HAVING the right luggage can make travelling a lot easier. Of course, no two travellers will have the exact same needs when it comes to luggage. Ultimately, choosing the best luggage comes down to your personal preferences, how often you travel, and your budget. If you’re looking to shop for new luggage that will make your next trip a breeze, there are some tips worth keeping in mind.
1. Look at the material.
There are two main options: softsided and hard-sided luggage. Softsided bags have more give, so they are good if you intend to cram them to full capacity (or a bit over). Check that there is a waterproof lining on the inside, to keep things dry. Bear in mind that even very durable fabrics can rip, though they are often easy to repair with duct tape or similar. Hard-sided cases are usually strong and made to withstand hard impacts. However, they can be heavier when unpacked and harder to close if you’re stuffing in extra souvenirs.
2. Count the wheels
In the past, wheeled luggage typically had two wheels, but now many bags have four. Four wheels give you the option to push as well as pull your bag in multiple directions with ease; each wheel may be a ‘double’, which gives extra stability.
The advantage of the two-wheeled bag is that once you tilt it upright, it stays still and won’t roll away — not a deal-breaker but useful when you’re standing on a slope.
Also, two-wheeled bags may fare better on rougher ground.
3. Check how much it weighs
The average hold luggage limit on long-haul economy flights is 23kg, so the weight of the case itself is key — every kilo the bag weighs unpacked is one less you have for your kit.
4. The handle you need
Telescopic handles are the most common type; they fold away when not in use. However, this means that the handle system takes up some bag capacity, so a bigger system means less packing space. Single-pole handles tend to be more sturdy; double-pole handles offer better balance.
