Why Can’t I Just Choose the Cheapest Luggage for My Trip?

Your choice of luggage can make any vacation or business trip much easier if some forethought is used. Never buy suitcases based purely on price or your favorite color!

Careful consideration should be given to several factors, such as:

1.) How long do you plan to travel?

2.) Do you intend to pack heavy items (like books or sports equipment)?

3.) Are you short in stature?

4.) Do you know the weight/size restrictions of your travel carrier?

5.) Do you intend to transport or purchase any fragile items?

Luggage can be categorized into three main groups: hard-shell, soft-sided, and semi-soft.

No matter which group you choose from, ensure that your bags:

1.) Have lockable zippers and compartments

2.) Are waterproof

3.) Are durable

4.) Are in good repair

Some carriers will refuse to accept your luggage if it looks like it will disintegrate during your trip.

Hard-shell suitcases are ideal if you intend to carry fragile items; but this type of luggage can be very heavy. Be kind to your back and ensure that all of your suitcases have wheels. Try to find luggage with metal-reinforced corners to protect it from damage during baggage handling.

Soft-sided luggage is lightweight – but you won’t get the best protection for fragile souvenir treasures. If you decide on soft-sided baggage, make sure that you cram each suitcase as full as possible to avoid shifting and wrinkling of your clothing.

Semi-soft baggage is constructed with a hard frame (like hard-shell suitcases). Strong fabric is then placed over the frame. The frame provides more protection than soft-sided luggage, with the added advantage of being lighter than hard-shell offerings.

If you are a frequent business traveller, you might want to consider purchasing a good quality suit or garment bag. Try to locate one with multiple pockets and tough zippers. With careful planning, you should be able to pack enough clothing for up to a week.

A single carry-on, rucksack, or duffel bag is great for a weekend getaway. However, since August 10, 2006, airline restrictions will force you to place liquids, gels, and pastes into another checked bag.

Your luggage should appear distinctive. Having the same beige or black baggage as everyone else makes it difficult to locate your belongings on luggage carousels. You can transform basic black into bold and beautiful with decals, fabric paint, colorful tape wrapped around handles, etc. Your imagination is the only limit!

Short passengers should avoid huge suitcases that are difficult to lug around. Smaller suitcases and baggage with retractable wheels and telescoping handles will make life on the road considerably easier. If you can’t find suitable bags with wheels and telescoping handles, purchase a baggage caddy.

Colorful duffel bags are a favorite with most children. If you do an online search for ‘duffel bags kids’ or something similar, you will find thousands of websites.

After you have packed all your bags, try lugging them around the block the same way you will be carrying them through the airport, railway terminal, or bus station. If you can only walk a block or two, your luggage is too heavy. Repack!

Do you plan to do a lot of souvenir shopping? Squeeze in an extra soft-sided bag – or nest two hard shell suitcases, one inside the other. When you return, you will have an additional bag – so be sure that you don’t exceed your carrier’s restrictions. Remember, also, that charter flights may have different restrictions than regular flights.

Paying attention to your individual needs and personality when you choose your luggage will make your travel much more enjoyable.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.