A Guide To Travel Bags - How To Choose the Right Luggage

Author: Megha Agarwal on Jan 07,2024

Whether you are on holiday or leaving for a business trip, all you need is a perfect travel bag by your side. With the assurance that you have a reliable, practical, easy-to-maneuver bag that can be your companion even in extreme situations, you can pay more attention to your trip rather than worrying about the essentials packed in your bag. It is considered critical to have the ideal bag as it has the potential to make or break the travel experience.

Regardless of how important a travel bag is, it is tricky to find the perfect bag. Also, today, travel luggage is constantly evolving and innovating, and they keep trying to improvise their bags. With seemingly endless options to look for while shopping for a travel bag, it becomes important to keep in mind some factors. There are several things worth remembering so that you end up buying quality, durable, and stylish luggage with all the preferred features. 

1. Learn About The Airlines Luggage Restrictions

If you are planning a vacation and looking for a bag to carry, then it is always wise to know the travel restrictions of the airlines. Different airlines have different restrictions like the dimensions or weight of the bag. Knowing such restrictions beforehand will help you pick the bag that fits your airlines requirements. So, make sure you check domestic or international restrictions, as per your trip, and then go luggage shopping. 

Also Read: Miami Here I Come! How to Pack for a Family Vacation to Miami

2. Decide The Type Of Bag You Want

Travel bags are of multiple types. They come in different shapes and sizes as per the requirements of travel. For a perfect travel bag, you must be aware of different styles and when they are to be carried. Although there are several types of bags, we have mentioned some prominent ones.

Duffel bags: These are easy to carry, small or medium-sized bags that are generally preferred when traveling with family. 

Backpacks: These are the most common kinds of bags among solo travelers. They allow a hands-free experience and are even a good option for adventure travel.

Suitcase:  A suitcase is among the oldest kind of travel bag that comes in various sizes and materials. They are a perfect companion for business trips or when you are traveling with a lot of stuff.

Travel Tote: It is another perfect carryall for all the essentials. These are fashionable travel bags and offer enough space to pack all the necessities. 

Packing Cubes: Although packing cubes are not a travel bag in general; they are important to packing and organizing your travel bag easier. They will simplify the process and make your travel experience easier.

3. Look For Unique Features

Today, travel bags come with a variety of cool and unique features. They are truly designed with travelers in mind, and hence, the bags are equipped with various features. Some of the important aspects that you must check upon include security, piggyback grip, wheels, built-in battery pack, waterproof material, telescoping handles, waterproof pouches, and more. Apart from these, you can also look for side handles, tie-down straps, wheels, color, and options for personalization. Having these features in your travel bag will take the experience to the next level.

Also Read: How to Pick the Best Bag for Your Next Business Travel

4. Check The Material Of The Travel Bag

The material of a bag is also a crucial factor to consider. There are two kinds of material available in the market: hardshell and softshell. Choosing between the two depends upon your personal travel as well as packing style. The hard shell bags are the most durable type of luggage option and are perfect for regular vacations. On the other hand, soft shell bags are flexible and easy to squeeze into little overhead compartments. Such bags are mostly preferred for longer journeys. Apart from features, the price also differs with the bags material. Softshell bags are usually less expensive as well as lighter in weight. So, make sure you make a wise decision and pick the one that suits you the best.

Also Read: 5 Top Travel Bags For Your Next Leisure Vacation

5. Think About Size And Maneuverability

Before you move forward with buying a new bag, make sure you take the size of the luggage into consideration. While small bags are easier to carry around and large luggage bags have enough space, you cant pick them for all your vacations. The size of the bag typically depends upon the duration of your travel, items you are going to pack, and your airlines restrictions. There are myriad travel bags available in the market in different sizes, so make sure you keep your vacation in mind and then pick the right bag for you. 

6. Look For Storage And Expandability

Returning from a vacation always means a lot of extra stuff that you will bring with you. And fitting everything in your bag becomes a daunting task. Even if you are not a shopaholic, it is always a great idea to carry bags with extra storage like internal pockets, pouched compartments, external pockets, etc. Other than this, expandable bags are great as they offer extra packing space just by unzipping them. Although such bags no longer fit in the overhead bin, they will help you store the souvenirs. 

Also Read: 8 Must-Pack Emergency Kit In The Travel Bag For Your Vacation

7. Learn About The Durability Of A Travel Bag

Durability is one of the most important factors to consider as it tells how long your bag will last and be your travel companion. Getting a bag that can withstand the roughness of travel will ensure that it will last for a lifetime or at least for a few years. The durability of a bag depends upon the activities you enjoy, the duration of the trip, and your travel style. Grabbing a standard luggage bag with not-so-great durability will make you regret the few extra dollars you saved when running down the terminal with a broken suitcase. So, buy a quality one and enjoy fearless travel. 

Also Read: Best Solo Travel Gadgets- Check Out Our Guide

8. Check The Price Tag

Last but not least, we are going to discuss the huge deciding factor- PRICE. Although it is something that you cant ignore while making a purchase, compromising quality for it is not advised. While travel luggage is expensive, they are a long-term investment and a crucial contributor to a travel experience. A bag becomes a portable wardrobe during travel, and hence, it must be purchased thoughtfully. So, instead of looking for a cheaper bag, make sure you focus on getting the most value for your money. Buying a branded one is always preferable as it offers excellent quality, great features, and a warranty. However, if you are someone who doesnt want to spend a fortune, you must wait for a sale. 

Conclusion:

These are some prominent factors that play a crucial role in picking the right travel bag. Whether youre a seasoned globetrotter or a long weekender, these factors are worth keeping in mind. Trust us, with good planning and the right travel luggage, embarking on travel can become effortless and much easier. So, pin this article and pick the best travel bag for your vacation.