Pick the Perfect Luggage

Picking the perfect luggage is as easy as picking the perfect vehicle...or house...or mate. There are so many choices, and so little time. It all really boils down to the main question: what are YOUR needs and how can that particular suitcase fit those needs?

Know Thyself and Thy Trip

Before embarking on a trip down luggage lane, consider your trip(s), and ask questions such as:

• What is the length of your travels?
  
• Is it a direct flight, or are you including several different destinations?
• What are the reasons for the trip -- is it for business or pleasure?
  
• Will you have to carry your bags through customs?
• What are you likely to pack? Consider whether your dress will be formal or casual. What is the climate? Will you be going from one type of weather to another (beach or snow, desert or mountains)?
• Are you travelling alone or with a group?
  
• Does the group include children or adults only?
  
• Once there, will you rely on public transportation (bus or subway), or is your destination mode of travel a private car, rental car or taxi?
  
• Will you be doing much shopping once you arrive? If so, will you be able to purchase items and ship them home? Or are you forced to pack and carry any purchases?

Answers to these questions will impact your luggage requirements. For instance, if you are travelling by subway, hauling two check-ins and one carry-on will be exhausting and awkward. If you have a private car, that won't be as much of an issue. One small carry-on for a trip that includes formal, business and leisure opportunities probably won't cut it either. Adding gifts from a shopping adventure means you might need an additional bag to bring those goodies home.

Size Does Matter

There are a lot of options for bag size, but the one you really need to imprint in your memory is the guidelines for carry-on luggage - especially if you prefer only to carry-on. Still it's difficult to know what to expect at the security gate, what ‘rule' has recently been changed, and a myriad of other questions running through your brain. Instead of fretting about all that, the basic rules are: carry-on bags must fit within the 21" x 14" x 9" frame.

However, since regulations vary from airline to airline and domestic and international flights, it's always best to check with your airline. For example, an international flight from New York City to London allows two check-ins: one personal (like a handbag) and a carry-on bag. However, returning to the U.S. out of London, you are only able to carry-on one item. That means you'd have to make sure your handbag fits into your carry-on.

Also, keep in mind the items, such as laptop computers, liquids, portable DVD players, video cameras, etc., that have to be removed from the bag for inspection by TSA. Consider selecting a bag that allows easy removal of these items via side or front pockets.

What to Look For

Whether your travels take you to the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, or the bustling city of Hong Kong, there are some qualities you should always look for:

• Durability. After sitting on the plane and watching the baggage handlers toss your bags around like rag dolls, you know that sturdy, durable, weather-proofed luggage with strong zippers and resilient material are all a must, or it won't hold up for more than a flight or two.

• Expandability. Even a frugal packer needs a little more space. If you can't expand your bag to add a souvenir, what's the point of purchasing it?

• Straps. Cinch/compression straps help you reduce the size of your items. "Piggy back straps" help you attach one bag to another. Although you won't use them each time you travel, they are quite handy to have available.

• Handles. Your luggage careens off the carousel and falls to the inside. Without a well-placed and padded handle(s), it will be difficult to grab.

• Organized pockets. Some like a lot, some prefer fewer. Most agree that even a few pockets help organize the contents of the luggage.

• Rolling Features: Get into the current century. Wheels are in and are available in different sizes and types. Large wheels jiggle less and are easier o roll. Some wheels only roll forward. Others are 360 degrees. Don't forget to test the height of the handle. If it's too short of a handle, you'll be bent over trying to pull a heavy load.

• Personalize. How many black suitcases are there on the luggage carousel? If the answer includes your own, perhaps you ought to consider a unique way to identify yours. Personalize your luggage. Add a splash of color by tying a string to the handle. Stick a brightly colored bumper sticker or a unique luggage ID tag. Or if you are considering buying a new set of luggage, purchase one that isn't black. Today, various colors are available from bright pink to blue, which are so much easier to spot on a luggage carousel.

Final Thoughts

The more thought you put into the purchase of your perfect luggage set, the more stress-free your travel will be. Find a set that says it's yours, and then make sure it's easy to haul. When you pack put the majority of the weight in the bottom (near the wheels) and away from your pulling hand (handle). This will ease the pain of pulling heavy bags and keeping the balance of the bag when you stand in line