Summer is finally here and it's the season to travel! This is the time of the year that offers great opportunity to travel and explore the world. Benjamin Franklin once remarked that nothing is certain but death and taxes. Indeed this is true, but it is equally certain that one of the things that you will need this summer if you intend to travel is a good travel bag. With this in mind here are some tips on how to choose the best travel bag for your needs.
1. Size and weight
When it comes to luggage, size and weight matter a great deal. You, of course, want to pick a travel bag that fits all your essentials and meets both domestic and international specifications. Picking the perfect travel bag is a skill by itself. First, you need to determine whether you intend to check your bag or use it as a carry-on luggage. Most airlines charge a significant amount for checked bags. There may also be additional charges for bags over a certain weight so it's important to check your airline regulations ahead of time. Usually, one piece of carry-on luggage is free, and this may suffice for short trips.
2. Material
With both hard and soft luggage travel bags available it is important to determine which best fits your needs. Hard-shell luggage usually lasts a bit longer since they are crafted with materials that do not easily tear. Soft luggage, on the other hand, usually designed with thick fabric or leather, is easy to fit in overhead compartments and have great expandability. If you are only packing clothing then a duffle bag is a better alternative, but if you intend to carry fragile items then a hard shell luggage is the way to go.
Strider Vintage Canvas Duffle Bag
3. Durability
Durability is yet another important factor to consider when choosing the ideal travel bag. Other things held constant, more durable bags are more expensive but usually last longer. A durable bag saves you the trouble of your straps ripping off or zipper pulls breaking in the middle of the trip. Therefore, it is worth paying a bit more to have a travel bag that will stand up to time and aggressive baggage handlers.
4. Color and style
It is important to have an easily identifiable bag. With this in mind, avoid black bags if possible since such bags can easily get lost in a sea of other similar bags. Vintage and leather travel bags are stylish and have a "stand-out" factor that makes them easily identifiable among other bags.
Mustang Vintage Leather Duffle Bag
5. Extra features
When choosing a travel bag, you will realize that some bags come with extra features that are unique to your needs. For instance, some bags have more compartments inside than others. Thus you should definitely check out the extra features of different bags when choosing one.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive as far as what to consider while buying a travel bag is concerned but is rather intended as a guide of the key things to consider when choosing one. It will ensure that you have a great experience before, during and after your trip.
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