Holiday Travel Tunes: Updating Your Travel Playlist

Any lengthy trip requires a host of diversions—books, movies, games, and, of course, music. And it's only natural that holiday travel would require holiday tunes. A little mood music, if you will. Here's a little inspiration to update your playlist:

First is Amazon's list of 25 Essential Holiday Albums. Lots of classics on this list, plus a little something from a range of genres—jazz, country/bluegrass, rock, soul.

But as I looked through the Amazon list, I realized that there was no Mariah. *gasp* It's just not Christmas without Mariah Carey. She's put out many since this album, but the original Merry Christmas is hard to beat.

Of course, there's Josh Groban and Michael Buble for great male leads, and Susan Boyle and adorable little Jackie Evancho, two amazing voices to come out of talent competitions.

Then, during my research, I came across this NPR story: The Best, Worst and Weirdest in Holiday CDs. And that is what I will leave you with. Happy listening!

A Call for Comments

Millions of you packed up and hit the road over the recent holiday weekend, and with more holiday travel likely on the agenda in the coming weeks, I thought it would be nice to share some travel advice straight from our lovely Lug fans.

If you recently traveled with some Lug gear, tell me about it. Post a comment here, on Facebook, or on Twitter. I'd love to hear what you used and why you love it. Then, I'll compile a smart and supremely useful Lug guide to holiday travel, straight from the first-hand accounts of Lug fans around the world. I can't wait to hear how you use your Lug!

Ready for the Biggest Travel Day of the Year?

The day before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year. Are you ready? I am, and here's why. I've got my Tuk Tuk Carryall packed with all my carry-on items: computer, book, snacks, Nap-Sac. I've got my checked bag belted and tagged, and I've even used a little Clearview Envelope to store lip gloss and other liquids that will have to go through security. And for all the Black Friday sales, I'm packing my Eco Shopper. I'm all Lugged out and ready go. Hope you are too! Happy travels and an even happier Thanksgiving to you!

Thanksgiving Travel Tips ... Be Stress Free!

Holiday travel can be stressful. Okay, sure, that could have probably gone unsaid. I mean, with tens of millions planning to hit the road next week for Thanksgiving, there's bound to be plenty of stress to go around. But I've always believed that one key to being stress free is preparation. (See that woman in the picture over there to the left? She prepared.) So, I've scoured the web to find some sites with varied travel tips: First, here are some air travel tips. And here's a whole site dedicated to traveling with kids. Here are some driving tips. And for good measure, here are some tips for those who are stressed just from the thought of holiday travel and have convinced loved ones to travel to them.

Of course, the biggest preparation tip of all is to carry smart bags and travel accessories. Pack a Puddle Jumper for an overnight trip or opt for a Shuttle Bus for the weekend. Or there's always the Tuk Tuk or the Taxi or the Moped or ... Well. You get the picture. There's a Lug bag for every possible pilgrimage, plus accessories (like a Nap Sac or a Flatbed or a Tango ...) to ease any travel stresses.

So, be prepared, and you can be just like the woman in the picture. Or at least a little more carefree.