Everyone enjoys going on holiday, but when your luggage is not up to snuff, it can put a real damper on things. Nothing is more irritating and stressful than having to drug impractical luggage around an unfamiliar airport or city. This is why choosing the right bag is so important. If you ask an avid traveler, they will tell you just how important and what a difference it makes to have the right size, shape, and material bag. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most important factors you need to consider when choosing luggage.
Weight
Airlines are becoming more and more stingy when it comes to the number of bags you are allowed to take with you, as well as the weight of your luggage. A big issue people have encountered is that older bags tend to be a lot heavier. This means you have a lot less weight to play with when packing your vacation or work trip essentials. These weight restrictions mean that more and more people are investing in lightweight luggage as they are made of lighter, sturdier material. This means that what you pack will be protected and that you can pack more without the penalties of being overweight.
Size
In the case of bags, size matters. Once you enter the plane cabin, the battle for a spot in the overhead storage begins. Size and weight matter. You want a bag that isn’t smaller than 20 inches (there’s no need to waste that additional packing space) and no bigger than 22 inches. If you travel with a carry-on and stow away, the lightweight 20-inch bag is probably a better option for you. However, if you travel with a carry-on only, we highly recommend that you take the maximum size your airline will allow.
Material
These days, bags generally fall into two categories: hard-shell and soft-shell. Hard shell bags are great because they protect the contents of your bag, preventing what’s inside from getting a beating as it makes its way to the plane via the baggage handlers. They protect your contents from more than a few bashes, though. The plastic cover is water-resistant, so any leaks from another passenger’s bag won’t make their way into yours. A simple wipe-down will get rid of any scuffs and spills. On the other hand, soft shell bags can stretch a bit more, molding to the contents of your bag. This could help you if you were in a pinch for space, but you won’t receive the same level of protection.
Locks
If we lock our cars when we leave them unattended in a public space, why would we leave our bags open as they travel without us? You want to feel like your belongings are still safe when they are out of your line of sight. A little lock with a key might have worked in the past, but today more and more people simply break them off. Under no circumstances lock the main compartment of your bag with a zip tie. These days, most bags have combination locks built into them, but there are also a few other TSA-approved locks you could consider. These are not foolproof, but if someone wants to get into your bag, they will. Locks are mostly a deterrent, but they do keep the general public out of your personal stuff.
Wheels
Something that most people don’t give a second thought to is the wheels on a bag. First of all, we would highly recommend skipping bags with only two wheels. They are harder to maneuver and drag around an airport terminal. Bags with four wheels is the way to go. These bags can be dragged on two, but they can also be stood on four and pushed in any direction. Four wheels, referred to as spinning wheels, are way better for moving through tight spaces, like the isle of the plane, and give you added stability. Your bag can stand up and won’t need to lean on something to avoid falling over.
Handles
Handles are another thing people neglect. At some point, you need to carry your bag. Most bags have retractable handles that can be single-jointed or double-jointed. Double joints mean that it can extend up higher to a point that is more comfortable for you to drag your bag around from point A to B without your arm getting tired.
The Price Tag
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. Bags that are more expensive are generally of better quality, but this isn’t always the case. Luxury brands are not luggage brands, so look for quality luggage brands over luxury clothing brands. It is a good idea to spend less money on your larger bag, the one that will get checked, as this will sustain damage when handled by baggage handlers. You can spend more money on your carry-on luggage, as you have more control over how it is handled, and it is less likely to sustain any damage while you travel.
Color
Let’s not forget about the fun things. Color isn’t the most important consideration, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to say about it. You’ve probably noticed that most luggage is a dark color or black. This is because darker colors don’t show as much dirt, but with everyone having darker colors, it can make it harder for you to spot your bag in the sea of luggage. Having a lighter and brighter color or pattern makes it easier to spot your bag and gets out of the baggage claim area that much quicker.
Read the Reviews
If you can’t try it before you buy it, make sure to read the reviews extensively. Be sure to look for unbiased reviews online to get a well-rounded idea of what you can expect from your bag. If you can find a bag for sale on multiple sites, read reviews from all of the sites, as some sites filter their results to only show the positive ones.
Traveling is great, and having the right equipment makes everything even better. Be sure to read reviews before buying your bag, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you and what works best for your needs.
