How to Pick the Perfect Luggage
Recently I had to replace my purple Delsey carry-on luggage (thanks for over a decade of service babe, so many great memories with you - love you!), so I found myself going down the very long rabbit hole of luggage shopping. Listen, I know it can be a pain to figure out what to buy because there are so many options, but investing in the right piece of luggage is ESSENTIAL for stress-free travel. So I’m here to help you out! Let’s talk about how to find the best piece of luggage for your needs!
WHAT TYPE OF TRAVELER ARE YOU?
This is the place to start, ground zero, do not pass go before answering this question. Are you mostly a domestic or international traveler? Are you a frequent flyer, or do you mostly do road trips? Do you typically go away for a weekend or for weeks? Are you a minimalist or a maximalist packer? Do you do mostly carry-on or do you like to check your bags? These questions will help you narrow down your options.
WHAT SIZE DO YOU NEED?
For both international and domestic travel, the common standard restriction for carry-on luggage is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. However, size limit can vary, particularly on budget airlines, which often have tighter restrictions. So always the check individual airlines websites for dimensions to avoid getting surprised by additional fees.
You’ll also want to consider weight, since most airlines limit how heavy your bag can be, and choosing lightweight luggage can help you avoid excess baggage fees. However, lighter luggage shouldn’t mean compromising on durability. Check the materials used: polycarbonate is a strong, lightweight option for hard-sided luggage, while ballistic nylon is a popular choice for soft-sided luggage due to its durability and resistance to wear.
HARD-SIDED VS SOFT-SIDED
Ahh, the great debate of the travel industry! Which is better? Well, it depends. They each have their advantages and disadvantages.
Hard-sided luggage offers better protection for fragile items and can withstand more wear and tear. If you’re carrying electronics or delicate souvenirs, this may be your best bet. Have you ever seen how the handlers throw bags around? Yikes! Plus if you’re often visiting wet climates or traveling on boats, soft-sided luggage can spell doom for your belongings.
But hard-sided luggage isn’t perfect either. It tends to be heavier, and it’s less flexible. If you often fly airlines with small weight restrictions, this can make packing more challenging. And while hard-sided luggage is often more impervious to weather and rough handling, soft-sided luggage is more malleable, giving you extra packing room and the ability to squeeze into tighter spaces like overhead bins.
Either way, make sure your luggage is as durable as possible. Look for reinforced corners, quality zippers, and strong stitching to ensure your luggage lasts for a long time.
WHEELS AND HANDLES
Two wheel luggage reigned in the travel industry for a long time. They’re great for pulling your bag behind you, which can be a blessing on rougher surfaces like cobblestones. They also tend to be a bit lighter and more compact.
Four wheel suitcases (aka spinners) offer 360-degree mobility, making it easier to glide your luggage beside you. This can be particularly helpful in tight spaces like airplane aisles or crowded streets. But they can have a tendency to roll away from you if you’re on an incline! Nowadays, some have lockable wheels, so this may be an option you prefer.
Regardless of whether you opt for two or four wheels, your bag’s handle should be sturdy, retractable, and lock into place at different heights. Don’t want to strain those arms and shoulders, we have swimming to do at the beach!
ORGANIZATION
This is my area of obsession…ahem…expertise. I LOVE a well-organized bag. Knowing that there’s a place for everything and that I’ll be able to find items without issue makes my heart and head feel at peace.
Think about how you travel. Would you prefer that your luggage be expandable? Do you use packing cubes, or will you absolutely need compression straps? Do you want external pockets for easy access to things like a laptop, jacket, or other essential items or do you usually keep those things in your personal item? Choose a design that fits you. If you prefer lots of organization, look for luggage with plenty of interior pockets and dividers.
SECURITY
We need our things to remain our things, right? So make sure to get a bag that has TSA-approved locks and anti-theft zippers (or look for a zipperless, trunk-style piece). Nothing is completely safe, but take the time to select something that offers a bit more security for your belongings. And just a reminder: don’t ever pack anything super valuable in your checked luggage. Keep those things with you, in your personal item, at all times!
BRAND REPUTATION
Investing in a reputable luggage brand can save you money in the long run. Do some research on various platforms (not just the brand’s website…some are known to erase negative reviews!) to see what people are saying about the brand. How long have they been around? Does customer service have a good reputation? What’s the warranty like? High-quality brands often offer better materials, craftsmanship, and warranties, and many of them provide lifetime warranties or repair services, so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
STYLE
While functionality should be your top priority, style is also important. Luggage is an extension of your personal taste, and with so many colors, patterns, and designs available, it’s easy to find one that matches your sense of style.
One thing I will say about style - do yourself a favor and skip the black suitcase, as tempting as it might be. Try a unique color or pattern to make your suitcase stand out on the baggage carousel. It makes life so much easier AND it also discourages thieves or folks who aren’t paying attention from taking your bag. Some companies offer personalization, so that’s another option to distinguish your bag from others.
CONCLUSION
I hope that this helps you with your next luggage purchase and shows you that choosing the perfect piece of luggage is about more than just finding something to carry your belongings. It’s about enhancing your travel experience with a reliable, durable, and stylish travel companion. By taking time to research your options and investing in the right luggage, you’ll travel more comfortably and confidently!
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hi there, I’m angi the founder of roam & gather. My mission is to curate joy-centered, small group journeys that are relaxed, intimate, and rooted in culture, community and slowness.
Roam & Gather is a small travel company offering soul-nourishing, curated travel experiences that help connect people with global communities, like-minded travelers and themselves.
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