Your journey begins here...
For 62 years, Hillmer's Luggage and Travel Center has been helping Southern Californians find the right Travel Assessories, Luggage, Briefcases and Billfolds. We always do our best to ensure you have everything you need for your adventure!
Hillmer's is also known for the Brands we offer : Briggs and Riley, Ricardo of Beverly Hills, Zero Haliburton, Hartmann, Eagle Creek, Dilana, High Sierra, Coleman, Swiss Army, Pathfinder, Skyway, Bosca, Ameribag, Baggallini, Daymakers Security Bags, Kipling, Jansport, Passage 2 and travel clothing by Tilley, Onederwear, Royal Robbins, Ex Officio and San Diego Hat Company.
Hillmer's Luggage and Travel Center
3714 Sunnyside Drive
Riverside, CA 92506
Phone: (951) 683-6677
Fax: (951) 683-6570
Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 5:30pm
TRAVEL ACCESSORIES CHECK LIST
SUGGESTION: Print this list out and use it to plan your packing (put a copy in your luggage to avoid leaving things behind in hotels, etc.!)
- Airline (etc.) Tickets
- Aspirin / Tylenol / Cough Drops
- Books / Guide Books / Maps / Magazines
- Business Cards
- Cable Ties to secure Zippers for security
- Digital Camera / extra memory card / fresh batteries - put in carry-on only
- Credit / ATM / Phone Cards
- Collapsible Shopping Bag, Tote or Duffle
- Confirm Flight and Reservations
- Compressor Bags (Bulky items, Laundry)
- Driver's License, Photo ID
- Dual Voltage Curling Iron/Flat Iron
- Dual Voltage Hair Dryer
- Dual Voltage Steamer or Steam Iron
- Eyeglass Repair Kit
- Eye Shades / Ear Plugs
- Extra Glasses / Contacts & copy of Rx
- Extra Plastic Bags (Ziploc Freezer)
- Extra shoe laces, string, Duct Tape
- First Aid Kit, Medications
- Foreign Money Exchange Calculator
- Foreign Electric Plugs and Converter
- Go Girl (Female urination device.)
- ID / Passport / Boarding Pass Holder
- Inexpensive gifts
- Inflatable Hangers
- Insect Repellent or Buzz Off Clothing
- Keys - only those you need to get home
- Language phrase book
- Laundry Line, Detergent, Sink Stopper
- Lotion, Eye Drops, lip balm, Flight spray
- Luggage Straps & ID Tags - required on all luggage
- Manicure Kit / Nail Clippers
- Medications & copy of Rx + vitamins
- Money (US & Foreign) & Travelers Checks
- Money Belt / Neck Pouch / Hidden Pocket / Ankle Wallet
- Moist Towelettes, waterless sterilizer
- Packing Folders, Packing Cubes
- Passport & Photocopies of Passport, Tickets, Traveler's Checks, License, Itinerary, ATM, Phone, Credit Cards and and any Rx's (1 for you, & 1 for someone at home)
- Playing Cards
- Polish / Spot Remover
- Razor + blades or charger - TwistRazor
- Poncho / Umbrella
- Sani Seat Toilet Seat covers
- Motion-Less Bands / Motion sickness pills
# Sewing Kit / scissors / tweezers
- Sleep Sack bed/sleeping bag liners
- Snacks, empty water bottle
- Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner
- Stamps / Address labels / Pens
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen / Sun Hat
- Swiss Army Knife (in checked bag)
- Tape Recorder (small)
- Toothbrush, Toothbrush Cover & Toothpaste
- Travel Alarm Clock
- Travel Flashlite (Flashcard) or Versabeam
- Travel Pillow
- Travel size Plastic Bottles (spray or pour)
- Travel-Sox® Compression socks
- Tissues (Kleenex and Travel Toilet Tissue)
- TSA Approved locks (key or combination)
- Wash Cloths (for overseas travel)
- Watch, Wallet and ID
- Woolite (cold water laundry soap) or BioSuds and Quickfresh
What is a Carryon?
