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Luggage

25 Packing Tips from Travel Experts


By Kat Tancock

For many of us, packing for a trip comes second only to unpacking as the most painful aspect of travel. But could it be that our technique needs some work? We gathered 25 tips from packing experts to help make your travels more bearable—before, during and after. (more…)

12 Stylish Suitcases You Can’t Lose on the Conveyor Belt

Recently, we overheard a woman at baggage claim relaying a sob story to an airline attendant: she had mistakenly taken the wrong suitcase and now hers was nowhere to be found. The luggage in question: a nondescript black roller exactly like 90 percent of everything ever wheeled through the revolving airport doors. (more…)

Hot Shopping: Beautiful Baggage

Classic cases from Betty Hemmings Leathergoods

High-flyers, leave your mismatched bags at home and head to Betty Hemmings Leathergoods for top-quality weekend bags, suitcases and attachés. The red-hot Centenary Collection (pictured) has been Queen Elizabeth’s go-to luggage since 1947.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

BETTY HEMMINGS LEATHERGOODS 415 Hornby St. 778-329-4321. www.bettyhemmings.com

Hot Shopping: Fly Me to the Moon

These unique luggage tags depicting Vancouver scenes are a fun souvenir. Photo by Caroline Toth

Celebs are always at their best while travelling—so what’s your excuse? Start with travel charms from Tiffany & Co. to spruce up your outfit, tuck no-name carry-on inside a luxe tote from Louis Vuitton and make sure everyone knows the drool-worthy bag is yours with luggage tags from Casa (pictured). Each tag captures an iconic spot on the West Coast in an art print.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: German Engineering


German über-brand Rimowa says “guten tag” to Canada by opening its first Canadian flagship store in chi-chi Yorkville. Since 1898, the family-owned company has been a leading manufacturer of lightweight aluminum suitcases with a distinctive groove pattern. In 2000, Rimowa debuted a polycarbonate series of luggage, revolutionizing the industry. Traditionally used for airplane panels, the shock-proof and resilient material means dents are a temporary nuisance—after taking a beating, it regains its original form. Each of the company’s carryalls is composed of 200 individual parts and can take up to 90 steps to put together. Open daily. 101 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2644.

Hot Shopping: Gear Up

High-performing, high-quality gear is available at Mountain Equipment Co-Op

With Canada’s rugged landscape, it’s little wonder one of our largest sporting equipment stores started in Vancouver. Find apparel and gear for every conceivable adventure, including watersports, cycling, skiing, climbing and hiking, at Mountain Equipment Co-Op, a local institution since 1971. The store stocks kayaks, luggage and backpacks (pictured), too.—Kristina Urquhart