How to choose the right suitcase for you
A suitcase may seem like a simple product, you load your stuff in, zip it up and boom – you’re ready for your holiday.
However, there are many different types of vintage luggage to choose from and the best really depends on what you want to use it for.
We travel with 3 children and as few suitcases as possible, as we need to play car jenga with the kids and all our luggage, whether we are travelling home or away.
For ease of use, we love a strong hard shell case with four wheels (often called a spinner suitcase) as they are so easy to manoeuvre over smooth floors, such as those at the airport, that the kids can do it themselves.
They also make a great ride on toy or chair for the kids for the kids if you are stuck in a queue and if you get a set, they all fit inside each other for ease of storage.
They also work for both long and short break holidays, as they have a compartment you can open up for more room, or close off to stop clothes from moving around inside if on a short break.
Two-wheeled cases often have larger wheels and are easier to pull over rougher ground, and up and down kerbs, so are great if you are going glamping, or moving around multiple locations.
Soft-sided luggage, on the other hand, is great if you’re after a lightweight case that can flex and compress to fit into tight spaces, such as the overhead bin in an airplane and take up less room to store at home, such as under the bed or on top of a wardrobe. Many also have an expendable compartment, meaning you get fit more in if travelling for a longer period of time.
Size Matters
The thing with suitcases, is that it is personal choice, but what really matters is their size.
Many small airlines charge for luggage space, so if you are looking to save money, taking luggage that can be stored in the overhead bin can save a pretty penny.
The standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22” x 14” x 9”, which includes the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight.
However, most airlines only allow one item of baggage per person, so there is no additional room for handbags or kids backpacks with their travel essentials.
The way we get around it, is to have two large cases which go in the hold, the kids have carry on luggage and my husband and I have a backpack each with their tech and games.
The only issue with this, is you have to wait to fetch your luggage at baggage reclaim, but the the kids love trying to spot our cases.
Two essential items to have if your luggage is going in the hold
- Luggage Scales – know exactly how much your suitcase weighs before you leave for the airport, so you can pack as much as you can without ever going over the limits and incurring extra charges
- Colourful Luggage Straps – there is nothing worse than realising that several other families travelling with you have the same suitcases. Easily identify yours with come colourful luggage straps, which also double up as extra security.
What sort of luggage do you prefer?
Disclaimer: Written in collaboration with Rock Luggage who sent me the Chicago Suitcase in exchange for a review
Debbie Fettback
Those are some great points! We travel with four kids and have been eyeing some new luggage. Those spinner ones sound like they would be a great option for us!