Best Types of Luggage To Take on Vacation

With so many types of luggage on the market today, it's hard to determine what to buy. Do you go soft-shell or hard-shell? Backpack or roll? Outside pockets or none? Fortunately, if you're looking for luggage to take on vacation, you're already in a pretty exciting place—preparing for a trip.

But when trying to decide the best type of luggage to take on vacation, you should ask yourself a few key questions: 

• How long will you be gone?
• Will you carry fragile items?
• How many destinations are you going to?
• Do you need extra room for souvenirs?

These questions will determine the type of luggage you want and the kind you need. After all, two days on a beach is much different from backpacking through the Alps. No two trips are alike, so no two travelers' needs are exactly alike. However, there is an excellent place to start.

Here are some of the best types of luggage to take on vacation.

Hard shell luggage

The traveler who enjoys overstuffing their luggage or accidentally buys one too many souvenirs might not be a fan of hard-shell luggage because hard-shell suitcases provide very little give. However, it's what makes them durable, as they likely won't come apart so easily. This type of luggage is best to take on most vacations, especially if you plan on checking baggage. You've likely seen the vintage hard shells, the kind your parents or grandparents used to carry around, made by brands such as American Tourister. Those suitcases were made of a thick rubber cloth frequently pulled over a heavy frame and topped with brass on the corners. This all added extra weight and made them very bulky. Today, hard-shell luggage is more lightweight than ever and made of sturdy materials—aluminum, polycarbonate, and ABS. Furthermore, modern designs include features like expandable compartments and built-in locks, offering both security and flexibility for those extra souvenirs. Among these advancements, the 55x40x20 cm cabin bag from Eminent can be good option to consider for its optimal size and utility. This specific size adheres to most airline cabin baggage restrictions, ensuring travelers can travel hassle-free without worrying about exceeding size limitations. Due to the durability of the materials used in these hard-shell suitcases, they are resistant to wear and tear during frequent travel, too. As a result, you can feel secure knowing that no matter how you (or the airline) handle your baggage, it's doubtful it will break. 

Luggage with wheels

If you're constantly on the move or are a heavy packer, you must have luggage with wheels, preferably wheels that rotate. Wheels provide a seamless travel experience you don't realize you need until it's too late. Luggage with wheels eliminates dragging at the airport and saves time when you're in a rush to the gate. Plus, wheels that rotate provide extra comfort on the joints so that you can roll the luggage in front of you, behind you, or on the side as you navigate crowded areas or tight spaces. However, there is one downside of luggage with wheels: storage space. A lot of times, luggage with wheels can overcrowd the overhead compartment. Those extra three inches of wheel space might not seem like much, but they tend to get in the way. While this can become a nuisance, it doesn't compare to how much easier your life will be.

Ones with a zipper pouch

Whether on the outside or inside, luggage with zipper pouches is essential when you need to grab something quickly. Items like your license, passport, wallet, ID, cash, or plane ticket should be accessible at all times. While not many hard-shell luggage has zipper pouches on the outside, most have storage space inside. Or, choose another luggage option with zipper pouches on the outside that you can quickly secure by facing it towards you or purchasing a lock. When you're on the go, being able to unzip and grab what you need can be a huge time saver and stress reducer.

Backpacks

Backpack luggage isn't for everyone—it's certainly not for the elderly. But large backpacks are great for those backpacking through a destination or who might have many outdoor adventures. Despite how they might seem, backpacks are secure, with many storage compartments that are easy to access. Since they are on your back, the weight is evenly distributed from your head to your lower back so that it won't feel so heavy. When choosing a backpack, find one that has a cushion or foam on the part that will go against your body to optimize your comfort as you carry your items around. 

One's with built-in locks.

Not all luggage has built-in locks, so that you can buy your own. But the ones that do are essential for being on the go. These locks are typically built-in to the top of the luggage and provide options for three to four-digit codes that you can scroll through, just like a standard locker lock, to secure the zipper handles. This extra security measure will ensure you always remember a lock for your luggage and prevent anything from falling out.

The type of luggage you take with you on vacation can also depend on where you're going. Certain cities have lots of places to put your baggage, like luggage storage in Berlin, so you feel secure about leaving any potential luggage behind (with or without locks). Warm weather, like Aruba, wouldn't be best for a backpack, but Switzerland might call for something more adventurous. The type of luggage you choose can significantly impact your travels, so choose wisely.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• The Best Luggage for your Next Trip

• Why Size Matters: Understanding the Importance of Luggage Dimensions

• Is Getting a High-End Luggage Worth It?