Three Tips About Suitcases

  Posted on August 14, 2025 by Phoebe Chan

1. Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Sided Suitcases

Hard-shell suitcases
Pros:

  • Water resistance against rain, spills, and even fish odours. We once flew in with soft suitcases only to find them smelling like the local catch!
  • Rigid walls protect fragile gear.

Cons:

  • More prone to cracking and damage especially in the corners if handled roughly — this has happened to almost all our hard-shell suitcases.

Soft-sided suitcases
Pros:

  • Exterior pockets for easy access to documents, snacks, or water bottles.
  • Built-in expansion lets you squeeze in those last-minute gifts from friends and family and things you forgot to pack.

Cons:

  • Less protection from sharp impacts, moisture and animal excretions – Our luggage has also survived journeys with non-toilet-trained goats and chickens.

Bottom line: Choose your shell based on expected baggage handling, what you pack inside and local climate.

2. Luggage Straps & Bright Colours

  • Spot your bag instantly by wrapping a bold strap or tie a brightly coloured ribbon around the handle. Against a sea of black and navy, you’ll never second-guess which suitcase is yours when you are eager to get out of the chaotic and hot airport after a long trip!
  • Unique straps and colours help prevent someone else from accidentally claiming your bag.
  • Stay organised on the road: Assign each category its own hue e.g. red for homeschool materials, green for medical supplies, blue for clothes. It also makes it easier when unpacking.

3. AirTags & Pre-Trip Photos

  • Slip AirTags into your bags before check in. Even if local systems are slow and inefficient, you’ll know exactly where your luggage is (pending on internet connection!).
  • Take photos of your luggage. If someone else needs to collect delayed bags for you, they’ll have instant visual references.

These little things have made a big difference in how we travel — and how we settle in once we arrive.

Happy packing!

 

 

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