choosing your packing bag

So many vacation options, so many different occasions! Which bag is right to take to your next trip? 

I wanted to break down the different types of travel bags to help you:

1. diversify with some non-suitcase options
2. choose which bag is appropriate for which occasion
3. travel in style 

Having each of these bags will keep you covered for any and every adventure you choose to take on! 

two-piece suitcase

Suitcases are one of those things where it's always worth it to do lots of research since they're so expensive, you'll use it a lot, and they're meant to last you a long time! You want a suitcase that will be durable, functional, and stylish, of course. 

Suitcases are my favourite bag of travel since I never have to worry about it not fitting as a carry on, nor do I worry about it getting dirty or ruined if the airline requires/requests for me to check in it for whatever reason. It's also very convenient since I can roll it- it's not hard on my shoulders like a duffel bag would be. 

I can probably do an entire post on choosing the right suitcase, but for now, I will say two things are absolutely required when shopping for a suitcase:

1. Making sure the size is compliant with the airline regulations. You can find measurements and rules by airline here.
2. Your suitcases have an '4-wheel drive' type of suitcase! Trust me when I say it's a hard life when you're working with a suitcase with just 2 wheels. It's not worth the struggle. 

Backpack

Whether you're doing an overnight or a backpacking travel through Europe, it's important to have a ergonomic backpack that's durable and has enough compartments. 

Wirecutter recommends ​the Osprey Packs Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack but it doesn't look like it's carry-on friendly (this model is OK for carry on though). For more recommendations, I recommend reading through the Pack Chronicles, a new lifestyle blog that features a lot of backpacks, written by one of my closest friends!  

tom bihn ​AERONAUT 45

I believe this bag gets its own category since it's like a backpack and a duffel combined. I've never bought it but so many of my friends rave about it and can't say enough. It's spacious enough like a carry on suitcase, but carries and travels like a backpack and duffel.  It's quite adjustable and seems really easy and light to pack with, so even though I've never used it, I'm going to still recommend it! 

Check it out here.

duffel bag

Duffel bags are a great option for a weekend getaway where you don't want to look like you're packed for a full week of travel. Duffels are more formless opposed to suitcases, which give me the justification to not be so strategic when it comes to packing (AKA I feel justified to be messy). I also love the feeling of just opening up my duffel wide open when I arrive at my hotel/AirBnB and letting that be enough, versus feeling I need to unpack everything right then and there when I open my suitcase. 

Last year, I bought a weekender duffel that's also carry on size compliant from an Australian brand called Country Road. I am obsessed with it. It's pretty, sold, durable, and way bigger than you'd expect. 

My absolute favourite duffel in my closet is my Cath Kidston foldable duffel set. Read about it here! 
*Another note about the foldable duffels, I brought it over to Korea in case I overshop, which I did, and now I have an extra duffel bag to bring back with me without having to buy a new suitcase! Cath Kidston is putting out more of the model I love, in new patterns! Find them here.

weekender tote

A weekender tote is essential for an overnight stay. Again, if you don't want to take a backpack but don't need to pack an entire duffel, this is a great option. It carries enough, carried on the shoulder, and simple. It doesn't make you feel like you're able to go on some trek. You can find cute and cheap options from Target!

One con about weekenders is the lack of pockets and compartments, just something to keep in mind! 

the bottom line...

There are a ton of options when it comes to finding a travel bag; the question is: 'For what occasion?' Consider the length, location/season, intensity of the trip, and which bag might make the most sense to take! 

Am I missing a category? Let me know!