When it comes to buying new suitcases it can often be stressful and daunting. Though you can find many at reasonable prices at retailers like Tesco, there’s so much to choose from in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one takes a little time. To make it a little easier, we’ve put together this simple guide to help you make the right decision.

Choosing the Right Suitecase for Travelling #travel

Image by Jonathan Grado used under the Creative Commons license.

Size

There’s nothing worse than hauling around a huge suitcase that’s difficult to manage. It can also be very stressful attempting to cram half the contents of your wardrobe into a shoe-box sized suitcase. Before you purchase your luggage, consider your individual needs. If you take shorter trips and weekend retreats, you’re likely to only need a small carry on. Similarly, business trips won’t require a large suitcase but you may want to consider additional items such as garment bags which can protect suits. Many suitcases also include compartments which can be removed depending on the trip. This flexibility offers the best of both worlds.

Having more space and depth can be beneficial for families. But don’t invest in a large suitcase before checking your airlines baggage restrictions. You don’t want to start a holiday with a hefty baggage fine.

Material

Soft, hard, nylon, plastic or leather – the choices seem endless. All options have their own advantages and drawbacks.

Nylon is the lightweight favorite, available in all sizes. It’s great for packing more clothes with less chance of exceeding baggage restrictions. However, it doesn’t offer a great deal of protection so shouldn’t be used for fragile items. A leather alternative may be better suited for this whilst still providing some flexibility. It’s also more expensive but often looks great and can last a lifetime.

Finally, we have the heavyweight and most durable contender – plastic and vinyl luggage. This is the best choice for those travelling with expensive goods. The sturdy outer shell will protect your contents whether it be camera equipment or souvenirs. It is much heavier than the soft alternative but if you pack wisely, you won’t have any problems.

Style

Of course style essentially comes down to preference but there are a few important things to consider. If your luggage will be used for both holidays and business travel, save yourself some embarrassment by not opting for a neon pink suitcase. If you aren’t needing the case for business, then you can express your individuality and choose a funky design in bright colors. It will also make it much easier to find your baggage on arrival.

If you’ve followed this guide, you’re one step closer to having the perfect suitcase, fit for all your travelling adventures.