Choosing the Best Luggage for Your Travels can make or break your travel experience. If you are an avid traveller, durability, flexibility, and security all matter – so here’s how to choose wisely.
Soft vs. Hard Luggage
- No matter your preference, invest in the best quality you can afford for longevity.
- Soft luggage is lightweight, flexible, and often comes with expandable compartments—perfect for squeezing in those last-minute purchases.
- Hard luggage offers durability, better liquid resistance, and easier maneuverability, making it a go-to choice for many travelers. It’s also becoming more widely available in stores. The cheaper hard luggages (ABS/Polypropylene) are not as robust as the more expensive (Polycarbonate) types in general.
Zip vs. Latch/Clip Security
- Hard-shell bags with latches or clips provide extra security against airport theft and are gaining popularity.
- Premium soft bags often include double zippers, which offer solid protection against tampering.
Choosing the Right Check-in Luggage Size
- Medium-sized luggage (60–70cm) is ideal for most airlines’ 23kg weight limit and fits easily into standard car trunks.
- Larger luggage (75cm or more) works better for longer trips or airlines that allow 30kg baggage allowances.
Luggage Protectors & Covers
- Luggage Glove is high-quality and sturdy, though bulkier—best if you’re not constantly on the move.
- Iconix and other brands offer lighter, stylish options, though slightly less durable.
Name Tags & Smart Tracking
- Genuine leather name tags last longer and withstand wear and tear.
- Setup and add a free QR code (www.me-qr.com) to your name tag—when scanned, it alerts you with the bag’s location.
- Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags are great additions to track your luggage effortlessly.
Some Top-End Luggage Brands
- Delsey
- Samsonite
- Lipault
- Victorinox
Some Mid-Tier Luggage Brands
- Cellini
- American Tourister
- Ted Baker
- BG Berlin
Some Budget-Friendly Yet Reliable Brands
- Tosca
- Travelite
- Paklite
- Voyager
Some of the Best Places for South Africans to Find the Best Luggage for Your Travels
- Superbalist – Look for discount codes, often up to 40–60% off. Can also pay with eBucks.
- Takealot – Occasionally offers cheap clearance deals.
- Destinations (Frasers Online) – Check Thursday sales, often 40% off.
- Sedgars – Known for great luggage discounts.
- Cellini Online – Regular promotions on luggage.
- JD Group (Incredible Connection & HiFi Corp) – Sometimes clears out American Tourister at a bargain.
- Saleys & Bobs Luggage – Still an option, though deals aren’t as competitive these days.
With the right bag, your travels can be smoother, more secure, and even stylish. Happy packing!