Rachel K. Belkin
Rachel K. Belkin
@rachel-k-belkin
Rachel K. Belkin, M.Ed., is an Austin, Texas and Pittsburgh, PA -based curious traveler, marketer, & storyteller who loves adventure and learning about nature, foods, and cultures.
Explore her portfolio, travel publication Probe the Globe, & consulting work at Elkin Bay.
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Explore topic-driven collections of Stacks.
Looking for Best Carry-on Luggage for the overhead compartment and a backpack to fit under the seat.
34 cards
I'm on the hunt for the best carry-on bags, suitcases, backpacks, and even better if it's an all-in-one, rolling bag and backpack. I usually travel with a carry-on bag to put in the overhead compartment and a backpack to fit under the airplane seat. I've been doing a lot of research on the best bags for me. Not too heavy when empty, good padding, zippers that can lock/attach for security.
Expanse 21.25" Convertible to Backpack International Carry-On | Eagle Creek
The all-new Expanse™ Convertible International Carry-On offers two ways to carry it, with zip-away backpack straps for when you need to travel hands-free, and wheels so you can roll it through airport terminals or city sidewalks. Front zippered pocket for easy access Interior zippered mesh pocket with key clip Internal adjustable compression Heavy-duty lash points and grab handles External mesh ID pocket Lockable zippers with central lock point Telescoping handle Sternum strap with safety whistle Two heavy-duty wheels with reinforced corners Two carry options: Wheeled and Backpack with zip-away straps Attachment for modular Pack-It® integration External Dimensions 21.25 x 13.75 x 8 in. / 35 x 54 x 20 cm Weight 5 lb. 6 oz. / 2438 g Internal Capacity 2319 cu. in. / 38 L
Expanse 2-Wheel 21.5" International Carry-On Expandable | Eagle Creek
For international travelers who need to comply with strict baggage regulations, the Expanse™ 2-Wheel 21.5" International Carry-On offers efficient packing capacity and is built with eco-conscious materials. Product Details Front zippered pocket for easy access Interior zippered mesh pocket with key clip Internal adjustable compression Expandable main compartment adds capacity when needed Heavy-duty lash points and grab handles External mesh ID pocket Lockable zippers with central lock point Telescoping handle Two heavy-duty wheels with reinforced corners Flap pocket with divider for Pack-It® integration Specifications External Dimensions Standard: 21.5 x 13.75 x 8 in. / 55 x 35 x 20 cm Expanded: 21.5 x 13.75 x 10 in. / 55 x 35 x 25 cm Weight 5 lb. 4 oz. / 2381 g Internal Capacity Standard: 2136 cu. in. / 35 L Expanded: 2502 cu. in. / 41 L
Expandable Travel Backpack | Tortuga
The carry on backpack that expands to give you more space when you need it. For short trips—and light packers—a max-sized carry on is too much bag. The Expandable Backpack is just the right size for a weekend. For longer trips, unzip the expansion panel to pack 20% more stuff. Carry on (Fits in the overhead bin) Dimensions 19.2 x 12.5 x 6.9 in 48.7 x 31.8 x 17.5 cm Expanded 19.2 x 12.5 x 8.3 in 48.7 x 31.8 x 21 cm Volume 27-32.5L Weight 3.6 lb (3.2 lb without hip belt) 1.6 kg (1.5 kg without hip belt)
Mother Lode Junior Backpack Expandable
The Mother Lode Jr Travel backpack is everything you need in a carry-on with the comfort of a backpack. This backpack has tons of pockets strategically placed inside and out so everything has its place. Not only is it easy to organize, but its expandable with external compression straps so you can still fit your favorite backpack in the overhead bin. Organization Interior zip-around mesh panel pocket Large main compartment with compression straps & fold-down shelf Easy access front zip compartment with several interior pockets and key leash 2 exterior quick-grab zip pockets Side zip water bottle pocket Design Top, bottom, and side carry handles Expands 1.5-inches 4 exterior compression straps Stowable backpack straps Breathable back panel for comfort Meets most airline carry-on requirements. Dimensions: 19.75"H x 13.25"L x 7.5"W Weight: 3.2 lbs. 4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value. $179
Mother Lode Travel Backpack
Organization Interior zip-around mesh panel pocket Large main compartment with compression straps & fold-down shelf Easy access front zip compartment with several interior pockets and key leash 2 exterior quick-grab zip pockets Side zip water bottle pocket Design Top, bottom, and side carry handles Expands 1.5-inches 4 exterior compression straps Stowable backpack straps Breathable back panel for comfort Meets most airline carry-on requirements. Dimensions: 21.5"H x 13.5"L x 9.5"W Weight: 3.3 lbs. 4.7 stars with (9419) reviews $199
Video Review - Carry-on Rolling Duffle Bag, Best So Far- NYC Subway, ✅
I got this High Sierra Rolling Duffle Bag 22inch in black at the outlets in San Marcos and paid around the same price listed on Amazon. I love this rolling duffle bag, and it can fit a lot in it. Watch the video I linked to here to see how it opens like a suitcase and everything I can fit into it. I've taken it to Puerto Rico, Aruba, and even on a small plane to Rochester, Minnesota. In all cases, I was able to carry it on the plane. The only time I had trouble was at JFK. The TSA woman made me take out a few items so I could fit in the carry-on sizer box. I mostly use it as a rolling suitcase, but in the New York subway, I was able to carry it by its straps up and down the stairs and onto the subway car. The cons: This is 22 inches long, so it may not work as a carry-on for some international airlines like Air Canada and Air France. The dimensions are 22.05 x 11.61 x 12.52 inches. It is quite heavy, even without anything in it. The empty bag weighs 6.82 pounds.
