The hunt for a suitcase has begun, the old one is just too heavy and it´s not even a spinner! After extensive research, I found the perfect suitcase for me. Here, I’ll share some tips to help you choose yours. Take the time to read this, and you’ll save a lot more time than I did. A suitcase is often quite expensive and will join you on many exciting travels for years to come.
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Important factors to consider
- How often do you travel?
- Material and durability
- Size and weight
- Travel comfort
- Design and safety
1. How Often Do you Travel?
Choosing the right travel suitcase can significantly impact your travel experience. With countless options available, it’s essential to start with your needs and consider how often you will travel. For example, a frequent traveler might need extra comfort and durability, as the suitcase will endure many bumps during cargo handling.
2. Material and Durability
Cheap suitcases are typically made of cheap plastic. They are heavier and more prone to cracking. It’s risky to buy them, and I don’t recommend them even if you don’t travel often. Instead, look for durable materials like polycarbonate, and polypropylene. Both are very flexible, and polycarbonate is almost unbreakable even in extreme temperatures, which makes it a winner, and these suitcases are often more expensive.
Polypropylene has a density of about 0.90 g/cm³, making it lighter and more flexible. Polycarbonate has a higher density of around 1.20 g/cm³, which makes it heavier but also more durable. I recommend choosing a suitcase with a generous warranty. Warranty periods vary significantly between brands, ranging from 2 to 10 years, or even a lifetime warranty.
There are also polyester and nylon suitcases, which are even more flexible and lighter. As they don´t provide as much protection against impacts, I only recommend these for carry-on bags. I would choose polyester, as it is considered more water-repellent.
3. Size and Weight
The bigger the better, right? Well, in an ideal world! Before buying a suitcase, consult your airline’s baggage policies. I found that the limits for checked bags vary significantly. Some airlines are really generous, while others are not. The way they calculate dimensions also differs at times. Consider which airlines you prefer and check the dimensions and weight limits for both checked and carry-on luggage. In my case, I couldn’t choose the large suitcase size and had to go with a medium size instead.
4. Travel Comfort
A well-designed suitcase with balanced weight distribution will be easier to carry. Even if the transfer is conveniently booked, some airports are just so big that, no matter how smooth we want it to be, traveling involves dragging bags around. This is when comfort comes into play.
Previously, I had a Samsonite that, embarrassingly enough, was almost 30 years old, with two wheels at the lower back end. Now that I’ve upgraded to a new suitcase, I’m delighted with the four-wheel spinners. Even the largest suitcase is easy to maneuver. With this in mind, there are three crucial things you need to consider before choosing your suitcase:
Wheels: Choose a suitcase with smooth-rolling wheels, preferably spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees for easy maneuverability.
Handle: A sturdy, retractable handle is essential for comfortable lifting and pulling.
Weight: A lightweight suitcase can make a significant difference, especially when you’re navigating airports and public transportation.
5. Design and Safety
I initially wanted a suitcase that reflects my personal style. If you like black, like I do, it might be a good idea to consider another color. I believe that about 90% of the bags on the luggage belt are… black! By choosing a different color, you’ll find it much easier to spot your bag. I finally selected turquoise, as it stands out from the crowd.
And last, but not least, you need a TSA-approved lock, which allows security personnel to inspect your luggage without damaging it. This is the second thing you need to check after the material.
Want to know what I bought? A Samsonite S´Cure. It´s a great spacious spinner, lightweight and flexible. I can pack for two weeks even though it´s not the largest size (not XL)! Some other great options I checked out and also recommend:
1. Samsonite Centric 2 This 2 piece-set is a great option if you like expandable suitcases, and the checked suitcase has a TSA-lock. The material is polycarbonate, and Samsonite offer a 10 Year Limited Warranty as well.
2. Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Wow, this chic plum suitcase with gold details sets the tone if you want to travel in style! This expandable polycarbonate suitcase also features Delsey’s patented overweight indicator, which lets you know if your luggage weighs more than 48.5 lbs.
3. Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside and expandable suitcase, from the brand made by pilots! Lightweight, 100 Polycarbonate hard shell that is engineered for impact-absorbing flexibility. The TSA lock is on the side, which makes it hassle-free on the top of the suitcase.
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