When it comes to travel, luggage is not just a piece of luggage to throw your clothes into — it is a companion that will traverse the multitudes of various time zones, the many airports, and the cobblestone streets of the world with you.
Thus, choosing the right travel luggage can make your way from home to your destination significantly more comfortable and hassle-free.
Below are a few tips for choosing the most suitable luggage for your next adventure.
1. Determine Your Travel Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and how you enjoy traveling should be the major considerations when choosing your travel luggage. Are you a city traveler who needs to go through airports, or bus or train stations all the time, or have you prepared for an adventure of a lifetime that no one has had yet?
For living in the city, staying in hotels, and traveling through airports and train stations, the best choice would be a wheeled suitcase. If you would like to keep your case as new as when you bought it, choosing a hard-shell case could be the best option to protect your belongings from scratches and bumps in the baggage area.
However, if you are going on a river kayaking adventure, for example, the best luggage to pack your belongings will be a durable backpack or duffel bag. You can carry it on your back or roll it on the wheels over the off-road paths!
2. Size Does Matter: Make Sure You Know Your Limits
Ensure to check the size of your luggage before getting on the airplane because you may end up paying extra fees! Some airlines will charge you if your luggage is several inches longer. To avoid falling for such a trap, most airlines post this information on their websites, or contact the gate agent at the time of your flight to get more details.
Carry-on: Typically, a bag of 22ʺ × 14ʺ × 9ʺ can be used for almost any airline, but always check beforehand.
Checked Luggage: If it is a long trip to your grandmother’s cottage in Canberra and will last a few weeks, a larger checked bag will be the optimal choice. Do not forget that some airlines charge higher fees for heavier bags, so choose the lightest material.
3. Choose the Material and its Durability
Also, consider the material, which balances durability, weight, and appearance. Generally, two main types of material are used: soft-sided and hard-sided luggage. Both have their advantages and disadvantages:
- Soft-sided luggage: Usually made from fabrics such as nylon or polyester, soft-sided bags tend to be lighter, more flexible, and have more external pockets. However, they tend not to hold their shape and may not protect your belongings.
- Hard-Sided Luggage: Made from materials like polycarbonate or ABS plastic, hard-sided suitcases are great for protecting fragile items. They are also sturdier and easier to clean, but they do not have exterior side pockets.
If you care for the environment, you can even go for one of these chic Longchamp suitcases made from recycled materials.
4. Maneuverability: Wheels and Handles
A heavy bag can quickly ruin your journey. To fix this, consider the following:
- Two-wheeled luggage: Since they only roll backward and frontward, they might require some energy to maneuver around in tight places.
- Four-Wheeled Luggage: These spinners roll in every direction, making maneuvering the luggage through busy streets or terminals easy.
- Telescoping Handle: Ensure it is long enough but still feels sturdy enough to withstand the pressure.
5. Security Features
The best luggage takes the security of your belongings into consideration. Some of the key features to look out for include:
- TSA-Approved Locks: These locks allow the TSA agents to check your luggage without breaking the lock.
- Zippers: Ensure you purchase bags with strong zippers. Cheap plastic zippers may fail quickly, and your valuables can be easily stolen by prying them open.
- RFID Blocking: With the advancement in technology, some luggage with RFID-blocking technology secures your credit cards and passport from digital pickpocketing.
Final Words
To sum up, the ideal travel bag should be well-matched with your travel habits, comply with airlines’ restrictions, feature durable materials, be simple to handle, and be secure.
Spend time on research and go for a variant that can meet all of your requirements. This bag will undoubtedly become one of the most reliable items in your household.
May your future trips be enjoyable!
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