Travel Writing & Collaborations
37 cards•2 likes
This is where adventure meets storytelling. Travel writing is all about capturing places in a way that makes people feel them — the food, the culture, the vibes, the tiny moments that stick with you long after you’re home. Whether you’re exploring cities, hidden gems, or staycations, it’s storytelling that sparks curiosity and connection.
Celebrate Like a Local: 22 Small-Town Festivals
Discover 22 small-town festivals across America, with big-time spirit, local flavor, and warm welcomes you’ll want to experience year after year.
Inside Hilton’s Travel Revolution: Personalized Stays
Discover how Hilton is reinventing the hotel stay with customized experiences, creator-led campaigns, and unforgettable cultural moments.
A Boy Mom’s Baseball-Centric Vacation That Hit It Out of the Park
A boy mom’s baseball-centric vacation turned into a grand slam for the whole family around Costa Mesa, exploring ballparks, beaches, and unexpected family adventures.
Costa Mesa: A Family-Friendly Travel Hub in California
As more travelers discover Costa Mesa, California's value and accessibility, it is set as one of Southern California's premier family-friendly destinations. This page highlights the attractions and experiences that make Costa Mesa an ideal choice for family travel.
15 Blue Zone-Inspired Destinations for a Life Well Lived
By traveling to these Blue Zones or similar types of destinations, learn to incorporate ways of living for healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
Spring Travel Essentials: Smart Picks for Travelers
Pack smart for spring travel with top-rated carry-ons, beauty, and wellness essentials designed to help you stay organized, stress-free, and adventure-ready. This guide offers practical recommendations to enhance your travel experience and ensure you have everything you need for your journeys.
Portfolio & Press Features
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Here’s where the receipts live. This space highlights the projects, collaborations, and creative work that speak for themselves — the things we’ve built, written, produced, and brought to life. It’s a look at the style, quality, and energy we bring into every partnership and project.
Review: Barnsley Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Barnsley Resort is an award-winning destination located just one hour from Atlanta. The sprawling resort offers outstanding service, facilities, and dining, making it a perfect getaway in Georgia's scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Probe the Globe - Travel News and Stories
Probe the Globe is a travel publication with news and stories connecting people to places and to each other, wherever they are and however far they wander.
Tenerife targets US tourists for luxury travel
The largest of the Canary Islands is looking to high-spending visitors to combat overtourism. This initiative aims to promote Tenerife as an exclusive luxury destination for discerning travelers.
Scanxiety: 8 Tips To Cope With Scan Anxiety
This article provides practical tips for managing scanxiety, the anxiety that often accompanies medical scans. It aims to help readers understand their feelings and offers strategies to cope effectively.
HAAM's Ray Benson Birthday Bash Raises $260K for Musicians
The HAAM's Ray Benson Birthday Bash successfully raised $260,000 to support Austin musicians amidst the rising cost of living. The event featured a surprise performance by the band Spoon, highlighting the challenges faced by the city's vibrant music scene.
The 'High' Road to Ethical Consumption
This article discusses the intersection of ethical consumption and the cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of responsible sourcing and animal welfare. It explores how consumers can make informed choices that align with their values while navigating the complexities of modern consumption.