How To Choose The Perfect Suitcase For You
Whether you are off the holiday of a lifetime or a business trip, it’s not only vital what you pack but how they are contained. The suitcase is as just as important as the process of packing, as it is the protective layer for your clothes and establishes the amount you can carry with you. Getting a good suitcase for your needs can help also avoid problems, such as not having enough space or your suitcase getting damaged in transport. Here’s a few tips on how to find the perfect suitcase for you and your requirements…
Size
It’s important when looking for a suitcase to get the right sized one for you. If you expect to travel for long periods of time, opt for a larger suitcase, whilst if you’re a weekend traveller, opt for a small suitcase or a suitcase-backpack. The size of suitcase depends on what it is used for. You must also consider the maximum size you are allowed for free in the luggage hold. British Airways states that the maximum amount they allow, including handle, pockets and wheels is 90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) with a maximum weight of 23g, before they incur extra costs. Thus, if you don’t want to incur extra costs, think about investing in suitcases under or on the maximum size range.
Practical Accessories
When choosing a suitcase, think of your needs. For instance, if you are particularly tall, there’s no point in choosing a suitcase with a short handle – it will only hurt your back! Opt for a suitcase with a long enough handle and give it a test drive around the shop to make sure it feels comfortable.
Also, consider what you’ll need on the interior of the bag. If you are very organised, a suitcase with lots of pockets will suit your packing style. You may also want to consider a waterproof interior or sheeting for wet items (i.e. swimming gear).
Furthermore, look at the wheels. Plastic wheels often wear down quickly, whilst silicon wheels are more durable. Also, look for wheels that can do the whole 360 degrees, as this will enable you to manoeuvre your suitcase more easily.
Materials
Suitcases come in two different forms, soft or hard. Hard luggage is made of molded hard material (i.e. plastics), whilst soft luggage is made of fabric materials, which can be stretched.
Soft suitcases often have the ability to expand, enabling you to increase your suitcase’s size and space. A soft suitcase is also easier to fit into compartments than its counterpart, and also absorb shock far better. The only disadvantage is the fact they are heavier than your hard version and can easily contribute towards those 23kg you are allowed. A hard suitcase is a lighter option due to the light-weight material often used and its protective hard shell case protects fragile items far easier.
Conclusion
Whatever suitcase you decide to choose, make sure it is good quality, and won’t break after one or two uses. Generally, the more expensive suitcases are better quality and will easily outlast their cheaper counterparts. It might also be worth opting for a suitcase that is recognizable, so that no one runs off mistakenly with your bag or you get it confused with someone else’s. Bright coloured suitcases will avoid this problem, making it instantly recognizable.