Choosing a New Suitcase for Your Next Vacation

Mark Preston

Travel is once again beginning to resume in Canada and around the world, so it’s time to get your suitcases out and get packing for your upcoming trip. If it’s been a while since your last vacation, you may want to think about upgrading your suitcases before your next trip. A good suitcase can make your travel experience so much more enjoyable and can help to make packing easier before your trip and when you are coming home. Keep reading as we discover everything you should consider when purchasing a new suitcase this year. 

Soft-Sided Suitcases

Suitcases come in a wide variety of designs, and they are suitable both for use in the hold and the cabin. A soft-sided suitcase will be made from polyester, nylon, or a combination of the two. The fabric will usually be graded by its denier, so if you find a suitcase with a higher denier, it should be more durable. The best suitcases are made from tightly woven fabric, which offers extra strength. This is ideal for anyone who travels regularly and may be worried about scuffs and tears. Most fabrics should also come with a PVC backing that’s waterproof, but we still don’t recommend leaving your suitcase in the rain for too long when travelling.

Hard-Sided Suitcases

Hard-sided suitcases have become more popular in recent years, although they are less flexible than soft-sided suitcases. These rigid suitcases are much more durable and waterproof, and most are made from either ABS plastic or moulded polypropylene. You’ll find that when you open up this type of suitcase, most of them have straps and two sides, which allow you to pack the two sections separately. This is usually much more convenient and is a good solution for anyone who regularly travels by air. The hard Samsonite suitcase sides will protect precious items and stop them from being damaged during the journey.

The Suitcase Size

The suitcase size will be very dependent on how much you travel and how far you are travelling. If you are just going on a short weekend trip, you won’t need a huge suitcase like you would for a fortnight trip. The type of trip you are going on will also impact the suitcase size, as winter trips often require more clothing and travel accessories. Think about everything you will need to pack before going ahead and buying a suitcase so that you don’t have trouble packing when it comes to your trip. Remember, you’ll also need to store your suitcase between trips, so ensure you have a cupboard at home where you can fit it in.

Suitcase Wheels

Almost all suitcases today come with wheels, and we recommend this as something that anyone invests in. However, no two sets of wheels are exactly the same. You’ll find basic suitcases with forward and backward wheeling motions, but some more expensive ones will be able to rotate around fully. This will make it so much easier for you when you are travelling through the airport and will make travelling so much more enjoyable. Test out the wheels if you can before your trip to avoid any delays or issues when you arrive at the airport.

Luggage Straps and Handles

A good suitcase will often come with straps inside the packing compartments, which will make it easier to keep everything secure. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination to find everything spilling out of your suitcase when you unzip it. Also, look for suitcases that have different compartments and pockets, which will make packing much easier. You’ll find that there are also some great packing cubes and vacuum bags on the market today, which you can use to make the most of even the smallest suitcases. Make sure you consider the weight of your suitcase before packing it, as you won’t want to go over the weight limit and pay the price for that on your trip. Buy a luggage strap to finish off the packing process and to ensure your suitcase doesn’t spill over.

Working With Your Budget

The cost of your new suitcase will be very dependent on the type and brand of suitcase you buy. There are suitcases on offer for all budgets, so don’t feel like you won’t be able to find an affordable one. Even if you just travel once or twice a year, you’ll find a good value solution you can use for this trip. If you are a frequent traveller or travel for business, consider investing in a better suitcase that will withstand regular use. You’ll find that it will make packing for your trip so much more enjoyable in the future.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when packing for a trip and choosing a new suitcase. Your suitcase will be your number one accessory for your next vacation and will make preparing for your trip much more enjoyable. We can’t wait to head out and explore the country and the world again following the past year of challenges, and a new suitcase will be the best way to celebrate this momentous occasion. Wherever you are heading this year, we wish you a wonderful time on your next trip and a safe and pleasant journey to get there.