Whether you’re traveling for work, leisure, or bleisure, it’s no secret that our lives are enriched when we get to see more of our wonderful planet first-hand.
Mary Anne Radmacher probably described it best:
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”
But when it comes to luggage, there’s a big question to be asked.
Which luggage is best? And how do you choose?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about in this post.
Let’s dive in and answer the question.
Hardside Vs. Softside Luggage
The first thing you’ll realize is that, for the most part, luggage is broken up into two categories:
Hardside, and softside.
This pretty much means exactly what it sounds like.
Hardside suitcases are literally hard-shelled, while softside suitcases are made of a pliable, flexible material that’s more akin to fabric.
When it comes to choosing which one of these is best for you, the general rule of thumb is this:
Go with whichever seems to strike your fancy best; though keep in mind that hardside luggage is generally more waterproof than softside luggage, while softside luggage is more flexible than hardside luggage.
They both come with some additional upsides and downsides though, which you can learn more about here.
But now, let’s get into some more specific types of luggage that you may want to consider for your next trip.
1. A Rolling Suitcase
Rolling suitcases are pretty much the standard for travel.
They have wheels, many of them have telescoping handles, and they’re usually a suitable size to carry your most valuable travel belongings.
You can get larger bags for luggage storage on flights, or you can get them in a smaller size so that they can be used as a carry-on.
If you plan to travel, this is probably going to be your number one choice for travel hacks.
2. A Backpack
Backpacks are pretty much the ultimate choice if efficiency and portability are of concern.
Pack your stuff, throw it on your back, and go!
The only downside?
Not quite as much room as a rolling suitcase. But it’s a lot more portable!
3. A Laptop Bag/Briefcase
If you’re bringing a laptop or a tablet with you, you’ll definitely want either a backpack with a laptop/tablet slot, a hardshell suitcase, or a dedicated laptop bag.
You definitely want that extra padding/protection, to make sure that your sensitive electronics won’t get damaged en route.
4. A Duffel Bag
Everyone loves a classic duffel!
It’s a staple of the travel world that’ll never go out of style.
Plus, there are all kinds of new duffel bags that feature things like wheels, telescoping handles, etc.
Use a duffel bag if you want the ultimate flexible luggage option.
5. A Garment Bag
A garment bag is basically a bag that’s specially designed for valuable clothing items that you don’t want to haphazardly throw into a duffel bag or fold up and wrinkle in a suitcase.
That nice suit that you’ll need for your meeting, for example, would be best preserved in a garment bag.
If you need to carry some nice clothing around with you, this is an essential piece of luggage to have on hand.
6. A Travel Tote
A travel tote is basically a small bag that you can throw over your shoulder or arm. It’s smaller than a backpack, and a lot more portable.
A nice satchel or large-sized purse would fit into this category.
This type of bag works really well if you just need a bit of extra space for your most immediate and crucial travel gear.
You know, a place to store your headphones, the book you’re reading, your sunglasses, your sunscreen, etc.
Of course, there are a lot of things that won’t fit into a travel tote, like extra clothing, pajamas, etc.
This is definitely a ‘supplemental’ type of bag. But it can be seriously useful nonetheless.
Conclusion
There you have it!
6 types of luggage and travel bags that you can’t live without.
Now you’ve got the information you need to get out there and conquer your biggest travel goals!
It’s time to hit the open road.