My secret to sleeping well in noisy places (which can be yours also)- I never go on a trip without my white noise machine.

I spent $80 for mine about 12 years ago and have slept better thousands of nights because of it. That's made it a pretty good investment.

"What Is A White Noise Machine?"

It is a small electronic device that makes background "white noise". It masks and covers other sounds that could potentially disturb your sleep.

The concept of having one noise mask another so you can sleep might be difficult to imagine.

I'm actually a very light sleeper and noises easily awaken me.

The white noise is a constant background noise that your brain gets used to so it doesn't noticeably register. Your mind blocks it out, so you can sleep without noticing it. The constant white noise in background covers or blocks other noises.

It's an interesting phenomenon that if someone is sleeping while using a white noise machine and it is suddenly turned off, absence of white noise can actually awaken them.

White noise machines are most effective when placed between you and noise source. If there is traffic or an airport out window, then put it between window and you.

I always use mine when traveling, even if it seems like hotel is nice and quiet. You never can predict when other guests will be loud in hallways of adjacent rooms. If there is no outside noise, I put mine between door and my bed.

You might be worried that using a white noise machine will make you miss your alarm of worse yet, a fire alarm. I've been in many hotels when fire alarms went off at night while I was using my white noise machine at full volume. Don't worry; you can still hear a fire alarm.

As an airline pilot, I often have to get up very early. I can't afford to be late for work.

Crewmembers are very hard on their luggage and won't tolerate junky luggage that won't perform well over a long period of time. The best value in luggage is good quality, well-built, highly functional luggage that is backed up with a strong waranty. You'll achieve best value if something serves you well for a long period of time. That way your cost per use will be low.

This eliminates most of cheaper discount store luggage. Surprisingly, it also eliminates many of fancy, high priced "designer" bags also.

I've carefully inspected many designer bags offered in boutique designer logo shops. Often these bags have quality and features of cheap ones in discount stores. Their only value is "perceived value" of designer logo.

I've been shocked to find prices of these bags well over $1000 while they are inferior in quality, duraility, and features of many suitcases costing around $200-$300.

There are only a few brands that I specifically recommend. More on that in a moment.

The following "checklist" for choosing your luggage should help you make a good purchase decision.

Pilot Paul's Luggage Buying Checklist:

Wheels. These are essential. Think about how much walking with your bags is involved in any trip. It is best to have at least one bag in your ensemble with wheels. The ideal situation is to arrange things so with one wheeled bag acting as a cart, you can be completely mobile with your entire luggage. This will save you lots of time waiting for porters and bellmen, plus tip money.

I highly recommend larger, rubberized wheels with ball bearings- similar to ones on inline skates. These make a noticeable difference when pulling a loaded bag. They give best performance and longevity.

Recessed wheels are less likely to be damaged. Often, while doing aircraft exterior inspections, I'll find suitcase wheels that have been broken off in loading/unloading process.

Handle. Make sure that it is long enough. If it's too short, you'll be leaning sideways while walking.

Make sure that handle locks down so it won't be damaged if you check your bag.

One thing that leads to handle failures on many bags is lifting a loaded bag by pull handle. Your bag will last longer if you lift it by smaller grip handles.

For larger bags, two grip handles make it much easier to hoist, lift, and carry your bag. Think of getting bag out of a trunk of up into an overhead bin.

Outer Shell. There are three different types: soft-sided, hard-sided, and in-between, semi-soft sided. Consider your needs.

Soft-sided are most lightweight and expandable. They make best carry-ons, but your bag's contents are most vulnerable to damage. Think about what you'll pack in one, especially if you plan to check your bag.