Getting the most out of your luggage

When arriving in a new country with nothing but a suitcase and the 
clothes on your back every centimetre and kilogram counts!  

 

Is it time to put your suitcase on a diet?

When was the last time you weighed your suitcase? Probably before your last big trip, right? 

How many of you have ever tried weighing it empty? After checking your airline's maximum weight allowances, you might be surprised to see just how many valuable kilograms you've lost before you've even begun.

 

Lightweight suitcases

If you don’t already own a suitcase, or can afford to buy a new one, I highly recommend shopping around for the lightest one you can find. Be sure to keep your airline's maximum baggage dimensions in mind and remember that as far as luggage is concerned, bigger is not always better. There’s no point having an enormous suitcase, if filling it will tip the scales. 

 

After doing a quick search online, the lightest check-in-size case I could find was the Samsonite Cubelite Upright 74cm (74 x 50 x 33), which weighs just 3.2kg. It's by no means the cheapest on the market, but just think of all the extra shoes you could pack!   

 

Antler Liquis International Cabin Case Colour: Graphite Size: 56 x 35 x 23 cm Weight: 2.0kg

  

Lightweight cabin cases 

If you’re planning on doing lots of travel when you arrive, I also recommend buying a small, lightweight cabin case. Not only are they perfect for mini breaks, they’ll allow you to get the absolute most out of your carry on allowance when you first arrive.

 

Before moving to Oxford, I purchased an Antler New Size Zero 2011 Super Lightweight Cabin Suitcase, which weighs 2.4kgs, but it has since been outdone by the Antler Liquis, (pictured above). Not only does the Liquis have the added benefit of having 4 wheels, it weighs just 2kg!  While the debate continues over which is better, 2 wheels or 4?  I think four-wheeled suitcases are far easier to pull through crowded airports and subways. Which do you prefer?