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Travel Gear Review: The Leroy Rolling Duffel from Solo New York

9/20/2019

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By John Roberts
When you travel as much as I do, you want to do it as efficiently as possible. Luggage plays a key role in this. I insist on keeping things simple, compact and carry-on only.
With size and weight limits for luggage on flights getting smaller and smaller, a flexible bag can prove invaluable.
Solo New York offers a rolling duffel bag style that they sent over for me to review. I have been using traditional rolling suitcases for years but never a duffel bag that has a handle and wheels.
The Leroy Rolling Duffel gave me the chance to see just how this type of luggage performs for a variety of travel scenarios. The bag is spacious and much more stylish than the standard boxy suitcase I typically wheel through the airport.
Side pockets and compartments at each end of the duffel bag make it easy to organize all your travel gear. I use the main space for my clothes and some camera equipment. There is a "shoe bag" embedded in the base compartment of the duffel bag. It smartly keeps your shoes away from your clothes (the bag shares the main space within the duffel, though).
With a pair of loop handles that close with a Velcro connection, I can carry it as a duffel. The luggage also has a push-button telescoping handle that extends so that you can use the rollers located the base to smoothly wheel the suitcase through the airport. Plus, a grip on the top allows you to grab the duffel from its end, making it easy to pick up and stow in an overhead bin on a plane.
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What I Like
I have always preferred a duffel bag because it offers a measure of flexibility when it comes to stuffing it into smaller spaces. Each airline offers its own overhead bin configurations, and the smaller airlines that fly within Europe can be especially restrictive when it comes to space. I wasn't going to carry a full duffel bag around during my travels, though.
A rolling duffel, however, lets me have the best of both options. It's a soft-sided piece of luggage that I can conveniently wheel through the airport without putting a strain on my back neck and arms. I also carry a backpack, so I really need my second bag to have wheels.
The Leroy Rolling Duffel from Solo New York also has a mesh pocket within the top closing flap for the main storage compartment. This is a nice addition to help with organizing items. I have been using the bag on multiple trips for two months to give it a good test run before writing about it, and its polyester and molded-plastic construction has proven to be quite durable.
The bag's dimensions measure 12 inches by 12 inches by 22 inches, and it weighs 6 pounds. It's lightweight and offers good space for its size.
It works quite well for short trips like business overnights or weekend getaways, and if you pack efficiently and can do some laundry on the road, you will have no problem using the duffel for long trips, too.
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The Limitations
The Leroy Rolling Duffel gets wobbly and unwieldy if you don't keep the wheels on a straight path. You must tow it along smoothly and not change direction too quickly, or the bag will try to spin and fall over. This can be frustrating if you need to pick up the pace to get from gate to gate in speedy manner.
Also, the bag has a tendency to tip over when rested on its end. It can be mildly inconvenient to have to lay it down when you want to let go of the extended handle or walk away from the bag for a moment. However, I have had good luck with the bag standing upright just fine if I pack my shoes in the bottom compartment in a way to create a steady base. (Note: My shoe size is 12, so my footwear might provide a bigger steadying "platform" than most when placed in the bottom of the bag.)

The Details
Solo New York offers the Leroy Rolling Duffel and a wide variety of other attractive travel gear, such as backpacks, tote bags, messenger bags, rolling suitcases and tablet cases, on its website. The Leroy Rolling Duffel is priced at $120.

Thanks for reading,
JR
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Halifax Cruise Port Guide: All the Action at Halifax Harbourwalk

9/16/2019

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Halifax Horbourwalk
We visited Halifax on a sunny late-summer weekend and saw four cruise ships in town. The pier is located adjacent to the fabulous Halifax Harbourwalk.
By John Roberts
We arrived in Halifax late at night. It was our first visit to this seaside city in Nova Scotia, and we had finally come in order to embark on our first Canada/New England cruise.
Colleen and I have cruised in many regions of the world, but had yet to check off a voyage in this region, and it was about time. Awaking the next morning after a pleasant rest, we were excited to spend a day in this charming city, with the weather cooperating. We visited on the first week of September, and the summer season was stubbornly hanging on, much to our delight.
I could see from the sixth-floor window of our room at the Westin Nova Scotian hotel that the Halifax Harbourwalk that people were beginning to start their days, and the area would soon be bustling.
Halifax is a destination on many New England and Canada cruise itineraries. These sailings are especially popular for "Fall Foliage" voyages. The cruises travel along the coastline in the Atlantic, and you can explore old towns and cities rich in history, culinary delights and even spot whales who are still roaming the feeding grounds until late October.
More than 400,000 people live in Halifax, with 75 percent concentrated near Halifax Harbour. So, we were located right in the heart of the action, and this was apparent as we saw residents out for their daily runs, bike rides and walks. There were plenty of tourists, too, as Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas, Holland America Line's Veendam and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Dawn cruise ships all were in port that morning.
We would be joining the new Scenic Eclipse expedition ship which arrived in port that afternoon. Our cruise would take us to Portland, Maine; Martha's Vineyard and New York City.
But first, we found a few things we loved about staying near Halifax Harbour.
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The Halifax Farmer's Market is a bustling stop filled with all kinds of vendors
The Halifax Farmer's Market is a bustling stop filled with all kinds of vendors.
The Halifax Seaport Farmer's Market
This history of this market dates to one year after the founding of Halifax. The market was created by Royal Proclamation in June 1750 and has existed at several locations and reigns as the longest continuously running market in North America. It was moved to its current seaport facility in 2010 and is home to more than 250 vendors.
Come to wander around and at least get a view of the harbor area and out to McNabs Island.

