No matter where or why you travel, you deserve a dependable set of luggage that will get you and your belongings to your destination in style. There are a lot of different luggage sets out there, but the best options offer a balance of convenience, comfort, security, durability, and style.
Learning your way around different types of bags and the features they offer will help you choose the perfect luggage for any trip. Enhance the way you travel with our ultimate buyer’s guide to choosing the right luggage.
Think About Your Travel Experiences
Sliding your suitcase into the overhead compartment of an airplane is a lot different than unzipping your bags inside your room on a cruise ship. No two trips are the same, so it’s important to invest in a set of luggage that is versatile enough to fit the way you travel.
If you prefer flying to your destination, you should prioritize suitcases that meet standard airline size requirements. If you do a lot of walking and exploring on your trips, a light personal bag like a travel backpack is a must-have for keeping your things accessible on long, adventurous days. Are you constantly on the road for business? Prioritize a sleek luggage solution that looks professional and keeps your nice clothes safe, neat, and clean.
Your luggage should match the way you travel, so keep these considerations in mind as you look at different options.
Consider Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
One of the most important determinations buyers must make when choosing the best luggage is whether they want hard- or soft-sided luggage. Both choices have plenty of advantages, and selecting a luggage set that includes each option ensures you have the right bag for any trip.
Hard-sided luggage is more durable while still providing a lightweight luggage solution. It stands out with a sturdy, sophisticated look. Although, it doesn’t offer as much flexibility and it takes up more space when you’re storing it at home or trying to fit it in tight spaces, such as airplane compartments. That said, hard-sided luggage allows you to travel with confidence knowing that your belongings are safe within the sturdy exterior.
Soft-sided luggage, on the other hand, is more flexible and often offers more exterior pockets and compartments. The flexible fabric also allows you to condense any excess space in the bag to fit it into smaller areas, making it easier to store. However, soft luggage is more vulnerable to wear and tear, and it doesn’t offer the same strength and protection as hard-shell baggage.
Choose the Right Luggage Size
The bag you take for a two-week stay at Delano Beach Club is different than the bag you take for a weekend with your friends at the Aria Hotel in Vegas. Ideally, you want a full luggage set—such as the Travel Bundle from Hotel Collection—that will ensure you’re prepared for whatever vacations await you. But if you’re just looking for a single bag for your trip, make sure you choose the luggage that meets all your travel needs.
Check-In Luggage
Check-in luggage, the baggage that’s big enough you’ll have to check it when you fly, is spacious enough to fit everything you need for your trip. These suitcases are perfect for long vacations. They’re also great for trips where you’re packing extra items, like different outfits for a wedding weekend or holiday presents for all the family members you haven’t seen in a while.
Because you need to check these bags at the airport, you’ll want to look for features that guarantee their safety and security as you travel, such as TSA-approved locks, GPS trackers, personalized luggage tags, and a design that’s easy to identify at baggage claim. Suitcases that feature plenty of organized compartments and a compression system also help keep your belongings in order as you travel.
Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on bags offer a compact but sizable solution to make traveling simple and convenient. Your carry-on luggage should match standard carry-on size requirements for airlines, making it easy to keep your luggage with you as you fly.
When purchasing a carry-on bag, look for many of the same features as a high-end check-in bag. Hard, durable siding keeps your belongings safe in airplane luggage compartments. Security features like locks and trackers also protect your possessions as you travel the world. Finally, a sleek and elegant design helps you locate your bags quickly while also letting you travel in luxury and style.
Duffle Bags
When you want an extra bag or you want to travel light without a full suitcase, a duffle bag is the way to go. Duffle bags are soft-sided luggage options that offer plenty of space for clothing. They’re flexible, foldable options that are easy to carry and easy to store. Duffle bags are also fantastic for keeping your clothes neat, making them perfect for preserving your nicer attire for business travel or formal events.
Travel Backpacks
Whether you’re traveling light for the day or for your entire trip, a travel backpack gives you something easy and comfortable to carry when you’re out and about. It’s perfect for a day trip or as a carry-on or personal bag when you’re flying for longer vacations.
When looking at different backpacks, think about the types of personal items you’ll want to keep with you. If staying connected on the go is important, you’ll want a bag with built-in charging cables and padded compartments for laptops and tablets. If you’ll be carrying your backpack over the course of long and busy days, prioritize comfort with padded straps and ergonomic handles.
Hotel Collection’s Travel Backpack offers all this and more, boasting features like an RFID pocket, a removable toiletry bag, and more.
Other Bags and Accessories To Consider
There’s more to luggage than just your main bag. Adding other accessories and luggage solutions to your travel set can make every trip safer, more convenient, and more stylish.
For example, consider pairing your suitcase with a multi-purpose luggage cover, like Hotel Collection’s Luggage Harness, to hold your electronics, toiletries, travel documents, and anything else you want easily on hand at the airport. It’s also important to invest in a good toiletry bag to keep your cosmetics and toiletries clean, organized, and easily accessible throughout your trip.
Make Convenience a Priority
You want your luggage to be durable, secure, and stylish, but you also want it to be convenient. Look for features like comfortable handles and straps, high-performance, 360-degree wheels, and dimensions that meet airline sizing requirements. These factors make carrying your luggage easy and comfortable, allowing you to worry less about your bags and spend more time enjoying your trip.
Check the Warranty
A good luggage set will last for years, but even if something goes wrong, a warranty will help you get a repair or replacement so that you can continue to travel in style.
When you purchase Hotel Collection’s check-in or carry-on luggage, our lifetime warranty ensures it’s the last luggage you’ll ever need. Bring convenience, security, and style with you on your trip when you purchase luxury luggage from Hotel Collection.
