SMART LUGGAGE

MAKE MORE OF YOUR LUGGAGE WITH HIGH-TECH GADGETS AND GIZMOS THAT CAN BOOST THE SECURITY OF YOUR LUGGAGE ¬ AND THE EASE OF HANDLING IT

If you want to really travel easier and safer there’s a lot of choice in the smart suitcase market, with tech upgrades ranging from battery packs and trackers to unbreakable shells and weighing scales. We looked at the G-RO carryon (£350 / $449) last year, and it remains a goodlooking pick. The battery pack pops out to comply with airline policies about stowing lithium batteries in the hold, and the ‘gravity roll’ wheels can handle all terrains. A more a‡ordable option if you want extra battery power is Away The Carry On (£225), which features an ejectable battery, TSA-approved combination lock, swivel wheels and an unbreakable polycarbonate shell. If you’re looking for the personal touch, the Horizn Studios M5 (£320) includes a free 12-month trial with Horizn GO assistant, a virtual travel assistant service for booking flights and hotels that will also suggest trips tailored to your preferences. There’s the obligatory removable battery pack too. At the top end of the scale is Planet Traveler’s SC1 suitcase (£1,246 / $1,599, but currently on sale for £623 / $799). The removable battery gives 225 hours of charging and the robotic lock opens with your fingerprint. Throw in a digital scale, global tracker and even a speaker and you have a suitcase that’s smarter than most. If you’re just too lazy to carry your suitcase how about riding on it instead? The Modobag ($1,495 / £1,165) is a motorised suitcase that turns into a kind of sit-on scooter. It rolls at a speed of up to 8mph, steered via its telescopic handlebars, and can travel up to six miles on a single charge of its removable battery. It is, however, on the heavy side at 20lbs when empty.