To the best of our knowledge, the following information on Carryon Cases is valid for United States Airlines flying from US airports.
A Carryon Case must fit completely into the Overhead Compartment, or beneath the seat in front of you.
Since the Airlines were deregulated a number of years ago, each airline has been free to establish their own definition of what would be allowed as carryon baggage. One of the original, and still one of the best, definitions of a carryon is that it is a bag or case whose length plus height plus width totals no more than 45" (linear inches). More specifically, including handles, wheels etc., it should not be more than 21" long, no more than 13" wide, and no more than 10 inches deep. Some airlines permit two carryons, though most limit it to one per passenger, plus a 'personal' case: Handbag, Purse, Business Case, etc. which must fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Although some airlines will allow larger carryons, the above size should fit on most US Airlines flying from US airports. Other airlines around the world have carryon regulations that seem to vary airport by airport, and flight by flight, and are much more restrictive than for U.S. Airlines. Overseas airlines will have different requirements - sometimes limited to 13 - 18 lbs. Check with your airline for their carryon restrictions.
Whether on US Airlines, or others, a good basic rule is
THE SMALLER THE BETTER!
Carrying On Liquids:
Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1
3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measure.
Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.
Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.
3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Declare larger liquids. Prescription medications, baby formula and milk (when traveling with an infant or toddler) are allowed in quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
ELECTRICITY AROUND THE WORLD
VOLTAGE: Electric appliances built for use in North America are designed to operate on 110 volts AC (Alternating Current), while appliances in most other countries operate on 220 volts AC. Outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, most other countries use a variety of different shaped outlets as well. To use your 110 volt appliances while traveling abroad, you'll need a SOLID STATE CONVERTER and/or TRANSFORMER (depending on the appliance) and appropriate ADAPTER PLUGS. Click here for a list of Countries, Voltages, Outlets, and Plugs around the world.
NOTE: 110 volt appliances can operate without a converter or transformer in countries with voltage from 100 to 127 volts. A Converter or Transformer MUST be used in countries with voltages from 200 to 240 volts (unless your appliance is designed to operate on both 110 and 220 volts). You can damage or destroy your 110 volt appliances as well as burn or injure yourself if you attempt to use them overseas without the correct Converter or Transformer!
SOLID STATE VOLTAGE CONVERTERS: use solid state electronic circuitry to "Clip" the voltage wave in half, and do not produce a normal sine wave electric output. They can only be used on non-electronic heating appliances (such as Hair Dryers, Curling Irons, Steam or Dry Irons, Coffee Pots, Clothes Steamers, etc) rated between 50 and 2,000 watts. Solid State Electronic or Motorized equipment can be damaged if used on this type of converter.
CURLING IRONS: Most modern curling irons contain solid state circuitry to control the temperature & turn off if not used for a while. This solid state circuitry is NOT compatible with Solid State Voltage Converters. There is no good way to adapt or convert modern curling irons for use overseas where there is 220v electricity. The best answer is a dual voltage travel curling iron that works on 110v or 220v electricity.
Hair Straighteners & Flat Irons are becoming more popular and many people want to take them overseas when they travel. Most North American models require 120 volts and 200 watts or more of electrical power. Many of these devices contain "electronic" control circuits which can be damaged when used with a "solid state" voltage converter. Therefore we must recommend that you DO NOT take them UNLESS they are dual voltage.
TRANSFORMERS use an iron core and copper wire windings to step voltage up or down, and produce a full normal sine wave electric output as required by electronic and motorized appliances. Transformers can be used on any electrical appliance within the transformer's wattage rating (usually 50 to 100 watts). You would need a Transformer for electronic equipment like Battery Chargers, Calculators, Computers, Monitors and Printers, Answering or FAX machines, Contact lens disinfectants, Radios, Tape or CD Players (or use batteries).
