Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

2023 Travel and Travel Goods Trends

With Travel Gear + Luggage presented by the Travel Goods Association at The Inspired Home Show just days away, we’re talking 2023 trends in travel and travel goods — and raising the curtain to give you a sneak peek at some of the ingenious products you’ll see on the showroom floor March 4-7 in Chicago.

By Kathy Witt

Inflation-Busting Travel Gear

Flexibility, a little research, and the right equipment can help you beat the rising cost of travel. Read on for four strategies to enjoy your next trip without breaking the budget – and the gear to support them.

By Sara Ecclesine

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Getting to Know You — Part 2

Meet three specialty realtors with a combined 132 years of experience in the travel goods industry. (And one of them didn’t even want to be here.)

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

The best dog-friendly campgrounds across the U.S., why you shouldn't post your boarding pass on social media, the Orient Express makes a comeback, the champion of all water parks, getting to the airport via an electric plane, SkySquad at your service, Tinder for travelers, world's most picturesque high-dive, and more.

Shifting Landscape Means New Collaboration, Opportunities for Travel Goods Association

Yes, the travel landscape continues to shift and change – but so do the opportunities. And they're there in abundance, waiting for us at The International Housewares Association's (IHA) Inspired Home Show, March 4-7 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. Read about the possibilities.

By Michele Marini Pittenger

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Travel Problem-Solvers

Looking for fresh solutions to universal travel problems? We interviewed manufacturers from across the industry and came up with 14 clever bags and accessories they can’t travel without.

By Sara Ecclesine

Getting to Know You

A scrap of fabric. A magazine made for explorers. Playing shop. Three retailers. Three different paths, but they all lead to the same destination: Love of travel — and of sharing it with others.

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

Take a bicycle trip along the British coast in Cornwall, Vermont’s very own Cheese Trail, a luxury boutique hotel with its outdoor bathtubs, airport is a great place to work out, tracking airfare changes, a Four Diamond resort in the Texas Hill Country, a trip to a local dive bar, and more.

Best Travel Gear for Digital Nomads

More and more Americans are choosing the digital nomad label and lifestyle. Here is the gear that helps them combine wanderlust and working remotely.

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TGA Board of Directors Chair Cliff Ensley has a message for the industry:

On the fence about committing to The 2023 Travel Goods Show? TGA Board of Directors Chair Cliff Ensley has a message for you — and he doesn’t mince words. Read his letter to the industry here.

By Cliff Ensley

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Back-to-School Gear for Tech-Savvy Students

Approximately 23 million Americans have gotten a dog or cat during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more flexible schedules and opportunities to work remotely, many pet owners will be venturing out for long vacations or day trips with their best friends.

By Josie Howatt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

Hotel that has been in operation since 705 A.D., largest waves ever surfed, best U.S. hotel chain's rewards programs, the Grand Canyon of the East, the hardest-to-snag reservation in South Florida, airline collectables, the world’s most stunning routes, Michelin’s cheapest eats, and more.

2023 Is Our Year

The last three years have been ones of challenges and costs to our industry. But now it’s opportunity’s turn – and our time to take ownership and move forward together.

By Michele Marini Pittenger

People Gotta Travel, Manufacturers Gotta Create

All those daydreams about travel? They’re about to come true as people put their plans in motion. Luckily, travel goods manufacturers have got our backs with items in the “just what we need” category.

By Kathy Witt

Travel Gear for Four-Legged Friends

Approximately 23 million Americans have gotten a dog or cat during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more flexible schedules and opportunities to work remotely, many pet owners will be venturing out for long vacations or day trips with their best friends.

By Josie Howatt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Products Equip Travelers for Pandemic-Shaped Travels

Yes, we’d like to tell COVID where to go, but it continues to be an integral part of the travel conversation. See how it has shaped how and where we travel — and the travel goods that equip us to deal.

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

A sunset celebration in Key West, a new species of giant tortoise discovered, all-fun inclusive at Playa del Carmen, best shelling on the east coast of North Carolina, overnight in a flying saucer-shaped home, and more.

