Papa's Got a Brand New Bag

I got a new travel bag by Jack Georges and it is awesome. I did not get the kind with the zero radius turn. Instead I opted for the carry on luggage with the recessed wheels that will store comfortably in the overhead bin. These won't get hung up and keep the bin doors from closing. These wheels will allow for easy stowing and simple closing.

The front pocket unzips and is large enough to fit a change of clothes complete with shirt, pants underwear socks and a pair of dress shoes. Or, I could put a few pairs of shirts and fit a couple of pair of shoes snug without increasing the outside dimensions of the suitcase.

The exterior is high quality crushed leather. Durable and sensible, it should handle most bumping and scraping in stride. The carry handle is leather and the tote handle (for pulling in wheeled mode) is sturdy. When deployed there no give or free play. The zippers are high quality YKK. Inside is enough room for several changes of clothing including a few pair of shoes. The exterior dimensions are only 22 inches long and has an additional compartment for a suit. The thing is small on the outside, but like Dr. Who's Tardis on the inside.

Hand crafted and sturdy quality make the Jack Georges a great buy. Plus, I bought the Hilton hopper bag with my Hilton Honors card and now I'm well on my way to Diamond Status; booya!

Hilton Hopper's Packing List-Pack for Dress Success

While in the army, I learned to do one thing well, pack for maximum effect. I made good use of little space to be able to carry uniforms and civilian clothes to all points of the world. Sometimes that meant carrying multiple bags during major moves or just a quick back for short trips and vacations.

For best packing, select a duffle or carryon suitcase that you know will fit in the overhead bin. Currently, a 45” bag is accepted on all flights. A 45” bag is usually constructed of a 22" x 14" x 9". Plenty big enough for a three or four day journey, working travel or vacation. Keep in mind that you can carry other personal items such as purses or laptops bags. This will help you maximize carrying space and give you more convenience. For example, you won’t have to go into your stowed carry on if you have your personal item (laptop) under your seat.

Make sure the carryon bag is constructed well. Zero degree turn radius and smoothly rolling wheels are a plus, but do what your budget can afford. The last thing you want is for your bag to slow you down while negotiating a long and busy last minute gate change or flight delay.

Pack for effect. Since you might be Hilton hopping, you should be able to live out of your bag. No need to unpack your suitcase every night if you pack right. Some helpful suggestions include:

Pack mix and match cloths. Blue or black pants and business khaki trousers are great. Pack complimenting shirts and ties and you can reduce your volume. For example, wear navy pants and blue striped shirt on Monday’s travel day, Tuesday wear Khaki pants and white shirt, Wed wear Monday’s pants and green shirt, and Thursday wear Tuesday’s pants and Monday’s shirt. On Friday’s travel day, wear anything you want. You’ve just got five days of wear from two pants and three shirts. With a little experience and confidence you can probably cut it down.

Protect dress clothes with plastic. You can use dry clean plastic backs to pack your clothes. Wrapping in something like a plastic bag or cardboard gift box can protect your business and casual wardrobe. You can line layers of clothing with bags to prevent wrinkling.

Wear one pair and pack one pair of shoes. Make sure you have a good pair of shoes for recreation or casual dining. If you like to work out, the second pair of shoes can be athletic.  If you decide to pack more shoes, just remember, shoes can be filled with socks and other small packing articles

Bring a bathing suit or workout clothes. You don’t need more than two outfits depending on how much you like to work out. Make sure they are the kind that dry quickly. That way you can easily pack as they dry overnight. Working out while Hilton hopping may need to be done at night so your clothes have a chance to dry before being re-packed. If not, pack them in a plastic bag and be sure to unpack them when you check into your next room.

Viola, pack right and you too can be ready for Hilton hopping.