5 Things to Consider Before Buying Luggage
By Jeff Boyd

The proper choice of luggage depends on many factors such as: how long your trips are; how many stops you plan on having; and, whether you normally bring back more than you left with (such as in purchasing souvenirs, etc). For domestic (and most international) flights, airline restrictions allow you to bring one carry-on item on board. In most instances you will also be able to bring along a personal item, such as a laptop or purse (but not both). 5 things to consider before buying luggage are:

Size
Carry on luggage on a plane must fit into the overhead compartment, or under the seat in front of you. Generally, maximum dimensions can be no more than 45 inches. (22x14x9 in). Some airlines have stricter standards. Checked luggage does not have these limitations.
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The Types of Travel Luggage
By Chris Vorelli

Whether you are traveling across the country, or you are only going on an overnight stay, you will most likely bring along some kind of luggage. Not only is luggage traditionally used to transport clothing, it can also come in handy when you are participating in an outdoor sport or any kind of recreation. Even a student will need to use a backpack, which is also considered luggage. So, as you can see, luggage is an essential part of travel and there are hundreds upon hundreds of choices to make!

There are many different types of luggage, including: leather briefcases, computer cases, carry-ons, garment bags, garment carriers, kids luggage, totes, backpacks, duffel bags, motorcycle luggage and handbags.
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Light Travel - Carry-On Only
By Steven Gillman

Light travel? The last time my wife and I went to Ecuador, I had 10 pounds of luggage, all in one carry-on bag. Ana had just 8 pounds in her carry-on bag. We spent six weeks in Ecuador, at times on glacier-covered mountains, and at other times lounging on Pacific coast beaches.

Why travel lightweight? Simplicity. With only carry-on luggage, we were in a restaurant in Quito, while others still waited for their checked luggage. On busses our luggage was safely with us, not in the hold below being cut open, like one time when I was in Mexico. Others struggled down the street with three heavy bags, while we had our hands free and were walking comfortably with our daypacks. We had less to lose, less to be stolen, less to wait for, less to pack and unpack in hotels, and less to worry about.
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Traveling in Style
By Cathy Feldman

A few months ago, I decided I was overdue for a proper vacation. The last time I had been away for any length of time was five years ago. After my first year of university, my parents generously sponsored me to go on a European tour. I visited eight countries in fourteen days, and slept in youth hostels the entire time. The only luggage I brought with me was my trusty backpack. Following the advice of some more seasoned travelers, I sewed a Canadian flag on my backpack. Everyone loves Canadians, eh!

This trip was to be somewhat different. I have decided to go back to Europe, but this time I will be traveling in style. I am planning to take a first-class flight into London, and I am in dire need of some first-class luggage. Luggage is such a difficult thing to shop for. It is one of those things that will not be used often enough to justify any great expense, but to purchase cheap luggage would be a complete waste of time and money.
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Travel Tips - Packing Your Suitcase without Stress
By Michelle Linden

The thrill of planning a trip will often light you up and consume all of your time. You look through guidebooks, talk to friends about their experiences, and research your itinerary on the internet. Still all this planning and research will not make the task of packing any less daunting.

Who hasn’t stood at the foot of their bed with empty suitcases spread on top, the night before a big trip, filled with anxiety because you still haven’t packed?!?! You try and try to think about exactly what you should be packed, throwing things in and then taking them out. And you wonder, why didn’t any of the guidebooks give you any advice on packing?
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