As the curtains close on another successful Travel Goods Show 2024, it's time to delve into the heart of innovation, functionality, and sustainability. The Travel Goods Association (TGA) Awards epitomize excellence in our field, recognizing the trailblazers who continually redefine the benchmarks of travel gear design.
Crafted from repurposed aircraft windows, our awards symbolize resilience and transformation mirroring the journeys of the remarkable recipients they honor. The base is designed to resemble the aerodynamic shape of a wing- illustrating the concept of lift and the belief that the sky's the limit.
Best Luxury Travel Product: PROPS Luggage 22” Carry-on
The PROPS® Luggage 22” Carry-on includes its own built-in leg system — an industry first. Not only does the PROPS suitcase boast its own luggage rack, it also becomes an instant work surface for long delays or a table top for refined dining while waiting at the gate. The unique top-lid opening allows for maximum packing space and easy access to all your items. It is lightweight yet durable, features dual-spinner wheels, an interior compression packing system, and expansion zipper to allow for more space. This cool package is completed by a telescopic trolley handle, three carry handles, a TSA-approved lock, and much more. $349.99
Best Travel Accessory: Travel Sentry Foldable Backpack
This stylish Travel Sentry Foldable Backpack can be used as a day bag or as an extra carry-on for the return home. Made of lightweight material, this durable and spacious backpack comes with two front pockets, two side bottle mesh holders, and one inside zipped pocket for maximum organization. The straps are lightly padded for added comfort, whilst maintaining the foldable nature, and the internal pouch is there so you can fold the bag inward when not in use.
Best Travel Clothing: Pursesuitz Pocketwear Tank
All too often, women’s clothing is either completely lacking pockets or features pockets that are so small they are utterly useless. The Pursesuitz Pocketwear Tank is a unique, patent-pending undergarment which features front waist pockets that create extra “storage” so one can breeze through security gates and bypass bag restrictions while still transporting critical items such as keys, wallets, phones, passports, and small cosmetics. Made of recycled polyester/spandex blend fabric, these tanks are comfortable in many different climates, fit snugly under any top, and provide a safe and secure place to store indispensable treasures. $59.00
Best Gear for Photo/Video: D_b_ Photo Pro Luggage Bundle
With the D_b_ Photo Pro Luggage Bundle you can forget carrying heavy loads on your back and camera rollers that look cheap or scream that you are a photographer. Welcome to the new standard in luggage for creatives. This Pro Luggage set includes award-winning Ramverk Front-Access Cabin Luggage, the custom-made Ramverk Pro Front-access Camera insert that fits like a glove, and a numeric TSA-compliant lock for an extra level of security. The luggage top features a padded laptop pocket; quick access pocket for essentials; Hinomoto Ultra Silent 360 spinners; and a sturdy telescopic handle. Level up your game and travel with your gear like never before. $908.00
Best Travel Gear for Children: Northbay Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage
Northbay Kiddietotes Scooter Luggage is a whimsical way for small people to carry their own treasures while zooming through the airport concourse. These cases have durable, scratch-resistant 3D molded front faces, stable steering, LED light-up wheels, and a telescoping handle for secure scootering. They are light, durable, and offer secure packing with the safety lock mechanism. Folded down, they fit securely into a standard overhead bin. Best of all, they are available in 10 unique kid-friendly designs that are sure to tickle every little traveler and offer a wee bit of autonomy for both adult and child. $129.99
Best Travel Gadget/Electronic: Matador BetaLock Carabiner
Carabiners and locks are both crucial pieces in our travel kit, but carrying a lock is a drag. Locks are cumbersome, slow to use, uninspired, and often get left behind as a result. The Matador BetaLock™ Carabiner was designed to address exactly that. It works perfectly as a rugged EDC carabiner and transitions seamlessly into a theft-deterring lock at the turn of a key. It is lightweight and multi-use so there’s no reason to leave it behind. Betalock is available in seven cool colors that match any luggage, outfit, or mood. The most effective lock is the one you have on-hand when you need it. $30.00
Best Food Accessories: HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle
Did you ever wish your empty water bottle would just smush down to nothing and slide easily into your pocket? Your wish has come true. The HYDAWAY Collapsible Water Bottle compresses to a 1.5” thick disc. Available in two sizes, 17-ounce and 25-ounce, these cool bottles are made of food-grade silicone and BPA-free plastic; are dishwasher safe; have a flip top lid; come in five beautiful colors; and are watertight so they won’t leak on your valuable electronics. $27.95 - $39.95.
