BUYING GUIDES

The suitcase and luggage buying guide

There’s a lot more than just the size to think about; the material, features and design are also worth considering. Looking for some inspiration? Our suitcase and luggage buying guide will help you find your perfect match!

What is the best travel luggage for me?

Travel luggage comes in all shapes and sizes, so to help make things more simple, we’ve categorised each type of luggage into its own section:

Cabin suitcases

As far as suitcase sizes go, cabin suitcases are usually the smallest you can find. They have to be the right size to comply with an airline company’s policy, and small enough to fit in the upper holding compartment of a plane. You can purchase your cabin bag alone or as part of a luggage set.

If you're flying with your cabin suitcase, make sure you pay attention to the measurements online to check that everything is the right size.

Medium suitcases

Ideal for mini breaks and holidays in the UK, medium suitcases will fit nicely in the boot of most cars and hold a sizeable number of items. Since you can't store as many items in a medium suitcase, they also help with staying under the weight limit when flying.

Large suitcases

For those travelling with kids or going away for a longer time period, a large suitcase will be perfect for the job. If you're packing for more than one person, why not use a travel organiser set to keep all your items categorised?

Soft suitcases

Soft suitcases can help keep the overall weight of your case down. They're also flexible, making them easier to store, and they often come with additional compartments and pockets.

Hard suitcases

While they may not be flexible, hard suitcases do a better job of protecting fragile items. They're also much more water-resistant, so if they're left out in the rain or pulled through puddles it’s not a big issue.

Suitcase features

Your suitcase’s features can add to the overall experience. Here are some to look out for:

Wheels

Two-wheeled suitcases are handy, but we'd always recommend four-wheelers for ease of use. Many modern suitcases now come with spinner wheels, making them easier to navigate through crowds and tight spaces.

Extending handle

An extending handle is a must with a suitcase of any size, since you’ll need to be able to easily move your case and tuck away the handle when not in use.

Additional handles

Side handles are helpful for lifting and storing your case, so always look for luggage that comes with these.

Pockets and compartments

Pockets and compartments in a suitcase are incredibly handy for separating and storing your items. Many come with inner and outer zip-up compartments, however it’s easy to add your own storage bags to organise your things.

Expandable designs

If you’ve got plenty to pack, an expandable suitcase helps to fit more in. Then, when it comes to storing it away, simply zip the extra material back up again so it’s easier to store.

Padlocks and combination locks

Padlocks are essential for keeping the items in your case safe. If you’re travelling abroad, a padlock can prevent anyone from taking things out of your case or putting things in. Many modern suitcases come with built-in combination locks, but you can also add your own padlock if yours doesn’t come with one.

Other types of luggage

Holdalls

Holdalls are large, rectangular bags that are mainly used as cabin bags. You can also use a holdall if you're planning a short weekend away.

Backpacks

Similar to holdalls, backpacks are more compact than suitcases and don't hold as many items, making them ideal for a short break.

Travel luggage tips and tricks

Preparing to embark on a journey? Follow these luggage tips to ensure everything runs smoothly!

Label your luggage

It doesn't matter how unique your suitcase is—there’s always the risk of somebody else picking yours up in the airport. Luggage tags with your name, phone number and address help to differentiate your case from others, and if it gets lost, it’s easy to get in contact with you.

Add luggage straps

Some people also like to add a luggage strap for extra identification and safekeeping. These also help prevent the case from bursting open.

Check luggage restrictions

Check your airline’s luggage restrictions at least a week before your flight. You may have to buy a smaller suitcase or pay for additional weight.

Keep a spare key to your suitcase

If your suitcase comes with a padlock, make sure you have an extra key in case the first one goes missing. There’s nothing worse than being locked out of your own suitcase.

Ready to get travelling? Why not stock up on some of our travel-sized toiletries before you go?