Choosing the right travel suitcase

The large-capacity suitcase

Suitcases larger than cabin size must be checked in. These offer more storage space, which is useful for bringing a lot of personal belongings or bulky items. Some models offer very large capacities, such as XXL suitcases.

Hard-shell suitcase vs. soft bag

A hard-shell suitcase offers excellent protection for personal belongings. It acts like a protective shell, resisting deformation from impacts. Besides clothing, it's ideal for transporting electronic equipment, fragile items, or liquids.

Carry-on luggage and suitcases made of fabric are more malleable and offer greater flexibility. Able to be flattened easily and without damage, a soft-sided suitcase stores easily in a small space. The stretchable fabric can be slightly expanded to save space when the suitcase is full.

The children's suitcase

Like adults, children also have their own luggage. Children's suitcases are lighter and more compact than regular suitcases, so young travelers can use them independently. Their size allows them to pack a few outfits, as well as cuddly toys and other playthings.

How to choose your travel suitcase?

Business trip, leisure trip, road trip, short or long stay… Every trip is a unique adventure. This means different luggage needs. Several criteria must be considered when deciding which suitcase to take on a trip.

The suitcase volume

One of the most important criteria when choosing a suitcase for travel is its volume. This can vary greatly from one model to another. In this respect, two factors stand out.

The overall volume refers to the dimensions of the suitcase. This is the minimum space required to pack your suitcase. Depending on the mode of transport used, the available space will vary.

Usable volume refers to the space actually dedicated to storing personal belongings. Here too, needs vary depending on the quantity of items taken with you, as well as their nature: clothing, equipment, etc.

Luggage with or without wheels

A full suitcase can quickly become bulky. It can also be very heavy, especially if a long distance has to be covered carrying it by hand.

A rolling suitcase makes travel easier. No more lifting your suitcase; simply pull it along using the wheels. There can be two or four wheels.

With four wheels, the suitcase can be glided along its path in a perfectly upright position. With two wheels, the suitcase's mobility is also easier. It must be tilted and then pulled behind you.

But travel sometimes leads down steep paths. On public transport, especially in train stations and metro stations, it is common to have to use stairs, which are not motorized.

It is therefore best not to overlook the presence of a handle and to pay attention to the weight of your suitcase.

The weight of the suitcase

Even with wheels, a suitcase will always need to be carried at some point. If only to load it into a trunk, a luggage rack, or up stairs… The weight of the suitcase must therefore be taken into account.

The weight when fully loaded depends on the contents placed in the luggage. This value is variable and can be adjusted by the user.

But there's another factor that also has an impact: the empty weight. This remains fixed and must therefore be taken into account when choosing your suitcase for travel. The lighter the empty weight, the easier the luggage will be to carry as you travel.

When flying, there is a weight limit for each piece of luggage. If this limit is exceeded, the traveler will have to pay additional fees. They may also be asked to leave some of their belongings behind. To avoid this, it is important to check the weight of your suitcase before departure.

The characteristics of the stay

While it's sometimes possible to travel light, it's not always the case. Some people can't imagine leaving certain belongings behind; others pack extensively, "just in case"; still others take only the bare essentials. It all depends on the type of trip being taken.

Travel dates are not insignificant. Winter clothing and accessories take up more space than summer clothes.

And for a short stay, the contents of the suitcase are more streamlined than for a long holiday.

The destination also has an impact. For a stay in a humid, rainy region, the suitcase will not be packed in the same way as for a stay in a dry, very sunny region.

The very purpose of the trip, whether it's a vacation or a business trip, creates different requirements. The activities planned at the destination also influence the wardrobe to pack.

The nature and quantity of personal belongings you bring also determine the ideal size and type of suitcase. For example, computer equipment, cameras, and video cameras are often part of the trip. They take up space and add weight to the suitcase. Being fragile, they must be protected from impacts. A hard-shell suitcase or a soft-sided but padded suitcase are the most suitable models in this case.

