Keep these five points in mind.

If there is one thing I always remind myself when traveling, whether locally or internationally, it is to travel light. The proper travel bag might make or ruin your trip. Having a bag that meets your needs and style is vital, whether you’re going on a short weekend break or a long-term adventure.

If you’re having trouble deciding on the best bag for your trip, consider the following factors in choosing the proper bag to hold all of your stuff .

1. SIZE AND WEIGHT

Before packing or flying, be aware of the size, weight, and number of baggage restrictions so you can check in and carry baggage. You don’t want the contents of your travel bag to weigh more than they do. Weighing your bag before you leave the house will prevent you from having to remove or throw away extra items at the airport, which is especially important if you’re traveling alone.

2. DURABILITY

Checking your bags is like risking a chance with your possessions. It’s possible for something to be stolen, lost, broken, etc. Your travel bag must be sturdy enough to withstand use, stress, and damage.

Checked baggage is often forwarded to your final destination when you have a connecting flight or transfer, and it will change planes when you do. Even worse, your luggage won’t be traveling on the same trip as you. Cargo handlers cram 100 bags or more of freight into a cargo pit. The luggage must fit exactly how it will fit, regardless of the angle, side, or location. Some baggage workers may just recklessly pitch your bags if there isn’t a “fragile” sign.

3. MULTIFUNCTIONAL

These days, even sizable travel bags may be transformed into backpacks by adding padded back straps. Most bags, including large travel bags and backpacks, include wheels, shoulder straps, and retractable handles. In order to keep your rubber shoes, gym clothing, extra shoes, swimsuit, and sports equipment in case you need them, find a practical travel bag that can be carried or pushed along. It should also have built-in or additional pockets or compartments.

4. AFFORDABILITY

People frequently associate quality with cost, which is not necessarily the case. Not because it is pricey, but because it is of high quality. Choose a travel bag that is within your budget. Designer bags are more of a fashion statement than a travel necessity, making them an unsuitable choice for seasoned travelers. Furthermore, you don’t want to spend all of your money on a travel bag when you can get one for less.

5. UNIQUE

You think you know your bag too well, but trust me when I say you could wind up picking the wrong bag out of hundreds queued up in the carousel because it looks precisely like yours.

How can this be avoided? Choose a one-of-a-kind bag, one that is brightly colored or has highly apparent markings, something that you will always be able to recognize quickly on the luggage carousel. My mother places a colorful ribbon in her baggage, whereas others use a name tag. Whatever you choose, the idea is to be able to easily identify it and not be confused for someone else’s bag.

Please pack as efficiently as you can in your carry-on bags. Don’t include anything you won’t use. Keep in mind that when you pack lightly, you won’t have to wait at the baggage carousel or stress if your bag wasn’t delivered to you on the same trip or was misplaced. Since practice makes perfect, packing lightly is still the safest and best way to enjoy your trip.