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USA Today Travel News Aug. 10, 2007 If 'smart' carry-ons are your bag By Jayne Clark, USA TODAY Fifty years after he wrote the guidebook that got Americans packing their bags, Europe on $5 a Day author Arthur Frommer has lent his name to a line of luggage. That's not to suggest he's actually designing suitcases. But Frommer, 78, does have some common-sense packing advice. "Packing is the key to smart travel," he says. Frommer's preference: one medium-size bag to check, plus a small carry-on for in-flight essentials. Many seasoned travelers — including USA TODAY's Jayne Clark — are devotees of the basic 21- or 22-inch carry-on. She looks at several new models, including the Frommer namesake. Frommer's Luggage 21-inch suiter trolley:Price: $79.99 Who'll like it: Those who go for lots of built-in features. It has a removable suiter panel, a vinyl zippered compartment and three mesh pockets, plus three exterior pockets. Who won't: The fashion-conscious. The bag lacks a sleek look. FIND MORE STORIES IN: Halliburton | Jayne Clark | Arthur Frommer | Leslie Smith Information: Available through ebags.com by mid- to late August. SkyRoll on Wheels: Price: $199 Who'll like it: Travelers who pack suits or dresses. The ingenious roll-aboard has a multipocket garment bag that wraps around the suitcase to prevent creases and attaches with Velcro. An easy-access top compartment has an organizer for credit cards, cellphone and other devices and is roomy enough for bulky items such as shoes or a toiletry kit. The main compartment holds foldable items. Who won't: Pack rats. To accommodate for the bulk of the wrap-around garment bag, the core suitcase is smaller than a standard carry-on. Information: skyroll.comZero Halliburton's Polycarbonate Zeroller Price: $275 Who'll like it: Fans of hard-sided luggage who want to lighten up. This variation of the manufacturer's classic aluminum model is made of polycarbonate — a fancy name for hard plastic — which makes it lighter (the 21-inch bag weighs about 9 pounds) and somewhat expandable. It also has a built-in, TSA-approved lock. Who won't: Travelers who count on soft-sided bags with more give that allows them to cram in lots of stuff. |