Essential and Optional Luggage

What are the essential and optional luggage items to invest in?

Essential – Overnight to 3 day trips – a small suitcase with retractable handle on wheels
Essential – 5 days to 2 weeks – a standard size suitcase with retractable handle on wheels
Essential – a wheeled carry-on/business suitcase with retractable handle
1. this is to carry your laptop, cords, telephone charger, papers, pens, notes, etc Click here for a checklist of carry on suitcases. The size of this is critical as you will be taking this on the plane with you. The airlines are very particular about the size of case you can take onboard. All the major luggage stores have these airline specified dimensions so just ask them when you are shopping.
2. This bag is the most critical in terms of quality. You will be taking this with you more often than the other pieces of luggage which will only travel between home, airports and hotels. The business suitcase/wheeled carry-on will be with you to and from meetings and the office also. If the handle breaks, you will need to carry it and it will be heavy. Or you will need to find a way to the local luggage store to purchase a new one. This is too inconvenient and too much hassle when you are away
Essential – Shoe bags – several of them. You need to put each pair of shoes in a shoe bag to protect your shoes. They will ensure that your clothes do not get dirty if there is soil on the bottom of your shoes. You can buy these at luggage stores or at the airport. Alternatively many shoe manufacturers pack shoes in shoe bags these days or you can use plastic bags
Optional – Small suit pack.This is exclusively for when you are traveling for a couple of days and either
1. you cannot/do not want to squash the suit into the small case or
2. you need a more formal outfit that you do not want to squash into the case or
3. the garment/s will be needed soon after arrival and there will be no time for pressing. You will carry this on the plane with you so it needs to be small enough to hold only one suit or dress
A Good Idea – Small fold-up good quality carry all. This is to be packed in your suitcase for emergencies. For example, when you purchase something that does not fit into your suitcase! Longchamp make a great range of these in sizes and colours to suit your needs. The range is called Longchamp Le Pliage. You can buy them in all international terminals at luggage outlets. You will also find this useful to take with you on weekend shopping trips, to the pool/beach, sightseeing trips. An alternative to this style of fold-up bag is a fold-up back pack which can be used in the same way (also available at luggage outlets).
A Good Idea – Laundry bag. You need a laundry bag (even if it is a plastic bag) to keep you dirty clothes separate to your clean ones. Linen ones are a good idea and can be purchased at good linen stores
A good Idea – An “add-a-bag” strap. Many ranges of suitcases have a clip that will take an add-a-bag strap. Alternatively, it may be built into your luggage on the front. This will clip onto your main suitcase and then onto your wheeled carry-on. With both together you can wheel your luggage at the airport without requiring the use of or hire of an airport trolley.