Trip by TravelTeq is a (very expensive) rolling suitcase, chair and speaker

Innovations in luggage don’t happen often, and when they do happen, it is usually for a new color or pattern. So, the new Trip by TravelTeq is clearly getting the attention it deserves on the Internet. This $850 aluminum and ABS honeycomb suitcase features everything you’d expect from a good piece of luggage, with a couple of surprises.

Sure, you get a laptop compartment and enough storage space for some clothes, but unfold the rear stand, and it turns into a chair. Plug your iPod in, and you have a rechargeable stereo system. The design may not suit everyone, but then again, not everyone is in the market for an $850 piece of luggage.

It isn’t even the first aluminum suitcase/chair on the market, that honor goes to the ZÜCA pro which we reviewed back in 2009. Still, the Trip looks like a snazzy piece of luggage, and I’m a fan of anything that looks different. I’d just get a little upset if some overzealous gate agent told me I’d need to check it – because you just know that the airline will try and see how sturdy the bag is when they try and run over it with the luggage truck.

You’ll find more about this bag, and how you can order your own, at TravelTeq.com.

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[Via: Engadget]

Calculate your fuel cost – Road trip tip

An essential ingredient for any road trip is fuel. While you know the cost of your accommodations, you may not always know how much gas will cost for the length of your road trip.

There are websites to help you determine that cost, however. For example, AAA‘s Fuel Cost Calculator allows you to calculate the fuel cost of your trip. Using drop-down menus, you select your starting city, destination and vehicle. The calculator determines mileage, gallons of fuel used and total fuel cost. Not all cities and destinations are listed, but you can get a general idea.

At GasBuddy.com, you can search for the best gas prices in each city or region you’re traveling through. Site visitors report what they paid for fuel at individual gas stations. You’ll learn the lowest and highest prices reported in the past 36 hours. Armed with this information, you can budget your fantastic road trip.

[Photo: Flickr | Borderfilms (Doug)]

Two routes, one trip – Road trip tip

Before embarking on a road trip, map out two different routes — a slower, scenic route and a shorter, faster (less scenic) route.

In case you need to reach your destination sooner than planned, you’ll have your faster route. However, try to take the more intriguing scenic route. Grab a camera, hop out, and snap some shots of the beautiful scenery you pass by. Discover the hottest eateries on your journey. Be sure to stop in, indulge in the local eats, and continue along your trip-capturing memorable moments.

NOTE: Make sure to print a copy of your scenic route and your fastest route even if you have GPS. Just in case…

Save and label wine corks – Souvenir tip

A great take-home and space-saving souvenir for wine lovers are corks from bottles you’ve enjoyed while traveling.

What to write on the cork is up to you, but I usually include the date, where, and with whom I drank the wine.

At home, purchase or salvage an empty vase, bowl, or jar and simply start keeping the wine corks in there. The cork-filled vase also passes for decoration over the fireplace or on a coffee table.

Over time you can re-visit your trips by pulling out a cork and reminisce about that day.