Most Converters and Transformers are designed for temporary, tourist-type use. When continuous power is needed, or for large appliances, computers, power tools, or any permanently installed electrical equipment, you must choose a model designed for continuous use.
Low wattage (under 50 Watts) foreign appliances can be used in the United States with the Model V5RB Reverse Converter.
PLEASE CALL US: We want to make sure you get the correct converters and adapter plugs. Please give us a call so we can assist you. We will need to know:
1. What countries you will be visiting
2. What appliances you are taking and the wattage rating for each - are they dual voltage (110v/220v)
3. Whether any of your appliances are grounded (have 3 prongs on the plug)
4. Whether you will be using any of the appliances for an extended period of time (more than 30 minutes). For example: a nebulizer or CPAP machine that will operate at night.
WALL OUTLETS AND ADAPTOR PLUGS: North America is unusual in having the same wall outlets through the entire region. Throughout the rest of the world, the wall outlets vary in shape, number, size and placement of the plug holes. A number of non-grounded, and grounded Adaptor Plugs are available to adapt to these. Adaptor Plugs DO NOT convert electricity, they simply allow you to plug into the various outlets.
Don't let a Thief Steal Your Vacation . . .
You are more vulnerable to thieves and pick-pockets when travelling. You're carrying Airline or Train Tickets, Passport, Credit Cards, and more Cash and Travellers Checks than you normally do 'at home'. AND you are unfamiliar with the area, paying attention to the 'sights' rather than watching for thieves. Protect your valuables by hiding them away beneath you clothing with a Money Belt, Neck Pouch, Leg Stash, Hidden Pocket or Bra Stash.
Lock your luggage securely with TSA approved Key or Combination Locks, and add a bright colored Luggage Strap to keep it securely closed AND make it easier to locate.
Personal Care:
Most Seasoned Travelers wouldn't consider traveling without a good inflatable travel pillow. Allowing you to sleep in comfort on a bus, plane or train. Leave it a bit under-inflated allowing your head to nestle comfortably. Eye shades and ear-plugs are important for as bit of shut-eye.
Chewing Gum can relieve discomfort during take-off and landing. To alleviate the discomfort caused by pressure on your eardrums we recommend a unique ear plug - Ear Planes, designed to equalize the pressure and reduce aircraft sounds.
Try to Get Plenty of H2O , wash your hands often and bring with you anti-bacterial Towelettes. This helps fight off germs and minimizes jet lag.
Keep a Tolietry Bag stocked with all travel necessities (travel body creams, shaving creams, emory boards, vitamins, nail polish, polish remover). Replenish the products when you return from your trip so you're always ready to go.
Organize your Bag
Pack-it Smart. Put your small stuff in cubes and sacs, your toiletries in a kit bag, the bulky items in compressors. Fit it all in.
Pack-it Neat. Keep your shirts and pants wrinkle-free in folders. Leave your travel iron at home.
Pack-it Easy. Organize your T-shirts, shorts, socks and underwear in cubes. Use a different color for each family member. Find what your looking for fast.
Compressor Bags let you pack your puffy pillow and that big parka with ease.
To make packing easier, iron, button all buttons, zip zippers, and fasten hooks before you start to pack.
To prevent shoes from scuffing put each one inside a sock or shoe cover.
What to look for in a luggage:
1. Your luggage needs to be "thick-skinned" to resist abrasion, water, stains and tearing. Quality luggage should always come with a product information tag that includes the results of a strength test, which scientifically measures the outside fabric's resistance to abrasion and tearing. These two factors affect a fabric's long-term durability. Compare resistance factors before you buy.
2. Wheeled luggage needs to be tough from the inside out. The stronger the frame, the more likely your new luggage will survive years of rough handling. Premium luggage utilizes space-age composites that combine light weight with strength and rigidity.