McNabs Island
Speaking of this island, it's a wonderful spot for nature lovers to check out. Located at the mouth of the harbor and just a short water taxi ride from the Harbourwalk, you can head over to take a hike or history tour.
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Garrison Brewing in Halifax
Garrison Brewing in Halifax
Garrison Brewing Company
This spot immediately caught our eyes. Located right in front of the Harbourwalk at the Farmer's Market, Garrison started its craft brew business in 1997. The large production facility, bar and company store right at the seaport offers tours and a cool environment to hang out and try varieties like Seaport Blonde, Rise and Stein hefeweizen, Georgia Peach Pale and Juicy! (a double IPA).
Garrison Brewing in Halifax
Garrison Brewing in Halifax
Halifax tour bus
A hop-on, hop-off bus offers a way to get around the city.
Cruise port at Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is a popular cruise port for ships sailing New England and Canada voyages.
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
This museum commemorates the city's role as the gateway to Canada for people coming to seek a new life in a new land. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from May 1 to October 31, the facility sits on the Pier 21 National Historic Site. The museum offers a chance to learn about more than 400 years of immigration history in Canada.
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The Discovery Centre in Halifax is an interactive science museum located right by the Harbourwalk.
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Halifax Harbourwalk
The wide boardwalk is constructed with heavy timber wood and stretches more than 2.5 miles along the harbor and marina, a long inlet that reaches the North Atlantic. The boardwalk area is filled with restaurants (be sure to grab a lobster roll), pub, shops and activities to enjoy. We saw ice cream stands, poutineries, pizza joints, pubs (Halifax boasts the most per capita in Canada), craft breweries and a beer garden. You can rent bikes or take Segway tours or boat excursions.
You can choose from a simple sightseeing Harbour Hopper tour, whale watching outings or sailing on a tall ship.
Stubborn Goat Beer Garden in Halifax, Nova Scotia
This beer garden was one of the cool and quirky restaurants, bars and eateries that I saw all along the boardwalk.
Halifax Harbourwalk food scene
The Harbourwalk features dozens of places to grab a bite to eat and sit and enjoy the waterside scenery.
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
This attraction is closed Mondays but otherwise open daily from November to April. This is the museum to learn about Nova Scotia's rich relationship with the sea. The site includes exhibits about boatbuilding, the 1917 Halifax Explosion and the Titanic. You can walk aboard the CSS Acadia, the only ship to last through the explosion, WWI and WWII. Learn about area shipwrecks and see displays of ages-old artifacts and treasures.
Halifax bike rentals
This company is right on the boardwalk, and it offers tours and bike rentals.
The Harbourwalk area also offers the Discovery Centre interactive science museum, as well as numerous other touring opportunities, including renting bikes. You could just spend hours trying all the food and beverages available at the hip eateries while listening to live music and enjoying the time people watching and soaking up the scenery at the vibrant waterside.

As we strolled the are during our late morning and early afternoon, we discussed how we were a little bummed out that we would have to be sailing away from this port city in just a few hours. We almost immediately decided that to come back soon for a much longer visit.

 
Thanks for reading, and always travel happy!
JR

Video Tour: A nice hotel, just a few steps from all the action

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Eight Awesome Expedition Experiences You'll Love for 2020

9/3/2019

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Antarctica // Courtesy Abercrombie & Kent
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The Galapagos // Photos courtesy Silversea
By John Roberts
Active travel is our favorite travel, and because we just have to keep on moving, we try to ensure that we always have something to look forward to.
This means we keep our eyes open for new things to try. Next year, it will be all about the expeditions. We have traveled on dozens of cruises, and many of them came with elements of adventure or a strong expedition feel.
Within the next year, though, Colleen and I will be finally heading to two of the most remote regions of the world for a couple of true expeditions -- epic trips that have always ranked high on our wish lists.
In the next three years, more than 24 new expedition cruise ships will be launched, offering travelers more routes and opportunities to travel in style while exploring natural wonders all over the globe.
In this post, I will outline our two upcoming expeditions that will take us to Antarctica and the Galapagos, plus show you a batch of new ships and itineraries that you can look forward to in 2020.

