Packing is one of the most stressful parts of any trip or holiday. These days, with luggage added to many flight bookings, being efficient is a must if you’re going to avoid unnecessary luggage expenses. With this in mind, having the right piece of luggage for your travel needs is essential. Not only will it help you pack more efficiently, it will help you avoid unexpected fees, and ensure you’ve got durability no matter how you’re travelling, be it by car, train or plane. While you may not think it, this is important given that luggage is often subjected to unexpected impacts during travel, so considering this is a must.
Types of Luggage Available
When it comes to travel, there are many different types of luggage available. Depending on whether you are opting for carry-on, or checked bags, there are many variations in store. Additionally, for suitcases, there are multiple different sizes ranging from small, medium through to large check in bags. On top of that, some people prefer to travel with a duffel bag, or even a backpack, depending on how they are planning on getting around once they arrive at their destination.
Of course, each of these luggage types has pros and cons. For instance, a large wheeled suitcases is great in terms of durability if you opt for a hardshell, but is useless if you plan on travelling and moving a lot. It’s cumbersome and heavy. This is where a backpack can come in handy. Conversely, for a short trip, a small compact suitcase is ideal for carrying important clothes if it’s a simple work trip. A duffel bag may cause all your clothes to be rumpled or even damage during transit.
Picking the Perfect Bag
There are many other considerations you need to have when picking the best luggage type for your trip. Not only should you consider the style of your travel, but the durability and security a piece of luggage offers.
For instance, hard-shell versus soft-shell is an important consideration. Hard-shell cases are very durable and will protect all your belongings much more effectively. They’re made of polycarbonate which is scratch-resistant and also lightweight. It’s a good option if you are a frequent traveller. Aluminium luggage is also an option as it’s even more durable, though it does get dents. Conversely, soft-shell cases are made from synthetic fabrics. They’re more flexible, which means you can often fit a little bit more in. However, damage can occur to items inside. With this in mind, consider the items you want or need to pack, and adjust accordingly if you think added protection is a necessity.
You can also opt for different bags based on their security level. Most suitcases these days come with TSA-approved locks with codes. Additionally, you can look for bags with reinforced zippers, which can help keep your mind at ease during the travel process. These features offer far better security than a duffel bag or backpack, which rely on flimsy zips and padlocks for security, rather than built-in solutions.
You should also consider colour when picking your luggage. Black wheeled suitcases are typically the most common to go missing, or be mixed up. Choose a colour that stands out so that you can grab it quickly when it comes to the baggage claim process. Amazingly, green appears to be the least common colour, making this a great option if you want to spot your bag quickly.
Saving Money on Luggage
Buying durable, quality luggage that’s going to last can be expensive. In fact, it’s often considered an investment to purchase a good piece of luggage. And, if you’re a regular or frequent traveller, then you may need more than one item of luggage to meet the different travel needs. There are many top brands that have a range of different luggage options, but these are often on the pricey end of things. Retailers like DHgate have an array of options though, covering all budgets. Not only that, but there are typically DHgate promo codes available online to claim as well. This can help reduce the overall costs when it comes to purchasing quality luggage for various different needs. It’s also a good way to buy multiple items, especially if you’re buying for the whole family as well.
Careful consideration of your luggage needs must be made before you purchase a suitcase or bag. Take a look at the different retailers to find quality, but budget-friendly options.
Article by Jessica Daykin.
