Choosing the right luggage is an essential aspect of travel planning that is often overlooked. Whether you are a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveller, having the right suitcase can make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free. The market is flooded with a variety of luggage options, from trolley bags to travel bags, safari bags to hard-sided suitcases, and an array of suitcase brands claiming to be the best. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when buying luggage and highlight some top-notch options for your next adventure.
The Ultimate Traveller's Guide To Suitcases: Choosing The Perfect Travel Companion
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Luggage for Seamless and Stylish Travel, Including Key Factors to Consider When Buying Suitcases and a Curated Selection of the Best Brands in the Market.
Our Top Picks
- Best Budget: Safari Pentagon Polypropylene Hard-sided 4 Wheels Luggage Set (Cyan Blue) Stylish and durable luggage set in small, medium, and large sizes with a 360-degree wheeling system.
- Best Choice: MOKOBARA The Cabin Pro Cabin Polycarbonate Cabin Size 8 Wheel Trolly Luggage (Space Blue) - Lightweight and durable cabin-size suitcase with built-in TSA lock.
- Best for Cabin: VIP Jet Trolley Bags Set of 2 (Cabin Medium) - Compact and convenient trolley bags designed for cabin use, featuring a 4-wheel system.
- Best for Check-in: American Tourister Kamiliant Polypropylene Hard Luggage Trolley (3 Pieces Set) - Vibrant set of three hard luggage trolleys in different sizes, with a 3-digit combination lock.
- Best Design: Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier Spinner Polypropylene Luggage (Ribbon Blue) - Well-designed check-in luggage with a unique ribbon blue pattern and a 3-digit combination lock.
[Table of Contents]
- How We Shortlisted These Products
- Things to Remember
- Top Products
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
How We Shortlisted These Products
These products were chosen based on their popularity, positive customer reviews, and their features and specifications. We considered factors such as durability, functionality, security features (such as built-in TSA locks), ease of mobility (such as 360-degree wheeling systems), and value for money. We also took into account the reputation and reliability of the brands offering these products. By considering these aspects, we selected a range of luggage options that cater to different budgets, preferences, and travel needs. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option, a stylish design, or specific features like cabin-size or check-in luggage, these top picks provide a variety of choices to suit different travellers.
Things to Remember
When choosing luggage, there are several important factors to consider. Here is a checklist to guide you through the selection process:
- Size and Weight: Select luggage that complies with airline regulations and suits your travel needs. Consider both the dimensions and the weight of the suitcase.
- Material: Hard-sided luggage made from polycarbonate or polypropylene is durable and provides excellent protection. Soft-sided luggage is more flexible and often expandable, allowing for extra packing space.
- Wheels and Handles: Go for suitcases with sturdy and smooth-rolling wheels. 360-degree spinning wheels offer excellent manoeuvrability. Additionally, an adjustable handle that locks at various heights ensures comfortable handling.
- Security Features: TSA-approved locks are essential for US travel, as they allow airport security to inspect your luggage without breaking the lock. Some suitcases also come with additional security measures like hidden compartments or RFID-blocking pockets.
- Compartments and Organization: Look for suitcases with multiple compartments, dividers, and pockets for better organization and easy access to your belongings.
- Style and Design: Choose a suitcase that suits your personal style and stands out on the baggage carousel. However, functionality should never be compromised for aesthetics.
- Warranty: Consider luggage that comes with a reliable warranty against manufacturing defects. A good warranty indicates the brand's confidence in its product's quality.
Top Picks: Best Trolley Luggage for Effortless Travel
Specifications:
- Material: German Marklon polycarbonate
- Size: Cabin-size
- Capacity: 41 litres
- Wheels: 8 silent-run Japanese wheels
- Lock: Built-in TSA lock
- Additional features: Front laptop compartment, USB port, internal compression pad
- Warranty: 6 years
Positives:
- Indestructible polycarbonate construction
- Lightweight and spacious design
- Smooth and silent movement with eight Japanese wheels
- Enhanced security with built-in TSA lock
- Convenient features like a front laptop compartment and USB port
- Maximized packing space with internal compression pad
- Long 6-year warranty for added peace of mind
Negatives:
- Limited colour options
User Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the durability and lightweight nature of the suitcase.
- The smooth movement of the eight wheels is highly praised.
- The built-in TSA lock provides convenience and peace of mind during travel.
- The additional features like the front laptop compartment and USB port are considered useful.
