When folded, the $15 Urban Shelf is just a half-inch thick so it won’t take up much room when buried in your suitcase. And when deployed, a lip designed to slide under a mattress lets this sturdy shelf hold up to four pounds of overnight sundries, including your glasses and phone. It’s even got a couple of strategically cut slits designed to prevent your charging cables from sliding off onto the ground when you unplug your toys.

If you ever find yourself in a hotel room where the nightstand kept your phone just out of reach, you’ll realize why this is truly an ingenious creation.

[Urban Shelf]

The Philadelphia Marketplace Food Shops at Philadelphia International Airport recently added several food and retail options. The marketplace is managed by MarketPlace Philadelphia Management LLC.

New offerings include Burrito Elito (Terminal C); d_parture spa (Terminal F); Tech Interaction (Terminal C); watch seller Time to Fly (B/C Connector); and travel accessory vendor TUMI (B/C Connector).

To make life easier for you during the rough patches, we have presented a selection of handy and inventive products that will make things run just that little bit smoother.

For instance, when you’re puppy is first starting out on their journey to being a well behaved pooch, the Clix Professional Whistle and the Clix Puppy Training Kit provide invaluable support.

Or to help keep your carpet clean the 8 in 1 Training Pads and the Pennine Industrial Bio Degradable Poop Bags provide a quick and easy way to teach your pet when to do their business, and help you to clean up the mess while they are still learning.

But when training really gets underway it is important to have the right tools, such as the Company of Animals Target Stick.  It can readily be used alongside any one of the exceptionally designed Rosewood Agility Range, to make get your champion pooch ready for their future stardom.

And to make sure that you can work on the basic while your pet is off the lead, you can make use of the Ancol Nylon Tracking Line. This gives your pet the freedom of movement to play and exercise, without the worry of them running off and getting lost.

A great alternative to the tracking line is the Rosewood Hexagon Play Pen. This large and hardwearing play pen is easily folded away, making it perfect for use when travelling to provide your pet with a cosy and secure play area of their very own.

Also, to make any long journeys far more comfortable for your dog, the Rosewood Options Pet Car Seat / Carrier is the perfect solution. Not only does this provide a secure and easy way to transport your pet, but it also comes with built in seat belt loops and a breathable mesh, to make comfort a top priority.

Posted by Sam Bainbridge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raton, Fla., – May 16, 2012 – Travelpro, Atlantic Luggage and Austin House are pleased to announce their “2012 Gift Guide for the Travelling Dad.” This Father’s Day, show your appreciation to that special man in your life with a gift for Dads who love to travel from their superb lines of luggage and unique travel accessories.

“The ‘2012 Gift Guide for the Travelling Dad’ offers a variety of products from our newly launched innovative luggage collections,” said Scott Applebee, Vice President of Marketing for the Travelpro family of brands. “We offer high quality, lightweight and durable luggage and a variety of practical, inexpensive travel accessories that are perfect gifts for fathers who travel for business or leisure.”

The new Travelpro Crew™ 9 20” Business Rollaboard Carry-On is perfect for the Dad who travels on business and doesn’t want to carry multiple pieces of luggage. This Business Rollaboard has a large front pocket with a padded laptop computer/tablet sleeve and a convenient business organization for easy access to pens, business cards and other business essentials. It also includes the durable, patent-pending Powerscope extension handle system that minimizes wobble when fully extended. The Polypropylene Honeycomb Frame provides durable and lightweight construction, and a removable suiter system and extra-wide tie-down straps minimize wrinkling during travel. The stylish Crew 9 20” Business Rollaboard Carry On is available in black and titanium gray fabric colors and the suggested retail price is $199.99.

Another great option for hassle-free travelling for Dad is the Travelpro Platinum 7 Soft Duffel Bag. The bag features a large U-shaped opening to the main compartment, an adjustable, padded shoulder strap and a unique zippered bottom pocket that provides easy storage and access to last minute items. The Platinum 7 Soft Duffel Bag is available in wine and black fabric colors with elegant black nickel zipper pulls and herringbone trim. It includes the “Travelpro Worry-Free” warranty, which guarantees that your luggage is free from defects in materials and workmanship, and also covers repairs of damage caused by airline baggage handlers for the life of the bag. The suggested retail price for the Platinum 7 Soft Duffel is $169.99.

