With the lockdowns starting to ease and travel becoming more relaxed, many of you will be wanting to go on holiday. Holidays can themselves be a stressful affair with the amount of luggage we have to carry. Suitcases are a very important part of travel and choosing the right suitcase is essential depending how far you are going. I hope this article that I wrote, helps….

When looking to purchase new luggage for your trip, it can be a difficult process as there are so many different types, shapes, sizes and styles of cases on the market. So how do you choose the best one, and the one that’s right for you?

This guide will give an insight to all the in’s and out’s of suitcases, enabling you to choose the perfect one.

Size

Obviously suitcases come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the type of trip you are taking depends on the style and size. Short business trips call for cabin sized cases. These are small enough to store in the overhead luggage on your flight and just enough for an overnight stays worth of necessities. For the longer trips, it would be better to opt for the 28″ to 30″ suitcases to store the masses of holiday clothes!

Material

This is the tricky part, there are so many different types of materials on the market all claiming to be the best, it’s difficult to decipher which one really is the most resilient. Many cases are made from a durable polyester material, making them slightly more flexible but containing a solid metal frame on the inside to keep all of your belongings safe from any damage. These bags fare well against the rough handling that many suitcases receive at the airport, and are excellent for maximum clothes storage due to their more squared off shape and expansion zips, allowing extra room.

Many people now though, tend to buy the hard plastic cases for extra security. The entire outer shell of the case is usually made from polycarbonate, (a strong plastic type material). Some cases are very tough and some are a more flexible polycarbonate shell, eliminating cracking and damage, as the material simply flexes back into shape. Both types are extremely durable and will protect even the most fragile of goods. Some cases also have reinforced corners for even better protection.

Adjustable handles are another useful feature to look out for. Some cases have a handle that can be adjusted to the height of the carrier, which can be useful when loading and unloading your luggage. Also, the handles can be easily adjusted to three different positions which can be useful in the case of a luggage crash.

Another useful feature to look out for is wheels. Many luggage brands now feature four wheeled sets to make transporting your luggage much easier. These wheel sets are very handy as they are designed to make the luggage travel in a straight line, which helps to keep it stable during the long journey.

Extra compartments and pockets are also a good idea. These pockets are not usually included with the basic set, but are a good idea to have for extra storage. As the size of the bag increases, the number of extra pockets also increases. The extra pockets should be placed in places which are easy to reach, and are not likely to be hit or tweaked in anyway. The pockets should be well padded and strong.

Many cases also feature slip resistant handles and straps which help to make the luggage handle much easier to handle and carry. These straps are extremely important as they are the main point of contact with the ground. If they are too comfortable to be effective, this is likely to cause injuries in the future. The handles should be able to relax when slipped and not be too tight, otherwise you may damage the bag.

Style

Luggage is all about style. There are many different styles on the market, ranging from ones that look like a luggage train, to ones that are modern and contemporary, to those that appear classy. The choice is really limited by how much money you are willing to spend.

However, there are some important considerations when choosing a style. First and foremost, do you want a case that is going to look cluttered, like all the little trimmings are going to look like they belong in somebody’s luggage rather than in yours? Also, do you want a style that is functional, such as one that looks like it can take you places? It all depends on what you want.

Functionality is also a crucial issue when choosing a luggage style. If you don’t plan on leaving your luggage behind somewhere, you need to look for a style that is going to serve you well and serve your purpose. The neoprene style is a great choice if you want a durable set that will serve you well, as it is going to fit you and your travel needs perfectly. Whether you are someone who only travels occasionally, or a regular tourist, the same style is likely to serve you just fine.