- Some users wished for more colour options to choose from.
Who Should Buy:
The MOKOBARA Cabin Pro suitcase is ideal for travellers who value durability, lightweight design, and enhanced security. It is suitable for frequent travellers who require a cabin-size suitcase with ample storage capacity. The additional features like the front laptop compartment and USB port make it convenient for business travellers. Overall, anyone seeking a reliable and well-designed cabin-size suitcase for their travel needs can benefit from the MOKOBARA Cabin Pro.
Specifications:
- Material: Polypropylene
- Sizes: 55 cms, 65 cms, 75 cms
- Wheels: 4 wheels with a 360-degree wheeling system
- Lock: Number lock
- Additional features: Spacious compartments, scratch-resistant material
- Warranty: 3 years (international)
Positives:
- Stylish and durable polypropylene construction
- Three sizes available for different travel needs
- Convenient mobility with a 360-degree wheeling system
- Secure with a number lock for added protection
- Spacious compartments for efficient packing
- Scratch-resistant material ensures longevity
- Comes with a 3-year international warranty
Negatives:
- Limited colour options
User Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the stylish design and durability of the suitcases.
- The 360-degree wheeling system makes manoeuvring the luggage easy.
- The spacious compartments allow for efficient packing.
- The scratch-resistant material withstands wear and tear during travel.
- Some users wished for more colour options to choose from.
Who Should Buy:
The Safari Pentagon luggage set is suitable for travellers looking for a stylish and durable option. With three sizes available, it can accommodate different travel needs, whether it's a short trip or a long vacation. The 360-degree wheeling system ensures smooth mobility, and the number lock provides added security. The suitcases' spacious compartments make packing efficient, and the scratch-resistant material ensures longevity. If you're seeking reliable luggage with a stylish design and a warranty against manufacturing defects, the Safari Pentagon set is a great choice.
Specifications:
- Set: Set of 2 trolley bags (cabin and medium-sized)
- Wheels: 4 wheels for easy manoeuvrability
- Lock: Number lock for enhanced security
- Additional features: Spacious compartments, sleek design
- Colour: Cyan Blue
Positives:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Easy manoeuvrability with 4-wheel trolley system
- Secure with a number lock for added protection
- Spacious compartments for efficient packing
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use
Negatives:
- Limited to a set of two bags (cabin and medium-sized)
User Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the sleek and stylish design of the trolley bags.
- The 4-wheel trolley system allows for smooth and effortless movement.
- The spacious compartments provide ample storage space.
- Users find the number lock to be a useful security feature.
- Some customers would prefer more bags included in the set.
Who Should Buy:
The VIP Jet Trolley Bags set is suitable for travellers who value both style and functionality in their luggage. With a sleek design and sturdy construction, these trolley bags offer a reliable and fashionable solution for cabin and medium-sized check-in luggage. The 4-wheel trolley system ensures easy manoeuvrability, making it convenient to navigate through airports and other travel destinations. The number lock provides added security for your belongings. If you're looking for a set of trolley bags that combine style, durability, and functionality, the VIP Jet Trolley Bags set is a great choice.
Specifications:
- Set: 3 pieces set (small, medium, and large suitcases)
- Material: Polypropylene
- Lock: 3-digit fixed combination lock
- Wheels: 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels
- Additional features: Cross ribbons in the bottom compartment
Positives:
- Vibrant and eye-catching design
- Durable polypropylene material for long-lasting use
- Secure with a 3-digit fixed combination lock
- Efficient packing space with cross ribbons in the bottom compartment
- Smooth-rolling wheels for easy mobility
Negatives:
- The set includes three suitcases, which may be more than necessary for some travelers.
User Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the durability and sturdiness of the suitcases.
- The vibrant and eye-catching design adds a touch of style to their travels.
- The 3-digit fixed combination lock provides peace of mind and security.
- Users find the cross ribbons in the bottom compartment helpful for organized packing.
- Some customers find the set of three suitcases to be more than they need for their travel requirements.
Who Should Buy:
The American Tourister Kamiliant luggage set is perfect for travelers who seek a combination of durability, style, and functionality. With its vibrant design and durable polypropylene material, this set stands out while offering long-lasting use. The 3-digit fixed combination lock ensures the security of your belongings. The efficient packing space with cross ribbons allows for organized packing and easy access to your items. If you're planning family trips or extended travels and require multiple suitcases of different sizes, the American Tourister Kamiliant luggage set is an excellent choice. It offers convenience, durability, and a stylish look for all your travel adventures.
