Pack It All In With These Indispensable Travel Luggage Tips

Luggage selection

Thinking of buying new luggage for your next holiday or business trip? Welcome to the minefield of pitfalls and decisions of luggage selection.

Let's go straight to the big questions of the day.

To roll or not to roll?

One of the biggest decisions is whether you're a roller or a lifter. Bags with rolling wheels are easier to move around but they're also heavier. Avoid wheels if you're a lifter - one of the most bizarre sights at airports is people carrying luggage with wheels. Don't think you'd be the first to make this simple mistake.

Soft case or hard case?

The next complication is whether to choose hard or soft. Hard cased luggage is quite heavy but generally tougher, useful when baggage handlers get rough. It also needs less careful packing. Packing a soft case is a fine art but they're lighter, more flexible and allow you to get more in. Beware, you need to be an expert in the fine art of packing to get that lovely pottery home in one piece!

Packing tips

Now your luggage is sorted out these indispensable tips will help it arrive properly rather than the way it normally does.

• Clothes are often ruined by bottled liquid. Use ¾ full plastic bottles in case they are crushed or expand. You can also pack them in plastic freezer bags just in case.



• Keep your valuables with you. Soft luggage is the easiest for thieves to get into.



• Roll shirts like a sleeping bag they will crease and wrinkle less and save space.



• Take empty plastics bags to separate dirty items on your return journey.



• Luggage survives the journey better if it's full (but not over full) and there's less risk of breakage. - Avoid taking luggage with flashy brand names; it's much more attractive to thieves.



• Lots of bags look the same. Put a unique, bright marking on yours so you recognise it and other people won't take it by mistake.



• Swap some of your clothes with a travelling companion. You'll both have something to wear if either bag gets lost.

Now you've got the right luggage and you're packed and ready to go, all that's left is to enjoy your journey. Happy travels!