As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned firsthand the importance of having good luggage. One ill-advised trip with an ill-fitting backpack can leave you with back problems and an unpleasant vacation experience. Just Don’t Leave Home Without the Right Luggage. Find The Right Luggage!
The right luggage, on the other hand, can take the stress out of travel by making life easier and more enjoyable for you when you’re traveling internationally or within your own country. If you’re in the market for new luggage, here are some tips to help you choose the right bag (or bags) for your needs as a business traveler.
How to Enjoy a Trip Like A Pro
Choosing The Best Size
While many people like to carry all of their belongings with them when they travel, there is such a thing as traveling luggage and backpacks that are too big. Packing light saves on airline baggage fees, but having massive bags can slow you down and cause you to lug around more weight than you need to.
If your bags get too heavy while traveling by foot or public transportation, you may not be able to bring everything with you. Choose a size appropriate for what sort of travel experience you’ll have. Then if all else fails, remember that every souvenir you buy is an opportunity to weigh your bag down even further (yes!).
Choosing A Durable Material
Durable travel luggage is best made out of materials that are both lightweight and hardy. Choose from a number of durable, lightweight materials such as Kevlar, ballistic nylon, Teflon, and titanium. While most types of these can withstand a bit of abuse without damage or wear-and-tear, Kevlar and ballistic nylon are some of the strongest bags you can buy.
Ballistic nylon is quite strong but also light to carry. Furthermore, if you’re looking for military strength or special forces gear there are even special body armor products made out of kevlar available in military surplus stores.
Choosing A Lock
Traveling luggage is an essential piece of your travel kit, but don’t underestimate how important choosing a lock is. Having reliable locks on your luggage will help ensure that no one can access it in transit and steal whatever you have inside.
If someone does manage to break into your bag, having locks will provide some level of protection for what’s inside and make it harder for thieves to open up everything quickly.
Plus, locks also provide an added sense of security when you travel.
Choosing Zippers
First things first, make sure your suitcase has zippers on both sides. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to open it flat, which makes packing and unpacking nearly impossible. Make sure you choose quality zippers that are built to last; it might seem like a small thing now, but when a zipper breaks in Asia or at home waiting for luggage at baggage claim, it’s not so fun.
There are many different types of zippers available today; pick one that best fits your needs.
For example, coil zippers are useful if you travel overseas often because they help keep your bag well-organized and reduce snags while traveling.
Choosing Spinner Wheels
Spinner wheels have a lot of practical uses, especially for travelers that need to get around town with their luggage. They’re usually relatively inexpensive, and they make it much easier to maneuver between terminals or navigate sidewalks with lots of crowds. It can also be quite helpful if you’ll need to drag your luggage up or downstairs at your hotel, as well as in and out of taxis (especially in other countries).
The downside is that these types of wheels are prone to scratching floors, but that’s easily avoidable if you place your bag on its side when you’re checking into a hotel.
We recommend using spinner wheels for smaller bags or suitcases; larger suitcases would benefit from a hard set of suitcase wheels.