Right around this time of year, Shopping Siren’s thoughts turn to palm trees. Crystal waters. Warm, white-sand beaches.

Cabana boys.

In other words, places that are not Maine in March.

I have a feeling I’m not the only one. At the newspaper alone, I can count five people going away on vacation this month. Actually going away, as in packing a bag and flying off to places without snow or mud. It’s a delightful idea.

It also happens to be an economical one, at least the “packing a bag” part. According to those who know (er, Lifehacker), March is the best month to buy luggage. (It also happens to be the best time to buy frozen food, golf clubs and boats. Um. Stock up?)

So in honor of my March wanderlust, the happy vacationing people around me and the fact that it’s prime luggage-buying time, I scoured the area for suitcase steals and deals. Some are more stealy-dealy than others, but the bargains are out there. 

If only bargain flights to the Bahamas were so easy. 

* Tommy Hilfiger 16-inch tote, TJ Maxx, $29.99

The perfect carry-on in manly hunter green. A guy can toss in a couple of T-shirts, some swim trunks and a pair of flip-flops and be ready to go. Or he can go back, throw all that in a regular suitcase and fill this carry-on with the stuff his female companion couldn’t fit in her bag, because there’s no way she’s getting on that plane without her makeup, hair dryer and iPod. I’m just telling you now.

* Diane von Furstenberg boarding bag, TJ Maxx, $39.99

In fuchsia, with white and orange accents. About the size of a bowling bag — but much cuter — so you can carry your own makeup, hair dryer and iPod. Heck, you could probably throw in his T-shirts, swim trunks and flip-flops. Checked-bag fees no more!

* Trunki by Melissa and Doug, Percy’s Burrow, $39.99

Small, hard-sided suitcase adorably painted to look like a ladybug, tiger or . . . blue and green creature that’s left up to the imagination. Traveling tykes can roll the case along like a big kid or ride on top, hold onto the hand grips and let a grownup do all the grunt work by towing them along.

Pair with:

* Trunki fun face stickers by Melissa and Doug, Percy’s Burrow, $1.99

Allows kids to give their Trunki case personality with sticker whiskers, sunglasses and funny faces. I’m thinking of buying these for my own luggage. For security. Forget duct tape and tiny locks — no one will dare grab a suitcase from the baggage carousel if said suitcase is sporting whiskers.

* Sonoma five-piece luggage set, Kohl’s, $229.99

Set includes 27-inch and 20-inch upright suitcases, a 22-inch rolling duffel, a 15-inch tote and a 9-inch travel kit. Kohl’s offered buy one, get one half off on all of its luggage this week, so for $345 you can get two sets — enough luggage to send you and your significant other on a whirlwind world tour with nary the need to wear the same thing twice. But you might want to tip the bellboys. A lot.

* Leisure 44-inch wheeled garment bag, Kohl’s, $179.99

Lay clothes flat, secure bag, go. Bon voyage!

* Samsonite Tote-A-Ton, Bed, Bath & Beyond, $19.99

Black canvas duffel-like bag that folds up tight but expands to provide 6,000 cubic inches of space. According to Backpacker Magazine, that’s enough for a weeklong camping trip or, if you pack light, a full expedition. Surely, Lewis and Clark didn’t have it so good.

(Note to Samsonite: “It’s uses are endless!” is a great slogan for Tote-A-Ton, but not so much, you know, grammatically correct.)

Best find: Heys hard-sided 29-inch suitcase, TJ Maxx, $79.99  

Purple, so it’s easy to spot among the horde of black bags at the airport. Wheeled, so it’s easy to move. Hard-sided, so it’s easy to protect your belongings. And at $80, it’s more than $100 cheaper than the almost-identical silver Heys suitcase at Kohl’s. Score!

Think twice: Falchi gold computer backpack, TJ Maxx, $24.99

Not just gold, but metallic gold. With a padded lining the color and pattern of a gaudy Hawaiian shirt. Did I mention it also has leather straps? Not exactly subtle, this pack. Lug this along and you’ll be pegged as a tourist. Immediately. So ditch the gold and go with something a little more sophisticated. And when you do, send me a postcard. Something with palm trees and a cabana boy.

Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who like to travel light) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

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