If Dad is a frequent business traveller, the Travelpro Executive Pro Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief is an ideal Father’s Day gift. The intelligently designed brief is lightweight and durable and will allow Dad to pass through airport security without the hassle of removing his laptop. Just unzip the back and lay it flat to pass it through the X-ray machine. This collection includes a Lifetime Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The Executive Pro Checkpoint Friendly Computer Brief is available in black fabric with a suggested retail price of $119.99.

With the spike in checked-baggage fees, the lightweight Atlantic Compass 2 21”Spinner Carry-on will allow Dad to pack more without the cost of checking-in his bag. Carry handles on three sides make it easy to lift into and out of cars and airplane overhead bins. The Compass 2 four-wheel Spinners can roll in multiple directions or move easily through airports like a two-wheel Upright. Compass 2 is available in black and cranberry with stylish satin accents. It carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty. The suggested retail price for the Atlantic Compass 2 21” Spinner is $99.99.

Austin House, a leading brand of clever and cost effective travel accessories, features a multitude of cost-effective items that will make unique and practical gifts for this Father’s Day. The Austin House Universal Adapter with USB is compatible with outlets in more than 160 countries. For Dad’s who are always on-the-go, the new Austin House Travel Charging Kit is an all-in-one kit that allows you to charge most devices with a USB, Mini USB or Micro USB port. It includes a USB car charger adapter, wall adapter, mini USB and Micro USB-to-USB cables. Another great gift guide for Dad is the new Austin House Digital Stereo Earphones, featuring lightweight earbud design blocks background noise while delivering great sound; additional buds are included.

About Austin House

Austin House started in 1974 to make travel as safe, comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Today, the strength of Austin House is its vast selection of travel essentials and clever ideas, including safety locks, travel clocks, luggage straps, luggage tags, passport and document holders, personal security, comfort and care items, leather goods, adapters and converters and electronics accessories. A one-stop shop for travel accessories, Austin House is the essential resource for the serious traveler.

Please visit Austin House at www.austinhouse.com for a full list of the latest products and retail locations.

About Atlantic Brand Luggage
Since 1919, the Atlantic brand has been synonymous with affordable, value-added and lightweight luggage. As a market leader in the lightweight luggage segment, including neatly designed uprights and spinners to trendy and smart garment bags and totes, all Atlantic branded luggage is of superior quality and durability. Whether for business or pleasure, travel is easier with Atlantic luggage, now part of the Travelpro family of brands.

Please visit Atlantic Luggage at www.atlanticluggage.com for a full list of the latest products and retail locations.

About Travelpro
For twenty five years, Travelpro International has prided itself on design innovation and durability in crafting the highest quality luggage for travellers worldwide. Since transforming the ease of modern day travel with The Original Rollaboard wheeled luggage, Travelpro has been the brand of choice for flight crews and frequent travelers worldwide. Travelpro is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with its customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their needs. The company offers a variety of innovative, high-quality luggage collections and computer briefs; each aimed at a specific user lifestyle and rigorously tested. Travelpro was the winner of the 2009 and 2010 Leading Edge Award from Executive Travel Magazine for “The Best Carry-on Case.” Travelpro is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the invention of the Rollaboard throughout 2012.

Please visit Travelpro at www.travelpro.com for a full list of the latest products and retail locations.

Yet another device that smartphones, like the iPhone, have made obsolete are alarm clocks. The only minor issue being that you need some way to prop them up to check the time, and Bracketron’s MetalDock does exactly that, with style.

Available at the end of June for around £20, the all metal dock can hold your iPhone in its portrait or landscape orientation while charging it at the same time. Its three foot cable cleverly keeps the dock propped up, while a set of rubber feet stop it from sliding all over. And its ultra-minimal design makes it perfect for travel, particularly if you end up in a dated hotel room lacking an iPhone compatible alarm clock.

[Bracketron via iLounge]

Coach, with headquarters in New York, is a leading American marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men, including handbags, men’s bags, women’s and men’s small leathergoods, weekend and travel accessories, footwear, watches, outerwear, scarves, sunwear, fragrance, jewelry and related accessories. Coach is sold worldwide through Coach stores, select department stores and specialty stores, and through Coach’s website at www.coach.com. Coach’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol COH and Coach’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388.

