Sunny Travel Companion

This cheery baggage accompanied me all the way across the Atlantic to Western Europe, three years ago. Looking at it now, it got a bit beat up. There are black marks on it (Yuck), but otherwise, it is no worse for the wear. The suggested retail price was $400.00.

A shopping-smart relative of mine saw it at her favorite store, TJ Maxx, and snatched it up right away to give to me. I don't remember the price she got it for, but trust me on this: it was for a deep discount.

It's made with 22 ounce industrial-grade cotton canvas with virtually indestructible webbing. Canvas isn't my favorite material. It feels rough and gets dirty easily.

There is a locking handle at the top that is still in working order. When I use this handle to guide my suitcase around, it makes the case feel weightless. It turns corners very easily. When I use the fixed leather grip at the top of the case to lift it, it feels medium-heavy. This was done when nothing was in the suitcase.

I like this piece of luggage a lot. The color (Taxi cab yellow) has personality and it stands out on the airport carousel.