Travel Smarter: How to Pick the Best Luggage

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a long-haul adventure, the gear you bring can make or break your travel experience. Choosing the right luggage isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about function, durability, and how smoothly you can move through terminals, hotels, and new cities.

With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Should you go for a hard shell or soft shell? Do you really need four wheels? And what’s the deal with all those bundle deals? Let’s break it down so you can make smarter travel decisions — and pack like a pro.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell

When it comes to luggage materials, the debate is ongoing — but it really depends on how you travel.

Hard Shell Luggage
 Hard shell luggage offers a sleek, modern look and added protection for your belongings. It’s a smart choice if you're carrying breakables like electronics or souvenirs. The rigid structure also helps prevent overpacking, which can keep your bag from bursting at the seams or tipping over.

Hard shells are also easier to clean. A quick wipe-down removes scuffs and spills, which is ideal if your bag takes a beating in overhead bins or on baggage carousels. Most carry on luggage in this category also includes built-in locks and compression features to keep items secure and compact.

Soft Shell Luggage
 Soft shell bags are typically lighter and more flexible. They often come with exterior pockets, which makes it easier to access essentials like a jacket, charger, or passport. The flexibility also helps in squeezing the bag into tight storage spaces.

If you're headed on a road trip or staying somewhere with unpredictable terrain, a soft shell can absorb more impact without showing damage.

Packing Tips for Efficiency

Once you’ve picked your bag, it’s time to pack it like a minimalist. Efficient packing isn’t just about saving space — it’s about reducing stress.

• Start With a Packing List: Sounds simple, but planning what to bring ahead of time stops you from adding last-minute “just in case” items you’ll never use.
  
  
• Use Packing Cubes: These small zippered organizers keep clothing grouped by category (or day) and make unpacking much easier at your destination.
  
  
• Bundle Your Gear: If you’re taking both a carry-on and checked bag, consider one of BEIS’ luggage sets. The coordinated pieces are designed to stack, roll, and store together efficiently, so you're not juggling mismatched gear.
  
  
• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes helps minimize wrinkles and maximize space. It also makes items easier to see at a glance when you open your bag.
  
  
• Put Heavy Items at the Bottom: If your luggage is upright, placing shoes and heavier items near the wheels will improve stability and prevent tipping.
  
  

The right luggage makes traveling smoother, faster, and less stressful. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional explorer, investing in the right bag — and knowing how to use it — sets the tone for a more organized, enjoyable trip.

Start smart. Travel better. Choose luggage that’s built for real life.