Traveling in Style

 A few months ago, I decided I was overdue for a proper vacation. The last time I had been away for any length of time was five years ago.

My parents generously sponsored me to go on a European tour after my first year of university. In fourteen days, I visited eight countries and slept in youth hostels the entire time. My only piece of luggage was my trusty backpack. I sewed a Canadian flag onto my backpack after some more experienced travelers advised me to do so. Everyone adores Canadians, don't you think?

This trip was going to be a little different. I've decided to return to Europe, but this time I'll travel in style. I'm taking a first-class flight into London and desperately need some first-class luggage. Luggage is a difficult item to purchase.

 It is one of those items that will not be used frequently enough to justify a large investment, but buying cheap luggage would be a complete waste of time and money. I decided to meet up with the friends I'll be traveling with for an afternoon of good old-fashioned American shopping.

We spent the afternoon going from department store to big-box store to specialty store to department store and back again. I eventually narrowed my options down to three possible luggage sets: American Tourists, Briggs & Riley, and Zero Halliburton. They all have unique selling points and are reasonably priced.

According to what I've read, American Tourister luggage has one of the best warranties in the industry. Briggs & Riley has been producing high-quality products since 1993, and they also provide a comprehensive warranty. Zero Halliburton is just that: zero.

After giving it some thought, I realized that the Zero Halliburton suitcase was the one for me. I'll be honest: I'm in love with this luggage. If James Bond needed to transport a suitcase full of priceless jewels, he'd use a Zero Halliburton. I ended up buying a 26-inch Suiter for the slightly exorbitant price of $900.00. It's made of a beautiful brushed aluminum that looks like it could withstand an explosion, let alone the baggage handlers at Heathrow. I'll be bringing my prized collection of designer purses with me, so I can relax knowing they'll be safe in my awesome new suitcase. Do you think I should emblazon it with a Canadian flag?