Choosing the Best Luggage for Your Needs
Traveling is a stressful endeavor, and if you travel frequently, you know how essential it is to have good luggage. Depending on how and where you’re traveling will affect your decision making when it comes to purchasing new, quality luggage pieces. Browsing different luggage options can feel like a stressful challenge, but with a few tips and tricks, you can determine which luggage features will serve you best during your next traveling experience.
How Do You Choose the Right Luggage Size?
Luggage size is a big deal in many situations. If most of your traveling takes place in your own vehicle, it may not be such a big deal to you, but many people travel by plane often. If you are someone who is going to use their luggage for flights, consider luggage size carefully when selecting new pieces.
Most American airplanes have larger overhead storage compartments than their international counterparts. If you’ll be flying internationally, be sure to choose an international-sized suitcase so it can easily stow away in any airline’s overhead compartment spaces. Typically, the sizes for standard international carry-on luggage falls between 18” to 20”, according to Luggage Pros.
Also, consider how long your excursions typically last. If you’re going to be on your trip for a week or more, it’s probably smarter for you to invest in a larger 28” to 32” suitcase. For people taking quick business trips or weekend getaways, a smaller luggage size or carry-on size will suffice to hold a couple of outfits, a couple of pairs of shoes, and necessary toiletries.
What Are Some Other Features to Consider When Choosing New Luggage?
Suitcases and luggage come in a few different varieties. Depending on where, how often, and how you travel, you will want to select a luggage type that will be roomy, versatile, and easy to maneuver. Simply put, you'll want to choose the best luggage and best carry-on luggage type according to your trip.
For people traveling in airports, wheeled luggage is often a popular choice. Zooming to your terminal is easy when you can simply roll your luggage behind you. However, make sure you consider your height when shopping for rolling suitcases—selecting a size that’s too large can make the suitcase uncomfortable to roll. Choosing the extra-large version of a rolling suitcase might seem tempting for the extra storage space, but if the suitcase is too tall, you won’t be able to effectively extend the handle and maneuver it comfortably.
Consider choosing luggage that stands out from other people’s suitcases. In a busy luggage carousel at the airport, trying to spot your plain black suitcase among the hundreds of others can feel stressful and impossible. Opt to choose a pattern or color that helps your suitcase stand out against other designs. While choosing something totally flashy might not be appropriate for your business trips, it’s easy to find unique colors and patterns that keep it professional while also helping your luggage stand out against more ordinary varieties.
Consider if you want a soft suitcase or a hardshell suitcase. Some people prefer a softer suitcase because of their ability to squeeze in “just one more item.” Because these suitcases are made of softer, more flexible materials, it’s easy to squeeze in that final necessity you need to bring or a souvenir you bought on your trip. However, other people prefer hardshell suitcases for their extra layer of protection during their journeys through the airport. Often, suitcases are stacked, tossed, and jammed against each other during transit. A hardshell suitcase can take a beating while protecting any breakables or valuables you’ve packed inside it. What they lack in flexibility is made up in protection.
Before selecting any new suitcase, take a moment to spin the wheels. The wheels should spin freely and smoothly with no shaking or wobbling. If the wheels feel loose, select another suitcase that is better constructed. Also, check every zipper included on your potential suitcase selection. If the zippers feel sticky or difficult to quickly open and close, opt for a different suitcase. Sticky zippers that can’t be opened quickly could delay you at the airport. Or, they can, at least, cause you some stress when you can’t get an important pouch opened fast enough. The handle should also extend smoothly and return to the locked position quickly and smoothly with no need to jiggle the handle or forcing it back into place.
Resources — Consumer Reports, Smarter Travel
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