While most of us rely on cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, discounttravel deals, and cheap vacation packages,sometimes even cheap travelers decide to splurge when it comes to selectingtheir luggage.
Luggage no longer is just a place to store and transferyour stuff. Now there are bags that cancharge cell phones and weigh themselves and even double as scooters.
The following are some of the more interesting pieces ofluggage being developed, according to Karina Martinez-Carter:
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Fuguluggage, priced from $250, starts as a carry on size bag that can expand to afull size suitcase. It weights under 10pounds and comes with built in shelves. This bag can double as a tabletop and is viewed by some users as atotable dresser.
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RaceCase, priced from $599, enables its owners to scoot around on theirluggage. This carry-on from Suitsupplyis made from Italian calf leather and doubles as a scooter.
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Bluesmart,priced from $399, claims to be the worlds first smart, connected luggage. Using the Bluesmart app you can track all ofyour travel data as well as lock your Bluesmart suitcase, track it, receivenotifications when it is nearby, and weigh your bag. Owners can also charge their cell phones viaa USB port on the suitcase.
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Modobagis a motorized, rideable suitcase. Unfortunately funding of this bag closed on Kickstarter without raisingthe desired funds so actual production is a ways off.
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ShelfPack,priced from $350, markets itself as a revolutionary suitcase with integratedshelves. It comes with a built inretractable shelving unit. This bag hasfour built in shelves and sturdy retractable supports to keep its shelvesstable. These shelves drop into the basewhen transformed into a bag. Itsretractable trolley handle is externally mounted.
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CoolpedsUSA Briefcase Scooter priced from $599 comes with a motor that can transportits owner at up to 12.5 miles per hour. It comes in a standard carry-on size and weighs a less than 18pounds. A solar panel model is supposedto be available soon.
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Barracuda,starts at $260, and is a hard size, durable bag that folds up almost to thesize of a binder within ten seconds. Fully expanded it offers a number of useful features, including a USBcharging port and location tracking. Itshandle is ergonomic.
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OrionMobile Luggage Advertising Billioboard offers to pay roundtrip baggage fees inexchange for toting around luggage that doubles as a billboard. Orion sends members two shiny hard cases, a21 inch for carry on and 29 inch for check in, wrapped in advertising forcompanies such as Geico and Verizon. These bags come with a charging station, GPS locator, digital scale, anda luggage tampering alert system.
Membership costs $19.99 per year, with thefirst six months free. The service canbe used up to six times per year. Whilesome travelers may balk at toting around advertising on their bags, at leastsuch luggage is easy to spot on a baggage carousel.
www.cheapfares.com