Some people consider traveling as a religion. They sleep, eat, shower, work, and get on a plane whenever they possibly can. Who wouldn't want to take a trip to a remote tropical island or a popular tourist destination? Especially this season, jet setters and travel neophytes alike are planning their wardrobes, stocking up on sunscreen, and even taking foreign language lessons in preparation of their next trip to paradise. And you can definitely join in the fun. Take some time off from work and tell your boss you'll bring him a nice souvenir when you get back. If you can't miss a day of work, a long weekend is the perfect opportunity to escape from the usual humdrum life to a more relaxed backdrop. Once you've figured out where to go and who to go with, the next logical step is to pack.

While traveling the world is a frequent flyer's indulgence, packing light is the art which every person has to master, but it's not really that easy to do. Of course you want to bring everything you can think of. Clothes and basic toiletries are a given, but bringing your entire CD collection or worse, the whole house, might be going too far. The airline you'll be taking won't appreciate it for sure. So start studying the art of traveling light by picking out the best carry on luggage that suits you and your travel destination. Let the discount travel experience commence!

Short trips are not exactly my favorite because they can be quite a tease. It's all over even before you started. However, a vacation is a vacation, and hardworking people like us shouldn't be complaining. We should be thankful we even get to enjoy some time away from the office, no matter how scant. And on these momentary recesses, a reliable backpack ought to do it. When it comes to backpacks, I just love my Jansports. Even kids who have no idea about quality and durability use the famed brand because they've probably seen me and just about everyone else sport it to school, the office, outdoor activities, and sleep overs. These traveling gems have endured the test of time and all kinds of weather. If you don't have one, I suggest you get cracking. If you're going for light and fast, the classic Right Pack '05 is the perfect backpack for you. Its signature suede base is designed to carry a heavy load and stand the roughest surfaces. Get it on sale now, from a retail price of $39.90 down to $29.95, at www.gearhut.com.

Check in baggage can be a pain sometimes -- especially when your airline unintentionally loses it over the Bermuda triangle. That's why a lot of travelers stick to the carry on. It's compact, it fits right in the over head plane bin, you can easily pick it up or wheel it, and on a positive note, you can't fit everything in it. That, my travel Padawan, is a good thing. If you're looking for a little glitz to make up for all the things you're leaving behind, the Liz Claiborne Luggage Square 20" Rolling Weekender is just the thing. Travel in style with this cotton jacquard beauty adorned with the Liz Claiborne signature print available in brown and gray. Carry it over your shoulder, lift it up the ground with ease, or roll it around like a lazy duchess and you'll surely be every heavy packer's envy. Buy it now at www.ebags.com and take advantage of their 50% discount. If you want a tougher shell, I suggest you go for the coveted Hideo Wakamatsu Jetro Mod 20" Carry On. It's very feminine but sleek and extremely lighter than it looks. You can pre-order now and get it for a discounted price of $195 at www.beverlyhillsluggage.com.

Traveling light is indeed the best way to fly, sail, and coach. You won't get flustered because you always know where everything is. You end up saving time and energy from the moment you pack until the time you unload. And even if you're in an unfamiliar territory, you can take it anywhere with you. The carry on is definitely fit for the long -- and not that long -- haul.