In most cases, finding the best size suitcase for overseas travel to take with you is the same as finding the best luggage to bring on your local escapades. You’ll want a bag that looks nice, is well-constructed, functions smoothly, and is just the right size. Five things that you need to consider in order to find the perfect size of luggage for international travel that fits your needs.
As great as these descriptions are, the real question your bag has to be able to answer is this: Will it be fit for the kind of trip you’re taking?
Take note that a couple of months of trekking through a dense South American jungle will entail a very different luggage requirement than a week-long jaunt in one of the European capitals.
While luggage size usually matters when traveling across national borders, it isn’t the be-all-and-end-all consideration of your trips abroad. What you’ll want to focus on is your purpose, so you can get a bag that can be maneuvered easily through any situation and has enough space for souvenirs.
Let’s go over some options.
What is the best size of luggage for international travel?
The manner in which we travel internationally and domestically differs in quite a few ways. Depending on your purpose, you could either be traveling alone or with family. Sometimes, you’ll be preparing for short trips; other times, you’d go on long ones. Then, there are instances when you have to fly to multiple destinations.
What type of luggage is appropriate for each of these occasions? Let’s check them out.
1. The Bag for Your First International Travel
If it’s your first time flying to another country, you’ll want to pack lightly in a carry-on that has great maneuverability. Go for a bag that’s compact, has a carry-on-friendly size, and has conveniently-placed zippers, pockets, and compartments.
The Helium Aero by Delsey certainly fits this description to a T. While its hard sides may sometimes remove the bag’s long-term durability, it will keep souvenirs safe just as well as the lock-in zippers. It comes in a checked version that can fit everything you think you might need on your first trip abroad and an expandable carry-on version meant for light packers.
2. Luggage for International Family Travel
Wouldn’t it be awesome if the entire family had matching bags? A long-time favorite brand of frequent flyers is Samsonite. It boasts an extensive luggage line that offers quality builds in a range of designs, colors, and sizes. This is so you will always find something that suits your personal style.
3. Luggage for Short Trips
Those who plan to go off on a short jaunt to some dream destination and still want to look stylish are going to need a specific bag to do the trick. In this case, you’ll want to go for some of the smaller carry-ons from Arlo Skye.
This brand has products with excellent durability and double lock closures that keep your belongings secure. Some models even come with a built-in battery pack for charging laptops and other gadgets.
4. Bags for Multiple Destinations
If nothing short of globetrotting is going to satisfy you, then a backpack is your best bet for a comfortable travel experience. You can use it to navigate the maze of buses, trains, and planes more efficiently.
Many frequent travelers swear by Osprey, particularly the Farpoint or Fairview model, which is great for female backpackers. These bags open in the front area, instead of the top, for optimal accessibility. They also come with their own detachable daypack and a lifetime warranty.
You can choose between the 40-, 55-, and 70-liter models, depending on how light or heavy you pack. Take note that opting for the 70-liter version usually means you can’t use it as a carry-on.
5. Bags for Adventure Expeditions
If at any point during your journey, you expect your bag to be strapped to the base of a raft or on top of a jeep, then you’ll want to go for a carry-on duffle. The Patagonia Black Home is an excellent luggage candidate for this type of journey because of its 30- to 120-liter version range.
With this bag, you don’t have to worry about organizational features getting in the way of your gear space. It also has a solid enough exterior construction so that you can drag it through the roughest conditions without breaking it.
If you’re off to one of your adventures and don’t feel like hauling this bag on your shoulders, you can get the wheeled-duffle version this luggage also comes in.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, size alone isn’t enough to determine what bag should go with you on your trip abroad. There’s usually a range of specifications that come into play, depending on the purpose of your trip and how you like to travel.
To be sure you take the right travel bag on your international journey, go over the best possible options. Do your research by consulting travel experts and reading luggage reviews by Handy Travel Mates and other reliable websites.