Our First True Expeditions
We're heading to Antarctica with Abercrombie and Kent. This company has been a leader in combining luxury and adventure for five decades, and we'll be sailing and exploring in style on a Ponant expedition ship that carries just 200 passengers.
Abercrombie and Kent's classic expeditions to Antarctica start in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We'll spend a couple days in this vibrant city over the New Year's holiday before starting our cruise itinerary.
The voyage starts in Ushuaia -- the gateway to Antarctica at the end of the world -- and cruises through the Drake Passage before we reach the White Continent for time to spot unique ice formations, penguins, seals and other wildlife.
This type of trip requires more extensive preparation, mainly packing warm-weather clothes and having some sea sickness remedies in mind for the Drake Passage, which can be notoriously rough. We're quite excited though to undertake this adventure to such a remote and important region of the world.
In May, we'll be heading to another vital and fascinating destination: The Galapagos. We all know about the important wildlife diversity here, and we're going to explore this legendary archipelago with Silversea on its 100-passenger Silver Galapagos luxury ship.
The expedition will start with time in Quito, Ecuador, for a few days of hiking and other activities (we're organizing this stuff on our own). Then, we take a flight to Baltra, an island in the center of the Galapagos, to join Silver Galapagos and start our weeklong expedition. We'll sail to 15 different spots while swimming, snorkeling, going on nature walks and hiking to spy blue footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins and so much more.
The cruise ends in San Cristobal before we fly back to Guayaquil on the mainland to start our trip back home. This Galapagos adventure will be incredible for the photography opportunities and chances to interact with wildlife in their natural and unspoiled environment.

Ships to Look Forward To
Aside from the two trips we have in the works, there are a number of new experiences coming online. A slate of brand-new expedition ships will give active travelers a way to mix their adventures with a side of luxury.
The new Scenic Eclipse has just debuted as an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive expedition ship. Scenic calls the vessel a discovery yacht, and the innovative ship carries 228 passengers in 114 suites. The elegant decor complements the rugged voyages passengers can take to the polar regions and destinations all over the map on Scenic's first ocean ship.
Scenic Eclipse has 10 distinct dining options and features two helicopters, a six-person submarine, heated pool with retractable roof, fitness studios, spa, hot tubs and snorkeling and scuba equipment.
Another luxury expedition cruise option coming in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will sail with up to 200 passengers on itineraries all over the world. The vessel will have a polar class rating that allows it to break ice and reach locations other luxury expedition yachts can't reach.
The ship also is unique in the extras that you can enjoy during your adventure. Crystal Endeavor offers butler service, Michelin-style dining, a glass-enclosed Solarium with pool and hot tub, casino and spa and fitness center. It also carries two helicopters and a seven-person submersible vehicle.
Lindblad Expeditions' new National Geographic Endurance is coming in early 2020 and will carry up to 126 passengers on polar expeditions. The ship is named to honor famed explorer Ernest Shackleton and the Endurance ship on which he set sail in 1914 to the Antarctic.
National Geographic Endurance has more than 10,000 square feet of glass and a special bow design enabling unparalleled scenic viewing as you sail. It's built to be a home base while you visit the world's most remote regions. Expert guides will lead the way with a variety of tools for adventure, such as cross-country skis, kayaks, hydrophones, underwater video cameras, a remotely operated vehicle, a video microscope and a helicopter landing platform. The ship also features a spa, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, infinity-style hot tubs and multiple dining options.
Silversea is bringing a bold new luxury ship to the Galapagos. Silver Origin will carry 100 passengers for all-inclusive exploration of the Galapagos. The ship will offer eight Zodiac skiffs, expert guides, floor-to-ceiling views, an Observation and Stargazing Platform and two restaurants featuring authentic Ecuadorian cuisine.

New Itineraries
Among the new 2020 expedition experiences that have us excited are new itineraries added by UnCruise Adventures, one of our favorite small-ship lines. UnCruise is expanding its lineup of destinations with trips that now give travelers opportunities to explore Colombia, Guatemala and Belize -- in addition to existing expeditions in Alaska, Costa Rica, Panama, Coastal Washington, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Sea of Cortez and Hawaii.
UnCruise's new voyages:
Colombia and Panama
The line's 66-passenger Safari Voyager sails three trips on a new weeklong Colombia and Panama "Coral, Jungles, Canal" itinerary between Cartagena and Panama City (or reverse) in October. On the trip, you will transit the Panama Canal, meet native Guna and Embera people and visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites -- the Darien Jungle and the colonial walled city of Cartagena.
Belize and Guatemala
Six departures on a new weeklong adventure cruise explores the beaches and jungles of Belize and Guatemala. Safari Voyager sails in this region October to December and offers the opportunity to snorkel Belize's Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, seek out marine life, venture up the Monkey River and explore Mayan historical sites.

We think this array of expedition experiences will appeal to all of you adventure-seekers out there. Which ones do you like?
Thanks for reading,
JR
We are an affiliate of Cruise Critic Smart Deals, where you can find the best prices for your upcoming cruises. Check out the deals here. We get a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click through and visit the website. Happy sailing!
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