Travel can be stressful. Whether you’re leaving the country or going out of state, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by small details of the trip. Hurrying down long airport corridors, being surrounded by strangers, not getting proper meals--these can challenge the most experienced travelers.
How can you reduce stress while traveling? One good way is investing in the perfect luggage. Many people do not realize how much of a difference is made by the quality of your baggage. There’s no chance of it breaking or failing. It’s easier to carry around and pack efficiently. This article will look at buying new luggage and the options that are available out there.
Styles of Luggage
When shopping for luggage, keep in mind the nature of your trip. How much are you packing? Are you taking fragile items with you? The most popular styles of luggage include:
- Hardside Luggage – If you’re going to travel with fragile items, hardside luggage might be the best choice. It has a waterproof, solid outer shell which keeps contents safe during travel. Hardside luggage opens like a clamshell to simplify the packing process. If you purchase hardside luggage, make sure that your choice will fit in the overhead bin.
- Softside Luggage - The most common type of suitcase is known as softside luggage. These flexible bags are ideal for transporting clothes. Though they lack a protective outer shell, softside luggage will cushion your items, minimizing shock if dropped. If you purchase from a respectable brand, your suitcase can last a long time. Make sure to do your research on material quality, and shop wisely--softside luggage is not always waterproof!
- Duffle Bags - If you aren’t taking a lot of items, a duffle bag might suffice. A good duffle bag will have enough room for a laptop, a change of clothes, and the most basic things that you take on a journey. It should fit underneath the seat and have enough pockets to keep your documents in order. If you purchase a more modern version of the duffle bag, you might find one with wheels to make movement easier.
Brands of Luggage
Once you figure out which kind of luggage suits your trip, find a trusted brand. This will ensure that the piece is of good quality and won’t become worn out after a few trips. Some well-known and trusted brands include:
- American Tourister – If you don’t travel often but want luggage that lasts, American Tourister offers a good variety of hardside and softside luggage. There are different colors for the most popular models.
- Travelpro – This brand is a favorite among flight crews. Travelpro was started by a pilot who saw the need for wheeled luggage that was easy to use. Purchase from the Platinum Elite line and you can count on the ‘worry-free’ lifetime warranty.
- Delsey – For a quality, middle-range priced hardside bag, look for the Delsey brand. They also carry quality softside luggage in different colors.
Whether you’re shopping for hardside luggage or a duffel bag, finding the right set will reduce travel stress. You’ll enjoy your vacation more when you arrive at your destination certain that your personal items are safe.