Neither the Hong Kong Depositary Receipts nor the Hong Kong Depositary Shares evidenced thereby have been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account of, a U.S. Person (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act), absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Hedging transactions involving these securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act.

• Interactive digital marketing sets new standards in innovation
• Experience Augmented Reality at Samsonite’s Dubai Mall store

In a step that takes innovations to new levels, Samsonite Group – the worldwide leader in travel solutions over the last 100 years – has implemented the revolutionary Augmented Reality Interactive display concept, in select Samsonite Classic Stores in the UAE and Middle East.

The Augmented Reality concept has been introduced at Samsonite’s exquisite showroom at Dubai Mall. Augmented Reality is a concept involving computer-generated imagery in live video streams where a person interacts with the objects on screen, giving the perception of being part of that reality.

The introduction of Augmented Reality concept further reinforces Samsonite Middle East’s commitment to innovation, not only in their world-class products and services, but also in the way they communicate and display the products at their stores in the region.

The new concept involves an Interactive TV on the store window, where customers watching the video imagery will feel transposed and step in to appear in the video, interacting and becoming a part of the reality. Samsonite ME also announced that the concept will soon also be introduced at other selected stores across the UAE and the Middle East.

In his comments on the new interactive concept, Subrata Dutta, Managing Director – South Asia and Middle East for Samsonite, said: “By bringing in the concept of Augmented Reality into the region – the first time such an interactive display has been introduced in our category across the region, our aim is to give an exciting and innovative new avenue for our customers to feel the Samsonite experience with us. We are proud to pioneer this type of virtual reality and window display in the region, on this scale.”

He added: “This is a compelling initiative to engage with our customers and make it an interactive fun exercise. We will look at introducing the same at our other stores across the Middle East very soon. The concept is integral to our overarching campaign to strengthen our brand visibility and commitment to innovation across the region and beyond. Moreover, this gives a whole new meaning to the concept of window shopping in the Middle East!”

Samsonite has always been at the forefront for business and casual luggage, as well as travel accessories since 1910. Today, Samsonite is the worldwide leader in superior travel bags, luggage and accessories, combining notable style with the latest design technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability.

Utilizing top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite has created unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveler.

By Patrick Brzeski

Sykes Picture House

Wendy Siu is the founder of Heather March, a Hong Kong-based retailer that imports and sells high-end French housewares throughout Greater China.

In addition to paying visits to the company’s sales points, she regularly travels to her suppliers around Europe. In 2005, Jacques Chirac awarded her France’s Knight of the National Order of Merit in recognition of her work as a business ambassador of French culture.

Ms. Siu spoke with the Journal about in-flight massage, the dangers of fancy luggage and why you should always travel with bubble wrap.

Where do you go the most? I mainly go to Europe – Paris, the south of France and Burgundy; sometimes Germany and Italy, too. For long holidays, my husband and I like to go to Turkey and Jordan; and for short-haul trips, we visit Thailand and New Zealand a lot.

What frequent-flier plans do you use? Asia Miles, One World and Marco Polo. That covers most flights for me.

As a dealer in fine French china and tableware, is there any airline that impresses you in terms of meal presentation? Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve seen an airline that offers anything special with their table setting yet, even in first-class cabins. There is so much room for improvement here.

What are your thoughts on airplane food? I seldom eat any of it. It’s kind of hard to surprise me with airplane food, because there are such better options on the ground, and it’s hard to change your palate just because you’re in the air. They do the best they can, given the restrictions of the airplane kitchen, but even in first-class cabins, it still just doesn’t compare to a real restaurant. Usually I wait until I’ve landed and have finished my business, and go to a nice place for an authentic meal.

Road Warrior provides travel tips from those who know best: busy executives and other globetrotters. Read more

Most comfortable seats? Some of the airlines – I won’t name names – that are flying older planes really don’t have comfortable seats. And a big, comfortable seat is the most important part of a pleasant flight for me. I would say Singapore Airlines are again at the top. In Europe, Lufthansa is pretty good too.

