PRELUDE: TRAVEL BAG

Travel Bags

1. In the Bag

Tumi's 18" Soft Travel Satchel in Napa Leather ($395) is the Don of flight bags for experienced business voyagers, taking classic no-nonsense luggage to a new, refined high. It focuses on soft, understated, casual style making a great overnighter or weekend companion. Easy to pack, it is just as essential for throwing in your car or stowing in the overhead luggage compartment. The Satchel features a small interior pocket and protective feet at the bottom of the case, so you know it will last the distance. www.tumi.com

2. Roll in style

If it's more storage you need, Tumi's newest arrival to the contemporary T3 range is the Transporter ($450). The mid-sized, 22" wheel-away bag comes in a choice of silver grey or stealth black, featuring a space-age casing and a host of innovative design details. It caters for travelers of all shapes and sizes, especially tall people. An extra long telescopic handle prevents it clipping the heels and even flips for left or right-handed use. Now there's no excuse for not traveling in style. www.tumi.com

3. Book It

The Little Bookroom publishers specialize in taking the reader off the beaten track into the more unusual historic delights of featured cities. Their latest guide to New Orleans is an indispensable treasure trove of the old city, featuring traditional perfumeries, cafés, antique shops and scores of restaurants specializing in sumptuous Creole cuisine. A gastronomic tour de force, you'll discover atmospheric premises like Galatoire's in the French Quarter, find the most elusive backstreet cafés and sample classic favorites such as spicy catfish, po'boy sandwiches and piquant jambalaya. You can also glimpse century-old family businesses and unique architecture that frames the city. The Guide ($18.95) is sumptuously illustrated throughout, providing an invaluable asset to enjoy New Orleans. www.littlebookroom.com

4. Four-legged flight

If you can't bear to be parted from your pet, then you need to know about pet travel regulations. Barring something deadly and wild, most domestic pets (dogs, cats and birds) are allowed as long as they are transported in an approved carrier. If you've booked a flight on an AirTran Airways Boeing 717, be aware that the carrier dimensions are limited to 10" high by 11" long and 21" wide, so that it can be stored beneath the seat. The weight of the carrier and pet cannot exceed 15 pounds, so get them exercising before they fly. And no, they can't get out to stretch their legs. If you're flying to Freeport, Grand Bahama, then check the AirTran Airways website for the stricter regulations that operate there, including veterinarian's certificates and permits. Prices for pet travel are $65 one-way. www.AirTran.com