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Guide: Choose the Right Bag and Pack Smart for Every Trip

Here you will find practical tips on how to choose the right bag and pack efficiently, whether you are going on holiday, a business trip, or a short weekend getaway.
Collaboration with: TUMI & Samsonite Text: Adam Hämäläinen Video: Leo Prim
Guide: Choose the Right Bag and Pack Smart for Every Trip

How Should You Think When Choosing a Bag?

Choosing the right bag for a trip can feel tricky – the answer often depends on the type of journey you are taking and what you need to bring with you. With the information above, we hope that with the right bag and thought through packing, you can travel more comfortably, keep your belongings organized, and avoid stress at the airport.

Keep in mind:

✔ Different airlines have different rules for carry-on baggage weight and size, so make sure to check before your trip to avoid additional fees. The usual weight range is 7–12 kg, with dimensions such as:

55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm
55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm
55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm

✔ Make sure the bag has a TSA lock if you are travelling to the USA.
✔ Keep items you need quick access to (passport, toiletries, chargers, snacks) easily reachable.
✔ Use packing cubes or bags to organize clothes and accessories.
✔ Pack heavier items at the bottom and work your way up with lighter garments.

Which Bag Should I Choose for My Holiday?

When you are going on holiday, your destination plays a major role in determining which type of bag is best. If you are going on a sports or ski trip, a soft bag or duffel bag can be practical as it is lighter, more flexible, and easy to fit into tight spaces. If you are instead going on a city break or a beach holiday, a hard-shell suitcase is a good choice as it provides better protection against impacts and moisture. Perfect if you want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and protect more delicate items.

Keep in mind:

– Use packing cubes or bags to organize clothes and accessories.
– Place heavy items at the bottom near the wheels and lighter garments on top.
– Keep items you need quick access to (passport, chargers, snacks) in an outer pocket or front compartment.

Which Bag is Suitable for a Business Trip?

A business trip often requires more thought through packing, where you need both function and elegance. A cabin bag is an excellent choice as its size makes it easy to bring onboard the plane. For additional packing, it can also be practical to bring a backpack or briefcase for your laptop, headphones, important documents, and other work-related items you need to keep close at hand.

Keep in mind:

– Different airlines have different rules for the weight and size of carry-on baggage, so make sure to check before travelling to avoid extra fees. Ensure that your bag has a TSA lock if you are travelling to the USA.
– Like mentioned above, it can be helpful to use packing cubes or bags to stay organized and minimize wrinkles.
– Use a toiletry bag for your essentials and keep it accessible during the security check.
– Packing a blazer? Fold the sleeves inward, then fold the blazer in half and place it on top of your packed items.

Which Bag Should I Bring for a Weekend Trip?

A weekend trip calls for a light and practical bag – the choice depends on where you are going and what you plan to do. For a short city break, a cabin suitcase with 2–4 wheels is ideal for moving quickly and comfortably through airports or trains in urban areas. A duffel bag is also a great option for a weekend trip as it is flexible and easy to pack. It is preferable if you are travelling by car and do not need to carry your bag for long distances.

Keep in mind:

– If you are flying abroad, keep your toiletries close at hand for security checks.
– For shoes, use a shoe bag or pouch and place it at the bottom of the bag, or pack the shoes separately.
– In a duffel bag, pack heavy items at the bottom, such as shoes and trousers, and work your way up with lighter clothes like T-shirts and shirts.
– Roll your clothes to save space and avoid creases.

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