Specifications:
- Size: 68 cm (medium)
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Lock: 3-digit fixed combination lock
- Wheels: 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels
- Design: Ribbon blue pattern
Positives:
- Unique and eye-catching ribbon blue pattern design
- Durable polypropylene (PP) material for reliable protection
- Spacious boxy shape maximizes volume for efficient packing
- Smooth-rolling wheels for easy maneuverability
- 3-digit fixed combination lock ensures security
Negatives:
- Some users may find the 68 cm size to be larger than their needs for certain trips.
User Feedback:
- Customers appreciate the durability and sturdiness of the Kamiliant Harrier Spinner.
- The unique ribbon blue pattern design adds a stylish touch to their travels.
- The boxy shape allows for efficient packing, maximizing the available space.
- Users find the smooth-rolling wheels to be reliable and easy to maneuver.
- The 3-digit fixed combination lock provides peace of mind and keeps their belongings secure.
Who Should Buy:
The Kamiliant Harrier Spinner is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a medium-sized check-in luggage with a blend of style and functionality. The unique ribbon blue pattern design sets it apart from traditional suitcases, making it a fashionable choice for those who want to stand out. The durable polypropylene (PP) material ensures the protection of your belongings during transit. The spacious boxy shape allows for efficient packing, accommodating a generous amount of items. If you prefer a medium-sized suitcase for longer trips or if you require additional packing space, the Kamiliant Harrier Spinner is a reliable option. Its smooth-rolling wheels and 3-digit fixed combination lock make it a convenient and secure travel companion.
FAQ
What size of luggage should I choose for my trip?
The size of your luggage depends on the duration and type of your trip. For short weekend getaways or business trips, a cabin-sized suitcase (typically around 20-22 inches) is sufficient. For longer vacations or trips that require bulkier items, consider a medium-sized suitcase (24-28 inches). Always check the airline's luggage restrictions to ensure your suitcase meets their requirements.
What is the difference between hard-sided and soft-sided luggage?
Hard-sided luggage is made from durable materials like polycarbonate or polypropylene, providing better protection for your belongings against impact and rough handling. Soft-sided luggage is often made from fabrics and offers flexibility and expandability. Both types have their advantages, so choose based on your personal preferences and travel needs.
How important are wheels and handles on a suitcase?
Wheels and handles play a significant role in the overall usability of your luggage. Look for suitcases with smooth-rolling wheels, preferably 360-degree spinning wheels, for easy manoeuvrability. An adjustable handle with a comfortable grip ensures convenient handling and reduces strain on your arms and shoulders.
What is a TSA-approved lock, and why is it important?
TSA-approved locks are recognized and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States. These locks allow TSA officers to open and inspect your luggage without breaking the lock. Having a TSA-approved lock adds an extra layer of security and prevents potential damage to your suitcase during security checks.
How can I ensure my belongings stay organized in my suitcase?
Look for suitcases with multiple compartments, dividers, and pockets. This feature helps keep your belongings organized and easily accessible during your trip. Some suitcases even come with additional features like laundry bags or compression straps to maximize packing space.
Are branded suitcases worth the investment?
Investing in branded suitcases from reputable companies often guarantees higher quality and durability. Established luggage brands have a reputation to maintain, so they strive to provide better materials, construction, and customer service. While they may cost more upfront, branded suitcases can save you money in the long run, as they tend to last longer and offer better warranties.
Can I bring a suitcase as carry-on luggage?
Most airlines allow passengers to bring a cabin-sized suitcase as carry-on luggage. However, it's essential to check the specific size and weight restrictions of your airline, as they can vary. Additionally, consider the cabin space on the aircraft, as smaller regional planes may have stricter limitations.
How do I clean and maintain my suitcase?
To clean your suitcase, use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the luggage. Proper maintenance includes regularly checking the wheels, handles, and zippers for any signs of wear and tear. Store your suitcase in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent damage from moisture or extreme temperatures.
Investing in the right luggage is an investment in hassle-free and enjoyable travel experiences. Consider factors like durability, size, weight, security features, and organization options when choosing the perfect suitcase for your needs. The recommended products above offer a range of options to suit different travel styles and preferences. So, the next time you plan a trip, be sure to choose the perfect travel companion that suits your requirements and wander with ease and style. Happy travels!
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