Just in case you’ve run out of luggage...
EVERY week our Holiday Hero NEIL SIMPSON takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you don’t have to. This week: Best-buy luggage in the January sales.
DESPERATE to go on holiday as soon as permitted? Here’s how to get ready for that big day with the best bags in the business.
For a super- size case that will look new for years, consider the scuff-proof suitcases in Antler’s Clifton range. The ‘ colour- fast’ materials on the hard-shell cases mean scratches or dents from clumsy baggage- handlers don’t show up as ugly white marks. It’s why the cases are so popular with frequent fliers, who also praise the solid, reliable wheels.
The biggest Clifton cases are 31in (80cm) tall and can expand to swallow up to 132 litres of luggage, and are now available at a chunky discount from about £ 200 in highstreet shops or at antler.co.uk.
Antler also offers sets of discounted ‘packing cubes’ that maximise space by squeezing the air out of clothes as you pack.
For an equally good pedigree but with a cheaper price tag, look at the ‘ultra-lite’ range from British brand Tripp. These are the bags used by many cabin crew and pilots, and a four-wheel case starts at about £50.
Tripp also has a range of cabin bags from £30, designed to meet the strict size limitations of British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and other airlines. Find the range at Debenhams, John Lewis, bigger M&S branches or at tripp.co.uk.
A top choice for adventurous travellers is the hybrid waterproof holdall from outdoor specialist Craghoppers. Its clever design – made from recycled materials – means it can be used as a backpack, suitcase or shoulder bag.
And to keep contents safe, it has ‘secure everywhere’ features, such as slash-resistant side panels, hardto- break zips and ‘ cafe clips’ to secure it to chairs or table legs in public places.
Find the bags, now priced at about £120 to £150, at adventure stores such as Ellis Brigham, Cotswold Outdoor or at craghoppers.com.
Holidaymakers wanting to cut their carbon footprint should turn to Groundtruth, an award-winning British company set up by three travel-mad sisters in 2017. Its rucksacks, camera bags and tech pouches are made from 100 per cent recycled materials and are built to last – the sisters had them field-tested by Antarctic explorers and back them with 15-year guarantees.
Worried that such worthy bags might not be stylish? Its travel wallet was selected as an official gift for 2020’s virtual Bafta ceremony and is still for sale at £76 at groundtruth.global.
Children can stay safe and raise a smile on their travels with the new, germ- resistant Abbie the Ambulance case from Trunki. The company asked customers to nominate 2020’s key worker heroes when choosing the name, and paramedic Abbie came top.
As well as the usual Trunki features – children can ride on the wheeled case or strap teddies to it – it has had a new anti-bacterial solution mixed into the plastic for long-lasting germ protection.
The UK-made bags start at £40 or you can join forces with your children and design their own case from £45 at trunki.co.uk.
Already got the perfect luggage for your holiday? Stop anyone else walking off with it at the baggage carousel by labelling it with a personalised leather tag.
The labels, from notonthehigh street.com, come in a range of colours, from £12, and are printed to say: ‘Keep calm and move on – this is [your name]’s bag.’