By Wendy Byard
Travel Advisor for solo women travellers

What should you look for in a suitcase?

The key to finding the best suitcase is to look for one thats ​​durable and comfortable to use. To withstand all elements, I look for a suitcase that’s completely waterproof. Reliable wheels are also essential.

What size counts as a carry on suitcase?

You’ll be forgiven for googling this every time you go on holiday, as the unfortunate reality is that every airline has different rules. British Airways, for example, allows a generous 56cm x 35cm x 25cm bag, Emirates is similarly big, allowing 55cm x 38cm x 20cm, and Virgin Atlantic allows 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.

A cheaper airline like easyJet has a smaller allowance, at 45cm x 36cm x 20cm. RyanAir’s allowance is (predictably) very small at 40cm x 20cm x 20cm. Jet2 has a large allowance for a budget airline, allowing 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. TUI Airways allows 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Each airline specifies their own allowances on their own website. If you want a universal cabin bag, that will fit most airlines, we’d suggest sticking to RyanAir’s frugal 40cm x 20cm x 20cm.

What is better, two wheel or four wheel luggage?

Four wheeled suitcases are better than two wheeled if you’re only wheeling on flat surfaces, but they tend to be more expensive. Two wheeled suitcases have to be pulled behind you while four wheeled suitcases can be pulled both beside and behind you. Four wheeled suitcases have better balance - two wheeled suitcases can easily fall over if the weight distribution isn’t quite right. That said, the wheels on four wheeled suitcases are generally smaller and less stable, so two wheeled suitcases better suit rugged terrain. They’re also more durable.

Is a hard shell or soft shell suitcase better?

Soft shell suitcases have more flexibility for over-packers whereas hard shell suitcases are more durable and protective of valuables like laptops and iPads. To sum it up: it’s a very personal choice, it’s all about how you prefer to travel.

It’s no secret that checked in suitcases take a beating behind the scenes. We’ve all seen how high they get piled on transportation trolleys to and from aeroplanes and the accidental falls the airport staff think no one sees. It’s inevitable given the turnover times within flights - sometimes less than half an hour. If you prefer to check suitcases in, I’d recommend a hard shell suitcase.

Not all experts opt for hard-shell cases – The Telegraph’s former travel features editor Jade Bremner says: “It’s EastPak all the way for me – I’ve had mine for 10 years and it’s almost the same as when I bought it.

“It’s come with me to six continents, from city breaks to the jungle, forest and beach. It’s strong, reliable and squishy – if you need to get it into a compact space or stuff in last minute additions. It’s got sturdy wheels (push it upright or pull it along) and comes with a 30 year guarantee, too.”

If you tend to take your suitcase onboard with you, a soft shell suitcase might suit you better. They squeeze into smaller spaces, fit more inside and often weigh less.

As well as quizzing the experts on their favourite cases, my testers loaded each case up and took it for a spin, quite literally, to test while travelling on buses, trains and planes. Each was tested for at least a long weekend away each - although many of these have been tested for trips abroad for up to two weeks. They were rated for weight (especially when using overhead storage), durability, sizing, how easily the cases scuffed, how easy the handles were to use and how spacious we found them inside during the packing process. Here's the results!

The Cases

1. Tripp Holiday Suitcase

The Tripp Holiday Suitcase is a popular choice among travellers seeking durability and style at an affordable price point. It's part of Tripp's best-selling hard-side luggage collection, known for its lightweight design and vibrant colour options. The medium version is expandable too!

Key Features:

• Material: Constructed from tough polypropylene, offering a robust exterior that withstands the rigours of travel.

• Weight and Capacity: The medium-sized case weighs approximately 3.2 kg with a capacity of 66 litres, providing ample space for a week's worth of clothing and essentials.

• Dimensions: Measuring 66cm x 45cm x 26cm, it strikes a balance between spaciousness and portability.

• Wheels: Equipped with four smooth-rolling wheels, ensuring easy manoeuvrability through airports and city streets.

• Lock: Features an integrated combination TSA lock for enhanced security during your travels.

• Interior: The interior includes packing straps to secure your belongings and a zipped compartment for organised packing.

• Warranty: Comes with a 5-year guarantee, reflecting the brand's confidence in its product's durability.

Pros:

• Affordability: Offers excellent value for money without compromising on quality.

• Lightweight Design: Easy to handle, reducing the strain during transit.

• Vibrant Colour Options: Available in a range of bright colours, making it easy to spot on the luggage carousel.

Cons:

• Limited Interior Organization: Some users may find the internal compartmentalization basic compared to premium models.

• Handle Durability: A few travellers have noted that the telescopic handle may feel less sturdy under heavy use

Final Thoughts

The Tripp Holiday Suitcase is an excellent choice for solo travellers seeking a reliable and stylish companion for their journeys. Its combination of durability, lightweight design, and affordability makes it a standout option in the budget luggage market.

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