A good journey is hardly possible without travel luggage

As manufacturers of leather goods, we are fascinated by the symbolism of luggage. Few things can evoke wanderlust in us like the sight of a travel bag or suitcase. Thus, the history of travel is undeniably intertwined with the history of travel luggage. The choice of the right luggage has always been guided by the mode of travel, even to this day.

In the past, trunk cases or chests were often used for ship and train journeys. However, with the development of airplanes and cars, the need for smaller and more compact luggage, such as suitcases and duffle bags, emerged.

What is meant by travel luggage?

Travel luggage refers to protective and transport containers for essential items that one carries while traveling. Those who have experienced damage or even loss of luggage know the importance of good travel luggage. Luggage includes suitcases, duffle bags, and all bags that can be worn on the body, such as backpacks and waist bags. For transporting clothing or larger items, one can use suitcases and suitcase trolleys, garment bags, or travel bags. Cosmetics and personal care products are usually stored in a toiletry bag or beauty case. Travel wallets or purses are suitable for documents and currency.

What travel luggage should one own?

No two journeys are the same. Therefore, the selection of travel luggage depends on the type of trip. For checked-in or hold luggage, it is recommended to use sturdy and lightweight trolley suitcases made of polypropylene or aluminum. Two suitcases are usually sufficient: Size M - approximately 65cm in height, around 60 liters in volume, and Size L - approximately 75cm in height, around 80 liters in volume. In addition to suitcases, we recommend having a backpack as carry-on luggage, which can also be used for excursions at the destination. This backpack should have lockable compartments for valuables and, if needed, a padded laptop compartment. For a weekend trip, a short vacation, or additional carry-on luggage, we recommend using a duffle bag. This practical piece of luggage is more versatile than a suitcase and can also be used as a gym bag, for example.

What is the best travel luggage?

For checked-in luggage, we recommend using suitcases. As a rule of thumb, a size M (60 liters) trolley suitcase is sufficient for trips lasting up to 7 days. For trips lasting more than a week, a size L (80 liters) suitcase is recommended. It is essential to use a luggage scale to measure whether the weight of the filled suitcases is below the maximum weight allowed per piece of luggage. Therefore, it is crucial to check in advance how many pieces of luggage per person are allowed and how heavy these travel companions can be. These guidelines may vary for short and long-haul flights.

Which luggage is suitable for short trips up to 7 days?

For trips lasting less than 7 days, a travel bag or weekender bag is also suitable as a companion, especially if the accompanying luggage is not checked in. However, the specific guidelines for carry-on luggage, including dimensions and weight, must be observed in the case of a duffle bag. These parameters can vary from country to country and from airline to airline. For short trips or journeys by car, we always recommend using a duffle bag or weekender bag, as suitcases can often be cumbersome and impractical.

What travel luggage can be taken on an airplane?

Categories, number, size, and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage are unfortunately not uniformly regulated. This information should be directly obtained from the airline, especially with regard to the destination. Different guidelines may apply for short-haul and long-haul flights. However, most airlines accept a maximum size for carry-on luggage of 55 x 35 x 26cm and a maximum weight of 8kg. Therefore, duffle bags and backpacks are particularly suitable as cabin baggage.

In general, we recommend taking only the essentials while traveling. Nothing hampers a journey more than excessive amounts of luggage, especially if some of the carried items remain unused at the end of the trip. Additionally, with each additional item, the risk of loss or damage increases.

It is better to pack cleverly and allocate sufficient time for trip preparation.

What is not allowed in carry-on luggage on flights?

Since September 11, 2001, security requirements for travel luggage have significantly tightened at most airports. There are several things to consider. The following items should not be included in carry-on luggage (especially before the security check): liquids in containers exceeding 100ml or with a total volume exceeding 1000ml, knives, scissors, nail files, razor blades (if the blade is longer than 6cm), mercury thermometers, walking sticks, knitting needles, objects that could be used as weapons (e.g., golf clubs), and chemical, toxic, flammable, and explosive substances.

What must be included in hand-carry luggage on flights?

All valuables, such as travel documents, passport, money, keys, and mobile phones, must be included in carry-on luggage. Additionally, all lithium-ion batteries or power banks and devices with large batteries, such as laptops or tablets, should also be included in carry-on luggage.

Other recommendations for carry-on luggage?

Comfort and personal needs should not be overlooked during a journey. Therefore, for air travel, we recommend carrying the following items in your carry-on luggage: laptop and mobile phone chargers, valuable cameras, glasses and accessories, sleep mask and earplugs, medications, hygiene items, and a good book. Here's our book recommendation: "The Cafe on the Edge of the World" by John Strelecky.

Special tips for optimizing carry-on luggage:

Use a travel bag as carry-on luggage, ideally one that can be expanded. This way, you can also utilize small gaps in the overhead compartments of the aircraft and expand your luggage when needed. Additionally, a duffle bag provides ample space and opportunities to optimize the weight of your checked-in luggage.

Ideally, keep your cosmetics and hygiene items in a small transparent toiletry bag. This saves time during security checks. Regardless of the season, always have a woolen scarf or a lightweight down jacket with you. You can use them either to protect against strong air conditioning or as a pillow.