Truth be told, we wouldn’t mind if our old, mismatched luggage got lost on the tarmac.

We’d happily stock up on outrageously luxurious pieces from Betty Hemmings. The high-end travel goods store has opened a Vancouver flagship location and its shelves are stocked with travel accessories fit for royalty. No really: they offer the umbrella carried by Prince Charles – or his personal umbrella carrier, anyway. And not just British royalty, but fashion royalty (Kate Moss for Longchamp) and cinematic royalty too (James Bond’s briefcase, minus the crazy gadgets).

Amidst company like this, we better start flying first class. —Kelsey Dundon

Betty Hemmings, 415 Hornby St., Vancouver, 778-329-4321, www.bettyhemmings.com

Getaways to boutique hotels with one-of-a-kind art and custom linens call for a bespoke bag.

Pack the bare essentials into a piece from Palmer & Sons. Beautiful and well-built, the line of leather luggage is made in Vancouver the old way by father and son duo Nik and Jack. Each bag is constructed using hundreds of brass rivets hammered in by hand, fastened with unconventional closures like equestrian panic snaps and marine clasps and individually numbered using 100-year-old metal stamps. Made-to-order in two to three weeks, details like hue, handles and interiors can be customized.

Just be prepared that your Gladstone could get more attention at Gladstone Hotel check-in than you.

$230-$650 at www.palmerandsons.ca

See pics from our studio tour with Nik Palmer on the Editors’ Diary.

In preparation for a new year of globetrotting, we’ll be watching Up in The Air (Clooney giving us travel tips? Yes, please) and investing in new luggage from the Claire Newell collection.

The travel expert regularly seen on Global TV, Newell has poured her years of packing and frequent flying into a slick collection of premium bags, suitcases and accessories that’s made of leather from the same factory where Prada gets its goods. We love the travel wallet ($99) designed with all the right compartments for all your documents that doubles as a great going-out clutch. And the tote bag ($399), which comes with a pen, business card holder and key chain, works equally well as a carry-on, weekend overnighter or everyday laptop bag.

Looking this good is liable to get you bumped up to business class.

At www.cntravelcollection.com

The boss is sending you to London on business. You think England, but she meant Ontario. While you can’t change your ticket, you can treat yourself to a little leisure. Travel + Leisure, that is.

The magazine is opening a fleet of travel shops and YVR is the first locale. In the domestic terminal, before passing through security, we found ourselves the perfect day bag, a light duffel by The North Face ($60), as well as a high-gloss carry-on by Heys ($94.99) and a chic black leather passport wallet by Calvin Klein ($45).

So you won’t be hitting High Street, you can still travel high style.

Travel + Leisure Travel Store, Domestic Terminal, Vancouver International Airport, 604-303-7723, www.yvr.ca

In our travel fantasy we board the Orient Express with just a round, red hat box. Alas, our travel reality demands a bit more practicality.

The ZÜCA Pro is a frequent flyer’s dream. The cool carry-on comes with colour-coded packing pouches that stack like drawers and accommodate four days worth of wardrobe. Its width is made to traverse airplane aisles and fit in the overhead bin. The outer casing is removable and washable, yet its frame is strong enough to sit on—which you’re meant to, there’s a built-in seat.

Straighten up and fly right, indeed.

USD$285 at www.zuca.com

Between mini bottles of beauty product, fashion mags and our MacBook, there’s little space left in our carry-on.

But for the Lug Nap Sac, we’ll make some room.

A two-in-one travel blanket and pillow, the compact fleece carrying case (which doubles as a pillowcase) unzips to reveal an inflatable headrest and a baby soft blanket. Did we mention the secret pocket for keeping that precious Blackberry or iPod close at hand?

The peace of mind you’ll have saying no to those untrustworthy airplane offerings makes this $28 travel companion priceless.

Now if only it could magically transport you out of coach and into first class.

www.lugtravel.com

If the only luggage you're toting these days is bags under your eyes, it's time for a mini break.

But when you're headed to the islands or hopping a seaplane, your black roller–suitcase just looks, um, square.

The sleek and stylish duffle bags from Vancouver's Red Flag Design are made from reclaimed sails, and couldn't be more at home on the coast.

We love the AUM mini–duffle ($200) made from white Dacron racing sails with sea–blue identification numbers.

And when you're invited to sail to Panama on his yacht? Start packing now, sister.

View styles and shop at www.redflagdesign.ca

Planning a holiday that involves a surfboard, laptop, kayak, golf clubs, formal attire and skis?

We knew you were that crazy.

Make sure everything arrives intact without having to schlep it through multiple airports and terminal transfers by using the services of U.S.-based Luggage Club.

With service to Canada, they’ll get your goods safely to your destination ahead of your arrival so all you have to worry about is getting yourselves there in one piece.

Which can be enough in itself these days.

www.theluggageclub.com