What Luggage to Buy?
 

Okay, I need to buy a new suitcase for our upcoming trip to England for 2 weeks. Consumer Reports doesn't do ratings on luggage, so I thought, "who better to ask than the travelers themselves?"

I'm a female so I would like a fairly lightweight, large, durable suitcase with wheels (not duffelbag style). I saw one that looked really great at L.L. Bean, but it was almost $300. I wondered if there would be anything comparable for less money?

THANKS!!

Visit onebag.com for a luggage education. Check out the "what to pack it in" link.

Then read on to learn what you should pack!

No specific brand to recommend, but it's worthwhile to note the weight of the suitcase you're buying. If you're looking for a 21-22" rollaboard, you should aim for something weighing less than 8 lbs. The lighter the better.

I have traveled light and traveled heavy ... and if you can get what you need into a single carry-on, that's definitely the way to go.

No worries about lost luggage. No dragging cumbersome suitcases on and off trains ... and then having to vigilantly watch them from your seat to be sure no one takes off with them. No waiting at the baggage carousel forever after your plane lands.

Especially if you're traveling in the warmer summer months and don't need heavy sweaters or jackets, it's not hard to make do with just one carry-on and a handbag. Just pack enough stuff that can mix and match ... a few packets of hand washing laundry detergent and a lightweight line to dry stuff on. I actually bring along a few paper clips to hang stuff up to dry with ... takes less room than clothespins.

As far as which type of luggage to buy ... after many trips, I no longer pay top dollar for mine. Many of the higher end bags are heavily padded, which actually leaves less room for your belongings.

I figure that I can afford to use a less expensive bag a few times and then replace it if it gets too worn out. Also - I only get the two-wheeled bags. The newer (more expensive) four-wheelers have way less space inside.

Two years ago I purchased a Samsonite Zion 4 wheeled spinner. It is very light and the 4 wheels are great for uneven surfaces and long distances in airports. I liked the first bag so much I bought a second bag.

&quot;Im a female so I would like a fairly lightweight, <i><u>large</u></i>, durable suitcase with wheels&quot;

Can't help much since I spend some time in my packing class convincing folks to get rid of their large suitcases.

For 2 weeks (or 2 months for that matter) you do not need a large bag. And if you are taking any trains you definitely do not want a large one.

If you stick to a 22&quot; or smaller bag, then it really doesn't make too much difference which brand you choose since it won't get the abuse that checked luggage does.

All of the new light weight rollaboards - at just about any price point will work.

Unless you're very strong don't buy anything larger than a 24&quot;. I bought a very nice 26&quot;, used it once, and gave it away since it was too heavy to lift when I fully packed it. For two trips to Italy (2 weeks and 3 weeks) on trains, buses, vaporetti, and up stairs in hotels/ apartments I took a 21&quot; and a soft duffel for toiletries, etc. That was enough. I could manage the 2 pieces and lift the 21&quot; over my head to put it on the rack on the train.

My 21&quot; is an LL Bean but I bought it on sale.

You will find a wide selection of luggage at ebags.com, complete with user comments. Also, you can search by size and other criteria.