Looking for the perfect carry-on? What makes a carry-on bag “perfect”?
It’s simple. You can say that a carry-on bag is “perfect” if it does what you need it to do.
People travel for different reasons. Therefore, there are no “one-size-fits-all” carry-ons. The reason you are traveling will determine the type of carry-on luggage you need and the one that is right for you.
So, why do people travel and what types of carry-on is available for each? Let’s take a look at a few.
Adventure Travel – Backpacks
Adventure travelers put their carry-on to the test. This means that the bag’s durability is a high priority. This does not mean that the bag must be bulky and heavy. Most adventure travelers do a lot of walking, hiking, trekking, etc. So, they also need a bag that is lightweight. The perfect choice for the adventure traveler is a backpack carry-on.
Adventure travelers tend to tote their bag around a lot more than other travelers. If you are headed for adventure, then be sure to look for a backpack carry-on with padded straps and a padded back panel. It will be more comfortable. For long trips, look for a carry-on with dual side water bottle pockets and a drop-down duffel for storing dirty clothes and shoes.
Business Travel – Briefs and Totes
Business travelers need to have their devices and documents accessible at all times. Briefs and totes are perfect carry-ons in this case. These bags usually have well-organized compartments and can be easily stored under your seat.
Some features that you will want to look for include a padded compartment for your laptop, cell phone pouch, a full-feature organizer and a shoe pocket. If you do a lot of business traveling, you will also want to choose a bag that has a reputation for being durable.
Family Vacation – Diaper Bags and Expandable Luggage
Family vacations are wonderful experiences for creating positive memories. They are also a lot of work, especially when traveling on a plane with small children. A good carry-on is essential for transporting all the extras needed to care for kids on long flights.
Infants have special needs. Diaper bag carry-ons are designed to meet these needs. Compartments are provided for diapers, ointments, lotions, wet wipes and other products necessary to care for a baby. Expandable luggage is perfect for a family with toddlers because it provides extra space for books and small toys that the child can use during the flight. Small children, depending on their age, can have their own colorful carry-on.
Weekend Getaway – Duffel Bags and Rolling Luggage
For quick trips, small and lightweight bags are the best choice. A couple of options include travel duffels and small rolling luggage. While duffel bags usually do not have a lot of extra pouches and compartments, you really do not need them for a weekend getaway, especially if you use a few packing folders and cubes and have a toiletry kit.
Remember, the perfect carry-on is the one that best meets your needs. The suggestions above are only guidelines. They should give you an idea of what is available and what might be best for each type of travel.
Before you start your search, one recommendation is to make a list of what you need to pack in your carry-on and how the bag will be used. This will help you to choose the perfect carry-on that is right for you.