The right suitcase or bag can make or break your trip to France. If you need to stay connected, though, or you're a true gadget junkie, the right bag is even more crucial. It needs to be rugged, to protect your precious electronics and, most of all, be easy to carry. These bags will make it easy to take those great laptops, cameras, mp3 players and camcorders with you.
This is the ideal store-it-all (or at least most of it) bag. It is a roomy backpack laptop bag (for computers up to 17 inches), but there is also a lower pouch that will hold a digital SLR camera with the lens attached and a couple more lenses. There is a quick-access mp3 player pouch with a headphone port. There is a separate, easy-to-access-quickly pocket for laptop retrieval at the airport checkpoint. With this bag, getting through airport security, hands-free and with all your gear, could be a breeze. OK, well at least you can listen to tunes while you wait.
If you have an iPod or mp3 player, this is the coolest case for the music fan on the go. Having a free hand is always a high priority when traveling, and this bag has a handy armband or wrist attachment. You probably won't want to leave it on your arm all day long, but it's ideal for zooming through the airport or rushing to a train platform.
For those of you who simply must stay connected, this bag provides a rugged style and rare roominess. You can toss the strap over your larger rolling suitcase, or you can wheel this bag on its own. It also has a three-file compartment, a great extra for business travelers. The best part is it is simple to pull out your laptop for airport security checks.
Finally, there is a stylish laptop bag for women. Pitch those drab black nylon bores, ladies. This laptop bag comes in a mix of funky patterns. The downside is it isn't all that roomy, so if you have several files or lots of extra cables, consider Item #3 on this list instead. If you just need your laptop, power cable, wi-fi card and a file, however, you're golden. And looking good!
This is another great bag from the hands-free department. With a sliding adjustable (and removable) neck strap, this camera bag is perfect for a small digital camera and a couple memory cards. You won't fit larger cameras in here, but typical compact cameras slide in easily.
Whether you will be driving, taking the train or hiking, a GPS unit can be handy or even a life-saver. Keep it on your hip, attach it to your bag's strap or prop it up on the dash with this great GPS holster. Although it has a compact design, there are pockets for a pen, flashlight or other small extras. The only issue is you can't view the screen of the GPS when it's propped up.
If you've ever seen French TV (or you've traveled with kids), you already know it's important to bring your own DVDs and DVD player with you. This case is great because it does double-duty: you can use it as a carry case, or to prop your DVD player up on the back of a car, train or plane seat.
While there are many PDA and cell phone holders out there, very few are as versatile or well-suited for travel as this one. The PDA case side will hold any size of a handheld computer, and the cellphone pocket is separate. You can also use the PDA pouch for an iPod or other mp3 player. It can be attached to your waist, and then opened so you can use your PDA in the holster while it's still secured to your side. The case is leather, and it has sleeved for credit cards and cash.
There is no need to get a hotel room with a desk if you have this folding miniature desk. And you can use your laptop in style, with gel wristpads and storage saddle bags. The whole contraptions folds up, and can be slid into your suitcase.
If you have a camcorder, this compact bag is a great choice for taking your camcorder or camera on your travels. It is lightweight and weather resistent, and you can customize the internal padded divider to suit your gear.
