If it looks like a suitcase, rolls like a suitcase, and stores things like a suitcase, it must be a suitcase…unless it’s a HENK.  The genesis of this innovative suit- er, “personal carrier” came in the dead of winter, after Dutchman Henk van de Meene was forced to drag his luggage through a snowy New York City.  He designed his personal carrier and with the help of frog design, perfected his creation.  The HENK is remarkably strong and has a carbon-fiber exterior similar to the cockpit of a Formula 1 racecar.  It has far too many features to be listed here, but they include wheels and storage spaces that appear at the push of a button, a special briefcase compartment, and an anti-theft cable that you can attach to your person (because who needs the headache of having their $33,000 piece of luggage stolen?).

The limited edition HENK with purple leather interior shown here is available exclusively at 20ltd.com- only five were created.  Finally, something worthy of holding my dirty t-shirts, toiletries and complimentary hotel towels as I return from vacation.  Those towels (and glasses, hangers and ice buckets) are complimentary, right?

Parts of Athens are ancient and in ruins…but of course, when it comes to the capital of Greece, that’s a good thing.  Though Athens has evolved into a modern metropolis, tourists are, and will forever be drawn to the city’s amazing historical landmarks.  The AVA Hotel puts travelers right in the middle of that history.  It is a boutique 24-room luxury hotel in the Plaka area, at the base of the Acropolis hill and steps from the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus and other monuments.  The “rooms” are actually referred to as apartments and suites, and are beautifully appointed, all with balconies and many with fantastic views.  Perfect for an evening bottle of wine while gazing upon the illuminated Acropolis- Dionysus would be proud.

The AVA definitely provides a new and exciting way to experience some old and exciting things.

I’d love to have the opportunity to travel around the world. My friend’s parents are paying over $100,000 to see the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World – and I couldn’t be more jealous!  I decided to torture myself and read up on everything they’d see on their trip; and as I browsed around the Internet I came across a site promoting the New Seven Wonders, a campaign with the goal of promoting and protecting world heritage.  The New7Wonders Foundation has chosen 21 nominees (such as Macchu Picchu, the Kremlin, and the Great Wall of China) and is conducting an international vote for the new wonders.  You can vote for your favorites online or by phone and the results will be announced in Portugal on, of course, 07/07/07.

Hurry up and vote – you’ve got one day left!

In the western Caribbean, 12 miles off the coast of Belize, is the exclusive resort of Caye Chapel Island.  The island is 265 acres of pure bliss, with 2 miles of sand beaches, a private airstrip, deep water marina, an 18-hole championship golf course on the western side, and amazing seaside villas on the eastern edge.  The 3,500 square foot luxury villas have either two or three bedrooms and are all just a few sandy steps away from the Caribbean Sea.  Ensuring privacy and a true getaway experience, there are never more than 50 guests on the island at one time.  If you think being with nearly half-a-hundred strangers would cramp your style, don’t fret - the entire island can be reserved at a mere $15,600 per day.  Yes, day.  Swim laps in the pool with no one getting in your way, grab the best spot on the beach, and golf at your own pace, all for only $650 an hour.  A small price to pay, I suppose, for the ultimate private paradise.

I learned just how unique and friendly the Emerald Isle is while on vacation in Ireland this May. While Dublin has an array of things to do – such as a tour of the historic Guinness Factory or a trip to Trinity College — the smaller, quaint towns are just as stimulating – full of pubs, traditional Irish music and dancing. The people of Ireland are extremely friendly and are always there to help you with directions— but perhaps best of all, they each offer suggestions for a place to go for a pint of the best beer around!

I found that my favorite thing about Ireland was the amount of churches and castles to see. On my ten day visit, I toured five castles and seven churches.  After a day of sightseeing, it was off to the Greyhound racing track, where my family and I spent (and usually lost) a decent amount of Euros. What better way to get over our losses than a trip to the local pubs, some of which were over 300 years old.  This gave us a chance to talk with the locals and find out why the people of Ireland take pride in their history and great brews!

On my restless eight-hour flight back to Chicago, I realized how relaxed I felt in Ireland. The lush green land was a serious change from my hometown of South Bend, Indiana, and the gregarious Irish people could make anyone feel at home.  I decided then that I would love to own a house in my new favorite country.

This traditional Irish home, listed with Ganly Walters and located in Co. Meath, is perfect for an Irish country-lover such as myself. It stands on 40 acres with 12 stables, hay barns, vegetable gardens, and easy-to-manage paddocks stations.

The home is only about 25 minutes from Dublin and only 10 miles from the towns of Drogheda and Navan. With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, it would be a perfect place to have family and friends for an extended stay.  And once they’ve visited, I’m sure they’ll want to live in Ireland, too.

