Choosing the Best Travel Bags for Your Next Adventure

The luggage you pack has a major impact on your overall travel experience. It sounds simple, but it’s worth your time to find pieces that are easy to handle, hold up over time, store everything you need without adding bulk and pass through trains, airports and hotels with ease. Sound like a tall order? It is. But when you’re traveling, you deserve luggage that can keep up with you. Below is our guide to choosing the right pieces for your next trip.

The Right Size

When it comes to travel bags, size does matter. For short trips, a carry-on sized suitcase is a must. By avoiding having to check your bag, you’ll save both time and money. For longer trips, invest in a larger suitcase that provides expanded space while still keeping overall weight low. Check with the airline you’ll be flying on to review any size and weight restrictions. (Some airlines are now charging for carry-ons as well, so the more information you have in advance the easier your purchase decision will be.)

The Right Material

Bags come in a variety of materials that provide different levels of protection for your belongings. If you’re bringing electronics or relatively fragile items, you’ll want a hard case like those available from Delsey or it Luggage. If you’re simply packing clothing and accessories, lighter weight materials—like water-resistant canvas—might be a better option. Another choice is a hybrid of the two: a hard case back with a soft shell front. Depending on where you’re traveling, security bags (with RFID-blocking capabilities and slash-proof fabrics) are also a “must.”

The Right Price

When you’re looking at travel bags & luggage, there are options for every price point. Evaluate your budget and keep it in mind as you search. With TravelSmith, shopping for luggage online gives you more options to compare pricing, materials, and design by collection.

The Right Color

Find a color and design that suits your personal taste. Neutral tones are a good idea if you plan to do a lot of traveling, or select a sleek black option for a streamlined look. You might also want to showcase your own personality with something colorful and patterned.

The Right Stuff

Look for the following features to make packing more organized and traveling more convenient:

• • A piggyback clip – lets you attach a larger bag and a smaller bag together
• • Telescoping handles – adjustable-height handles let you pull a bag comfortably behind you
• • Wheels – for longer journeys, wheeled luggage is a must; especially when hauling your bags through customs, around airport terminals and at train stations
• • Compartments – internal dividers make it easier to keep your belongings organized
• • Expandability – expansions are great for accommodating the inevitable souvenirs you pick up along the way
• • Tie-down straps – allow you to compress your belongings so you can fit more items into a single bag

Read more exclusive packing tips and download our free packing checklist to prepare for your next trip.