Traveling is great, but to get the most pleasure from your vacation, you need to prepare properly. One of the important aspects of preparation is the selection of a suitcase, in which all the necessary things will be stored. The suitcase should be comfortable, bridge, reliable and meet the requirements of carriers. But how to choose the optimal size of a suitcase for a trip? What to consider when buying? Where to find quality and affordable suitcases? This article will help answer these and other questions.
Why is the size of the suitcase important??
The size of the suitcase affects several factors, which are important for a comfortable trip:
- Weight. The bigger the suitcase, the more it weighs. This can create inconvenience when moving, especially if you have to lift a suitcase up the stairs, on a bus or train. Weight also affects baggage fees. Most airlines have baggage weight limits, which can vary from 10 to 32 kg. If the weight exceeds the permissible norm, then you will have to pay extra for extra kilograms.
- Capacity. The bigger the suitcase, the more things can be placed in it. This can be useful, if the trip was long, or if you plan to buy souvenirs or other things during your vacation. However, you should not take too many things with you, which may be unnecessary or easily found on site. in addition, a large suitcase can create problems with accommodation in a hotel, taxi or other places.
- Security. The bigger the suitcase, the more attention it attracts. This may increase the risk of loss, damage or theft of a suitcase. Also, a large suitcase can be suspicious for customs or security services, which may result in additional checks or delays. To avoid these problems, it is worth choosing a model of moderate size, which will not stand out from the general flow of luggage.
What are the sizes of suitcases??
Suitcase sizes can be divided into three main categories: small, medium and large. Each category has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as their recommendations for use. Here are the approximate parameters of each category:
- Small suitcases. You can buy small and convenient suitcases here https://sweetkeys.shop/dorozhni-sumky, their height is 45–55 cm, width 32–36.5 cm, depth 18–23.4 cm, capacity 30–45 l. Suitable for short trips of 2-3 days, or as hand luggage on an airplane. They are light, compact and convenient for movement. However, they will not fit many things, and they may not be adequately protected against damage or loss.
- Medium suitcases. The height is 55–74 cm, width 38–43 cm, depth 24.5–26 cm, capacity 40–75 l. These suitcases are suitable for average trips of 5-7 days, or as main baggage on the plane. They are capacious, reliable and well protect the contents. However, more difficult, larger and less maneuverable, and may also have problems with hotel accommodation, taxi or other places.
- Big suitcases. The height is 69–81 cm, width 43–51 cm, depth 28–32 cm, capacity 100–130 l. Suitable for long trips on 10 days or more, or for family trips. Very roomy, stable and protect the contents from any negative factors. However, they are very heavy, bulky and inconvenient to move, and may also have problems with transportation, registration or storage.
How to choose the size of a suitcase depending on the type of trip?
Choosing the size of a suitcase depends on many factors, such as duration, direction, season, type of transport, number of things. Here are some recommendations:
- For a trip to 1-4 a small suitcase will do, which has capacity 30-40 liters. It can hold the necessary things for a short trip, such as clothing, footwear, hygiene products, documents, gadgets, etc. Suitable for transportation as hand luggage on an airplane, which allows you to avoid additional costs and time for baggage check-in.
- For a trip to 4-7 days, an average suitcase will do, which has capacity 50-70 liters. It can hold enough stuff for an average trip, such as clothing for various occasions, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs, etc. Suitable for transportation as the main luggage on the plane, but it is necessary to take into account the requirements of airlines regarding the weight and dimensions of luggage, so as not to overpay for extra kilograms.
- For a trip to 7-14 days or more, a large suitcase will do, which has capacity 90-130 liters. It can hold a lot of things for a long trip, such as clothing for different seasons, footwear, sports equipment, gifts, etc. Suitable for a family trip, when you need to take things with you for several people. Must be checked in as main baggage on the plane, but you need to be ready for that, that it can be very heavy and bulky, which can create inconvenience when moving.
How to choose the size of a suitcase depending on the direction of travel?
Another important criterion for choosing the size of a suitcase is the direction of travel. Depending on that, where are you planning to go?, you can choose a suitcase, which corresponds to the climatic conditions, cultural features and transport infrastructure of the country or region. Here are some tips:
- For a trip to warm countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, etc., you can choose a small or medium suitcase, since you don't need to bring a lot of warm clothes, but only light things, swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, etc.
- For a trip to cold countries, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, etc., you should choose a medium or large suitcase, as you need to bring plenty of warm clothes, such as jackets, sweaters, pants, hats, gloves, etc. You can also take special equipment with you, such as skiing, sledge, skates, etc., if you plan to do winter sports. You should also consider that, that in cold countries there are often problems with transport due to snow and ice, therefore a suitcase is needed, which rolls easily and has reliable wheels and handles.
- For a trip to exotic countries, such as India, China, Egypt, Morocco, etc., you can choose a small or medium suitcase, since you don't need to bring a lot of clothes, but only light and comfortable things, which correspond to the local climate and culture. It is also worth taking things with you, that protect you from the sun, insects, dirt, etc., such as hats, glasses, repellents, antiseptics, etc.
How to choose the size of a suitcase depending on the type of transport?
Type of transport, on which you will travel, also affects the choice of suitcase size, as he defines, what restrictions and rules apply to the carriage of baggage. Depending on that, what are you planning to drive?, you can choose a suitcase, which meets the norms and standards of the vehicle. Here are some tips:
- For a trip by plane, you can choose a small one, medium or large suitcase, depending on that, whether you will be carrying it as hand luggage or as checked baggage. If you want to avoid additional costs and time for baggage check-in, it is worth choosing a small suitcase, which meets the requirements of airlines regarding the size and weight of hand luggage. Usually it is 55x40x20 cm and 10 kg, but it is better to check these data on the carrier's website or in the ticket. If you want to take more things with you, buy a medium or large suitcase, which will be carried as checked baggage. In this case, you must take into account the requirements of the airlines regarding the weight and dimensions of checked baggage. Usually it is 158 cm in the sum of three dimensions and 20-32 kg, but it is also better to check these data on the carrier's website or in the ticket.
- For a train ride, you can choose a small one, medium or large suitcase, depending on that, how many things you want to take with you and where you will store them. If you are traveling in a reserved or compartment car, you can choose a small or medium suitcase, which you can put under the seat or on the shelf above the seat. If you are traveling in SV or deluxe carriage, you can choose a medium or large suitcase, which you can put in a special compartment for luggage or in a closet in the compartment. In any case, you must consider the weight and size requirements of the rail carrier.
We hope that our advice will be useful to you and you will be able to correctly choose a suitcase of the required size.