The Joy of Being Prepared

The Globe-trotter Centenary 33" Extra-deep Suitcase with Wheels from J. Crew

Now, isn't this a pretty suitcase?  I've never seen one like it on the baggage carousel - clearly I'm not passing through the right airports.

I thought of this suitcase while reading a New York Times article on Preppers - those industrious folk who plan and plan and plan - just in case disaster strikes.  And let's be honest - disaster has always struck at some point. The article explained what a "bug-out bag" is. It's a bag filled with all the essentials for a safe getaway from wherever you happen to be - dried food, a variety of tools, clean socks, etc.

I am no Prepper, although I try to be at least a little prepared for emergencies. However, I like imagining what I'd put into a bug-out bag were I to create one. Some good dark chocolate is the first thing that springs to mind (don't worry, I'll bring enough for everyone!). Perhaps a bag of almonds. Definitely a bag of legos. A deck of playing cards and a baseball. A tube of red lipstick and some pretty underwear to keep my spirits up. A bag filled with purely utilitarian items, while practical, would depress me - I would need some special things - some beautiful things, with personal meaning - to keep me going, were civilization to collapse around me and my family.

What would your bag look like?

Backpacks, backpacks, backpacks!

Every traveling tot needs a good backpack.  They make it easy for a little person to carry their own things on airplane trips, of course, but they are also useful throughout a trip, whether you are hiking in the countryside, exploring a new city, or anything else.  My own son has used his trusty Fjallraven for two years now and it is still in perfect shape!  Little wheeled suitcases don’t quite cut it once you’ve left the airport.  Here are some appealing backpacks I’ve found; they come in various sizes so be sure to check the details for each pack.

The classic child's backpack by Fjallraven (the Kanken) comes in lots of colors (they make a mini version too, for very tiny tots).  Available from Fjallraven's website, Crewcuts, and various independent retailers.

Another basic but smart-looking pack by Herschel, also sold through Crewcuts

And one more from Herschel - cheery yet smart!

This canvas one's by Baggu and comes in a variety of solid colors as well

I love this cute print; the pack is by Little Ella James

A basic yet cheery Lacoste pack

Ooh, shiny!  This one is from Porter

I can barely stand this little adorable one.

This pack by Laura Spring is adult-sized, but would look so cute on the right teen...

And back to Fjallraven - this one would be great for an older child