Take into account its morphology

Another criterion for choosing your travel suitcase is your own body shape.

To maintain a straight back while carrying a rolling suitcase, it's best to choose luggage with a retractable and height-adjustable handle. The handle's extension will adapt to the user's height.

To move around easily with carry-on luggage, it should ideally not exceed mid-calf height when held at arm's length. The handles should be wide enough to allow you to carry your travel bag on your shoulder or in the crook of your elbow.

For children travelling, special luggage is adapted to their size and shape.

The quality of travel luggage

Even with the best possible care taken to secure it or strap it down, a suitcase is often mishandled during transport. It must be able to absorb and withstand the shocks of shipping to effectively protect your belongings. This applies to its structure, materials, and wheels.

The quality of travel suitcases varies greatly from one model to another. Bagages à vivre has selected the best brands of travel suitcases.

THE Aerial cabin luggage

Aerial specializes in cabin luggage. The range of luggage developed by Aerial meets the requirements of the most popular airlines and railway companies: Air France, EasyJet, Ryanair, Ouigo.

Luggage for 24 Hours of Le Mans

24 Hours of Le Mans suitcases echo the race of the same name, which became famous for the performances and demands it places on competitors.

Horizon suitcases

Horizon suitcases They break free from limitations. Trolley-style, their four wheels and sturdy shells allow them to traverse any terrain, even when their path leads them off the beaten track. To discover all the world's beauty without harming it, Horizon is committed to environmental preservation and uses recycled materials in the design of its luggage.

Travel's suitcases

For budget travel, Travel's suitcases They are perfect. Economical, they focus on the essentials for traveling in the best conditions.

What are the options for your travel suitcase?

A travel suitcase can be equipped with various options. Each more practical than the last, they bring even more comfort during the journey, and even security.

The overload indicator

When purchasing a suitcase, the manufacturer provides information regarding the maximum recommended weight. It is important to respect this limit to ensure the longevity of the luggage.

And a weight constraint is also imposed by some transport companies, particularly in the airline sector.

Weighing your suitcase at home is not easy, and once at the airport, it is too late unless you are prepared to pay for excess baggage or leave some belongings behind.

To help users avoid exceeding the weight limit, some travel suitcase models are equipped with an overload indicator. A light integrated into the luggage handle illuminates if the limit is exceeded.

A TSA locking system

When traveling, regardless of the destination, securing your suitcase is essential. Theft, prohibited goods… the risks are numerous. To protect yourself and remain calm even when separated from your suitcase, when you can't keep it in sight, the suitcase's locking system plays a crucial role.

It is possible to add a padlock to a suitcase. However, this practice comes with several limitations. First, you mustn't lose the key. Second, this method is not permitted everywhere. In particular, it does not meet the entry requirements for the United States.

Luggage manufacturers are integrating a secure locking system directly into their latest models. This takes the form of a padlock or a TSA-approved lock, certified for worldwide travel, including across the Atlantic.

The lock or TSA padlock is secured with a code chosen by the user. Given the number of possible combinations, the contents of the suitcase are very secure.

Another advantage of the TSA locking device is that customs officials can open the suitcase without damaging it.

Ecology

To reduce the carbon footprint of your trip, you can opt for luggage made from recycled materials. This offers the same features as any other material in terms of design and quality.

How much does a quality travel suitcase cost?

There are travel suitcases at all prices, depending on the brand, the type of luggage, the volume… Depending on whether you use it occasionally or regularly, the amount invested in buying a suitcase will not be the same.

However, a suitcase is an item that can be reused as needed for travel, even short trips and short geographical distances.

It is therefore best to opt for quality luggage. In the long run, the purchase of the suitcase will pay for itself.

Packing your suitcase is an essential ritual before a trip. Choosing the right luggage can make this step enjoyable. Before leaving, it's best to take the time to carefully assess your needs. Finding the perfect suitcase from the wide selection available is the first step on an exciting adventure to new horizons.