks
Perfect for babies and toddlers, these wooden blocks are magnetic, making them hard to slip out of little hands.

9. Travel Compression Bags
There is really no other way to pack your clothes than with compression vacuum bags. The space they take up otherwise is just ridiculous, especially if you’re planning a long trip and don’t want to deal with a Laundromat.

10. Car Seat Transporter
Car seats are heavy and bulky but can easily roll along with this simple car seat transporter. You can even strap your little one in if you need to run and catch that next flight.

11. Colorescience Powdered Sunblock
Putting on extra sunblock on the go is always a sticky ordeal. This light and airy powdered sun protection goes in on a flash so you can get back to your getaway.

What are some items you never travel without? Let us know in the comments below!

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December 1, 2014

Win a Free Flight from Orbitz

The holidays will be over before your know it and we’re thinking between all the shopping and wrapping and baking and eating, a little recuperation will be in order. Why not let Orbitz take you away?

Our friends at Orbitz are ready to help you kick your new year off with a free plane ticket to the getaway destination of your choice. Whether you’re dying to get your tan on in the Caribbean or simply just want to visit grandma, Orbitz can get you there for exactly zero dollars.

Orbitz is offering 1 flight voucher for EITHER travel in the US48/Canada OR from the continental US to Mexico/Caribbean valued at $580.

How To Enter The Orbitz Giveaway:

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Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

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