The Ultimate Travel Bag Guide: Recommended Luggages for Different Types of Travel

Travel can mean so many different things to people. Some board planes only for work, others are culture-lovers who scour cities for exciting haunts, and many are adventure-seeking and wilderness wanderers. All of these different kinds of travellers have different needs when it comes to luggage and packing. In our ultimate travel bag guide, we give you the low down on your baggage must-haves.

For luxe holidaymakers

Photo: @alysaclaverie

What to buy:

A well-made designer suitcase

Why you need it:

Any luxury traveller knows that having a complete holiday look adds to the fun of your trip. Toting around the season’s hottest bag that shows off your personality or a classic designer luggage monogrammed with your initials is a real act of style and indulgence.

For an investment piece that will never go out of style, consider Louis Vuitton’s Horizon 55, a lightweight, four-wheel carry-on luggage that comes in a variety of materials like the timeless Monogram Canvas and Damier Ebene Canvas.

For something that’s both high-fashion and a little funky, Gucci’s Courrier GG Supreme is a good choice. This lined suitcase has vintage inspired details such as printed appliqués, metal feet, airmail piping and a leather luggage tag.

For Weekend Wanderers

Photo: @tarjacastel

What to buy:

A roomy weekend bag

Why you need it:

Any savvy traveller needs a good weekend bag; an easy carry-all that can fit all of your essentials for one or two days away from home. Roomy duffel bags are a good option because you can easily throw in your wares.

Mango’s Pebbled Weekend Bag is an affordable option, and although it’s designed for men, women can easily sport this bag too. Perfect for city trips, this sleek and versatile black bag comes with a double handle and a removable shoulder strap.

If you’re headed for outdoors, however, consider Patagonia’s Black Hole that is the brand’s largest duffel bag at 120 litres, designed for gear-intensive travel. This bag is waterproof and can be worn across the body or as a backpack.

For Business Travellers

 Photo Credit: @bluesmart

What to buy:

A four-wheel cabin-friendly bag

Why you need it:

Business trips often require differently of us and our suitcases. Trips are usually shorter, you need to look meeting ready, you are often in a hurry, and you may need to carry special garments with you like suits.

To make sure that you are well prepared for your work trip, consider TUMI’s Alpha 2, a carry-on wheeled garment bag that is light yet durable. It comes with travel-friendly features such as a hanger bracket, zip pockets, tie-down straps and removable zippered pouches.

If you’re looking for a bag that will go the extra mile, the high tech Bluesmart Black Edition International Luggage is undoubtedly a good match. This bag comes with a USB charging port, 3G and GPS as well as a lock that can be controlled from your mobile phone – talk about a bag of the future.

For Backpackers and Hikers

Photo Cred: @urban_preppers

What to buy:

A quality, durable backpack.

Why you need it:

For adventurers who love wandering off the beaten track, the importance of having one good backpack that can hold it all together is crucial. If you’re carrying everything that you need with you, a backpack that’s lightweight, space-saving, comfortable and durable is key.

Prevent back problems with ergonomic bags like Deuter Transit 50. This choice is large enough to fit all of your essentials and even has a separate compartment for your shoes and sleeping bag.

If you’re planning to trek through the wilderness, try the highly-rated TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack, which has 3400 cubic inches of space and has a lifetime warranty. It’s hard to go wrong with this one!

For Travelling Light

Photo Credit: Adriana Gastélum

What to buy:

A lightweight bag that fits in the cabin

Why you need it:

Efficient travellers are always finding ways how to pack more effectively and make their way through the airport in record time. Checking in your luggage is an absolute no-no for these kinds of trippers, therefore finding a lightweight bag that fits in the cabin is the top priority.

Cosmolite Spinner is part of Samsonite’s lightest collection and comes in several fashionable colours and has near-silent multi-directional wheels. This one will help you zip right past immigration.

But if you’re planning to travel even lighter, try Rimowa’s Salsa Board Case, which holds up to 23L and comes in four sleek colours. This tiny travel buddy is a true minimalist’s dream.