Choosing Your Travel Bags
Holidays, yaaay, when even packing for a trip can be exciting. But as many of us already know, if you’ve got the wrong luggage, your dream trip can turn into a hassle. Dragging heavy travel bags that just won’t do what you need them to do can turn an adventure into exhaustion before you even land! On top of this, it’s nice to be stylish while travelling, so the right travel luggage is just as important as booking flights and accommodation.
You might be a frequent flyer, backpacker, or someone who takes only very occasional holidays. It doesn’t matter which one of these you are, your luggage needs to be durable, secure, and easy to handle. There are heaps of options out there and it can be hard to find the right fit for you. We’ve road tested more than a few in our time, having traversed the country to attend almost every fashion festival going. So, it’s our pleasure to let you in on our own guide to help you understand what to look for when selecting your own travel luggage. Read on….
Key Factors to Weigh Up
There are quite a few things to keep in mind when choosing your travel luggage. It’s not just about how they look.
Size & Weight
For us, size and weight are the first things we look at, and we love doing this in-store. Where you are going and for how long are the main things to think about when choosing travel luggage. How much carry-on luggage are you allowed? Do you really need a complete change of clothing from head to toe every day? If not, then you definitely won’t need the largest suitcases, (75cm+) especially if you are only packing for one. If you’re going for more than a few days or a weekend, a medium sized bag (60-70cm) is great for trips of around one to two weeks.
Weight is incredibly important when it comes to air travel. A small carry-on bag (45-55cm) might be all you need for a very short trip, but you’ll have to make sure it’s light weight, as some airlines weigh your carry-on luggage to ensure compliance with weight restrictions before they permit you to board. Look for lightweight yet durable materials, as they also get knocked about in overhead compartments or from being stuffed under the seat in front of you.
Durability: Hard Shell or Soft Shell Travel Bags
When choosing between hard of soft suitcases and other travel bags, think about whether you need or prefer them to be waterproof, easy to clean, and how well they protect fragile items. If you need something that also delivers durability and resistance to getting knocked about, then you’ll want to choose a hard shell suitcase. Keep in mind that these kinds of luggage can sometimes be heavier and cannot of course their rigid exterior will not allow them to be squashed into tight spaces.
On the other hand, if you’re look for something that can expand for extra packing space if you need it, rely on external pouches or pockets and something that’s generally more flexible and lighter, a fabric suitcase is the way to go. The downside of these is that they are not fully waterproof and tend to be less resistant to rough handling and are best suited for shorter domestic travel.
Remember the Qantas baggage handlers scandal? Don’t think it’s only Qantas that throws your bags around. International destinations are notorious for rough handling of luggage, including train stations. Know the difference in what various materials offer you.
- Polycarbonate – Lightweight and strong (great for hard-shell luggage).
- ABS plastic – Affordable but less durable than polycarbonate.
- Nylon or polyester – Common in soft-shell suitcases; lightweight and flexible.
- Aluminium – Extremely durable but heavier and more expensive.
If you want long-lasting luggage, invest in polycarbonate or high-quality nylon.
While we’re on the subject of durability, don’t forget to take a long hard look at handles and zippers. Avoid cheap plastic handles and flimsy zippers on your travel bags. They’re likely to break under pressure. Telescopic handles are adjustable to your height for comfortable movement, while double layered zippers are more sturdy and secure and will last longer. will last longer Sturdy zippers – Double-layered, high-quality zippers last longer and are more secure.
Two Wheels or Four
If you’re planning on traversing the cobbled stones of the old cities of Europe, then a 2 wheel suitcase offers you more durability. They are so much better on uneven surfaces. Having said that, there’s never any guarantees against wheels coming off and they need to be dragged usually, by tilting them behind you.
Alternatively, if you have a lot to pack, the four-wheel variety are easier to manoeuvre as they roll smoothly in all directions. While they’re good for the smooth surface of airports and hotels, it’s also the four-wheelers that are more likely to break a wheel as soon as you hit rough ground!
Safety and Security
Being alert to the possibility of theft and loss, look out for these safety features on your travel bags:
- TSA-approved locks – Essential for flights to the USA and useful worldwide.
- Anti-theft zippers – Harder for pickpockets to break into.
- RFID-blocking compartments – Radio Frequency Identification or smart labels protect passports and cards from electronic theft.
Expandability and Compartments
A suitcase with expandable features holds much more. It allows you to pack extras without having to switch to a bigger travel bag, something that can be a lifesaver on a longer trip. Multiple compartments are incredibly worthwhile, with separate sections that can be used for shoes and dirty laundry. Padded compartments provide extra safety for laptops or tablets and easy-access pockets allow you quick access to your travel documents without having to carry a separate folder or bag. Smart storage design also makes packing and unpacking seem effortless.
Price Vs Quality
While budget-friendly options exist, investing in high-quality, stylish luggage saves money in the long run. Cheap suitcases or travel bags can break after one or two trips, while premium brands offer better durability, comfort, and security.
Warranties and Brand Reputation
Look for luggage with a warranty. Some brands offer 5 to 10 years or even lifetime guarantees. Well-known brands like Zoomlite are known for their reliability and excellent customer service.
A broken zipper or wheel during your trip is a nightmare. High quality travel bags offer peace of mind and a smooth world travel experience. Investing in durable luggage means fewer replacements over time, saving money that can be spent on quality travel accessories. Stronger materials and secure locking systems keep your valuables safe from damage and theft.
Where would you be travelling? See more at : What Paris Fashion Week is Really Like
Featured Image: Marissa Grootes