It's fall. We're supposed to be hunkering down for the coming snows and shorter days. We're supposed to be nesting and canning and stomping through the marsh in search of winter fare.
But the travel bug still has us poking around on websites looking for good airfares. Perhaps it's because summer seemed so short. Perhaps it's because Dispatch travel guru Scott McMurren is still kicking around the country posting his travel photos on Facebook. Or perhaps it's because the oilcloth hunting gear is coming out of the closet.
Whatever the reason, you never know when good fares will pop up or a good friend will suggest hopping the private jet to someplace sunny. We long for the chance to throw some things into my buttery leather Asprey 1781 Weekender and run to the hangar.
Wait. We don't have an Asprey 1781 Weekender. At $7,600, it's just a bit out of the price range. But there are other affordable options. So if you're looking for just the right weekender with the panache to be seen boarding the private jet -- or any jet, for that matter -- check out these great luggage options:
The Embark Canvas Weekender from Target
This little workhorse comes in white or brown canvas with leather straps and packs everything you need for a business trip, a camping trip or a week at the family beach house: $31.49 at the South Anchorage, Wasilla and Tikahtnu Commons Target stores or online.
Filson oilcloth travel bag or rugged twill carry-on
A classic from the company that outfitted stampeders headed to the Klondike gold fields in 1898. The medium oilcloth travel bag is a great choice for $290, as is the rugged twill carry-on. We especially love the thick bridle leather straps. $445. Available at Mountain View Sports, 3838 Old Seward Highway in Anchorage, (907) 563-8600 or at www.filson.com.
Rowallan of Scotland carry-on bags
Like Filson, Rowallan makes many great bags that we love, but there are two in particular that make for a great weekend companions. The first is the Jenna 20-inch carry-on because it has a big flap on the front. That's where we stash our laptop and magazines and headphones. Once on board, we empty all that stuff onto the seat and then hoist the carry-on into the overhead compartment. Plus, it comes a variety of colors for $299. The second is the Kady Zip-base duffle, which comes in three colors for $192. We also adore the Nikki carry-on duffle for $195. Rowallan of Scotland bags are represented in Anchorage by Elaine S. Baker. Order your bag(s) in the Elaine S. Baker gift shop at the southeast entrance (near Fletcher's) of the Hotel Captain Cook. Check out the entire Rowallan line online before you order.