Travel, we don't need telling, is not what it used to be. Remember all those wonderful glamorous shots of the great and the good descending the aircraft steps of old? Now even travelling first class is no guarantee that your luggage and yourself will end up in the same place. The answer is to be disciplined when it comes to packing and luggage. The aim is to fit almost everything you need, even for a ten-day holiday, into one carry-on holdall.

Seasoned travellers, such as Victoria Mather, travel editor of Vanity Fair, and Mehra Dalton of the India specialists Greaves Travel, have it down pat - they take monochrome wardrobes (though chocolate, navy or grey would work just as well with white) and rely on pashminas, scarves and jewellery to add colour. Mehra never checks in baggage, even on a ten-day trip to India, but packs everything into her Louis Vuitton stroller with four wheels. Shoes are the biggest problem. Victoria travels in Keds (great for sightseeing) and packs only ballet pumps when travelling - sparkly slippers from ethnic markets (Thailand is a particularly fruitful source) for evening and French Sole flatties by day. Mehra travels in Tod's loafers and packs bronze Jimmy Choos for evening and some flip-flops.

But though problems at Heathrow's Terminal 5 have really concentrated people's minds, luggage manufacturers have long been aware that waiting around carousels for bags that may not arrive isn't fun. So they've all been trying to design the perfect piece of cabin luggage.

Selfridges luggage department (0800 1234000) has a good range. It offers the Puma Urban Mobility wheeled cabin trolley in black or stone plastic-coated nylon (£250). It also has the Longchamps Surf case in brick (£145) with lots of compartments and zippers. Mandarina Duck's work case in black or stone (£165) has an extendable handle so that it can be used as a trolley. I often think that a duffle shape on wheels is a very useful shape, particularly when in places such as Africa, where journeys in small planes may be part of the itinerary. The North Face has the Doubletrack rolling duffle in black, grey or nylon with PVC coating for £190. And, finally, Antler's Cabin Weekend Roller Size Zero in black (£129) is very lightweight.

Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush, as well as the actor Hugh Grant, favour Tanner Krolle's 24in hide holdall (£895) - the leather has been skived down to make it as light as possible, but it's an updated version of a classic Victorian design.

And if you want a little extra pizzazz, Alexander McQueen has a fabulous wheelie for Samsonite Black Label - it's in a fake crocodile or ostrich in chocolate or bone, for £420. It's also worth looking at Briggs & Riley's Carry-On Expandable Upright (£259) - it has wheels and a pocket that allows it to expand by 30 per cent (though then it's too big for the cabin).

Finally, there are two really high-tech brands that can be bought only online. First, there's Titan which comes from LA and is made from polycarbonate materials in bright colours (pink, orange, green) or sober and chic ones, and it's incredibly durable (around $430, www.titanluggageusa.com). Rimowa is a brand made from aluminium-magnesium shells and looks very space-age but elegant. It has wheelies of almost every size, including one that fits the largest cabin bag requirements. Prices range from £319, www.looksluggage.co.uk.

And one other travel tip - Samsonite Black Label, left, also has a range of great travel shoes made from a breathable material that expands and contract to allow room for feet to swell. They're soft, comfy and pretty nifty to wear sightseeing (from £120).

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