Travel On The Level

Travel is strenuous under the best of circumstances which is why we are always on the lookout for outstanding products. I have not personally tested any of these but they were voted winners by the pros who design, manufacturer and order travel gear for us to purchase.

Here, then, are the winners of the 2013 Travel Goods Association show's Product Innovation.

First Place

Travelpro's Platinum Magna luxury collection. The Awards Committee selected the collection for its MagnaTrac self-aligning wheel system. When Platinum Magna is pushed, magnets instantly align the wheels to roll straight in the direction you want to go. Most spinner luggage drifts or pulls to one side or the other, putting strain on shoulder, arm, wrist and hand. Platinum Magna tracks effortlessly in all directions. The Platinum Magna 21" Spinner's MSRP is $640.

Second Place

Rimowa's new ONYX 13" Laptop Bag. Weighing in at less than 3 pounds, the case is extremely lightweight yet tremendously versatile. Made from RIMOWA's signature 100% virgin German polycarbonate, the case is equipped to protect valuable contents in its interior, such as laptops and tablets. It also includes protective front and back pockets for convenient access to travel documents, notes or personal items. The case will debut later in 2013; the MSRP is still to be determined.

Third Place (TIE)



Delsey's Helium Aero International Carry-on Expandable Trolley. The carry-on boasts a hardside exterior pocket, and is one of the few hardside collections that expands two inches, offering added packing space when needed, and also features a hardside, exterior front pocket - something previously lacking in hardside luggage. The large, easy-access pocket opens all the way to the bottom of the case and conveniently stores computers, electronics, tickets, documents, or toiletries and other items travelers may wish to retrieve during their trip, and boasts a padded sleeve. Its MSRP is $179.99.


The Travel Halo travel pillow. Made to be worn as a halo around the crown of the head, the pillow's innovative design holds travelers' heads in place with two small cushions on the back of the head. It also offers a built-in, roll-down eye mask that comes down to shield travelers' eyes from light. The Travel Halo's MSRP is $29.99.