Luggage is a big decision when traveling. It is one of those decisions that doesn't seem that big when you purchase your luggage or even when you're packing it, but when you leave for a trip and have to drag your luggage around with you everywhere, the realization hits you.
As you walk around the airport, and then have to get from the airport to the hotel, those bags can get heavy. If you're on a prolonged trip, then you may have to get to a train or bus and then another hotel. It comes down to a lot of walking around and lifting.
If you can afford to hire a car and driver, that can help, but most people can't afford that, and once you arrive at the airport, you are on your own anyway.
The best way to address the problem is to be proactive in choosing your luggage, which begins at the point of purchase.
For your main piece of luggage, you should choose a size that is small enough to carry with ease and can be used on small trips of a few days, but large enough to fit a lot so that it can also be used on long trips. A rolling suitcase that is 24 inches is usually ideal. It is small enough for shorter trips, and if you are traveling for many weeks, you can fit enough changes of clothes to get through the lengthier trip. To extend your wardrobe to last three weeks or even more, bring laundry detergent. You can buy it in travel size packs or just purchase it at your destination. Your hotel or bed and breakfast may even have some. Some bed and breakfasts will even do your laundry for you.
Luggage bigger than that may save you on laundry, but it will not be worth the extra space when you have to carry it around with you.
In addition to your main piece of luggage, there is carry-on.
The best choice for carry-on is dependent on your personal preference and what you take on the plane. A backpack is often the best choice because it fits a lot and carrying it on your back is a lot less painful than a computer case. If you have a computer, you can pack it neatly in your backpack and still carry it safely.
A backpack also has the most room for books or magazines for the plane, as well as your electronic devices and a change of clothes, which is always good to pack, as you never know when the airline will lose your luggage.
It is best to consider your personal needs, and think about which pieces of luggage will meet those needs and be the lightest for ease of transport.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
