Choosing Luggage

Thinking about packing for travel includes what to pack but also choosing luggage is just as important.

If you are traveling extensively you need to look at your suitcases as an investment rather than an expense. They are protecting several thousands of dollars’ worth of clothes, toiletries,cosmetics and shoes.

You need to buy the best you can afford. It will last for many years (depending how much you travel) if you buy good quality luggage. You never know, you may even become attached to your luggage. And in some countries, luggage purchased for business purposes will be tax deductible.

All suitcases should be on wheels. The suitcases with a retractable handle in the centre of the wide side of the suitcase are best. If the handle for pulling it is on the end, you will not have the stability that you need. Wheels on all four corners are best for stability and ease of maneuvering.

The old type hard shell suitcases are too heavy (8kg for the standard size suitcase and that is prior to putting anything into it). They also crack on the corners when they are dropped. The way this is fixed is to melt the plastic which fixes it in the short-term but this weakens the structure and before you know it, it is cracked again.

There are 2 key types of products to take a look at. Firstly the teflon coated polyester or nylon type non-tear products. These have a waterproof, fabric type outer which has the advantage that they have a zipper which makes them expandable if you purchase something while you are away and need more room in the suitcase. Alternatively the new style poly-propylene (molded plastic) ones which are extremely lightweight are excellent. An advantage to these suitcases is that there are no external pockets so no need to lock all external zippers when you are traveling internationally . This assists from a security perspective – there will be no question about who packed what is inside as you have complete control over that.