CASE CLOSED
TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT LUGGAGE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP.
Whether exploring the world or your own backyard, taking a suitable bag on holidays is just as important as remembering your passport or the sunscreen.
But with such an extensive variety of suitcases and backpacks out there – what is the right one to choose?
Ask yourself the following questions and you’ll soon nail the perfect accessories to make your next trip hassle-free.
WHAT SIZE BAG DO I NEED?
Are you going away for a weekend or overseas for a month? Are you a light packer or do you have to sit on your case to close it (even before you step out the door)?
As airport check-in or bag-drop lines become longer and longer, savvy short-term travellers are opting for a smaller case or duffel they can use as carry-on. They’re light, still have enough room for a couple of outfits and toiletries and they allow you to skip the crowds and make a bee-line for the taxis immediately after touching down. And, best of all, you know your carry-on won’t go missing because it sits right above your head all trip.
If you’re going for an extended vacation then you need a bag that is roomy and durable and that also prompts the following question.
SOFT-SHELL OR HARD-SHELL?
Traditionally, soft shell suitcases are lighter in weight and can be better manoeuvred into tighter nooks and crannies (think cruise ship cabins or European hotels). They often come with a variety of pockets or expanding panels that can helpfully hold extra souvenirs or even unmentionables that have no right mixing with clean clothes. A downside is that the bag can tear if mistreated and, generally, most aren’t waterproof.
This is where hard-shell cases offer more protection (both for items inside and from the weather) and provide greater security as they can’t be ripped open as easily. The trade-off is they are prone to noticeable scratching and there is no “give” in their design – so, if it doesn’t fit that space, it isn’t going to fit that space.
WHAT’S THE BEST COLOUR?
If you’ve ever stood at the airport carousel and watched 50 lookalike black cases roll past then you’ll probably be keen to find a different baggage hue. We are constantly warned off white or cream bags (because of the obvious potential for marking), but with the gruelling treatment bags are subjected to there’s no way you’re going to be keeping it pristine for long. The internet was abuzz recently with a man who created a suitcase adorned with a giant photo of himself. If you’re not keen to go to that extreme to stand out, a distinctive novelty tag or a bright ribbon tied around the handle will soon identify when your bag rolls around.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND?
As with anything we buy these days, the wise old adage still rings true: you get what you pay for.
You can save some money short-term by skimping on quality, but you’ll soon regret your penny-pinching when a wheel snaps off on day four of your trip. Conversely, pay too much for top-of-the-line products (which get treated exactly the same by baggage handlers) and you might find they too struggle under the rigours. Mid-priced travel luggage gives you the right mix of quality at an affordable price and, if you’re a frequent traveller, you’re probably already conditioned to the fact that bags have a finite lifetime. If you can afford it, buy your next pieces of luggage on sale and store them away until needed – it’s a much better proposition than paying top dollar at an airport or boutique store because your bag has unexpectedly given up the ghost.
No matter what type of luggage you’re looking for, the overriding features you need to consider are durability, security (ideally with a built-in Customs-approved locking system) and value for money. The sooner you get that right, the sooner you can start enjoying your dream holiday.