There are a lot of things to check off your list when you’re preparing for an international trip, including what to pack – and what to pack it in! If you’re buying a suitcase, you might be overwhelmed by all the options you have. There are designer suitcases, budget suitcases, sleek black suitcases, bright ones with cartoon characters emblazoned on them… the list goes on! It’s hard to know exactly what the best option is, and as suitcases can cost quite a bit of money, you’ll likely want to be sure that you’re making a good choice when you purchase yours.

Here’s a handy list of questions you should consider when choosing the best luggage for international travel:

How big should my luggage be?

If you’re about to embark on a month-long trip, you might find it challenging to pack in only a small carry-on bag. Likewise, if you’re only going away for a quick weekend, packing a huge suitcase might be unnecessary. The truth is, the size your suitcase should be really depends on your lifestyle. However, here are some things you should know when selecting the size of your luggage for international travel:

You can get luggage in a variety of sizes. The typical range includes:

• 18 to 20 Inches
• 21 to 22 Inches
• 23 to 24 Inches
• 25 to 27 Inches

The typical size for carry-on luggage is 22 x 14 x 9, so you should consider that if you’re hoping to avoid checking a bag. Keeping all your possessions in carry-on luggage can be convenient, and help you zip through the airport quicker. It can also help save you money, as some airlines and other modes of transportation you might encounter once you land may have additional fees for large suitcases.

That said, many international flights allow travelers to check a bag for free. This does depend on the airline, so you should always check their specific policies when booking a flight.

Should I get a hard or soft suitcase?

If you’re buying a suitcase for international travel, durability is likely one of the things on your mind. Both hard and soft suitcases regularly survive the long journey, but there are pros and cons to each.

Soft suitcases are typically cheaper, which may be a huge plus for you. If you don’t anticipate traveling often, you might understandably not want to invest a huge amount into your luggage. Soft materials also have some give, which means you have some flexibility when you’re packing and you may be able to squeeze in an extra item or two.

Does the weight of my suitcase matter?

It does. Apart from the fact that you need to be comfortable carrying your suitcase, it’s a great idea to get a lightweight option because many airlines have weight limits for your checked bags. If the limit is 50 pounds and your luggage weighs in at 55 pounds, it can be extremely frustrating to know that the weight of your 15 pound suitcase is what’s putting you over the edge. While airlines are charging exorbitant fees for heavy bags, you may want to travel with a lighter suitcase.

How many wheels should your luggage have?

If you’re new to traveling, you might not have even considered that the number of wheels was an important decision but it really can be! You can buy suitcases with four wheels, two wheels, or no wheels, and although it is really up to personal preference, there are some pros and cons to each.

Four wheel luggage is probably the most convenient option. It provides you the opportunity to push your luggage in front of or next to you instead of dragging it behind you like you would with a traditional two wheel suitcase. This is a lot easier on you, and can make the suitcase feel a lot lighter than it is.

A two wheel suitcase is also convenient to travel with, but one benefit is the smaller amount of wheels may make it lighter.

Bags without wheels are great options if you’re packing for a short trip, or if you travel without many things with you. Carrying the bag rather than wheeling it along next to you can help you quickly navigate through airports or other places where dragging a suitcase next to you can slow you down. The negative side to wheel-less bags is the fact that you’d have to carry the full weight of the bag, but if you’re traveling light this might not be a big deal.

Are extra features that important?

You’ve probably seen ads online for suitcases that have built in chargers, or other special features, and you might be wondering if suitcases like this are worth the extra price. They really can be, especially with international travel. You don’t want to be stuck in an airport without access to an outlet – or without the correct type of plug.

There are other less technological features that you might want to consider, such as waterproof pouches, or locks. These can give you some extra peace of mind, which on a big trip can be extremely valuable.

Does it matter what the bag looks like?

It can! It’s a great idea to buy a suitcase with a distinct pattern so you can keep track of it easier, and if you’re checking the bag in on your flight, you’ll be able to spot it at baggage claim that much easier.

How much should I spend?

While Louis Vuitton suitcases might look beautiful, the $3,000 price tag might not look quite as nice. There are no rules that say that expensive suitcases are automatically better, so you can spend quite a bit less and still get a high-quality suitcase. Stores like TJ Maxx can have name brand options at great prices so it’s a great idea to check there. If you can find brands like Eagle Creek or Briggs & Riley, those are great options as they often have extended, if not lifetime warranty.

If you don’t find what you are looking for in stores, there is no better way to find it than browsing online stores. While Amazon might be a good place to start, in an online travel store such as our MultiCityTrips’ Travel Shop, you can find the best luggage for international travel and other travel-related products as well. One of the benefits of looking at a travel-specific store is the fact that these products are hand-picked and recommended by travel experts who have extensive experience with international travel.

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