One piece of travel wisdom remains true no matter where in the world you might be headed: Time spent planning reduces stress when traveling. Part of comprehensive travel planning is choosing the right luggage for your needs and packing optimally. Here are the most important factors to consider when preparing your luggage for a trip.
Airline Regulations
If you’re traveling by plane, airlines have strict regulations around the weight and size of checked bags and the dimensions of carry-on bags. Having to check a carry-on bag that is too large can add unnecessary expenses to your trip, so be sure to consult a luggage size chart before you make any carry-on luggage purchases.
Organizational Features
Travel bags can make packing, unpacking and maintaining an orderly suitcase easier. Choosing a bag with multiple pockets is key for separating toiletries from electronics and clothes. For top travel safety and no stress at airport security, you can forego liquid toiletries entirely in favor of bar soap, bar conditioner and bar shampoo.
When it comes to efficiently navigating airports, having the right equipment is essential. Make sure that your bag is appropriately labelled and will allow you to easily attach plastic tags explaining who the luggage belongs to. This will help to avoid potential mixups, and ensure the airport’s baggage tug takes it to the correct plane on the runway.
Investing in a suitcase organizing insert can make your travel setup just as organized and easy to navigate as your wardrobe at home. This way, you can spend more time enjoying your destination and less time fiddling with your packed clothes.
You will also want a secure carry on luggage bag for important items, like your boarding pass, passport, and any other documents you may need for your travels. For example, if you’re visiting somewhere like Quintana Roo then you need to pay a tourist tax fee at Visitax. Of course, you can have on online receipt you can access, but it is always worth keeping a hard copy to hand in your luggage. Having important documents organized and to hand, will make your journey as stress free as possible.
Ease of Mobility
Choose luggage that you can carry or roll easily. A luggage set can be a big advantage when it comes to mobility, as the pieces are made to stack together more securely than a random rolling suitcase and carry-on bag. Quality is key when it comes to rolling luggage, as low-quality wheels will break or fail to clear small bumps in terrain.
When carrying bags, many people are more stable and comfortable when weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the body. Always wear backpack-style bags with both straps for better stability and to avoid back issues. Large duffel bags should be worn across the whole body rather than entirely on one shoulder.
Standout Look
Some people care more than others about having stylish matching luggage, but there are practical advantages to choosing a unique-looking traveling set. A brightly colored suitcase stands out on a baggage carousel, and other travelers are far less likely to mistake a unique bag for their own.
While some travelers put elaborate scarves and large identifying tags on their bags, these hanging pieces are safety hazards on conveyor belts. To spot your bag on a carousel, invest in that electric blue, neon green or pink suitcase you’ve been eyeing.
Durability and Protection
Hard-shelled luggage cases are ideal for carry-on bags because they can stand up to any conditions and protect your most important belongings. It’s also possible to overstuff a soft carry-on bag so that it exceeds carry-on dimensions, which can add extra stress to a day at the airport.
For purses, backpacks and duffels, choose durable materials such as nylon, canvas or faux leather. Make sure to store laptops and cameras in their own protective cases.
Having a well-thought-out suite of luggage can give you peace of mind while traveling. Plan ahead when picking luggage and pay attention to measurements and materials.
