Your Suitcase And You: Do You Need To Be Choosy?

Traveling Can Be More Convenient, Safe, and Fun If You Know Which Gear To Bring

Going from one place to another either for business, pleasure, or both requires a bit of planning, especially if you will be away for more than a day. You would want a hassle-free trip by choosing a form of transportation that is most convenient and efficient. Often, you don’t give much importance to your travel gear. For you to feel the convenience of traveling, you also have to pay close attention to your gear and know how to pack all your stuff the right way. Selecting your bag for any journey doesn’t have to be difficult. Packing can be fun once you have an idea of the variety of suitcases out there to “suit” your travel needs.

What Types Of Suitcases Are There?

There are just too many kinds out there in the market, but to save you from confusion, we shall present them based on certain classifications:

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Carry-on

As the term implies, this style refers to bags that you carry around with you wherever you’re going. A bonus is you don’t have to check them in during airline travel. Carry-on bags are the basic of them all because they are your basic pouches where you put in most of your travel essentials. The types of bags under this classification can be any of the following:

• Handbag
• Messenger bag
• Briefcase
• Satchel
• Backpack/rucksack
• Upright spinner (small suitcase with four wheels)
• Garment Bag

Travel and luggage experts highly recommend an upright spinner and a messenger bag if you’re taking an airplane on business since the weight of your belongings would be better balanced. At the same time, you could put in as many items as you need without having to worry about bulkiness. On the other hand, if you’re going on an adventure trip, it is better to bring a backpack if you would be moving around a lot.

For your handbag, choose a style that has sturdy yet comfortable shoulder straps. it should also be able to contain everything that you’ll need mid-flight such as your gadgets, documents, books, and of course your identification papers.

Checked

These suitcases are larger than carry-on bags and are therefore checked in during airline travel. Carrying them around would be rather tiring and cumbersome. Samples of checked bags are:

• Large duffel bag
• Large spinner
• Large garment bag
• Trolley bag

The size of your bag would naturally depend on the duration of your trip. If you’re staying for not more than three days, then a duffel or weekender bag is just what you need to store enough clothes for a weekend trip. If you’re staying longer, then a larger suitcase, like a carry-on or checked spinner, will do the job.

What Should Your Checklist Have?

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Before choosing what kind of suitcase to bring, you have to take note of the following considerations to make sure that you’re making the right decision of what bag to take with you:

• How long will you be away?
• What is the climate in the place you’re visiting?
• How will you be traveling?
• Will you be buying souvenirs and other items?
• What are the travel restrictions and rules in your destination?

It is very important to be clear about these matters beforehand so that you won’t be caught by surprise or in any way inconvenienced.

What Are The Essential Considerations When Buying A Suitcase?

Aside from looking at the different suitcase styles, colors, and prices, there are three important points that you have to consider before making a purchase:

Durability

You should invest in suitcases that can withstand various harmful elements such as the baggage handling in airports, dust, moisture, and the ordinary wear-and-tear that comes with frequent use. Aside from the suitcase material and body, you would want to make sure that its ‘body parts’ are equally sturdy:

• The handle
• The zipper
• The wheels

Handling

It simply means that your suitcase should be secure, yet easy enough to open and carry or move around. Two-wheeled bags are harder to drag than four-wheelers, but their advantage is that they won’t run off and leave you if you ‘park’ them. However, four-wheeled bags are easier to maneuver. 

Soft vs. Hard sided suitcases

Can’t decide which of the two kinds to pick? Both have their pros and cons, so the only thing to do is to choose according to your preference.

Soft sided: This type is more expandable, long-lasting, and gives you the classic suitcase look. The downside would be its tendency to be easily torn or ripped apart. It is also prone to being staining later on. If you’re going for this luggage, it is better to opt for a style whose fabric is a thicker weave.

Hard sided: This type doesn’t rip or tear and is more durable and lightweight. However, because of its hard material, it is not expandable. It also gets easily scratched and deformed. If you don’t mind hard-sided luggage that is not so lightweight but very tough, then choose the aluminum material. It may cost a bit more, but you can use the suitcase for a long, long time.

Choose durability over looks when buying a suitcase

Some final pointers when choosing a suitcase

• Choose durability over looks when buying a suitcase.
• Don’t be limited to choosing brand items. If you’re patient enough to canvass and research, you can get high-quality suitcases at a much lower price.
• Go for highly distinguishable colors and designs instead of black, gray or navy blue, so you can easily spot them anywhere.
• Be sure to test the suitcase before buying it.