Shopping for new bags to use on your next adventure? Here are some tips on choosing the best luggage for your needs!
One of the most exciting parts of any trip is when you begin your packing routines before departing. Even if you’re not a fan of packing luggage, the burning anticipation of your next adventure is palpable in the air and it’s definitely one of the best feelings in the world! Are you setting off for sights unseen with an old, worn-out set of luggage? Are your bags not quite right for the type of traveler you tend to be? Sooner or later, most travelers will need to go out shopping for new luggage. And if you haven’t done so recently, there are a lot of options out there to choose from, such that it can make shopping for new bags feel more difficult than shopping for a car! Never fear – here are some of the most important things to think about when shopping for new luggage.
Which Types Do You Need?
Luggage comes in a variety of styles that will suit different kinds of travelers. For example, those who enjoy the outdoors would want to pick a rugged backpack – but if you prefer being the jetsetter, a suitcase is going to make more sense. Another way to look at this is to consider which items you tend to bring with you on your travels and look for bags that make traveling with these items easier. A business traveler will value having luggage with a laptop compartment for ease of access.
What is the Best Size?
Outdoor enthusiasts have physical considerations to worry about when picking the size of their new luggage. Something that can be supported rather easily on hiking trips and has a lot of straps and pouches for camping essentials can make your travels more enjoyable. If you’re an airline traveler, you’ll have to think about airline regulations on the sizes of both the luggage you can carry on as well as what you can check in. Check your most frequently flown airlines for a guideline, but you should shoot for a carry-on bag that measures no more than 22” x 9” x 14” and a checked bag measuring less than 62” all around if you travel mostly within the United States – look for an “international” carry-on if you tend to travel internationally.
What are the Best Materials?
For backpacks, durability is going to be key when finding the best luggage for your needs. Look for something that’s waterproof to protect your belongings when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Suitcases come in soft-shell and hard-shell varieties. Durability and weight are going to be key here. Hard-shell suitcases can be more durable but could also weigh more, making them more difficult to travel with. However, the golden rule is that you should never just compromise and buy something that’s “good enough”. You may end up regretting it later when you’re lugging a bag with a broken handle or wheel thousands of miles from home!
What are the Best Brands?
If you’re looking for advice on the brands consistently chosen by travelers for their high quality, here are some of the most popular and best brands to look for:
- Samsonite
- American Tourister
- Travelpro
- Eagle Creek
- Delsey
- Victorinox
- Rimowa
- Bric’s
Explore the World with AESU!
Are you ready to plan an adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Looking to travel next year? Experience our brand-new domestic tours with beautiful destinations such as the California Wine Country, Nashville Music City, The Wild Wild West, and Outdoor Wonderland – British Columbia!
2021 tour dates are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.