A well-designed suitcase can last for many years or even decades. It’s important to find one that will accommodate all of your needs, whether it’s for a trip to a distant destination or a seaside getaway. Ideally, your luggage should be able to fit everything that you need while still being lightweight. It should also be sturdy enough to protect your possessions.

To help you find the ideal luggage, we’ve gathered together a variety of tips. This guide will give you all the necessary details about buying a case.

Weight

Check the weight limit for full-size cases with the airlines. Since fees for excess baggage are often extortionate, it’s important to make sure that your bag isn’t too heavy before taking off.

If you’re planning on traveling with a larger bag, make sure that you check the weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. If you’re not willing to sacrifice other items, a checked bag might be the best choice.

Size

Before you buy a full-size case, it’s important to consider its storage location. For instance, if you’re planning on traveling by car, you’ll need to know how it will fit in the trunk and whether it will be easy to carry through crowds.

Although a cabin case might look like it’s the ideal choice, it’s not always possible to fit it inside the plane’s cabin. Before you travel, make sure that you check the size restrictions for each airline.

Handles

A good suitcase with additional handles on the sides and the top is a practical choice. These features allow you to lift it off the baggage carousel, luggage racks, or check-in scales.

The majority of top handles on luggage have telescopic capabilities, which allow them to be extended into different positions for added comfort.

Wheels

A lot of suitcases are four-wheel drive, which means they can be wheeled alongside you while you’re traveling. With two wheels, it’s typically easier to pull up and over curbs, but with a spinner, you can get more versatility.

Storage

Most hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases feature internal pockets that can be used for various items. These include small pouches that can fit a laptop and additional pockets that can hold clothes. External pockets can only be found in soft-sided suitcases.