10 Great Luggage Features
All thru the years, there was one thing that I needed at all times – a suitcase. Oh man. A good suitcase is really hard to find.
My first suitcase was of course a large leather bag that belonged to my parents. That fell apart. After that I did like most military people do, I stuffed whatever I needed into my big green military duffle bag whenever I traveled. Of course, that wasn’t cute.
After a few months, I had a little money saved. I went to the BX on Lackland Air Force base and got the cheapest suitcase I could find. You know, the 3 piece, no name set for approximately $120.00?
That set lasted thru a few trips home from my first base in Japan. Let’s just say. I didn’t have a lot of leave. So, the very next time I needed luggage was on my way to my second base at gruesome Grissom AFB. That base slap dab in the cornfields between Kokomo and Peru Indiana. It was so cold there! I went home to warm little SC in my little Nissan Sentra (first car) every single chance I got. In the back of my precious car was my trusty 3 piece set.
Let’s just make this shorter. That set didn’t last long. It got beat up, scratched and the wheels stopped turning. The last straw was the day a wheel fell off of the big piece while I was rolling it thru an airport. That’s it! I’m a lady. Can’t be cute dragging around raggedy ass luggage. I ended up going to one of the department stores while visiting my family that christmas.
That’s when I decided to go all in. I bought another suitcase. There was no way I was going to keep lugging junk. I got my first expensive luggage piece. A DELSEY. I will never ever forget that piece of luggage. That piece lasted many, many more years.
I was in my early 20s at that time. That purchase was a great experience. From the first day I purchased that good piece of luggage and up until now, I have promised myself that I will always have a great suitcase at all times!
I am a traveler. I am a lady. And now after traveling the world for over 30 years, I am now also a bonified luggage SNOB.
My luggage. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive luggage. It just has to be of quality and have at a minimum,. a few characteristics. No ifs, ands or buts. Because of this, over the years I have stuck to a few favorite brands – Samsonite and Travelpro. I have my eyes on a Tumi. I keep telling myself. Not yet Toni. Not yet.
So right now, I stay within my retired paycheck and eating out almost every day budget. I am liking Travelpro a little better than I like Smasonite. Why? After many years, my Samsonite pieces are starting to tear up or lose wheels much faster than before. My latest piece of Travelpro has stood by me for over 5 years and still looks good.
My must haves:
- Spinner Wheels: Ohhhh I love a bag that can role back and forth, front and back without me having to lean down or pull a muscles. May God bless whoever thought this one out! The first time I met a luggage piece with spinner wheels, I was in love. to this day, I won’t buy a piece without’m. Check’m out on this Travelpro Maxlite expandable 21 inch spinner suitcase.
- Ballistic Nylon: Have you ever had a wet suitcase? NO. Well I have. There is nothing worse than picking up your luggage from the baggage claim after an 8 hour plane ride and everything inside is soaking wet. Not only has the ballistic nylon kept my clothing dry, I’ve never had a piece rip or tear from the inevitable suitcase abuse we all have dealt with.
- Rear strap
- Telescopic Handles:
- 5 Year >Warranty:
You take care of your luggage and it takes care of you!
Someday, I will get another piece of Briggs and Riley. Then I will mosey on over to Tumi. But for now, I am gonna stick with the same luggage the pros (pilots, stewardess) use, Travelpro. It’s been with me thru many thicks and thins.
Do you have a piece of luggage you love? What makes you love it?
