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There is a vast range of travel bags & luggage to choose from - Travel
Comfortable offers you some tips.
Carry-on: A
soft sided case with no wheels is the best choice
The most important factor is to ensure that it is the correct size to meet
airline regulations - as a guide, the maximum weight is 7kg, the overall dimensions should be 115cm
or 45" - i.e. length + width + height.
Check with your airline for their regulations.
Soft-sided bags are a better choice because you can “squish” them
into a compartment or under seat area. These bags accommodate odd sized or bulky
items more easily and have some give if you just absolutely have to fit in one
more sweater or pair of jeans. Soft-sided luggage is less likely to pop open at
an inopportune moment and will generally accommodate more gear than a hard-sided
case of the same size. Soft-sided luggage can often be shouldered, providing an
alternate way to carry it.
Some essential features:
• At least two internal, full length
or full width compartments
• Ballistic Nylon material
• Padded shoulder strap
• Outside zippered pockets (lockable)
• Outside sleeve pockets
• External zippers that can be locked
Luggage:
Whether you are going away for the weekend or 6 weeks, the size might alter
but the principles are the same.
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?
It is an important part of any trip. Let's look at:
• Style
• Price
• Number of pieces you’ll need and recommended sizes
• Soft- or hard-sided
• Frame
• Wheels
• Materials used in construction
• Interior features
Style: What Kind of Traveller 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 travellers prefer backpacks
while others like traditional suitcases. Regardless of what style you choose,
make sure the luggage will be durable.
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.
Number of Pieces and Sizes You’ll Need: Travelling 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 56cm (22") upright rolling case will stow neatly in the overhead
compartment and will carry enough for a weekend. For a week’s sojourn,
choose a 61cm (24"), either upright or traditional. If you’re going to be away
for two weeks or longer, you may need a 73cm (29") piece of luggage, or a
combination a small and medium-sized case. This is very much personal
preference.
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.
Frame: The Backbone of Your Luggage
Frames can be made of metal,
fibreglass or plastic. Fibreglass is generally more durable than plastic, unless
the plastic is reinforced in some way. When choosing luggage with a metal frame,
look for aluminium frames that are strong but lightweight.
Wheels: The Finer Points of Luggage
Wheeled luggage allows you to
manoeuvre your luggage easily. They also protect the bottom from wear and
damage. Especially durable are in-line skate wheels.
Materials Used: Durability in Construction
Hard-sided luggage is generally made
using an injection moulding process for plastic and have the added security
feature of combination locks but are heavy before you start packing. Soft-sided
cases are usually made of fabric with partial frames and reinforcing plates
where needed. If the fabric is advertised as “ballistic,” it means that it is
woven in a similar manner to bullet-proof vests. Make sure your soft-sided
luggage is waterproof or water-repellent.
Interior and Exterior Features: Staying Organized
The interior of your luggage should
have pockets and compartments to facilitate packing. Mesh pockets are handy
because you can see the contents. They also provide ventilation for the
contents. Many cases have straps inside that keep the contents from shifting.
A zippered external pocket or two is desirable. On upright cases, the
telescoping handle assembly should be on the inside, not the outside of the
case. On many uprights, there is an auxiliary strap to which you can attach your
tote bag or other small piece of luggage to make moving the items easier. A
zippered gusset is available on some models. When unzipped, the gusset expands
the suitcase to accommodate all those extras you’ll be bringing home.
Conclusion: Quality is Always the Right Choice
People who think nothing of spending
thousands of dollars on a holiday often underestimate the importance of their
luggage. Quality luggage is always worth the investment and will serve you well
long after the memories of your vacation fade. Buy the best well-made luggage
you can afford. Your holiday will be all the more enjoyable for it.
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