Whether you are lucky enough to be jetting to Beijing for the Olympics or simply heading to Cornwall for a family beach break, it may be time to upgrade your luggage. Particularly if you are one of those people who sheepishly checks in a torn suitcase wrapped ten times with tape to prevent seeing your underthings on the luggage carousel (you know who are you are)!
The important thing to do before even looking at one bag is to answer the following questions: how many times of year do you travel? For how long? By train, plane or auto? Where do you go? Beach, ski or family chill out? Once you have a good sense of how you’ll use your new luggage you can dig in and find a new bag.
For just about any scenario it’s good to start with a large trolley suitcase. Whether it’s the only suitcase you buy or you pair it with a carry on, it’s great to start with something roomy and easy to move about. Titan makes a number of strong, polycarbonate cases in a variety of colours to suite every traveler’s taste including: black, red and orange. Samsonite also has a lightweight polypropylene suitcase with all sorts of additional features such as a shoe bag, laundry bag and adjustable handle.
Depending on your needs and how long you’ll be away you may consider buying a set of bags that match. If you are packing for the entire family (or just a fashionista with needs!) Titan has a set of four bags in a variety of sizes, including three trolleys and a beauty case. Lightweight and easy to roll through the airport, the set can also be quite the statement coming in hot pink, green, orange, grey and black.
Finally it’s time to consider a carry-on. Airline regulations now allow again one carry on and either a laptop or purse (in most cases, do check with your airline). A rucksack can work for just about everyone — it’s better for the back, can come in a variety of colours and patterns, has lots of pockets and fits under the seat in front of you! Vaude has a number of hiking packs that can do double duty on the train or plane. And for the woman who can’t bear the idea of a rucksack there is the Spike Rose and Steel sack which may win you over with its pretty pink colour.
Whatever suitcase you choose don’t forget to first think about how you’ll use the bag. The biggest headache is lugging along the wrong case for your holiday adventure!
