Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/749253
Thepastfewweeks,I've received an unusual num- ber of requests for my take on the best inex- pensive lug- gage, which suggests that many of my read- ers are mak- ing plans to travel over the coming winter holi- days. How exciting! I am honored by your trust in me. LUGGAGE. Over the years, I've owned — and beat up — quite possibly every style and type of lug- gage out there. Hard-side luggage made of polycar- bonate with sturdy inte- rior construction is my luggage of choice (as op- posed to soft-side made of canvas). For me, soft-side luggage doesn't do a great job of keeping the contents neat and well-protected. Well-made hard-side con- struction gives luggage the best chance of withstand- ing the rigors of airline and cruise-ship baggage handlers, too. I want the luggage I check on planes to be ex- pandable so I don't have to worry if I return with a few new things. It needs to be lightweight (most airlines have a 50-pound limit for checked bags, and I don't want the suitcase itself to take up weight). And it needs to have TSA- approved locks, which I can secure and TSA offi- cials can open (as required by law). Now that I've owned spinner-style suitcases, which are character- ized by four wheels that all have 360-degree spin- ning freedom, I'll never go back to the two-wheel roller-style luggage. With spinner-style, I simply guide because they glide. Here are some brands that offer spinner-style luggage. More info on these pieces is listed on my website. SAMSONITE WIN- FIELD FASHION HS SPINNER. This piece of luggage in charcoal color (it comes in a variety of colors, which can increase the price) is, without hes- itation, my recommen- dation for the best inex- pensive luggage because it meets all of my crite- ria above. It is available a la carte or as a three-piece set. 20-INCH SAMSONITE WINFIELD HS SPIN- NER. I use this as carry- on luggage because it does not expand and as such fits under the seat. (Note: Carry-on size restrictions vary by airline.) It costs about $88 in charcoal. 24-INCH SAMSONITE WINFIELD HS SPIN- NER. This suitcase is ex- pandable, the perfect size for a weekend trip or other short trip. It fits in the overhead bin on most airlines. However, I check this suitcase when I fly Southwest, which is most of the time, because Southwest gives me two checked bags for no addi- tional charge. The 24-inch costs about $108 in char- coal. 28-INCH SAMSONITE WINFIELD HS SPINNER. This one's very nice, big and expandable. It must be checked when travel- ing by air, which I am very happy to do. It costs about $120 in charcoal. 3-PIECE SAMSONITE WINFIELD HS SPINNER SET. This set includes the 20-inch, 24-inch and 29- inch suitcases (above), all of which nest inside the 29-inch for compact stor- age. And the price is dis- counted when purchased as a set. It costs about $260 in charcoal. Wouldyouliketosend a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@ everydaycheapskate. com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Ste. B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. EVERYDAYCHEAPSKATE Finding the best inexpensive luggage Mary Hunt PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. The Annual Enrollment Period for Part D drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans began Oct. 15 and will end Dec. 7. Passages Health Insur- ance Counseling & Advo- cacy Program is providing several free community workshops titled What's New with Medicare in 2017 to help Medicare beneficia- ries make the best choice possible for their health care needs in the coming year. These workshops will explain changes in drug plans, which plans will be remaining in the area, which plans will be leav- ing and will answer ques- tions about Medicare Ad- vantage plans. A workshop is sched- uled for 1-2:30 p.m. Tues- day, Nov. 15 at the Red Bluff Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Ronda Kramer, program director, wants Medicare beneficiaries to know that the Medicare Annual En- rollment Period should not be confused with the Cov- ered California Insurance Exchange enrollment pe- riod. She warns beneficiaries to be on the alert for insur- ance agents using aggres- sive tactics to sell health care coverage that is meant for those seeking coverage through the Insurance Ex- change. Misinforming ben- eficiaries would be consid- ered fraud. Fraudsters are very ac- tivethistimeofyear.Seniors andothersonMedicarewho participate in the exchange in error may experience complications with their coverage and potential pre- mium penalties with Medi- care in the future. Registration for the workshop is required by calling 898-6716. This free workshop is designed for Medicare beneficiaries who would like information on the changes to Medicare for 2017. For more information, call 1-800-434-0222. If your group or agency would like a workshop, call Katherine Bruce at 898-5927. HICAP does not sell or endorse any insurance products. Passages helps older adults and family care- givers with important ser- vices to empower them to remain confident in their ability to sustain and en- joy independent lives. For more information about Passages services, visit www.passagescenter.org. MEDICARE Openenrollmentworkshopsoffered CONTRIBUTED Cowgirls, Hawaiian tourists and a lost doggie woman were a few of the costumed artists to be seen at the Red Bluff Art Association's annual Halloween potluck recently. Eerie music played as the membership enjoyed three large tables filled with luscious foods. Costume contest first place winner was Sandy Vegod as a grieving woman. Second place went to Sister Gloria Heese as the Cat In The Hat and third for Connie Maxey's wiggle-eye head. For more information, visit redbluffartassociation.com or the association's Facebook page. 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STOVEJUNCTION The TheNorthState'spremiersupplierofstoves 22825 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff 530-528-2221 • Fax 530-528-2229 www.thestovejunction.com Over 25 years of experience Tues-Sat9am-5pm• ClosedSun&Mon Now Carrying! GreenMountainGrills & Accessories Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties LIFESTYLES » redbluffdailynews.com Wednesday, November 9, 2016 » MORE ATFACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS B3