I like nice things.\u00a0 I own what I consider to be a nice car, I have several nice bicycles, and a nice computer or two.\u00a0\u00a0 There is one thing that I use all the time that I spend as little money as possible on, luggage.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Five years ago, I purchased a carry on suitcase.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No self respecting traveler is complete without a good carry on.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I found mine at one of the local discount stores, Ross, TJ Max, or Tuesday Morning.\u00a0\u00a0 Frankly, I forget which.\u00a0\u00a0 I believe I paid under $30, again I forget.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Amazingly, it has lasted dozens of trips over the last five years.\u00a0 Since, by law, the carry on stays in my possession at all times, I can ensure that proverbial gorilla will not jump on it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The idea that you can get years of service out of the cheapest suitcase makes me question why anyone pays more for theirs.<\/p>\n
Beyond my carry on, I have a couple of larger suitcases.\u00a0\u00a0 They are just like scaled up versions of my carry on, with wheels and a telescoping handle.\u00a0\u00a0 I doubt I paid more than $40 each, and they have been across the globe with me and my family.\u00a0\u00a0 A few years ago, one arrived at the destination with a wheel torn off.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For some reason, I got both a check for $80 and <\/em>a replacement suitcase.\u00a0\u00a0 I didn’t argue.<\/p>\n Finally, I keep a range of duffle bags.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 These are also available for under $20 and can last years.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On other trips, the duffle is empty, tucked into my carry on, just in case I return with more than I left with.\u00a0\u00a0 If the carrier decides that my baggage tops their weight limit, out comes the duffle loaded with a few heavier items.<\/p>\n The carry on, the duffle and the\u00a0 large suitcase are now my three essential pieces for the big, epic vacation.\u00a0 Their combined value is well under $100, and I await greater compensation in the event of their loss, damage, or destruction.<\/p>\n The idea is that you should look at your luggage as functional, but ultimately disposable.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Even the most expensive luggage will not last forever.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I plan on using my luggage for a number of years, but then it will be time to replace it.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Realistically, it is more likely to be lost or damaged before it needs to be replaced.\u00a0\u00a0 Once you realize that, you will never understand why people pay hundreds of dollars for a set of luggage.<\/p>\n Save that money for your travels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I like nice things.\u00a0 I own what I consider to be a nice car, I have several nice bicycles, and a nice computer or two.\u00a0\u00a0 There is one thing that I use all the time that I spend as little money as possible on, luggage.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Five years ago, I purchased a carry on suitcase.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n