For lots of us, packing for a holiday means dragging our suitcases down from the attic or out from under the bed. However, hard cases are not the only option when it comes to transporting luggage. Depending on the length of the trip and the type of vacation you’re taking a backpack or holdall may be better suited to your needs. Check out this guide on the three main types of luggage bags, so you can decide whether you need to invest in a good backpack or holdall as well as your suitcase.
Suit Case
The benefit of a traditional suitcase is that you don’t have to carry it or hold it all of the time. The wheels on the case mean that you can roll it along as you move through an airport or train station, and this is generally less exhausting than lugging around a holdall or a backpack. However, if there are unavoidable stairs—or if you’re in a sudden rush to catch a flight or a train—a suitcase can become more of a hindrance than a help, as you will need to lift it and its hard exterior can make it much heavier than a softer holdall. A suitcase is a good option if you’re taking quite a lot with you on vacation, especially if it’s going into the hold.
Holdall
A holdall is a great option if you’re traveling through a smaller airport or train station, as carrying it long distances can get tiring. It also works well if you’re only going away for a few days, as most holdalls can’t carry that much luggage. Another plus is that they can be squashed down to fit into most airline’s cabin baggage requirements, so you can avoid paying for hold luggage if you pack sensibly.
Backpack
If you know that you’ve got quite a walk between the airport and your hotel, or if you think you’ll need to move quickly through crowds, a backpack is a great option to carry your luggage. Once it’s on your back you should barely notice the weight, and like the holdall most can be squashed down to fit the cabin baggage requirements. Do be aware that if you’re intending to speed walk with your backpack on in a warmer climate, you can get very overheated. It’s also good to remember that museums and some shops won’t want you bringing it in, just in case some precious artifacts get knocked onto the floor.
