*By Libby Roach*
One of my favourite things about travel is the planning. The burning desire to drop everything and jettison the daily grind is a constant temptation, but I much prefer the preparation: organizing and packing all the necessities into one tidy bundle, folding our belongings carefully into luggage, assembling all the gear and getting it all in one place is almost as exciting as the roar of the airplane when we finally take off. I thrive off the buildup — trips often blur by in a blink of an eye, the pre-plan routine becomes part and parcel of the holiday itself — which in my glass-half-full view makes the one week away more like a ten day vacation! As soon as the holiday is over, bags unpacked, sunburn still peeling, I’m often already pre-planning the next destination.
Luggage looms in my closet, practically goading me into the next trip. I keep my bags close at hand, stowed in my closet, just in enough eye sight to keep my wanderlust in check. Fortunately for me, my luggage channels that cheerful vibe, the American Tourister Air Force 1 suitcase acts as a bright backdrop to my closet and itinerary- colourful and fun, and ready to go at the drop of a hat! The bright blue colour reminds me of turquoise waters from trips past, with a gradient blue reminiscent of coastal waters, dipping and dropping off in depths, a cascade of colour that this vibrant luggage echoes.
Anything but boring, the Air Force 1 is easy on the eyes and on my back too (it’s the most lightweight piece of luggage I’ve ever owned). The four spinner style double-wheels make navigating airports a breeze and separate compartments keep my smelly shoes separate from my socks. The bag is well equipped with a TSA lock, which means my stuffed travel buddy arrives safe and sound too.
When the plane finally hits the tarmac, the battle to get the bags begins! Basic black may work for some, but spotting the burst of blue trickling down on the carousel always puts a spring in my step, no matter how long the flight (or how many times my seat was kicked!). Two handles make the Airforce 1 suitcase easy to grab, no fumbling around and missing it, or worse: asking a fellow passenger for help! Because it’s so lightweight it’s also an easy piece to grab, even when it’s stuffed with souvenirs! The bag boasts a double zipper which allows the Air Force 1 to expand — perfect for longer trips!
Durability doesn’t take a back seat to the function or style either. The American Tourister Air Force 1 is rugged and ready for battle, living up to its action-inspired name. This piece of luggage can take whatever travel woes get dished out, no matter the turbulence. Never drab, this bag echoes my personality and my travel plans, vibrant, bright and maybe a little adventurous! And best of all, it comes in at a price point that still allows me to actually book my next trip!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Samsonite Canada. All opinions are 100% mine.
17 Comments
alice Ford
March 29, 2017 at 10:22 amGlad you have found your favorite travel bag. I am still searching for mine. My most recent carry on is slightly too big and one of the wheels fell off after 3 months.
Solmaz
March 29, 2017 at 10:44 amOh no!! Def not good. Good wheels are sooo important!! My previous carry-on was also slightly too big. They need to be more flex around that.
Justine Cross
March 29, 2017 at 11:35 amI adore the planning part of a trip too! It’s the best way to combat the post-travel blues, knowing you’re off somewhere else and can get on with planning the next trip. By the way, this suitcase does look pretty cool – a lovely blue! I definitely need something more lightweight than my current luggage, so I’m on the lookout for recommendations like this one.
Solmaz
March 29, 2017 at 1:57 pmLightweight is KEY — I’ve had so many heavy suitcases in the past. Frustrating when they’re too heavy for the airline 🙁
Katie
March 29, 2017 at 4:52 pmOne of my favorite things about travel is planning as well! It gets me excited about where I’m going and what’s unique to that place. Sounds like a lovely suitcase!
Solmaz
March 30, 2017 at 10:44 amThe anticipation and excitement during the planning phase is so fun!
Jamie
March 29, 2017 at 8:37 pmI love your writing: Luggage looms in my closet, practically goading me into the next trip…it’s so true! This luggage looks amazing, wonderful review.
Solmaz
March 30, 2017 at 10:49 amI will relay your kind words to Libby 🙂 Thanks Jamie!
Cass
March 30, 2017 at 12:16 amThis suitcase looks so cute! I love the colour and the face that it is light weight. I had the airlines break two of my bags so I could probably benefit from getting a bag like this. haha Great job!
Solmaz
March 30, 2017 at 10:51 amOh no!! I hate when airlines do that 🙁 I’m in love with the gradient blue colour too — def a piece that’s easy to spot at baggage claim!
Melissa
March 30, 2017 at 11:03 amI love the planning part too–not only packing, but deciding what you want to do every day, researching cool photo spots, all of it! Also love the bright blue bag, that would be pretty hard to miss at baggage claim!
Solmaz
March 30, 2017 at 11:27 amI find it soooo hard to decide what to do — since I love EVERYTHING. But I have mastered the art of packing: less is more and this suitcase is just the right size.
Daniele
March 30, 2017 at 12:06 pmI love the pre trip time too – so much delightful research, so much possibility!
Carola
March 30, 2017 at 11:26 pmPersonally, I’m more of a backpacker because I love stepping out of the airport or train station or bus station or off a boat and just walking into town rather than having to pull something behind me, constantly tripping over every ledge and straightening my suitcase up again.
But I am glad you found a trusted travel partner! And I agree: Colorful and individual is better than black and jumping at every single bag coming into sight just to be disappointed… 😉
Happy continued travels!
C
Solmaz
March 31, 2017 at 8:46 amI travelled many countries in Europe with a backpack! Def convenient for certain trips — especially adventurous ones. But I now mostly travel with spinners and find it so much easier on my body since they glide so easily (before the wheels used to suck!!). Happy travels to you too!!
Serena
March 31, 2017 at 5:40 amI totally get that pre-packing rush too! Also excellent point about making your bag stand out – every time I go through the torment of locating my unidentifiable bag at the carousel I promise myself I’ll get a new one, or atleast put a whopping sticker on it! After seeing your blue beauty I think I need to take action.
Solmaz
March 31, 2017 at 8:47 amHaha me too! For years I’ve watched my black luggage circle round and round. It’s def great to have a colour like this one — won’t miss it!!