Ten Summer Travel Items for Business or Pleasure

As summer is now in full swing, last minute business and pleasure travel plans are sure to pop up. What to take and in what to take it? Here is my summer travel goods round-up for the current best picks of the season. Whether you are headed out for a business or pleasure trip, for a weekend or a week, these are your go-to items to keep you comfortable, organized and your travel stress-free:

1. The Bigger Carry-On with Ejectable Battery by Away

For those who like hard side carry-on spinners, this 22-inch carry-on has it all. A polycarbonate shell renders it virtually indestructible, so much so that Away guarantees it will last a lifetime. Fabulously, there’s an ejectable, TSA-approved battery near the handle so you can always stay connected and a mesh bag tucked inside with worldwide adaptors. The interior is smartly designed with a compression system and hidden laundry bag. It can also be personalized with your initials making me truly smitten with this spinner. MSRP $245.

2. The Weekender by Away

This smart weekend bag is so durable it may be the last weekend bag you ever need to buy. Made from tough cotton canvas with a leather bottom, trim and accents, it has a hidden computer pocket, internal compartments and zippered sections as well as exterior zippered sections and key fob to keep everything snugly in place. A lined exterior compartment lets you hideaway surprises or shoes and a thick rear strap easily secures to any wheelie bag. MSRP $245.

3. Sausalito Rolling Duffel by Ricardo Beverly Hills

If you are traveling on a small plane – think African safari or Arctic polar bear expedition ­– or taking any other mode of transport where you need lightweight, pliable luggage with wheels that can carry plenty, the Sausalito Weekender is perfect. At just 4.5-pounds with in-line wheels and a telescopic handle, maneuvering is a snap. The interior has a zippered section, two pockets and is so roomy, that on a recent trip ­­– to see those polar bears – I was able to easily stuff a week’s worth of clothes and shoes. MSRP $119.99.

4. Sausalito Compact Rolling Carry-On by Ricardo Beverly Hills

At only 4.9-pounds, the Sausalito Small Carry-On is light but heavy on features. Three exterior pockets perfect for an umbrella, book, water bottle and/or tablet. Also a spacious interior with mesh zippered compartments and water-resistant zip pouch that might make the TSA people actually like you. Perhaps not, but with lockable zippers, in-line wheels and trolley strap to slide onto a larger carry-on, you’ll sail through the airport. MSRP $119.99.

5. Silhouette 16 Underseat Wheeled Carry-On by Samsonite

This underseater weighs 6.75-pounds and is spacious enough for all business essentials, a couple of outfits, shoes, computer and toiletry bag and even has a built-in USB port so you’ll never run out of juice. If going on a longer trip, it has a heavy-duty rear strap that easily fits snugly over a full size wheeled carry-on telescope handle giving travelers the best of both worlds. Eight different handle adjustments means that those vertically challenged among us will be happy. MSRP $209.99.

6. Encompass Convertible Weekend Duffel by Samsonite

This practical, versatile woman’s Encompass bag is made from an elegant water-resistant fabric and can be used cross body, handheld or as a shoulder bag. It has plenty of pockets to keep your travel items organized and has a hideaway trolley strap if taking additional luggage. Best of all, there is a separate zippered bottom compartment for gym clothes, laundry or a few pairs of shoes. MSRP $260.00.

7. Sassiest Pant Skirt by Betabrand

These sassy pants have the comfort and feel of high-end yoga pants, but possess an elegant skirt overlay, so it can be dressed up with heals to head to the office or a night on the town or dressed down with flats for a long overseas flight. They’re wrinkle-resistant and easy to wash. If you’re a traveler aiming to stay chic on the road, this is most certainly the one item that once you try, you will not leave home without. MSRP $88.

8. Skyler Travel Pants by Anatomie

For those wanting something other than leggings and jeggings, Anatomie’s Skyler travel pants are a wrinkle-resistant, Uber-thin, stretchy marvel to add to your travel wardrobe. Much dressier than leggings, yet equally as comfortable, they can be worn on safaris, outback expeditions or adventure travel, or dressed up and worn to work or out to dinner. In black, white, navy, khaki and gray, they are curve-hugging, wash easily and dry quickly. They run small, so order a size up. MSRP $225.

9. Valencia Four-Piece Travel Set by Aimee Kestenberg

So many little things and nowhere to put them? This multi-colored pebbled leather four-piece stashes jewelry, vitamins, electronic cords and gadgets and anything else you want to take securely in style. Soft interior, zip-around cases make packing them up easy. MSRP $99.00.

10. Set of Three Packing Cubes by TravelOn

Every traveler knows packing cubes are key to space saving. This three piece is color size differentiated and unlike most cubes, these have wire piped edges to keep their shape so packing is a snap. MSRP $21.

Happy summer and happy travels!

Julie L. Kessler is MoneyInc’s Travel & Luxury Editor and writes travel stories for various major media outlets. She is also an attorney and legal columnist based in Los Angeles and the author of the award-winning book “Fifty-Fifty: The Clarity of Hindsight.” She can be reached at Julie@VagabondLawyer.com