3. Will the zippers stay zipped? One of the quickest ways to judge luggage quality is to check the brand of zipper. Look for the YKK brand, the best made zippers in the world. But even the best zippers can be installed poorly or placed in sure-to-wear-out locations. Make sure the zipper is installed with multiple rows of lock-stitch stitching. Danger sign: If the zipper is poorly installed on the edge of a bag, without additional reinforcement or on top of a hard frame, it's almost guaranteed to wear out quickly. Also remember: never pack your case to where its "busting at its seams" to try to get a bit more clothing in, this cuts zipper life in half.
4. Wheels and handles are "at risk" components. Here's how to check if they've been engineered properly: Are the wheels equipped with lifetime sealed, rust resistant ball-bearings? Are the handles and wheels mounted to the case with screws? (Beware: Some manufacturers use rivets molded to look like screws.) Are the screws mounted through a solid frame or inferior plastic sheeting? Are the handle tubes mounted inside or outside a solid frame or just hidden behind thin plastic sheeting or foam? (Note: You may have to open up the interior lining to visually inspect all these points: it's a real danger sign if the manufacturer makes it difficult to open the lining to check this out!)
5. Check for skimping. Is the thread top-quality multi-ply twisted nylon or far cheaper mono-core polyester? (Check the product literature--they both look the same!) Are metal hardware parts heavy-duty castings or light-duty bent wire? Are parts attached with repairable screws or with far cheaper but difficult to repair rivets? The Manufacturer's care and expense in choosing top-quality components can add up to long-term duribility or short-term disappointment.
6. Poorly sewn seams are guaranteed to fail. Check how much material is left below the seam line; the more the better. Are the seams double-stitched and carefully bound with appropriate material to prevent wear? Are the corners reinforced?
7. Can your luggage go on vacation when you do? If your suitcase includes a dress/suit carrier, can it be removed to provide extra packing space for casual vacation trips? Your luggage should offer as much flexibility as possible. Beware of gimmicks that come at the expense of durability: Specialized pockets are usful but anything can be overdone. Do you really need a pocket for one pair of socks?
8. Can lightweight luggage be too light? Frameless luggage (a completely soft duffel bag for example) can be made very lightweight but still offer durability with the use of tough fabrics, high-quality zippers and well-engineered seam construction. But luggage with wheels and telescoping handles requires a reliable frame. Extremely lightweight or partial frames are failure-prone. Make sure the luggage you're considering is engineered to provide light weight without compromising durability and reliability.
9. How to put a price tage on quality. Quality luggage is defined by two words: durability and reliability. Here's a tip from a "Professional Traveler:" Divide the number of trips you expect to make with your new luggage into the price tag. For example, a $230 roller bag that can be reliably be used for 40 trips really only costs $5.75 per trip. Since well-engineered luggage is built to withstand the rigors of the road for years, the small premium paid for quality usually pays for itself within a year (or two at the most). A lower-priced/lesser-quality bag that falls apart the second or third time you use it will actually cost you much more when you figure the "cost per use."
Luggage Repair
Try to bring the luggage that you are going to use for your trip, out of storage about a month before your departure. Give it a good look over, is anything broken? If so now is the time to get it taken care of in plenty of time before your trip. This also lets you know what the exact condition of your bag is before you depart; so if any damage occurs to your bag when you pick it up at the luggage carosel you can bring it to the attention of an airline employee right away. ALWAYS check your bag for damage at the airport, they will usuallyonly give you a damage claim if you claim it at the time of pickup only.
We do have a Luggage Repair Station inside our store and handle warranties on all the brands we carry.
We will show you how to organize & pack a 1-2 week wardrobe in a 20" wide body carryon case. We will include shoes, blazer, shirts or blouses, slacks, skirts, cosmetics/shaving kit, and accessories. We will also talk about current airline "Carryon" and "Checked" rules & share some of our favorite travel accessories, packing orgainizers, and travel security tips.
The Demonstration is FREE so call to reserve your seat(s) today, for space is limited. (951) 683-6677
January:
Saturday, 14th _ 10:30am
Saturday, 28th _ 2:00pm
February:
Saturday, 14th _ 2:00pm
