The ultimate light-as-air carry-on

As airlines continue to tack on charges for checking bags, it's never been more crucial to find a lightweight, functional option you can easily heave into the overhead compartment—no assist necessary.

Samsonite's Bright Lite line of luggage (in glossy pink, blue, or black) infuses a jolt of style into an otherwise sensible suitcase. Case in point: The ding-resistant polycarbonate shell clocks in at 6.6 pounds, and all four wheels spin 360 degrees for easy maneuvering. Good thing there's no fee for efficiency.

You can purchase the 20-inch upright luggage at samsonite.com for $189 (pink won't be available until early May) and at Macy's beginning in late April.

From the April 2010 issue of Budget Travel.