4 Trends to Support Travel Based Retailers

As retail continues to evolve amidst a challenging and competitive landscape, more and more merchants are looking for additional ways to increase revenue opportunities. Among them includes introducing affiliate programs into their strategic marketing efforts.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

The New Travel Essentials

Holiday travel is setting pandemic records, fueled by the need to see family, the ability to work remotely, and the desire for bucket-list adventures. See the new accessory categories — health and safety, comfort, electronics, and pleasure — supporting travelers as they venture back into the world.

By Sara Ecclesine

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

18th-century chateau, book now and pay your trip off over time, open-air geothermal pool in Cornwall, weekend ganja retreats, ruins of a 3,000-year-old under water castle, ramped up the amenities for guests’ canine companions, and more.

With a New Travel Landscape Comes New Opportunities

There’s no denying the pandemic fueled many changes and challenges to the travel goods industry – but this means new and different opportunities for all of us. Attending The 2022 Show is the best way to reconnect with the industry and strengthen and build existing and new relationships.

By Michele Marini Pittenger

Affiliate Marketing for Retailers

As retail continues to evolve amidst a challenging and competitive landscape, more and more merchants are looking for additional ways to increase revenue opportunities. Among them includes introducing affiliate programs into their strategic marketing efforts.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Innovative Travel Gear for Returning to the Office, Hybrid Work and Business Travel

As hundreds of thousands of business professionals return to the office and resume work-related travel, they're in the market for products to make their commutes and trips easier than ever. We've hunted down the newest, most creative solutions for workers on-the-go.

By Josie Howatt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

And Then Along Came COVID…

As if launching a product isn’t challenging enough, a global pandemic comes along to further complicate the process. See how five manufacturers overcome an unprecedented situation.

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

Levitating trains, L’Arc de Triomphe wrapped, relax like a Vanderbilt, Western fantasy, Tennessee through EnChroma lenses, the best stargazing, and more.

Sunny Days Ahead for Travel Goods Sector

The travel goods sector experienced a much needed rebound in 2021 with sales numbers returning close to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

By Nate Herman

Sustainable Travel for an Interconnected World

As the world begins to reopen, eco-friendly, responsible travel is emerging as one of our hottest travel trends.

By Sara Ecclesine

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

We’re Gearing Up for The 2022 Show

Good news for Travel Goods Association members with a look ahead to The 2022 Show and a call for help to President Biden. Read more in this month's blog post from TGA President, Michele Marini Pittenger.

By Michele Marini Pittenger

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

The Humble Backpack

These days, regardless of age, sex, hobby, profession, or sartorial flair, one can find a backpack that perfectly blends fashion and functionality.

By Sheila Moon

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Going Viral: Anti-microbial Tech in 2021

Meet the anti-microbial gear keeping commuters, gym-goers, and travelers safe. Molded into plastics, woven through fabric or bonded to surfaces, this technology offers long-lasting protection and peace of mind.

Featured in photo above and left: HEX Anti-Microbial Technical Collection and Gruv Gear KarbonZero Mask

By Sara Ecclesine

Industry Buzz

People, product, company news, and milestones for the travel goods industry.

Revenge is a Trip Best Served with Bold Travel Gear

With the pandemic dramatically redefining how we travel, travelers take their revenge on a year of lockdowns and restrictions.

By Kathy Witt

The Case for Business Transformation

As we emerge from the most challenging year in recent memory, businesses will need to hit the ground running. Here's what can be done to return to growth and profitability.

By Michael Zucker

Clever Water Bottles and Travel Mugs

Self-sufficient commuters and travelers are grabbing a drink on the go – from bottles and travel mugs packed from home. Browse 13 reusable, sustainable designs, including collapsible mugs, built-in water purification, and leak-proof lids and straws.

By Sara Ecclesine

A Case for Pivoting to an Overlooked Market Segment: The RV Traveler

Today, there are 11.2 million RV-owning households in the U.S., according to rvtravel.com. That’s up 62% over 20 years ago. Longtime TGA member and seasoned retailer and product developer Chuck Weisbart thinks we should start paying more attention to the RV set. Here’s why.