Essential travel gadgets? I have to have my iPad. This is magical for me. Like a lot of women, I carry a lot of stuff with me, and having the iPad keeps all of my files in one light device and frees up space.

Other travel accessories? I still like to bring a couple of good old-fashioned books. I know it doesn’t make sense weight-wise, but it just feels better, and I like to write my thoughts in the margins.

Favorite luggage? I’ve chucked all my fancy Louis Vuitton-type leather bags. They just don’t add any value for me. A lot of times I travel alone, and as a woman, I really cannot afford to have such heavy luggage. No matter how nice the hotel, there will always be some idle time when you’re waiting for someone to come pick up your luggage. I prefer to just be able to grab my own bags and go. So I need very light, functional luggage. And having fancy bags can be unsafe – it’s unwise if you’re traveling alone. Now I use a simple brand called Eagle Creek. I chose a young, chic color. It’s light and lovely.

Any packing tips? I have just one. If you live in Asia and travel to Europe, bring your own roll of bubble wrap, some big shipping envelopes and tape. Because you’re definitely going to find all kinds of wonderful things you’ll want to bring back with you, but they’re probably going to be heavy or fragile. I was in a market recently in Provence, and I went crazy, buying honey, quilts, lovely handicrafts and homewares. Nice shops in Europe often don’t have shipping services, and the post offices don’t carry packaging material, but if you bring your own, you can just wrap it up and have the hotel ship it home for you.

Favorite airport? You just can’t beat Hong Kong’s efficiency, convenience and speed. The airport also has such a great variety of stores, and they’re adding more and more. It’s not just fashion and watches. They’re expanding into different categories and bringing in some quality lifestyle stores. You won’t ever get bored during a long layover.

What’s your favorite airport-to-city journey? Queenstown International Airport, New Zealand. Coming from Hong Kong, landing in New Zealand is like entering a different world. It’s so peaceful. We always stay in Blankets Bay. It’s such a tranquil ride. You pass the mountains and the endless farmland and flocks of sheep.

How do you keep up with exercise while on the road? When I travel long-haul, it’s not worth the luggage space for me to bring sneakers and gym outfits. I want to save space for bringing things back. So I usually do core exercises and some light jumping routines in my hotel room. You can actually get a pretty good workout this way, and it saves time.

How do you beat jet lag? Usually my schedule is jam-packed when I arrive, so getting any rest I can on the way is beneficial. I just jump into the action according to the local clock when I arrive and crash when I get everything done. For the first two nights of the trip, I also always try not to schedule anything social too late.

Favorite hotels in Asia? My favorites would be the Amanpulo in the Philippines and the Amanpuri in Thailand. I feel that the Amanresorts chain has [its] own sort of Thai sense of savoir faire, which I appreciate very much. A lot of the time luxury resorts in Asia have amazing venues, but it’s not complemented by an equally high standard of service.

What city has the best taxis? It’s got to be London taxis. They’re the most comfortable, and I love speaking with the cab drivers – they’re so knowledgeable. I remember once I got the name wrong and the driver took me around and around without any complaints and eventually figured out my mistake for me. I feel safe with the taxi drivers there.

What was your worst travel experience? Once when I was going to a furniture fair in Milan, I was very late to make a booking. The only thing I could find near the city that wasn’t full was a very simple business hotel. I booked it through a Hong Kong travel site, so I assumed the currency had been converted into Hong Kong dollars. But it turned out it was in Euros. So I paid about €9,900 per night for a very average hotel. For that price I could have stayed in an amazing suite at the Four Seasons. I was so furious at myself. Whenever there are trade shows and exhibitions, these hotels just go crazy with charging people unreasonably high prices. You really have to watch out for that.

If you could change one thing about the business-travel experience, what would it be? I wish airlines and travel brands would explore the wellness issue more for their travelers. They have all this champagne and caviar up in first class, but I’d prefer that they work out a menu or some other treatments that are designed to help us relieve tension, stay hydrated or detox, so that we land feeling healthy and fresh. Rather than luxury, a wellness touch would be much preferred. Any kind of in-flight massage service would be great too.

–Edited from an interview with Patrick Brzeski

Follow Scene Asia on Twitter @WSJscene.