You can learn much about a person by examining how they travel, even just by looking at the luggage they use. “Travel the world in style” is the slogan Tumi employs on its website to describe its “Voyageur” line. And just like the actual product, the Tumi website is sleek, robust, and stylishly simple to use. It offers the perfect cyberspace journey—good directions, straightforward pricing, and plenty of unexpected spaces to explore.

A menu bar stretches across the top of the home page, offering categories such as “What’s New,” “Tumi Collections,” “Travel & Luggage,” “Business & Laptop Cases,” “Backpacks & Messenger Bags,” “Women’s Collections,” “Wallets & Accessories,” and “Gift Ideas.” Obviously, Tumi has embarked on a journey of its own with this expansive variety of products. Yet, the company knows itself, and Tumi’s website reflects this with its cohesive, fastidious style and level, well-managed distribution of information and product line.

Each category offers the same format for their different products, divided into three columns. The left column offers an alphabetical list of itemized stock, accessories, and “Choose a Collection” options. The center column features an elegant image of the showcased product(s), just above more accessory highlights. The right column has another, smaller image of an item from the product line, which, when clicked on, takes visitors to a practical yet tasteful grid of available merchandise, complete with the price and color options.

Just as all luggage shares fundamental design necessities—primary storage spaces, convenient pockets, and accessible handles—Tumi’s website offers the standard search box for expedited navigation, registration and account management functions, and a tracking ability. The bottom of the page offers the usual, small font, utilitarian links that allow users to find a store, request a catalogue, purchase gift certificates, and learn about the company:

“Tumi is the leading international brand of luxury travel, business and lifestyle accessories. Since its founding in 1975, Tumi's commitment to design excellence, functional superiority and technical innovation has made it the brand of choice for the world's most discerning and demanding consumers. Today, Tumi's award-winning products range from luggage, business cases and handbags to wallets, writing instruments and watches. Tumi is available at top department and specialty stores as well as over 50 Tumi stores around the world.”

Tumi’s branding is well governed. It exudes class, which relies on style, grace, and a sort of organizational responsibility that demonstrates a commitment to quality, over and over again. Tumi has invested time and thought into its website; its online presence reflects the values and dedication to form and function found in its products. And though it is impossible to have a website that is “crafted in Italy from lightweight-yet-durable nylon fabric with vachetta leather trim,” its presence on the Internet effectively promotes both product and message.

Nice things make people feel good. So whether you are surfing the web or returning home alone from your honeymoon in Hawaii, it’s comforting to know you can still travel that journey with style.