FabQuilter

Featherweight or Baby Lock Grace are my go to sewing machines for travel.

ManiacQuilter2

I would go with a FW.

Sandygirl

In regard to the disdain of machine repair service, Any doctor can "service" you but if you never visit one perioducically, he may not be able to "fix" you. I believe in taking my machines in for periodic servicing as a preventative measure. None of my machines cost less than $500 new so, for me, it is worth preventing large issues in the future. I do the same with my vehicle. If I had paid less than $200 for one, then I would replace it when it no longer performs.

Sandy

Onebyone

Make sure whatever portable machine you buy has a handle on it! That makes a big difference.

Jane Quilter

any light weight machine, with a handle, straight stitch, and preferably has a case to avoid bang ups in the car trunk.

leaha

I love my FWs and I also have the book and CD on how to keep it in good repair and working, they just hum.

Jeanne S

I love my Babylock Audrey. It is the smallest Babylock, only 8 pounds, and I have pieced many tops on it, and have quilted a twin size quilt on it too. I think I paid about $300 on sale 4 years ago.

rj.neihart

Walmart has one for $99, nothing fancy, works excellent and very lightweight!

hildie

Check Walmart online. Some of the prices are very good and you can pick it up in your nearest store. I own several Brother machines and I love them. They are all mid range to high range on pricing but with my experience with Brother, I would not hesitate buying a more affordable one for traveling. I agree with previous posts, you can easily learn to clean them and keep them in good repair yourself.

shasta5718

I have the Janomie Jem and it is very good and only weighs 12 lbs.