With the hardest part done for us already, adding wheels on the suitcases, finding the right luggage for your business trip can still be a daunting task— It doesn’t have to be. Durability, your trip’s purpose, materials, size/weight, frequency of travel, your personality, etc. are all factors in finding what’s best for you. There isn’t one singular luggage item that’ll meet all of your traveling needs, but these 5 types will help you make an informed decision.
1. Carry-On Bags
If your business trips are normally short, you may not want to worry about checking unneeded luggage. Carry-ons are small enough to meet most airlines’ regulations and efficient enough to bring everything you need for a short business jaunt. Having your bag on the plane with you is convenient. If you’re working on a project mid-flight, a laptop bag will be useful. If you’re a snacker or just like to have extremely personal items (identification, money/credit cards, or phone/tablet) within an arm’s or foot’s reach, bringing a backpack along for the flight may be an under-seat solution worth looking into. Carry-on bags are also important if you’re worried about having your luggage misplaced or miss your connecting flight, you won’t have to fret of your those items making it to your destination. Having clothing with you ensures your entire travel wardrobe isn’t lost.
2. Smart Suitcases
Luggage-related anxiety has been abolished thanks to technology. Durable materials and sleek designs mean you don’t have to sacrifice beauty and style for intelligence. Smart luggage has built-in features like USB charging ports, GPS locators, remote locking, and solar-powered batteries making it the travel industry’s game-changing new luggage staple. Many luggage brands have an app that uses Bluetooth to pair your phone to your luggage for carefree traveling.
3. Durable, Tough, and Scratch-Resistant Bags
The toughness of many of today’s suitcases draws a link to the durability of a race car or football helmet. This is because of the use of high-tech polycarbonate. If it’s good enough to protect your brain, it’s great for protecting your other valuables. That sort of impact resistance is key for the bag of choice for a frequent-flyer. Soft-sided bags don’t offer the same protection and aren’t as easy to clean. Plain plastic suitcases are even worse unless you’ll be flying private or traveling by limo. Cold weather can cause the cheaper plastic cases to crack, they tend to fall onto the tarmac by sliding off the stack, and they may get crushed in the cargo pit from the weight of all the other bags. Aluminum, lightweight armor-flex composite, and carbon fiber (scratch resistant) are also all strong options. The ability of your luggage to withstand multiple drops and bangs is crucial in choosing the best luggage for business travel.
4. Checked Luggage
While traveling for business, you may not have time upon arrival to iron/steam your clothing yourself. A garment bag will keep your items crease-free and ready for immediate wear. If you crave more flair to your luggage, having a nice vintage style suitcase will stand out and is a great way to show your personality. If you don’t have a smart suitcase, picking up a portable luggage scale will be handy. It’s easy to go over the weight limits for checked items. Checking your baggage also frees you from the hassle of lugging around your own bags. You’ll have less weighing you down while zipping to the next concourse for your connecting flight.
5. Luggage Sets
Various sizes can help keep you organized on your longer business excursions by housing camera equipment, having a designated shoe bag, and more based on the purpose of your trip. A stylish set of bags is much easier to find on the baggage claim conveyor belt. Also, depending on the sizes selected, you can save home storage space by enclosing one in another after your trip. A complete set provides options for a carry-on and a variety of check-in bags. It will coordinate your look, as a collection of matching bags is more aesthetically pleasing.
The luggage you choose is bound to face repeated abuse due to frequent traveling and the carelessness of baggage handlers. If you’re a frequent traveler, your luggage is your most important item. A stylish, convenient, and durable quality piece or travel set is worth the investment for hassle-free travel.
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction.