Luggage: Travel Better with Suitcases and Duffel Bags
Off into the big wide world and on to your next adventure! Whether you take a suitcase or a travel bag depends on many factors. And what is actually the best way to pack? Here are a few tips for your next trip.
Suitcase or Duffel Bag: Which is the Better Luggage?
Hard-shell suitcases are the ultimate choice for air travel. They protect your belongings from moisture, handle rough loading and unloading with ease, and are built to withstand the extreme weather conditions in the cargo hold above the clouds.
Soft-shell suitcases or trolleys, especially in smaller sizes, are a fantastic alternative for the cabin or short trips. While they offer less protection against moisture, they are more flexible when packing, generally lighter, and often provide more organizational pockets. For both suitcase types, pay close attention to the quality of the wheels and the telescopic handle.
However, if you have frequent transfers, need to navigate stairs, or are only heading away for the weekend, a duffel bag is practically unbeatable.
Packing Your Suitcase—The Smart Way! Top Hacks from Travel Pros
Packing heavy items at the bottom, rolling your clothes, and tucking shoes into individual spots—everyone knows those tips. But did you know that your choice of outfits and colors can actually create more space in your suitcase? By focusing on basics in neutral tones, you can create numerous looks with just a few pieces—transforming a daytime outfit into an evening look simply by adding a few accessories.
Another clever trick: Store all your cables in a sunglasses case to keep them from tangling. And for longer trips around the world, bring your own pillowcase. It gives you a clean, "homey" feeling in any hostel or hotel—and at the end of your trip, it doubles as a laundry bag!
Traveling Safely with a Suitcase or Duffel: Here’s How
To ensure you can recognize your luggage anywhere, you should personalize your suitcase or bag—for example, with tags, stickers, or colorful luggage straps. Furthermore, valuables do not belong inside. If you want to play it safe, take a photo of the contents of your bags or suitcase so you have proof of what was lost in an emergency. Otherwise, the golden rule applies: never leave your luggage unattended!
When it comes to the safety of the items inside your bag, try placing aluminum foil between the lid and the bottle of your toiletries. This prevents leaks. If you switch to solid shampoos, deodorants, and bars, this problem disappears entirely.
