Choosing Luggage

There are several types of suitcases, each with its own pros and cons. Here's a primer to help you choose the type that fits the majority of your travel needs:

• Pro: It is the lightest, and easiest to stow in an overhead compartment of a plane or the trunk of a car.

• Con: It provides the least resistance to crushing.

• If you get a soft-sided bag, be sure to over-pack it to prevent clothes from shifting and getting wrinkled.

• Pro: This is the most durable and will protect all sorts of breakables stored within.

• Con: They can be almost as heavy when empty as other types are when they are full.

• If you purchase this type of suitcase, make sure to get one with wheels.

• This is the middle-of-the-road choice and has features from each of the other two types.

• A strong, fabric body is placed over a frame to provide protection to the contents inside, while still remaining lightweight.

• This may be the best choice for most travel excursions.

The size of the suitcase depends on the kind of traveling you're doing. Consider the following:

Business Traveler

• A garment bag (figure A) is the best choice for packing suits and dress clothes. Most of these are large enough to handle a weeks worth of clothing.

• Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane/train/car to avoid weighing down the bag.

Weekend Traveler

• A carryon bag works great for short trips.

• If traveling by plane, try to board early to assure overhead space, and to ensure that you won't be asked to check your bag when the plane is full.

Kids/College Students

• A duffel bag (figure B) is a great choice, since most of the clothing is casual and doesn't require careful packing.

• Choose a bag that has adjustable handles that can turn the bag into a backpack.

• Also, consider a bag that grows--one with expandable and zippered compartments.

Now that you've chosen your luggage here's one last tip:

When the luggage becomes ripped, torn or a zipper breaks, make repairs while you are at home. It will be less hectic as well as less expensive than having to deal with it while you are on vacation.