Best Travel Health Product: COCOON Hyperlight Travel Towel
When traveling off the beaten track, with space and weight of critical concern the COCOON Hyperlight Travel Towel is the perfect alternative to a bulky and not very absorbent cotton towel. These eco-friendly towels are made of 100% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. They soak up nearly four times their weight in water and dry rapidly. The convenient strap is equally useful for hang-drying, maintaining the compact roll, or attaching to your pack on a hot and sweaty outing. Best of all, each towel is sand and pet hair resistant. They are available in four sizes and are both GRS and Ökotex100 certified. $18.95 - $39.95
Best Travel Luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On 22”
The best-selling Baseline Essential 22” Carry-On Expandable Spinner features Briggs & Riley’s patented one-touch compression-expansion system that instantly creates more packing space but then compresses for an easy fit in most overhead bins. Features like the exterior-mounted Outsider® handle keep the packing surface flat, while a built-in garment folder keeps important dresswear pristine. Additional exterior features include: 360-degree spinner wheels that allow for easily navigating the bag through the airport and at every destination, a convenient storage pocket for a battery pack, and a two-in-one transport strap for keeping bags securely tethered. It is backed by Briggs & Riley’s industry leading Simple as That® lifetime guarantee. $699.00
Best Travel Pet Product: Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Pet Carrier
The Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Pet Carrier makes traveling with your furry friend easy, comfortable, and stylish. Measuring 15” x 16.75” x 10” it’s suitable for pets weighing up to 22 pounds. This bag features a wide mouth opening for easy access, mesh panels on three sides for great ventilation, a removable and washable cushion, and an antimicrobial lining for excellent odor control. Equipped with two safety straps for secure car travel, an adjustable shoulder strap suitable for hand or over the shoulder carrying, and a smart band which attaches to the handle of any rolling bag. $142.49
Best Travel Comfort Product: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Introducing the ultimate solution to uncomfortable travel, Evolution S3 Neck Pillow. This revolutionary travel pillow features globally patent-pending innovation, the gravity defying chin-strap technology which allows for maximum head and neck support at all angles while leaving a large opening at the front of the neck for heat to escape. The Evolution S3 also includes Cabeau’s revolutionary raised side supports and seat strap system that keeps your head in place as you drift off to sleep. This is the only travel pillow that provides 360-degree support, corded ear plugs, and a handy travel case that compresses the pillow to one-third its size. $39.99
TGA Pitch Event Winner- T&S
Since 2002 T&S has set the standard in the Japanese travel goods market, producing the premium luggage brands Legend Walker and World Trunk. When the travel industry faced COVID-19 setbacks, T&S innovated by launching PETiCO, a pet mobility brand that combining "Pet" &"Ico" (meaning "let's go" in Japanese). PETiCO helped pet owners venture safely outside with their pets during the pandemic, quickly becoming a staple for urban travel in Japan.
iCO is PETiCO’s flagship hardside pet carrier, meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of small to medium-sized pets. With its innovative patented wheel stopper, unparalleled safety features, and stylish appearance, iCO is not just a pet carrier—it's a statement of love and care for your furry friends.
