Carry-on bags should be 18 inches or smaller.

Every time you travel there are a host of variables beyond your control, but one thing you can always control is your choice of luggage. The right suitcase or bag can make a world of difference whether you’re traveling by land, air or sea, and selecting poor luggage can lead to unnecessary complications no matter what your destination. Today’s luggage manufacturers offer a wide variety of high quality bags in all shapes and sizes, and once you know what to look for, it shouldn’t be hard to find a luggage collection to meet your individual travel needs.

Lynn Staneff has been an avid traveler for more than 25 years, during which time she has made every possible packing error, and learned the lessons of these mistakes. As coordinator of media relations for Magellan's, she has the opportunity to try all of the new travel goodies that make packing, and travel, a little easier. Here she offers a basic guide to the most popular and versatile kinds of luggage:

• The classic suitcase. In Staneff’s opinion, every traveler should have a basic suitcase that measures anywhere from twenty-two to twenty-six inches. Versatile and reliable, a strong, quality suitcase of this size will serve you well in most travel situations.

• The carry-on. A quality carry-on tote is also essential to any luggage collection. Wheels and an extending handle are a must, as lifting even a smaller suitcase through today’s huge airports can be a real burden. Business travelers might also consider a model that safely holds a laptop computer. Whatever your specific needs, remember that most airlines limit carry-on bags to eighteen inches at their longest point.

• The duffel. If you’re a college student traveling for the first time, you might consider an easy-to-pack duffel bag. Duffels expand to hold a lot of stuff, and many newer models come with wheels and handles that make them easy to move around when they get a bit too heavy to lift.

• Cost and style. According to Staneff, there are a lot of luggage lines that offer high-quality bags at reasonable prices. The key is to choose a bag that will stand up to whatever abuse it’s bound to take, and that matches your budget, personal style and packing needs.

Magellan’s
www.magellans.com

TravelSmith
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Travel Oasis
www.traveloasis.com

Travel.com
www.travel.com

Travel Guides 4U
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