It’s that time of year again! The busiest travel season is here and that means packing up and enjoying some much-needed family bonding. But first thing’s first; packing for those holiday trips calls for not only the right bags and luggage, but also a little bit of organization.

Check out these 5 tips to make packing a little less daunting—not to mention save you the hassle of going over the bag weight limit at the counter! 

Investing in quality luggage and travel bags is definitely worth it because a well-made suitcase will last you a lifetime of holiday trips. Another essential to have during family trips (particularly when travelling by air with kids) is a great carry-all tote. They’re big enough to carry everything from paperwork, water bottles, snacks, small electronics and everything else that make travelling a little more comfortable.

Happy travels!

1. Samsonite Cruisair Bold 26" Spinner, 2. Tumi Voyageur Quintessential Tote, 3. Rimowa Salsa Air Ultralight Cabin 21", 4. Bric's U.S.A. Large Sportina Shopper, 5. Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 36" Wheeled Duffel, 6. Boconi Bags and Leather Tyler Leather Backpack, 7. Brenthaven ProStyle Lite Expandable 15" Laptop Case, 8. Travelpro Walkabout Lite 22" Expandable Rollaboard Suiter, 9. Pacsafe MetroSafe 200 GII Anti-theft Shoulder Bag

For the woman who is adventurous, free-spirited and committed to improving the environment, Lilypond bags make the perfect fit. Lilypond is passionate about using recycled and sustainable materials in all their luggage, handbags and travel accessories. Their streamlined designs have a sporty appeal mixed with great organizational features for the woman on the go.

Founded by designer, philanthropist and CEO Francine Farkas Spears, the Francine Collection was created out of a love of beauty, elegance, functionality and world travel. The founder and CEO of the Women in Business Bag Collection, Francine is an award-winning designer, industry leader, and socialite. Francine believes in the empowerment of women and women's causes.

This line of tailored luggage, business bags and handbags are designed with the modern executive and busy jet-setter in mind.

Check out the Francine Collection on Zappos.com!

Infusing a dose of fashion-forward thinking into the world of tech accessories, Hex is a brand that’s built for the modern, tech-savvy customer. Their smart, high-quality designs fits seamlessly into your busy, fast-paced lifestyle—without losing style or street cred!

Check out Hex accessories on Zappos.com!

Founded by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack, Herschel Supply Co. adopted the name of the small town where their great grandparents homesteaded was located and three generations of their family grew up.

Herschel Supply Co. is based in Vancouver, Canada and manufactures a large selection of classic backpacks, bags, wallets, travel goods and accessories. Their goal is to bring well designed, practical yet functional products to the market with a fine regard for detail.

We love Herschel’s clean, utilitarian-based designs. For travel and daily life, Herschel bags are timelessly cool and built to last. Check them out!

These days, it seems like everyone is tied at the hip with their favorite tech gadgets. Whether it’s the mp3 player, smart phone, tablet or laptop, these handy devices make life easier, more entertaining and make waiting in long lines more bearable. We thought it was only fitting to feature some of our favorite tech-savvy gifts for all their favorite tech toys.

1. Dakine Mission Photo 25L Camera Pack (Set):  Perfect for the photography enthusiast, this pack is like having your own mobile studio right on your back.

2. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones: These headphones sure come in handy in a noisy plane or when they need to get in the zone at their desk.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Stardust Logo iPhone® 4G Case: The true Marc fan will love showing off this thoroughly cute case.

4. Knomo Bayswater Nylon Revello Tote: A chic bag that keeps their laptop and everyday essentials in one place. Who wouldn’t love that?

5. Nine West Glitteratzzi Small Disco Crossbody: Perfect for the party girl, this fun, compact evening bag holds her phone, ID and cash while she hits the dance floor!

6. Lodis Accessories Cirque Molly Tab E-Reader Case: The modern book worm will adore this stylish animal-print case.

7. Echo Design Cheetah Echo Touch Gloves: Texting and browsing in the cold is no problem with these ingenious gloves.

8. Nuo Tech Molded Sleeve for Kindle® Fire: This lightweight and durable keeps their favorite new toy nice and protected.

9. Rebecca Minkoff Touch & Go iPad® Case: We love this chic iPad case for the stylish techie.

Creating stylish, industry-leading carrying cases and accessories for business and leisure travel, Nuo Tech draws its inspiration from the fashion-forward, tech-savvy people they design for.

From classic and utilitarian-cool messenger bags, to boldly-printed laptop cases, Nuo Tech is perfect for busy, modern lifestyles.

Nowadays, everyone seems to be tied at the hip with their favorite tech gadgets. From smart phones, to tablets, to laptops, we don’t know where we’d be without these portable modern marvels.

With as much time and money as we invest in our favorite tech toys, why shouldn’t they have fabulous cases worthy of carrying them around?

Here are some of our current faves:

1. Vera Bradley 17” Laptop Sleeve: The cheery paisley pattern brightens up this lovely sleeve.

2. Betseyville Heart & Chain Laptop Case: Carry your laptop in Betsey style!

3. Lodis Accessories Shiva Dallas iPad® Easel: We love the chic snake print on this sassy tablet case and easel.

4. Ivanka Trump Jewel iPad® Case/Handbag: This ingenious bag is not only the perfect size to carry everyday necessities, it houses your tablet with a flap that swings open! Perfect for quick access.

5. Rebecca Minkoff Stitch New Virginia Laptop Case: This cute case is totally offbeat and cool.

6. Lodis Accessories Siren Cell Phone Case:  Perfect for carrying around your bare necessities: phone, cash and ID.

7. Fossil Key-Per Tech 10 ½” Laptop Sleeve:  The groovy design on this sleeve is perfect for daily dose of retro flair!