There are dozens of reason why people travel by air, train, bus, and car.
From business to family reunions to vacations, we are constantly on the go. When we spend a great deal of our time on the road on in the air, it is paramount that we have great luggage to keep us organized and ensure that all our essentials travel with us.
There are a ton of luggage products to choose from with a wide range of sizes, designs, styles, and features.
Which one you pick depends on your personal style and the main function of the bag in question. We’ve researched the pros and cons of five different types of bags for travel to help make your decision a little easier.
Suitcase: A Classic Bag for the Everyday Traveler
For your average business trip, no bag is more popular than the classic suitcase.
The suitcase offers spacious storage capacity and exceptional portability. Available in a variety of materials and designs, the suitcase is the go-to option for frequent flyers. You can purchase a suitcase made of sturdy hard-sided material, soft-sided canvas or luxury leather.
You can also opt for a basic utilitarian design or a trendy, brightly colored pattern.
Modern suitcases are usually equipped with multi-directional wheels and a telescopic handle as well to make long trips through the airport less taxing. This luggage product is intended for longer trips – a few days at a conference, a trip aboard a cruise ship.
If you spend more time in hotels than at home, a suitcase is the bag for you.
I recommend you read our review breaking down the two most popular luggage and suitcase brands: Samsonite vs Travelpro.
Carry-On: Less Baggage, Less Problems
If overnight trips fill your schedule and avoiding baggage fees your prime objective, you may choose to purchase a carry-on bag.
These bags are often designed much like a suitcase but in a smaller format.
You can get these functional bags in a variety of designs as well – hard-shell, soft-side, basic or highly stylized. The smaller size limits your storage capacity; they work perfectly for an overnight business trip or a couple of days at the beach.
The primary function of the carry-on is that you do not have to check these bags at the baggage claim, reducing both the cost of your flight as well as the risk of losing your luggage. If you are a light packer or do not need to pack for a week-long journey, I would suggest a carry-on for your luggage needs.
Check out our buying guide to see the best carry-on luggage to make your traveling easier.
Luggage Set: The Right Choice for Families & Long-Term Travelers
Is “packing light” is not in your vocabulary? If you are prepping the travel gear for your whole family, you might consider buying an entire luggage set.
With a typical luggage set, you get a variety of products all perfectly matched in color and style. A suitcase, toiletry bag and carry-on bag are just a few of the options you might get with a luggage set.
Many high-end luggage companies often gorgeous luggage sets with options that you can customize for your own personal needs.
Best of all:
You will have a variety of bags at your fingertips for any type of travel. You may use the carry-on for your weekend trip and the big suitcase for your week at the coast. Versatility is the name of the game with a set of matched luggage!
Be sure to check out our buying guide for the best luggage sets to help you on your next international vacation.
Duffel Bag: For those Quick Trips
For a quick afternoon at the beach or a trip to the gym, you do not need a fancy suitcase or carry-on bag, much less an entire luggage set.
The bag most suited to these types of casual situations is the classic duffel bag.
A duffel is perfect for carrying your athletic gear, your beach towels or a quick change of clothes for an after-work run. The duffel is simple and easy to maintain. The designs are generally fairly utilitarian, focusing more on function than making a fashion statement. They are roomy – you can pack all the gear you need and still have space left over. If a casual bag that you can just grab and go is what you are looking for, pick up a duffel bag at your nearest sporting goods store.
Take a look at our list for the best duffel bags with wheels that will provide easy portability in the airport terminals, cities, or hotels.
Weekender Bag: The Savvy Travel Bag
If you do travel casually but want something a bit more stylish than a sports bag, you should check out the options offered by a weekender bag. Part duffel, part carry-on with a healthy dash of messenger bag, these fashionable yet useful bags are great for that weekend at a bed and breakfast or visiting your in-laws.
Weekender bags are usually quite attractive, coming in a variety of colors and materials with great accents.
You can make a statement with a weekender without sacrificing your need for space. Equipped with both carrying handles and a shoulder strap, it is easy to toss a few items in a weekender, sling it over your shoulder and be ready to hit the open road in a matter of minutes. If you desire a carefree bag for your carefree lifestyle, I highly recommend giving a weekender bag a try.
If you need a weekender bag soon, check out our buying guide for the best weekender bags for men.
