How to choose a suitcase or bag for a vacation? Tips for travelers.

Before every traveler faces a choice: what is better a travel bag or a suitcase on wheels. And the problems do not end there. Models of both are so many that the eyes just run wild. The choice in stores is very large, but sellers are not always competent.

We have sorted out the main selection criteria to tell you the most savory about bags for comfortable travel.

What to choose - a suitcase or a travel bag
Both suitcases and bags have their advantages and disadvantages. And not always obvious. Therefore, a ready-made solution for all simply does not exist.

For example, because of the dimensions to store a huge suitcase in a one-room apartment may simply be nowhere. A travel bag in this case is a more comfortable option. It can be easily folded and hidden in the far corner of the closet, without taking up much space.

On the other hand, a large suitcase with 20 kg of sundresses, without which you definitely can not do without, you can roll without much effort - even a fragile girl can cope with it. But a bag of similar weight will have to be carried in your hands. In this case, a fragile girl is unlikely to be able to carry it.

What size luggage you should not overpay for when traveling
To avoid overpaying for luggage on an airplane, when choosing a bag or suitcase, it is important to consider the free carry-on and checked baggage allowances.

For hand luggage
Hand luggage is checked with a calibrator for compliance with the maximum size norms. If you manage to squeeze your bag or suitcase into it, you are lucky, if not, you will have to pay extra and check your baggage.

 For checked baggage
The dimensions of checked baggage that can be carried free of charge on most airlines are limited to a maximum of 158 cm sides. Wheeled suitcases and travel bags with the longer side length of about 55-70 cm usually fit into these dimensions.

If you are traveling with a large family, it is better to buy several medium-sized suitcases or bags rather than one large one. All airlines have maximum weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage. When each passenger has their own bag or suitcase, you can distribute the weight of things evenly so you don't overpay.

Case type and lining material
Fabric suitcases and travel bags are hard to scratch, and you can always put a fifth swimsuit in them, even if your luggage is already full and the clasp closes with difficulty. Another nice bonus: external pockets in which you can put wet wipes and other useful little things. The main disadvantage of suitcases and bags made of fabric6 in most cases they are made of water-permeable material.

If you choose a fabric suitcase or travel bag, make sure that the material is dense, not the usual raincoat, as on sports bags.

A little cheaper are bags and suitcases made of leatherette. True, they are not as resistant to mechanical impact as leather or fabric and more quickly come into disrepair.

Plastic suitcases do not get wet, protect fragile things inside from damage due to the stable shape, they are easy to clean from dirt. But they are bulky and the volume of most models can not be increased by extended zippers. Even small and shallow scratches are visible on lacquered suitcases.

Handles
The most short-lived handles are those that are simply sewn into the seam. They are very likely to tear out “with the meat” if not in the first trip, then in the second.

It is good if the handles are securely sewn on the outside of the bag, not hidden inside. Ideally, if the handles are additionally fixed with metal rivets.

It is desirable that the travel bag had two pairs of handles: a long - to hang over the shoulder, and a pair of short for carrying in the hand.

The best suitcases have three handles: a retractable handle and two fixed handles on the top and side. The top fixed handle comes in handy, for example, to lift the suitcase onto a high curb without the risk of ripping out the retractable handle. The horizontal one will come in handy if you break the retractable handle.

Security
Security locks on bags can be of three types: padlocks, padlocks with a cable and built-in locks.

The usual padlock is the simplest, cheapest and at the same time unreliable option. But to break it, it is enough to break the tabs on the runners of the zipper.

A padlock with a cable comes in handy if you check in a baggage bag or suitcase with outside pockets that hold valuables.

Conventional padlocks and cable locks can be keyed or coded.

A built-in code lock is more reliable than a padlock, because it cannot be opened without damaging the case. It is impossible to forget the built-in lock at home, and the key can not be lost or accidentally closed in the suitcase.

Wheels
First of all, you need to decide on the number of wheels on your suitcase.

Suitcases with two wheels are easier to roll on off-road or paving stones. If you need to get to the airport by public transportation with several transfers, and not by cab, then this option is definitely better. Travel bags sometimes come with two wheels.

If the suitcase is to be transported only on a flat surface, you can take models with four wheels of the same size. It can be rolled with one finger, virtually effortlessly.

There are also hybrid models with four wheels, in which the rear wheels are larger in diameter. Such suitcases ride equally well on smooth and uneven surfaces, but are more expensive

What to remember
A travel suitcase is suitable for those who care more about the safety of things and the possibility of not working up a sweat. A travel bag is for vacationers who are used to traveling light or who have nowhere to store their suitcase between trips.
The ideal size of a carry-on bag or suitcase is 55×35×20 cm.
The size of a checked bag or suitcase for checked luggage, which can be carried free on board most airlines, should not exceed a maximum of 158cm sides - that way you won't overpay.
The best zippers for suitcases and bags are reinforced and rubberized. It is ideal if they have additional moisture protection and two runners.
The handles should be stitched on the outside and securely fastened. It is ideal if the fastening is additionally reinforced with metal rivets.
The best suitcases - with three handles: a retractable and two fixed handles on the top and side.
If you are planning a trip to the USA, Canada, the UK or Israel, the lock on your bag or suitcase should have a lock with the possibility of unobstructed customs control. You can identify it by the red diamond on the lock itself.
The best wheels for a suitcase are made of molded silicone with bearings. The fastening on them should be metal.