PETiCO has since expanded beyond Japan, reaching Taiwan, Korea, and the Philippines, revolutionizing pet travel with its practical, stylish solutions. We're now seeking a partner in the U.S. who shares our passion for pet welfare and travel to introduce PETiCO to a new market. Our track record of innovation and successful expansion demonstrates our potential for transforming pet travel in the U.S. We believe that with the right partner, we can make traveling with pets seamless and enjoyable for American pet owners. Let's join forces to bring this vision to life.
Sustainability Award- Osprey
The Osprey Spring 2024 collection includes 19 Osprey pack families that are bluesign® Product certified, including best-selling technical packs. In addition, nine Osprey Spring 2024 accessory categories and four special edition pack series will carry the bluesign® Product designation. Consumer products carrying the certified bluesign® Product label are made of bluesign® approved materials and are produced in a resource-conserving way with a minimum impact on people and the environment.
Osprey is also expanding its Earth Program to promote more renewable materials and sustainable processes. Earth Program packs support the market for more sustainable materials and ultimately, decrease Osprey’s environmental impact. The Daylite™ Earth ($80) and the updated Talon Earth™ ($170) exceed the criteria for a minimum of 90% bluesign® approved fabrics or yarns; a minimum of 20% bluesign® approved accessories; and all remaining fabrics, materials or components are sourced from qualified suppliers. Each pack also helps reduce ocean waste with their main body and bottom fabrics woven from ocean-based or ocean-bound plastic (100% recycled polyester made primarily from ocean-bound PET bottles, and 100% recycled nylon made primarily from discarded fishing nets).
In addition, in Spring 2024 Osprey has reached nearly all of its Phase 1 sustainability goals:
- 98% of textile products will have 100% recycled content in main body fabric.
- 96% of textile products will have bluesign® approved main body fabric.
- 100% of DWR coated textile products will have treatments made without PFAS.
- 98% of lined textile products will have 100% recycled content in the liner fabric.
- 99% of lined textile products will have bluesign® approved liner fabrics.
People’s Choice Honoree- Visionair Luggage
Visionair Luggage features two practical travel hacks: the Beverage Pal and the POD Pal. The Beverage Pal is a patented built-in cup holder that allows you to have a drink within reach while freeing up your hands to access your phone, tickets, keys, money, and other essentials. The POD Pal is a built-in attachment allows you to use the POD Pal Luggage as a portable entertainment center or office on the go. Just place your tablet on the carry-on luggage, and now you're free to view a video hands-free.
People’s Choice Award- Nomatic
Nomatic, the proud recipient of the People's Choice Award at the Travel Goods Show 2024, epitomizes innovation and functionality in travel gear. Renowned for their sleek and versatile designs, Nomatic seamlessly blends form and function, catering to the dynamic needs of modern travelers. With a commitment to sustainability and a keen eye for detail, Nomatic continues to redefine the landscape of travel gear, earning the admiration and loyalty of travelers worldwide.
Travel Product of the Year Honoree- Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek, named the Travel Product of the Year Honoree at the Travel Goods Show 2024, stands as a paragon of reliability and ingenuity in the travel industry. Renowned for their durable and versatile products, Eagle Creek offers a comprehensive range of travel solutions designed to enhance every journey. From innovative packing organizers to rugged luggage built to withstand the rigors of travel, Eagle Creek consistently delivers products that exceed expectations. With a steadfast commitment to quality and a passion for adventure, Eagle Creek empowers travelers to explore the world with confidence and style.
Travel Product of the Year- Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On 22”
The best-selling Baseline Essential 22” Carry-On Expandable Spinner features Briggs & Riley’s patented one-touch compression-expansion system that instantly creates more packing space but then compresses for an easy fit in most overhead bins. Features like the exterior-mounted Outsider® handle keep the packing surface flat, while a built-in garment folder keeps important dresswear pristine. Additional exterior features include: 360-degree spinner wheels that allow for easily navigating the bag through the airport and at every destination, a convenient storage pocket for a battery pack, and a two-in-one transport strap for keeping bags securely tethered. It is backed by Briggs & Riley’s industry leading Simple as That® lifetime guarantee. $699.00
