Hard-sided, soft-sided, backpack... let me simplify this.
Stop Buying The Wrong Luggage For Your Trips
This is a longer issue than usual.
Feel free to skim for what you need.
People ask me all the time, "What's the best luggage?"
Here's the truth. There is no best luggage. There's only the best luggage for you. The one that creates the least friction and lets you get where you're going without
overthinking it.
But here's the catch. There are so many different types of luggage that the whole process gets overwhelming fast. And what's worse? It's really easy to pick the wrong type for how you actually travel.
So in this issue, I'm breaking down the main types of luggage and when each one makes sense. That way, you can pick the one that fits your style and stop second-guessing it.
Let's get into it.
Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided
If you want something tough and you know you can consistently meet airline luggage restrictions, go with hard-sided luggage. It protects your stuff and holds its shape.
But if you want something more flexible, soft-sided is the way to go. It's
more expandable, so you can squeeze in extra things when you need to. And it tends to handle the wear and tear of travel a little better over time.
Four Wheels (Spinner) vs. Two Wheels (Roller Bag)
If your luggage isn't too heavy and you like the ability to turn on a dime in the airport, go with a four-wheeler. It rolls in every direction and makes navigating crowded terminals way easier.
Now, if you plan to be rough on your luggage or you're going to be walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets, go with two wheels. I've also found that when luggage is really heavy, two wheels are actually easier to maneuver. They tilt back and roll behind you instead of sliding around on four wheels.
Duffel Bags
I'll be honest. Duffel bags don't really do it for me. They're large, and carrying them around puts asymmetric weight on your body, which gets uncomfortable fast. That said, if you're just looking for something for a
quick weekend trip, they can work in a pinch.
Only time I bring a duffel
bag.
Backpacks
If you're
going to be taking a lot of stairs or your trip is on the shorter side, a backpack is the way to go. It keeps your hands free, distributes weight evenly, and makes you way more mobile. For short trips, sometimes a backpack is all you need.
Hiking Backpacks
If you're planning a trip with serious outdoor activities or multi-day hikes, get a hiking backpack. These are built differently than regular travel backpacks. They're made to carry heavier loads comfortably over long distances with padded hip belts, support frames, and ventilated back panels. Hiking backpacks are
also great if you're moving between cities a lot or staying in hostels.
When to Check Luggage
Now that some basic economy fares charge over $100 just to check a bag, I am firmly on team carry-on. It saves money and you skip the baggage carousel entirely.
But if you're going to be out of the country for a long time, maybe a month or so, I'd consider checking luggage.
At that point, you probably need the extra space and it's worth the cost.
Three Tricks to Make Luggage Easier
No matter what type you choose, do yourself a favor and add these to your routine.
Carry extra locks. You never know when you'll need to temporarily leave your luggage somewhere. Maybe you're checking out of your hotel but still want to go sightsee. Or
you arrive at your accommodation early and don't want to haul everything around with you. A lock gives you peace of mind.
Tag your luggage inside and outside. If your outer tag gets ripped off (and it happens), an inside tag means your bag can still find its way back to
you.
Hide AirTags in your luggage. Put them somewhere that's not easily visible or findable. If your bag ever goes missing, you'll know exactly where it is.
That's the breakdown. Pick the luggage that matches how you actually travel, not what some influencer tells you is "the best." The right choice is the one that makes your trip smoother.
Keep traveling,
Andrew
Are you team carry-on only, or do you still check bags? I want to hear your
reasoning.
Cocktail of the Week
The Paloma cocktail was invented in Mexico, and its name means “dove” in Spanish, likely inspired by a popular folk song from the 1930s called “La Paloma.” Unlike the margarita, which highlights lime, the Paloma beautifully balances tequila with grapefruit for a refreshing, slightly bitter twist that locals have enjoyed for
decades.
Ingredients: • 2 oz (60 ml) tequila blanco • ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice • Pinch of salt (optional) • Grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt), to top • Ice cubes • Lime wedge or grapefruit slice, for garnish
How to
prepare: • Rim a highball glass with salt (optional). • Fill the glass with ice cubes. • Pour in the tequila and fresh lime juice. •
Add a pinch of salt if desired. • Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently. • Garnish with a lime wedge or grapefruit slice.
Random Travel Thought
$100+ to check luggage? Nope.
Follow me on Instagram.
The Plug
Cheap flights:
Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need.It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!!
Secret
Flying
🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
Skyscanner
:
An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.
Insurance:
Safety
Wing
:
I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.
Travel Gear
Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips.Link
Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping
clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it.Link
Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it
weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up! Link
*Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
