There are just as many luggage options now as there are places to travel to. Its a hard choice to make but thinking through some of your options prior to purchase may help you make the right choice the first time.
1. Choose your type of bag. While this was once easy (duffel, rolling luggage, tote bag, etc) there are now all sorts of hybrids bags. For example, a duffel can now roll, making it easier to carry and allow you to put heavier items inside of it. Rolling duffels are great for kids who may not have the ability to fold their clothes perfectly.
2. Hard shell versus soft shell. Soft shell bags weigh less which is especially important if you are using your bag for airline travel. However, they don’t protect your items as much as a hard shell case. When you are purchasing make sure you are familiar with what you generally carry and how you generally travel. Soft shell bags are also easier to store in your home as they can be squished and take up less space.
3. Everyone wants to make their bag stand out. You can purchase bags of different colors, with reflective piping, etc. However, you can often go for the less expensive black bag and then tie a bright ribbon on your bag or buy something designed to help you distinguish your bag on the turn style.
4. Durability. While you can certainly buy luggage at a discount store, you want the luggage you buy to last for many trips. Consider purchasing as a reputable travel store or through a realtor such a L.L.Bean or The Container Store. Spring for a good piece of luggage and you will have it for years to come. And since you’re using the same bag time after time you can develop and organization system for it and purchase organizational accessories that compliment the bag.
