Before You Buy Luggage

If you already own (or can borrow) luggage, you may not have to buy new. Here's help deciding when you're better off buying than using what you have:

• Your luggage is too big, too small, or too heavy for your needs
• Newer pieces have wheels, and yours doesn't
• It's torn and not worth the cost of repair
• More than once, it's been mistaken for someone else's at the airport

On the other hand, if the luggage you have is only dirty or scuffed but otherwise suits your needs, wipe it down with a clean, moist cloth and keep using it: It's only going to get more soiled on subsequent travels.

Utility is key. What will you mostly use the luggage for? Long or short trips, airline or car travel? Will you be leaving for an extended amount of time or do you only need a weekend bag that holds a few items? Consider:

• Size — bigger pieces hold more, but grow heavier — and airlines have weight limits
• Weight when empty — adds to the burden you carry or roll, but heavier is sturdier
• Fabrication — durable nylon is light but less stylish than leather
• Features — quality wheels, handles, pockets, dividers, and zippers all matter

Note: Better online luggage sellers feature customer reviews worth reading before you buy.

When you have a big trip planned where you'll need a variety of clothing for a length of time, think big.

You're likely to require a variety of outfits and shoes to wear for different occasions — beach outings, sports, sight-seeing, casual and romantic dinners — and something to hold it all.

If you don't have any luggage at all, you may want to invest in a matched set of 4 to 7 pieces in different sizes, which allows each of you to have your own bags. I also recommend owning a rolling duffel bag; bigger ones have near-bottomless capacity. And spinner suitcases let you maneuver a heavy load easily.

Airlines have gotten very strict about the size of the bag you can carry aboard. And the last thing you want to have to do is turn over your valuables to a baggage handler in order to enter the plane. Before you buy and before you fly, check with your airline to see what's allowable.

You may also need a travel bag to walk around with. When spending time in a place where pickpockets gather, consider using a bag with special safety features, such as those built into the first two travel tote bags on this page. Thieves are wily, and using smart luggage is like having portable insurance.

As you start shopping for luggage, you may feel confused by all the types available and choices you face. What's the difference between a brand's 21", 25", and 28" suitcase, you may wonder. (Answer: Capacity. Otherwise they're usually identical.)

Most luggage is multi-purpose, so unless you buy something way too big or small, it can be adapted to your needs. That said, there are specific pieces for specific needs: If you're traveling to a destination wedding with a long dress and tuxedo, a garment bag can help minimize wrinkles. Cosmetic bags have multiple pockets that keep small objects organized.

One of travelers' big fears is that they will leave some critical item at home. Avoid that worry: Know what to pack inside your new luggage by using my A-Z Vacation Packing List. It's as comprehensive as possible and includes suggestions for what to pack in these categories:

• Media/Technology
• Essential Medical Items
• Money & Documents
• Key Items for Men
• Key Items for Women
• Sundries for Everyone

Also find packing tips to help you make the best use of your time and space.

The brand of luggage you choose to buy is important since you may need to add to your collection as time goes on. It also makes a statement about you. Rather than having a ragtag collection of mismatched luggage tumble down the carousel, compatible pieces trumpet your sense of style.

While there are many fine brands of luggage, Tumi is highly regarded by sophisticated travelers. Tumi holds more than 25 patents for design and engineering, and its bags are as durable as they are good-looking. They all feature Tumi’s Tracer product identification system, which helps in reuniting lost or stolen bags and owners.

I recommend all three of these online luggage stores. I've personally bought from each of them, and will again:

• eBags (vendor's site) has the greatest variety of items, the best prices, and runs frequent sales
• Magellans (vendor's site) merchandise is smartly designed to suit travelers' specific needs
• Zappos (vendor's site) features the trendiest luggage, offers free shipping both ways, and has outstanding customer service.