By Chuck Weisbart

TGA Unveils the Travel Goods HUB to Connect Buyers, Manufacturers

The HUB, a place for buyers and manufacturers to connect and conduct business, debuts. See why one retailer says TGA hit it out of the park.

By Kathy Witt

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

Coolest road trip, spectacular thermal baths, history of Black music in the U.S., adrenaline-inducing roller coaster, a west Texas gem, and more.

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

Gearing Up Junior Travelers

Kids bring unique concerns on the road and “one size fits all” definitely won’t work for their travel gear. See what does.

By Kathy Witt

Pandemic Tanks Economy…and Sales

In 2020, the pandemic brought the economy, and travel, to a standstill, bringing the U.S. travel goods industry its worst year in decades, according to a new report released by the Travel Goods Association.

By Nate Herman

Industry Buzz

People, product, and company news for the travel goods industry.

TravelBits

Sunshine magic, open-air museum, new Bangkok digs, a living cave, road tripping to Nomadland, hut to hut bike trail, and more.

The 2021 Show – The Travel Goods HUB

Important news from the Travel Goods Association

By Michele Marini Pittenger

When Life Gives You a Global Pandemic, Take a Schoolcation

Remote learning has created a silver lining for adventure-loving families. Untethered from the brick and mortar school, families are free to travel, study, and work from just about anywhere.

By Sheila Moon

The Best-Kept Tax Secret

Whether your travel goods company is experiencing a boom or bust – or something in between – donating excess inventory is one step all businesses can benefit from.

By Gary Smith

TravelBits

Roadside magic, touchless delivery, best wintertime national parks, JetBlue and American’s 1970s-style team-up, road trip weddings, private eats, private islands and more trending getaways.

TGA News Briefs

The 2021 Travel Goods Show is scheduled to take place Feb. 28 – March 2, co-locating with ASD Market Week in Las Vegas, whose 45,000 retailer attendees will have access to our show.

Editor’s Note

The Time is Now

By Michele Marini Pittenger

China Tariffs Affect Economy…and Sales

The impact of trade wars and punitive tariffs on the U.S. travel goods market.

By Nate Herman

COVID-19 and the Travel Goods Business, Part II

Part II of our series on how the industry is operating amidst COVID-19: We check in with retailers and manufacturers to discover strategies and best practices that are helping them cope.

COVID-19 and the Travel Goods Business, Part I

What's happening in the industry with COVID-19: Resources, products and reopening best practices from manufacturers and retailers alike.

Show Happenings

Upcoming product developments; hot colors; a bumper crop of Tribbles; the rise of silicone; the growth in green; and more in-built organization than ever.

Next in Travel Gear

The items and trends that left the biggest, most lasting impressions on retailers as they walked the aisles of the world’s greatest travel products showcase.

By Sara Ecclesine

TGA Product Awards

The very best of what’s new in travel gear: Best Use of Technology; Best New Design – Luggage; Best New Design – Backpack; Best New Design – Accessories; Most Eco-Friendly Product

RETAIL LAB Recap

Takeaways from The Show’s RETAIL LABS educational sessions, including emerging consumer trends and new best retail practices; generational marketing; social media strategies for time-strapped retailers; and the importance of BOPUS.

Seen at The Show: Products

Standout items from The 2020 Travel Goods Show, including innovative new carry-ons and checked bags; personal sleep cocoons; personal hygiene and health safeguards; travel security items and more.

By Kathy Witt

Seen at The Show: People

The personalities, influencers, and folks who make The Travel Goods Show the soul of the industry.

By Sara Ecclesine

Industry Buzz

People, product, company, and milestones news for the travel goods industry.

TGA News Briefs

The Travel Goods Show is headed back to Las Vegas. Mark your calendars for February 29-March 2, 2021 to attend the world's greatest travel goods showcase. It is your single best source for product info...

TravelBits

New cleaning protocols and 72-hour occupation/vacancy buffers; more authentically local experiences; organized crime – on display; 10 great hikes; most-delivered alcohols and more travel news.