Choose the right kind of bag for the trip

Several factors can dictate the right type of suitcase for a particular trip, including your destination, intended length of stay, airline baggage policies, and more. A suitcase that is larger than you need can be a real hassle, while a small bag can limit your ability to purchase souvenirs.

Here’s a breakdown of different kinds of bags and how they suit various kinds of travel:

Rolling luggage

A wheeled suitcase can make it easy to transport luggage, so long as you travel somewhere with paved roads and buildings with elevators. If you anticipate that you’ll spend a lot of time on cobblestone or dirt streets or in stairs-only buildings, then you may be better off with a bag that’s easier to carry.

If you’re traveling somewhere with unknown terrain, you can find a nice middle ground with a rolling backpack or duffel. These bags convert from rolling to carrying, so you can adapt them to the situation in question.

Four-wheeled luggage

Four-wheeled bags can ease wrist and arm strain because they distribute the weight of a suitcase across four wheels instead of two. This means the suitcase stands upright instead of tipping on its side when your hand isn’t on the handle. As with two-wheeled suitcases, a four-wheeled bag can be a great option if you’re traveling in areas with paved roads and buildings with elevators.

Duffel bag

This classic travel staple is lightweight, durable, and flexible. Another pro is that Duffels fold down when they’re empty, so they take up less space in a hotel room. The downside of a duffel is that it can be tiring to carry it around for extended periods of time. They’re best for situations when you don’t expect to walk with your luggage for long periods.

Carry-on

Perfect for short trips and light packers, carry-on bags let you keep all your luggage with you at all times. Modern carry-on bags come with lots of bells and whistles such as smartphone chargers and app integration. The obvious downside is that you are limited to as much clothing and personal items as you can fit into your carry-on.

Travel backpack

As the term implies, travel backpacks are backpacks designed with travel in mind. They’re often larger and have travel-specific features (such as extra pockets) compared to conventional backpacks. They can be great for people who like to keep all their belongings with them, are capable of packing light, and don’t mind carrying luggage on their back. They’re not ideal for people with mobility issues that may not be able to carry a heavy load.