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Viewing Any Old Luggage will be OK for my Trip - Right?Any Old Luggage will be OK for my Trip - Right?
By Kathy Steinemann
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No! Your choice of luggage should be more than a preference for color - and don't buy something just because it's CHEAP. Here are some tips to help you in the selection process. No! Your choice of luggage should be more than a preference for color - and don't buy something just because it's CHEAP. Requirements for luggage will vary depending on a few variables such as: Luggage can be broken down into three main categories: hard-sided, soft-sided, and semi-soft. Hard-sided luggage is the best choice if you will be transporting things that may be damaged easily. However, it is heavy. Protect your spine and back muscles by ensuring that you purchase hard-sided luggage with wheels. Suitcases with reinforced corners will help to safeguard against cracking if your bags are subjected to strong blows or handling abuse. Soft-sided luggage is light and versatile, but it doesn't provide the best protection for fragile items (like rolled-up posters purchased in a souvenir shop or little objects-de-art found in a curio shop). If you opt for soft-sided luggage, ensure that you 'overpack' so that your clothing doesn't shift and become wrinkled during your trip. Semi-soft luggage has a frame just like hard-sided luggage, but the frame is covered by a strong fabric. It provides more protection than soft-sided, and is lighter than hard-sided luggage. If you travel frequently on business trips, consider a well-designed suit or garment bag. With multiple pockets and hangers, a garment bag will be an ideal suitcase - even for extended business trips of several days to a week. Carry-on suitcases (or an appropriate rucksack) are great if you are travelling just for a day or two. With tightened air restrictions, however, you might need two suitcases: a carry-on for everything you are permitted to carry aboard the plane, and a second suitcase for restricted items like toothpaste, shampoos, and other gels/liquids. Be sure to report early for your flight. Later passengers may have to check their carry-ons if space aboard the aircraft becomes a problem. Try to avoid purchasing luggage that looks like everyone else's. If you do opt for basic black, do something to make your luggage distinctive. Perhaps spruce it up with glow-in-the-dark fabric paint, souvenir decals, or colored tape around the handles . . . use your imagination! If you are short, don't choose huge suitcases that will be difficult to carry. At the very least, make sure that every bag has retractable wheels and a telescoping or removable carrying handle. The lowly baggage caddy - an indispensable gadget - can make movement through any bus depot, train station, or airport terminal much easier. Children love to travel with duffle bags. Why not indulge them? An online search for 'children's duffel bags' will give you thousands of websites to choose from. You can even buy brightly colored personalized bags if you order far enough in advance. Walk a few blocks with your packed luggage prior to your trip to get a feel for how heavy it is. You may change your mind about how much you wish to carry along with you! And make sure that your suitcases are in good repair. Travel carriers may refuse to transport luggage that looks like it will fall apart during the journey. Whatever you choose, make sure that everything is: If you plan to do a lot of shopping while you travel, pack a soft-sided, collapsible bag in one of your suitcases. If you prefer hard-shell luggage, buy one smaller suitcase that will nest inside of a larger one. When you return, you will have one extra suitcase - so be sure that you double check to ensure that you still fall within the baggage restrictions of your carrier. When travelling via air charter, remember that charters may have different baggage restrictions than regularly-scheduled flights. Whatever you choose for luggage, make sure that it reflects your individual personality and needs. (c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included. About the Author: Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Seeking romantic getaway resources? Adult Escapes can help! Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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