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What to Look for in Quality Luggage
So, you’ve made your travel plans for that long-anticipated vacation. Maybe it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You’re ready, with maps, an
itinerary and research on what to see and do when you arrive at your destination. All you have to do is pack your bags and board the train, plane, car or other conveyance.
Everything is planned and handled, right? Well, maybe not…what about your luggage?
Travel Luggage: An Important Part of Any Trip
Take a minute to look critically at
your luggage. Poorly designed and constructed luggage can be a nightmare when you’re traveling. Such luggage can be difficult to pack and carry. It generally lacks the
functionality and versatility you need. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the features of quality luggage to help you make an informed purchase decision. Your travel bags
should be as carefully chosen as your destination. Here are some of the topics we’ll cover:
• Style
• Price
• Number of pieces you’ll need and recommended sizes
•
Soft- or hard-sided
• Frame
• Wheels and Zippers
• Materials used in construction
• Interior features
Style: What Kind of Traveler Are You?
Style might
not seem like an important factor when choosing travel bags, but a bad choice will haunt you throughout your trip. For example, if you’re fussy about your wardrobe, you should
consider purchasing a garment bag. Garment bags minimize wrinkling but can be cumbersome to carry. Or maybe you’re a minimalist whose trip will be totally casual and informal. Then
consider a sturdy duffel bag. Some travelers prefer backpacks while others like traditional suitcases. Regardless of what style you choose, make sure the luggage will be durable.
More on this later in the article.
Price: Getting What You Pay For
Inexpensive, poor quality bags can have an unfortunate tendency to pop open at the most
inopportune times. Buy the best luggage you can afford. Choose luggage from a reliable, well-known manufacturer or designer. Don’t forget to check discount as well as dedicated
luggage stores. You may find high-end or designer luggage sets at surprisingly low prices in a “big box” retailer. Chances are, though, that the best deals will be on line, from
electronic retailers. Since they don’t have the overhead of a traditional store, these retailers usually offer attractive deep discounts. If you shop carefully and be sure you know
what you want, a purchase over the Internet can save you a lot of time and money.
Number of Pieces and Sizes You’ll Need: Traveling Light or Not
At the very
least, you’ll need a piece of carry on luggage like a tote bag and one other bag (either carry on or checked). A 22-inch upright rolling case will stow neatly in the overhead
compartment of an airplane and will carry enough for a weekend. For a week’s sojourn, choose a 24-inch size, either upright or traditional. For stays up to 2 weeks, a 26-to 27-inch
suitcase is appropriate. If you’re going to be away for two weeks or longer, you’ll need a 29- to 30- inch piece of luggage, or a combination a small and medium-sized case. Add on
a garment bag and you easily could need 4 pieces of quality luggage for longer trips, depending, of course, on your personal preferences.
Soft- or Hard-Sided: Which is Right
for You?
Soft-sided luggage and duffel bags are lightweight and expandable to accommodate all that extra stuff you’ll be returning with. Soft-sided luggage fits easily into
compartments or racks or stows neatly under a seat. Generally, soft-sided luggage is less durable and doesn’t do as good a job at protecting your possessions. Hard-sided luggage is
sturdier and protects your stuff better. However, this type of luggage isn’t expandable and can be bulky. Hard-sided luggage is also heavier before it is packed. Regardless of what
type you choose, be sure it has wheels. Rolling luggage is easier to move and handle.
What to Look for in Quality Luggage Part 2
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