How to Choose a Suitcase

So now that you’ve gone through some of our suitcase reviews, you probably have an idea of what type of suitcase sounds appealing. But now it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty details. Choosing a suitcase is ultimately important because it will be in charge of protecting your belongings in a transportable form. How easy it’s transportable can depend on a number of factors, such as size, weight, and construction materials.

Choosing Your Luggage Size

We often recommend backpacks for female travelers since they have a tendency to keep people in check when packing. Wearing your belongings on your back means you have a better grasp of how much you are actually including on your packing list! With suitcases, it’s best to not get carried away by the fact that this form of luggage sits on wheels because a heavy and large suitcase is a dead weight you still have to lug around the world.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your suitcase size:

You can probably fit more than you think. Sure a carry-on size suitcase might appear small, but it is our experience that women are shocked at how much can actually fit inside when they choose to give them a whirl.

Starting with a larger suitcase means your packing list gets larger. Fact. Once you have the extra space, you tend to fill it. Why not? You’ve got the space, right?

Check and double-check airline carry-on requirements. If your goal is to travel with only a carry-on, then make sure that your intended suitcase complies with ALL airlines you plan to fly on your trip and for any potential upcoming trips.

Remember: Avoid suitcases that are big enough for a person to fit inside.

Choosing Your Luggage Features

After you choose your size, whittling down suitcase options continues by looking at specific features offered and included. While some people like some extra pockets and dividers built into their luggage, others prefer the blank slate version. So many details to consider.

Hard Case or Soft Case

Pros and cons are available for each type of suitcase, so do your research and choose the option best suited for you and your travels.

Hard Cases: They’re loved since they keep their rigid shape, thus offering better protection for belongings inside. They’re loathed since some have been known to crack, and they simply can’t be stuffed into tight places.

Soft Cases: They’re loved because they have more give to compress or expand as needed. They’re loathed since the fabric is easier to rip and tear, can stain, and is not waterproof.

Wheels

Suitcases come with either 2 or 4 wheels these days, and 4 wheels in a “spinner” mode offer a more ergonomic form with the ability to maneuver in multiple directions.

Organization

Extra pockets and pouches might be just what the packing doctor ordered, especially if you’re the type of person who is a bit of an unorganized traveler. For some, extra features like this are simply not needed as a more DIY approach with packing cubes is preferred.

Price

Price will always be a concern, especially when those dollars could better be spent buying plane tickets and hotel rooms. But we find that there’s often a level of quality, or at least warranty, that comes with many types of travel gear- you get what you pay for.

When it comes to your suitcase- something that’s battered time after time- you’ll want to choose one that’s able to take the beating.