Ever since I wrote about packing for my fabulous trip to New York travel has been on my mind. I know for some people it can be quite a headache and it’s no picnic for me either! However, I have done quite a bit of it so I’ve learned how to manage the stress and I have my own techniques that work for me. There is however one thing that irks me about my travel these days… my luggage. Don’t get me wrong it’s hard to complain about my luggage because it has lasted FOREVER, but when I bought it I didn’t realize how HEAVY it was. I mean… darlings, it was the trend then. And that might be worth it: a heavy suitcase if it lasts longer. But that’s just one thing to consider. Here’s what you should be asking yourself when you’re in the market for luggage. 

A checklist to consider buying luggage

1. What kinds of trips will I be taking in the next five years? In the next 10 years?

Do a little planning, darlings. Obviously it’s just in your head, but were you really considering a cruise? Do you always visit your daughter 1,000 miles away around Thanksgiving? Are you thinking maybe five trips a year or two trips a year? Will these be month long trips or just long weekends? All of this matters when you are considering luggage because if you only plan on doing two weekend trips a year you don’t need a suitcase that can hold enough clothes for a month. Even if that larger suitcase is on sale and seems like a good idea it’s still going to be sitting there and collecting dust for 50 other weekends of the year! And you’re the one who will have to store it!

2. Can I invest in a piece that is going to last a long time?

Two brands I know for sure from personal experience hold up extraordinarily well are Tumi and Louis Vuitton. My Tumi piece is the one that is very heavy, but like I said with advances in technology and materials I think they have come a long way in making them more manageable. My Louis Vuitton is beautiful and is so well crafted. Both of these brands can be very expensive, but ask yourself… should I be investing in this? How much use is it going to get?

3. Weight matters

When you are testing these out in the store or when you are looking at the specifications online please remember that those are there weights WITHOUT clothes and shoes and makeup and gifts for your grandchildren or souvenirs. Obviously you want something sturdy, but you have to be able to manage it!

4. Do your research on size

If you’re going to try to carry a piece of luggage on all the time do the research to make sure you are within the parameters for most airlines. Don’t just trust because it is labeled a “carry on” that you will actually be able to carry it on. It’s really nice to walk off the plane with your bag and just head straight to your destination so make sure if that is a goal of yours that you can actually do it.

5. Maybe a garment bag could work?

I know what you’re thinking… this is only for people who are traveling for something formal or for business. OR maybe it’s for people who just hate wrinkles! I have my own system to avoid wrinkles, but using a garment bag and hangers could be a good option for you. I know that might seem off the wall, but think about your goals and your personal packing system IN DETAIL before you purchase a piece and make sure it’s compatible with how you pack.

6. Test everything

I’m not sure I could think of anything more frustrating than a suitcase breaking on a trip. SO test everything before you leave, darlings. First of all, whether you buy in a store or buy online test it all at the time of purchase or its time of arrival. All the zippers, all the wheels, the handle, test everything! If something doesn’t feel right and you ordered it online… send it back! And if something doesn’t feel right in the store don’t walk out of the store with it! Then, before every trip make sure everything is functioning so you a zipper doesn’t go berserk while you’re in the middle of the airport.

7. Material concerns

Luggage with hard outer cases are on-trend. They are very sturdy and it makes sense that people like them but they tend to run heavier than material suitcases. Just keep it in mind. They also don’t have the “give” of a material suitcase. You won’t be able to shove in just “one more thing.”

And of course could I leave you without some chic picks for luggage?

Left: Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 22″ Carry On Expandable Suiter Rolling Suitcase – Buy it here: $299 at Macy’s 
Center: Tumi International Expandable Carry-On Luggage in Black – Buy it here: $695 at Neiman Marcus
Right:  Briggs & Riley ‘Baseline’ Extra Large Expandable Spinner in Black – Buy it here: $699 at Nordstrom

Left: Aimee Kestenberg Ivy 20″ Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner Suitcase – Buy it here: $79.99 at Macy’s
Right: Tumi – International Carry-on Aluminum Suitcase  in Silver – Buy it here: $995 at Net-a-porter

Left: Bastille Light 21in Expandable Carry On – Buy it here: $149.99 at Off Fifth
Center:  Crash Baggage Large Pioneer Trolley Case – Red – Buy it here: $174.49 at Nordstrom
Right: Samsonite Freeform 28″ Expandable Hardside Spinner Suitcase- Buy it here: $229.99 at Macy’s

Right: Tumi Alpha 2 Black Garment Cover – Buy it here: $295 at Neiman Marcus
Left: Hartmann – Metropolitan – Garment Sleeve Luggage – Buy it here: $174.99 at Zappos

I hope I have given you some food for thought when it comes to your next luggage purchase. It can be a difficult decision, darlings! If you have any questions feel free to comment or leave me a note on Facebook or Twitter!

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