The vineyards and rolling green hills of the Beaujolais countryside in southeastern France serve as the breathtaking backdrop for the Chateau de Bagnols.  The chateau dates back to the 13th century and retains its historic ambience with stone towers, dry moat and a drawbridge entrance. Guests can soak in all of that history while staying in one of 21 luxury rooms and suites at the property.  The remarkable accommodations, certainly some of the finest in all of France, deepen the rich experience. 

Looking at the rooms now, it is hard to believe that when the chateau was acquired by the current owners in 1987, it was in a state of disrepair.  A team of more than 400 tradesmen helped this “Monument Historique” regain its grandeur.  It really would be impossible to give a proper summary of the splendor of Chateau de Bagnols in this forum. From its history including use as a medieval fortress and ownership by royalist families, the discovery of Renaissance and 18th century frescoes during restoration, to the delectable Michelin star Salle des Gardes restaurant - check it all out HERE.

I’m certainly no expert, having never stayed at Chateau de Bagnols, but it sure sounds nicer than my last hotel experience…Chateau de Super 8.

Everyone knows about the knives with a multitude of tools and blades, but Victorinox (Swiss Army Brands) is also known for a much wider range of products.  Plush travel gear is part of that product line, and the bold new Tourbach Collection tops the impressive selection of high quality luggage.  Pictured is the 27″ expandable wheeled upright, which has an aluminum handle system with comfort grip and 80mm inline skate wheels for a quiet and smooth roll, among many other features.  The entire Tourbach Collection is protected by the Travel Luxury Care Program.  This service eases the minds of travelers by guaranteeing the quality of each piece of Tourbach luggage, and by offering the Swiss Tracker bag tracking program.  All Tourbach travel gear has a unique tracking number and toll free phone number that can be called 24-hours a day by anyone who finds a lost bag.  Pickup of your bag and delivery to wherever you are will be expedited, at no charge - gotta love the Swiss.  This all sounds great, but where are the fold-out scissors and corkscrews?

*editor’s note: it is unknown if this is the actual luggage used by the Swiss Army.

Conventional wisdom would say that if your hotel suite started moving, you should either evacuate immediately or lie down and sleep off those extra cocktails you had after dinner.  There’s nothing conventional about cruising the tranquil waters of Exuma, Bahamas in your own houseboat, so when your floating suite starts to move just relax and enjoy the ride.  Bahama Houseboats rents 35 and 43-foot boats with air conditioning, showers, satellite radio, fully equipped galley and waterslide.  You can rent by the week or be charged daily (with a three day minimum). Once aboard, you’re free to explore gorgeous Elizabeth Harbor in its entirety, which has many islands, reefs and deserted beaches to scout at your discretion. Troll for fish as you cruise the harbor, drop anchor and bottom fish, or just snorkel and enjoy looking at the fish without catching them. There are numerous activities available in and around the harbor to sample during your trip, including kayaking, shelling, volleyball and tennis. Whatever you choose to do, even if it’s just sitting back and taking delight in the soothing motion of the calm waters, you’re free to do it when you want.

A couple years ago I had the pleasure of staying at The Venetian in Las Vegas.  My stay was great - the room was beautiful, the shopping and restaurants were fantastic, and I did very well in the poker room (as I’m sure everyone is interested in my card skills).  The Venetian is certainly a luxurious marvel, but try as it may to recreate Venice, the gargantuan oasis in Nevada simply isn’t the “Queen of the Adriatic.”  On the other hand, the Ca Maria Adele provides guests with a true Venice experience.  The real Venice.  The one in Italy.  The hotel is located in a refurbished 16th century palazzo and looks out over a canal and the church of Santa Maria della Salute.  Engulfed by a well preserved historic neighborhood, the Ca Maria Adele offers convenient travel to San Marco Square via boat that stops right outside the hotel lobby.  Among the accommodations of the intimately luxurious 14-room hotel are five theme rooms, including the regal Doge’s Room, the romantic Fireside Room, and the lively La Salsa Noir.  Whatever your choice of room, your stay at Ca Maria Adele is sure to be a memorable one.

Despite having beautiful homes, luxury homeowners tend to spend plenty of time traveling, whether for business or leisure. Unfortunately, this can mean spending an evening packing, lugging heavy bags through the airport, opening suitcases to find wrinkled clothing, enduring troublesome customs checks or perhaps waiting for bags at the baggage claim to no avail. For those who are constantly on-the-go but want to be dressed to the nines for every occasion, this grueling travel routine can be skipped — thanks to Garde Robe, a Manhattan-based wardrobe storage, valet and organization service. Garde Robe will pick up, photograph and catalog clothes for people in the New York area, store them in a temperature-controlled loft and place them digitally into a cyber closet that can be accessed online. Clients of this service can arrange to have their items shipped to any location; when they arrive at their destination hotel, their clothing, accessories and even toiletries will be there waiting in perfect condition. Garde Robe also offers packing and laundering services, as well as tailors, image consultants and makeup artists who will visit the home or hotel. If you travel to or from New York frequently, or if you just need a place to store some extra clothing, sign up for this service for a huge relief.