Your guide to smart luggage choices

Decide on the Right Size:

The duration of your trip should determine the size of your luggage. A weekend getaway requires different space considerations than a two-week vacation. If you want to travel with hand luggage only then choose a bag that fits withing the airlines size requirements. Whatever size luggage you choose you are likely to have to carry it at some point, even if it's just to put in the car boot, so make sure that you are able to lift it easily.

Hard v soft sided luggage:

Airlines enforce strict luggage weight limits, making it crucial to choose lightweight materials.

Understand the pros and cons of hard and soft-side luggage:

Hard-Sided Luggage:

Pros:

• Durability: Hard-sided luggage is more robust and resistant to wear and tear. It provides better protection for fragile items or belongings that might be easily damaged during travel.
• Security: These cases often come with built-in locks, enhancing the security of your belongings.
• Water Resistance: While not entirely waterproof, hard-sided luggage tends to be more water-resistant than soft-sided alternatives. It provides an added layer of protection against rain or spills.
• Maintains Shape: Hard-sided cases maintain their shape and are less likely to collapse or deform under pressure.

Cons:

• Weight: Hard-sided luggage is typically heavier than soft-sided options, which can be a consideration if you are mindful of airline weight restrictions.
• Less Expandable: These cases usually have less flexibility in terms of expansion. If you tend to overpack, a hard-sided suitcase may not be as forgiving.
• Bulkier: Hard-sided luggage can be bulkier and take up more space. Bear this in mind if storage is a concern.

Soft-Sided Luggage:

Pros:

• Lightweight: Soft-sided luggage is generally lighter than hard-sided alternatives, making it an ideal choice if you're conscious of weight restrictions imposed by airlines.
• Flexibility: These cases often have exterior pockets and are more flexible, allowing you to stuff them with a bit more than their hard-sided counterparts.
• Compression: Soft-sided luggage is more forgiving in terms of overpacking. The material can stretch or compress to accommodate extra items.
• Easier to Store: Soft-sided luggage is often more malleable and can be easier to store in tight spaces, like car trunks or overhead compartments.

Cons:

• Less Protection: Soft-sided cases may not offer the same level of protection as hard-sided ones, especially for fragile items. They are more susceptible to wear and tear.
• Security Concerns: While some soft-sided luggage comes with built-in locks, they are generally considered less secure than hard-sided cases. They can be more prone to tampering.
• Water Absorption: Soft-sided luggage is more likely to absorb water in rainy conditions, potentially leading to damage to the contents.
• Consider the nature of your trips, the items you usually carry, and your personal preferences when making this decision.
• TIP: Opting for a distinctive colour that makes your luggage easy to spot. This is especially handy when trying to locate your bag among a sea of similar ones. Alternatively you could place a ribbon on your luggage to make it more recognisable

Consider travel insurance: Investing in travel insurance that covers lost or delayed baggage adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Good To Go Gold and Platinum travel insurance policies provide baggage cover and delayed baggage cover; policy limits and terms and conditions apply.

The standard insurance does not cover gadgets such as tablets or mobile phones as standard. To provide extra cover for those you would need to purchase the ‘Phones, Tablets & Other Gadgets’ extension to cover you up to £1,000 for damage, loss or theft of gadgets.