You’re feeling the burn-out creep up on you as the year starts running away with you. You need to get away, but are you ready for it? Well, choosing the correct luggage can often be a real hack! There are top tips from the Thule SA team on how to choose the right bags for your trip.
When you’re flying, the starting point for you is whether you’re going to check-in luggage, or keep it on you.
Checked in-luggage is best if you:
- Tend to be a ‘prepared-for-anything’ packer, who needs to have items for four seasons in one day and every eventuality.
- Plan to go on a shopping spree, additional suitcase space will avoid the extra cost and hassle of shipping items.
- Are a lazy packer a bigger checked-in bag will save you having to buy additional luggage just to get everything home
- Top pick – Thule Crossover 2 Wheeled Duffel
Carry-on luggage is best if you:
- Want a stress-free airport experience. You’ll skip additional queues, so your turnaround time at the airport is drastically reduced. Plus you’ll have peace of mind that your bag will definitely arrive at your final destination.
- Change accommodation frequently on your trip. Using carry-on luggage means that there’s less to pack (and carry around). A definite must for trips where you’re combining flying with a road trip.
- Want instant access to your stuff. This is particularly useful to stave off boredom during long layovers at the airport. Think books, music and more. Plus it’s the most practical option if you’re travelling with valuables.
- Top pick – Thule Chasm 40L
Spinner luggage is best if you:
- Travel on multiple forms of transport. The 360-degree rotation wheels allow you to push, pull and turn your bag in any direction with minimal effort. Spinners are a lifesaver in tight and busy places.
- Value your clothes. Save additional wear-and-tear on your clothing from hauling a backpack on and off every five minutes from doorstep to destination.
- Want to spare yourself back pain. Luggage with wheels allows you to easily glide over rough terrain without the additional strain on your shoulders, neck and back.
- Top pick: Thule Spira Spinner
Quick packing hacks
- When flying personalise your bag with a bold sticker or ribbon for easy identification, especially if it’s a common type of bag black. Consider attaching a luggage tag with your contact details
- When packing, keep the most useful stuff on the top. Keep your valuables in your carry-on luggage
- Consider investing in a packing cube that expands and compresses to maximize packing space. This is the perfect solution for pants, shirts and sweaters. Also, consider rolling your clothes to minimise creasing
- Keep prescription medication on you in case your luggage gets lost, and if you have space, pack a change of clothes and underwear.
- Want to pack lighter? Take samples or mini sizes of toiletries, lint rollers and fabric refreshers for clothing that can be reworn. Neutral clothes can be mixed and matched. Choose a hanging toiletry bag with water-resistant and see-through pockets for ease of convenience
- On a long drive or flight, take at least more than one battery pack for phones or iPads.
- To minimise the hassle at airport security, have all the electronics that you’ll need to take out your bag close by, or at the top of your case.
