Travel Luggage

Travel luggage tips and advice

Where possible buy the lightest weight luggage you can find.

One of the pitfalls when buying travel luggage is not buying good quality.

These days, with good quality luggage the fabrics are a lot tougher to withstand lots of wear and tear over time. I bought a cheap trolley bag a few years ago and firstly the handle broke and then the stand broke so it kept falling over and finally the zip broke. This was over a year. I didn't even take it away on holiday, I only used it for my work to carry training materials. I now have a very good quality trolley bag and it isn't the most expensive either.

Some other tips are:

1. Handles - must be able to lock down when not in use.

2. Wheels - Steer clear of wheels that do not run on ball bearings, that are of smaller diameter and are mounted on the outside of the suitcase; they should be at least partially recessed into the corners of the suitcase.

3. If using a backpack with wheels always look for one that has a cover over the wheels. I ended up with dirty marks on my back.

4. Zippers - Avoid small zippers, like the ones used in clothing and zippers that are mounted around the very outside edge of the suitcase as they are very susceptible to damage.

When packing:

* Try to pack light weight clothing. Usually one smart outfit is needed the rest should be light and comfortable. If you have to take a coat wear it or carry it so it wont add to your allowable weight.

I always wear all of my heaviest gear to avoid the extra weight.

* Your toiletries should be placed into plastic bags, just in case they leak. I also take several plastic bags to use for dirty washing and shoes. If you can find a plastic bag big enough then it is a good idea to line your suitcase or backpack with it and pack into it. This can avoid any wetness due to rain or leakages.

* A good tip too is to take a set of clothes on the plane with you just in case your travel luggage goes missing.

* There are strict rules on items you can bring onto the aircraft now. Articles that are too big or heavy to fit in the overhead lockers or under the seat will not be allowed.

* Also some items are dangerous and could cause serious problems when up in the air.Things like matches and lighters have been known to ignite from vibrations of airplanes. You can check the airline or your travel agent for more details re what you can take on board.

* Make sure that you pack things like your medication, reading material, snacks, toothpaste, brush and comb, jacket and a lightweight set of clothing (or just underwear) in your cabin luggage.

* Don't leave luggage unattended or with someone you do not know. You do not want to be explaining things found that you didn't put there. Always pack your own bags. Keep them locked at all times.

* Each airline has a similar travel luggage policy. Weight and size limitations for each passenger do not vary too much. Think of others and of everyones safety by not storing too much luggage in the overhead lockers. They have been known to open during turbulence and falling on passengers heads.

* Be careful of packing prohibitive or dangerous goods. Check with the country of destination if you are able to bring the items in.

You can contact transport.security@infrastructure.gov.au for advice re prohibited items and weapons. Things like, knives, guns (including toys and replicas), explosives, scissors, tools, corkscrews, spear guns, sporting goods like bats, sticks, poles, rods or spikes etc.

Lost travel luggage

Is your luggage safe?

To ensure against theft or tampering of your luggage purchase luggage tags. There are some good ones available at a reasonable price. Check www.luggagewilltravel.com for travel accessories and luggage.

Arriving at your destination without your travel luggage is a pain. It has happened to us twice. Hence the suggestion you pack a change of clothing to take on board.

We arrived in Kota Kinabalu very late at night only to find our luggage hadn't. By the time we got to our hotel it was the early hours of the morning. Our luggage arrived 24hrs later. Fortunately I had packed spare underwear. I wish I had packed shorts and tee shirt as it was very hot walking around in long pants and long sleeved shirt. Also we were unable to go swimming in the pool because our swimwear was in the luggage.

We were lucky enough to get our luggage back (goodness knows where it went) but some travellers are not so lucky. That is why it is so important to take out travel insurance, one that covers the loss of luggage.

Click here for information on travel insurance