As more and more people hit the road for day trips, weekend getaways, or international excursions, travelers are looking for items that will make their trip seamless. Streamlined packaging, convenient access, and increased organization are in high demand with travel items such as duffels, travel kits, backpacks and sling packs. Items that are multifunctional allow for a more enjoyable and easier travel experience. Compact electronic gadgets are also popular.
According to Brannon Craig of Southern Plus, carry-on sized bags with pockets and convenience features are on the rise since more airlines are charging bag fees. “More businessmen and women are switching to backpacks or sling packs as one of their two carry-on bags,” he comments. “They fit in overhead and under seat compartments, and often double as a briefcase and/or purse.” Craig also reports the company is seeing an increase in sling packs being used by men and women as their personal item (carry-on). “They are comfortable to carry, hold just the right amount of accessories, tech gadgets, reading material, etc.—without being too heavy,” he adds.
Promotional items that promote organization are popular in the travel category because they help relieve stress while away from home, Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic asserts. “Items like expandable packing cubes help keep items organized so it is easy to grab what you need and get to the fun stuff,” she says. “Similarly, a clear cosmetic case allows travelers to quickly see what they need to get ready.
“Modern travelers are also avoiding one-size-fits-all vacations and instead opting for immersive experiences on their own terms,” Lewis continues. “As explorers are becoming more adventurous, items that are easily carried and keep travelers connected to post their adventures on social media are a great promo fit. A mini foldable self-snap photo stick fits easily into any size bag and will get brands noticed with every vacation photo.”
To that end, BIC Graphic has several exciting new travel items this year. “The exclusive KAPSTON™ Stratford 22” Garment Duffel is our latest multi-function travel bag,” Lewis comments. “The unique duffel design has a built-in garment bag and organizational pockets to help simplify packing for business travel.” The KAPSTON™ Pierce Passport Wallet keeps international travelers’ important documents and cards organized in style, Lewis notes. It is available with four-color process imprint on trendy two-tone polyester with zippered closure, pocket and slip pocket on the back for added security. Finally, the SKROSS® Pro Light USB World is a compact adapter that can be used in over 200 countries on every continent to connect/charge mobile devices, laptops, tablets, shavers and more from all over the world, Lewis adds. This adapter is suitable for two- and three-pole plugs and includes USB charging ports.
It’s all about sling packs and backpacks at Southern Plus. “Like a purse, a sling pack is quick and easy to don and doff, as it only involves a single shoulder,” Craig explains. “With features like earbud ports and tech pockets—it keeps your tech accessories easy to access, even when you are on the move. Hands free ‘hauling’ is becoming more and more important. If you need more space for your essentials, a backpack is your best bet!”
According to Gwen Brey at Beacon Promotions, the new DE209P Lex Commuter Backpack with Charging Port is receiving great reviews. “The USB port works with your own cables and power bank to keep your devices charged up,” she says. “This backpack joins the company’s best-selling leather CS300 Little River Duffel with matching travel kit CS449. Also popular are our Corporate Gift Tumi and Vera Bradley brands for bags and our Bose or Sony brands for the electronic gadgets.”
Speaking of travel gadgets, Bay State’s new G124 Compact Sewing Kit is an awesome travel buddy, according to Josette Bosse. “Never leave home without it!” she raves. Another great item is The H283 Box is both perfect for pills and packing jewelry. “It has two perfect size compartments to help keep everything from tangling in your luggage!” she adds.
Suppliers agree that travel products evoke memories of incredible experiences after the fact. “Targeting businesses in the travel and hospitality vertical market like tourism agencies, parks, museums, and even businesses located near popular tourist spots can build customer loyalty and repeat business,” BIC Graphic’s Lewis comments. “Since summer months are filled with family vacations, this is a great time of year to focus on travel items for every member of the household. Items like our Bimini Wet Swimsuit Bag or even a Pet Accessory Bag make great additions to destination/travel campaigns.”
Brey at Beacon Promotions emphasizes the need to establish the budget, demographics, and the objective for giving an item away. “This will determine the price point and type of product that is chosen,” she comments. “We have numerous items that will fit many different price points.”
Craig at Southern Plus believes that travel is a part of everyone’s lifestyle—whether it be by plane, train, or automobile. “Personal/vacation travel is a passion of most people,” he states. “Putting a logo on something that supports a person’s passion connects the brand at the heart level and creates an affinity to the promotional brand. Business travel is more of a necessity for most, and therefore those that do it regularly are always seeking ways to streamline the process—and make it more comfortable and convenient for themselves. Branding something that will help them achieve this is very impactful. If they use it, the brand will be seen regularly by the user and those that they encounter during their travel.”
CASE STUDY
Gwen Brey, Beacon Promotions: A company with many traveling salespeople gave those who met their performance goals the B173 Carlin Canyon Wheeled Briefcase/Overnight. It’s the perfect item for those one-day trips. There is room for a change of clothes, and it has multiple pockets/compartments for computer and office accessories. The laptop sleeve is padded for extra protection and is removable for ease of use. The salespeople loved its multi-function purpose.