Even if it isn’t quite the holiday season yet, there’s nothing like planning for your holidays to lift those winter blues. Our guide to buying luggage will get you packing in the best possible way!
Most people want a wheelie suitcase for their holidays - they free up your hands, and much of its weight is removed because you aren’t carrying it. But if you’re backpacking or heading to a town with cobbled streets (think Prague or Bruges), you might want a backpack: wheels on cobbles are noisy and unstable. To be honest, though, wheels will probably still be your first choice of luggage. Four-wheeled cases don’t need to be tipped to move; they scuttle along beside you with almost no effort. If the case has two wheels, make sure it is stable enough to stand upright when packed. Pull out any telescopic handles and make sure they are good and sturdy; you don’t want them coming loose when laden.
Hard-sided suitcases are more durable and are probably waterproof; they will protect fragile items more efficiently, and they usually come with locks built in. These cases often have a divider in the middle to separate the lid from the base to protect the contents. Most hard cases are made from moulded polypropylene or ABS plastic.
Soft cases are more flexible as they are made from polyester, nylon or a combination of both. The fabric is graded in denier, and the higher the denier, the thicker and more durable the fabric. If you are prone to overpacking, soft cases are a bit more forgiving, and they often have extendable sections or pockets. Most are coated in some form of waterproofing, but to be honest, no case should be left out in the rain!
Most cabin luggage sells itself as being within cabin size restrictions, but quite often this is only for larger carriers. Many low-cost airlines have smaller restrictions, and some puddle-jumpers (very short-haul flights to destinations such as Dublin) have even smaller allowances. You must not assume that because the tag on a bag says it’s small enough for cabin requirements, it will be for every airline. Be careful of weight as well as size.
Despite the added cost, you might want to check in at least one bag for those essentials that you are not allowed to carry on board. If you’re off on a shopping spree, you might want a large suitcase, but always keep in mind weight restrictions. The bigger your case, the more likely you are to get into expensive excess fees. If you’ve checked a suitcase into the hold, then you’ll only need a small bag with you on the plane, which makes walking around the airport and stowing it close by you on the plane much easier. And remember, if your bag gets damaged in the hold, make sure you report it at the airport.
With everyone maxing out on their cabin luggage, the overhead lockers on a plane fill up fast, and there’s nothing more frustrating than booking a front row seat and then having your bags stowed at the back of the plane. Okay, there is one thing more frustrating: your hold luggage not appearing on the carousel and having to start your holiday without your suitcase! The pros and cons of cabin versus hold should be weighed up every time you fly, and buying a set of luggage should take care of all your holiday requirements.
Travel accessories come in all shapes and sizes, but our must-buy items for any holiday are adaptors - the last thing you need is to have no means of powering up, padlocks for security and some sort of identifying symbol for your case – be it a multicoloured strap, novelty name tags or a big red X drawn on it!
Too often, you see a family where the kids don’t carry anything. The best way to get kids involved in taking charge of their own cases is to let them choose their own cases. There are lots of cool luggage designed especially for kids around.
How do I know what size suitcase I need?
The size of your case will depend on the length of your trip. A cabin case is great for 2-4 days, whilst medium cases are best suited to week-long holidays, and large cases are for extended trips away. When considering the size of your luggage, always check with the airlines' weight limits.
Is a hard shell or a soft shell better?
If you’re carrying fragile items, trinkets, or gifts, a hard shell provides superior protection and added peace of mind. But if flexibility and extra packing space are more important to you, a soft-shell case may better suit your travel needs.
Are four wheels better than two?
Four-wheeled cases are much easier to manoeuvre in airports and busy spaces as they don’t require tilting, meaning less movement of the contents within. However, two-wheeled cases can provide added durability on rougher terrain and may offer slightly more packing space.
How can I avoid excess baggage fees?
Make sure you don’t get caught out with baggage fees by weighing your suitcase at home, and make sure you pack smart. Use packing cubes to maximise space and avoid overpacking. Another handy tip is to wear heavier clothing during travel to reduce suitcase weight.
Picking the perfect luggage is all about balancing practicality, durability, and individual travel style. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend city break or a long-haul adventure, choosing the right suitcase will help make your journey a breeze from check-in to arrival.
Happy holidays when they do arrive!
