A suitcase is just a suitcase, right? A receptacle to ferry your belonging across continents at best, and the thing you have to lug around looking for a taxi on foreign soil at worst. Guess again! Luggage may have been a slightly less-than-exciting product category of late, what with the last major developments (read: wheels and telescopic handles) making a splash more than three decades ago, but that's all changing.
Suitcases just became the latest travel accessory to get a tech makeover and you won’t believe the things it can do now. Here’s a quick rundown on the most exciting tech trends in luggage at the moment:
One of the biggest hassles frequent travellers experience is recharging their devices as they make their way from one destination to the next. Innovative companies are now building recharging ports right into suitcase bodies to allow these globetrotters to charge their phones, tablets and computers even during a commute or layover. All you need to do is plug in your suitcase when you get to your hotel or place of business to ensure that it has enough battery power to keep you online while you’re unplugged.
Lost luggage is a pain. Fortunately, there are now GPS trackers that work with a mobile phone to pinpoint your luggage's location or to let you know the instant it leaves your side in a crowded space. There are even units that can be locked via a cellphone app, and automatically locks if it is too far from the owner's smartphone.
We bet you didn’t see this one coming. How on earth can a piece of luggage do away with the hassle of standing in queues at the airport? Well, there are suitcases available on the market right now that feature electronic baggage tags that allow customers to skip luggage check-in lines at the airport. Fun living in the future, isn’t it?
Frequently have too little space to ferry your keepsakes back home from your latest business journey? Fear not, you can now invest in a unit that expands from carry-on to full-size suitcase using an internal air pump.
This development was bound to happen at some point. Luggage developers have finally cottoned on to the fact that one of the main issues that face travellers when they’re packing are those blasted weight limits. Fortunately, there are now units available that feature electronic scales that can be set to inform you the moment you go over your allotted weight.
At TravelManor are we always make a point of staying abreast of the latest travel trends, and learning more about emerging technology that can improve our clients’ business journeys. Keep an eye on the blog for regular updates on the latest travel tech and how you can use it to streamline your corporate journeys.
