One of the biggest decisions that anyone looking to plan a vacation or head off on a trip can make is what travel bag to take with them. Luggage is immensely varied, with almost infinite choice, and working out the right bag for you can be overwhelming. This is made doubly difficult by the fact that price varies so much as well, even for extremely similar styles of luggage.
Luckily, we’re here to help! There are a few crucial things to keep in mind when working out what luggage to take on a trip, and knowing the basics will save you time and stress in the build-up to your vacation.
So whether you are slinging a few things in a bag for a long weekend, visiting Mexico from a California cruise, or jetting off for a month-long adventure to Australia, these invaluable tips will help you pick the perfect travel bag for your trip.
How big a bag do I need?
Airline regulations are always getting stricter, so choosing the right size bag for your trip is key. If you are heading away for a weekend you might be able to get away with a small carry-on (20-22 inches or so) but it is always worth having larger luggage for long-haul flights as well.
And it’s not just physical dimensions that you need to keep in mind. Weight restrictions are also a big deal, particularly on checked luggage, and your suitcase itself can often take up a lot of your precious allowance! If you are not a light packer then you might want to make sure that your bag itself is as light as possible.
Is it eco-friendly?
Many of the considerations that come to mind when choosing the perfect travel bag are logistical and practical. But it is worth thinking a little bit about the planet too. If you want to ensure that you are traveling in as ethical a way as possible, making sure your luggage is green is a good way to start. Find out how eco-conscious the brand you are looking at is by asking a few questions: what do they do with wastewater, for example, or do they use chemicals in the dyeing process? Many luggage companies have corporate social responsibility programs or carbon offsetting policies, so being green with your luggage is simpler than you might think!
Why are so many suitcases black?
Almost all travel bags are boring and black. So stand out! Getting a brightly colored bag will help you spot it on the carousel, and reduces the risk of someone grabbing your bag by accident.
Which is better, hard or soft?
Luggage tends to be either hard case or soft shell. A hard case is a great choice for your checked luggage – it is far more durable and can take more rough treatment, which is great when baggage handlers are tossing it onto the carousel. Soft shell bags tend to be lighter, easier to carry, and sometimes can be expanded to fit souvenirs and gifts for people back home.
When considering the material of your travel bag, it is also worth looking at its provenance. There are some wonderful materials around these days that make buying ethically and sustainability a cinch. Luggage can be made from recycled bottles, old parachutes, even decommissioned fire hoses! Materials can also be organic, or ethically sourced. Taking a little time to examine where your bag has come from is a big part of choosing what material your luggage is made from.
Can I trust the reviews?
One of the best ways to work out what bag to buy is to look at the independent reviews on your shortlist. Sites like TrustPilot are great for guiding your decision and helping you find your perfect travel bag!
