Travel has progressed a tremendous amount over the last 100 years. With the development of passenger airlines, people are able to travel with luxury items that they could never have previously because of the need to pack for long trips. Further, the development of the Interstate highway system and modern automobiles has allowed people to travel quickly and to be able to get almost any item at virtually any time. Both of these developments have meant that people are now carrying an array of items, particularly electronics, that would have never been possible just a few years ago.
While some people may travel with portable DVD players and virtually everyone has a cell phone in their pocket, without a doubt, the most traveled with electronic device that has to be carried in a bag is a laptop. Most people today travel with a laptop or tablet computer, especially if they are on business. This means that one of the big concerns is wondering if the laptop will be safe as it goes from car, through security, to destination and repeating that process for the return trip. Given the cost of most electronic devices, especially laptops, and the bumps and bruises that wheeled luggage takes as it goes through the travel process, it is little wonder that people are concerned about the safety of their computing devices.
While the most obvious choice of luggage would be some sort of hard sided luggage, the popularity of this type of luggage is seemingly low. This isn’t much of a surprise though as many people don’t even check luggage anymore and put their bags in the overhead compartment. Also, hard sided luggage is more difficult to store and doesn’t have the flexibility that soft-sided, wheeled luggage, which includes rolling duffle bags, offers. The very concerned traveler may worry though that a soft, flexible bag may not offer sufficient protection.
The good news is that even though duffle bags such as leather duffle bags and rolling duffle bags are considered soft sided luggage, there are models available that have special pockets designed for laptops. These pockets are extremely well padded and often located in the center of the bag so that the clothes and other items packed can offer protection. Furthermore, some models have the openings to the laptop compartment easily accessible so it can be removed for inspection by security personnel. This allows for easier travel through airports or being able to use your laptop if you are riding in a car or plane.
Of course, a little common sense goes a long way to keeping your laptop safe also. Never leave your laptop compartment open and have the device visible to the casual passerby. Never leave your luggage unattended or unsecured. While we want to think that most people are honest, there have been instances of hotel personnel stealing items and also of baggage handlers stealing items. In fact, many airlines insist that laptops be carried with the traveler and not put into luggage to keep them safe. If you are in a hotel, lock your laptop in the room safe or lock it in your trunk if you are not going to be in the room.
We all love our electronics so make sure that you protect yours through proper padding when it is in the luggage and taking some common sense precautions when it is not.
