Every traveler should use packing cubes, as they will make your travel life so much easier, but what kind of carry-on luggage should you choose? It's a tough question and it can feel like there are so many suitcases and bags to pick from.
Before you learn the art of packing a carry-on bag, you want to know which piece of luggage to buy. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right kind of carry-on luggage and the factors that you want to consider.
Go For Colorful Luggage, Not A Neutral Design
You want to look cute on your flight and as it turns out, you want your bag to look good, too, for a very logical reason.
When debating which carry-on to get, you want to choose colorful luggage. According to Smarter Travel, this means that you'll have no problem seeing your suitcase. When you're standing in line at the gate ready to board your plane, you want to be able to see your bag right away. Or maybe you stowed it in the area above your seat on the plane but someone moved it a few inches down. You want to be sure that you always know where your bag is, and color makes that a breeze.
Beyond My Front Door says that you want to choose carry-on luggage, you want the exterior to have pockets. You can put your passport and anything else that you need for the plane ride in those pockets so going through security is much easier. This is a great practical tip.
A Suitcase With Wheels Can Be Heavier Than A Duffel Bag
When choosing carry-on luggage, a duffel bag could be lighter than a suitcase with wheels. Beyond My Front Door recommends a canvas duffel bag if you're going on a vacation that is for fun, not for work. You can put it on your shoulder and it's easy to walk around with.
The website suggests using a suitcase with wheels for work travel, but to keep in mind that the wheels can make it heavier. If you're traveling for work and using a suitcase with wheels, then it could be a good idea to take a few less clothing and other items to keep the weight down.
Find A Light Bag That Meets The Size Requirements
When you're choosing the perfect carry-on luggage, you want to think about the weight of the bag. And you definitely want it to be light. Beyond My Front Door says that your carry-on bag should be 21 – 22inches x 13-15 inches because that's what most airlines will ask for.
Consumer Reports explains, "Most of the weight you lug around should be the weight of your belongings, not the bag." The website did a survey of people who had just bought some luggage, and 31 percent said they were looking for a "lighter" bag. If you buy a suitcase with wheels, the weight should be 7.5 pounds and that's it.
Smarter Travel explains that if you weigh your carry-on luggage and it falls within the airline's requirements, that could change when you put everything that you want into it. Think about how heavy your clothing and other items, such as toiletries, are before weighing your bag. Then you'll know whether you're within the size limits and can head to the airport, breathing a sigh of relief.
Whether you want to buy a duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, keep these tips in mind for purchasing a carry-on bag. Think about getting a colorful bag and make sure that the luggage itself isn't too heavy. And you'll be good to go on that awesome trip.