Luggage Travel Tip: Go Cheap

I like nice things.  I own what I consider to be a nice car, I have several nice bicycles, and a nice computer or two.   There is one thing that I use all the time that I spend as little money as possible on, luggage.     Five years ago, I purchased a carry on suitcase.    No self respecting traveler is complete without a good carry on.    I found mine at one of the local discount stores, Ross, TJ Max, or Tuesday Morning.   Frankly, I forget which.   I believe I paid under $30, again I forget.    Amazingly, it has lasted dozens of trips over the last five years.  Since, by law, the carry on stays in my possession at all times, I can ensure that proverbial gorilla will not jump on it.    The idea that you can get years of service out of the cheapest suitcase makes me question why anyone pays more for theirs.

Beyond my carry on, I have a couple of larger suitcases.   They are just like scaled up versions of my carry on, with wheels and a telescoping handle.   I doubt I paid more than $40 each, and they have been across the globe with me and my family.   A few years ago, one arrived at the destination with a wheel torn off.    For some reason, I got both a check for $80 and a replacement suitcase.   I didn’t argue.

Finally, I keep a range of duffle bags.    These are also available for under $20 and can last years.   On some trips, you can spot me waiting in line to check in for my international flight with the duffle perched on top of the large, wheeled suitcase.    On other trips, the duffle is empty, tucked into my carry on, just in case I return with more than I left with.   If the carrier decides that my baggage tops their weight limit, out comes the duffle loaded with a few heavier items.

The carry on, the duffle and the  large suitcase are now my three essential pieces for the big, epic vacation.  Their combined value is well under $100, and I await greater compensation in the event of their loss, damage, or destruction.

The idea is that you should look at your luggage as functional, but ultimately disposable.    Even the most expensive luggage will not last forever.     I plan on using my luggage for a number of years, but then it will be time to replace it.    Realistically, it is more likely to be lost or damaged before it needs to be replaced.   Once you realize that, you will never understand why people pay hundreds of dollars for a set of luggage.

Save that money for your travels.