LUGGAGE

[Elaine62]

We're desperately in need of some decent luggage. Have bought countless cheap luggage sets in the past & they end up battered & broken within a couple of trips. Have ditched them all and am now just left 2 smaller cases that just don't fit the bill. would like to buy 4 or 6 largish holdalls with wheels but not sure to buy them here or there, any thoughts?

Elaine

[MarkJan]

Take as few clothes as you can, buy in Florida but make sure you rent a car big enough to bring them back. There is a luggage shop near the Florida Mall but I can't remember the name of it.

[Snapper]

Elaine, for what it's worth I'm a huge fan of both Samsonite and Atlantic luggage.

My main Samsonite holdall has been around the world so many times now I've lost count. I just looked it up for you and it's a 550 Series Spark.

Atlantic is a notch up again on quality above even Samsonite. It ain't cheap but when you use it you'll see why. It's practically indestructible! The other thing you'll notice with Atlantic is that whoever designed it put a lot of thought into it. It just 'works' better.

Already I can hear voices out there asking, 'How can a piece of luggage work better? A bag's a bag after all!' Well - it isn't. When you've travelled with one for a few years you'll see what I mean [msnsmile2]

A top tip when you get your new luggage. Get a roll of wide cloth tape and put about three layers of tape around the corners of the bag that it will tend to sit on. These are the areas that over time will take all the wear and the knocks. When the tape starts to wear you can just peel it off and put another layer on.

Next time you check in at the airport watch your bag as it heads down the conveyor belt and you'll see why this is such a good idea.

[Elaine62]

Thanks for that Snapper. Had a look on Kelkoo and they're around £100 each here (just a little dear when I need to buy a few!). Anyone know of how much these might cost in hte US? and if so from where?

Elaine

[SDJ]

We used Delsey hard back cases for 18 years of extensive travelling. They were not cheap but at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

We still have the Delseys - just a bit scratched, but now old fashioned. We bought the softer type cases with wheels and are now on our 3rd set in less than 6 years. The pockets seem to get ripped somehow between us checking in and collecting our cases at our destination.

I don't think you can beat the old Delsey and Samsonite hard backs. [msnwink]

Sandra

[Michele L]

We just bought a couple of canvas holdalls from walmart. There is a handle on one end which you can put away and wheels at the other. It is also easy and versatile to carry than conventional cases, also it does not take as much room

The make was wilson I believe (golf?). We paid $22 and it has lasted 4 years and is used about 5 times a year. Still going strong

You can get loads of stuff in it too.!

We have also been given a new set of luggage which came from a store in the cotswolds (stows). My sister got the same set, well after twice using one of the cases ones of hers is broken. We have used them twice and one of ours is split - they cost 7 times as much as the holdall??????[msnoo][msnmad][msnmad]


michele

[bargainqueen]

I have been using the some holdalls now more than 5 years, I bought them in Florida at the flea market just past the Walmart on 192 (Bass road marker 13) They range from $10 upwards depending on the size you want.

[Katys Grandad]

Because people travel so much these days luggage has almost become a disposable item. If you intend to travel a lot then I'd go for 1 of the quality brands (I like Travelpro). Otherwise, just buy some cheap bags and replace them as and when they need it. I saw some really good quality cheap bags in Tesco last week.

[pieman790]

We bought some decent Delsey cases from JC Penny's at the Florida mall, 3 weeks ago. They worked out at $110 each for the large one. They do look robust, are lightweight and come with a 5 year warranty. We did look at the Samsonite ones but they worked out about to be $50 more expensive than the Delsey ones.

[Macka]

Samsonite hard shell luggage, definately.

We've had ours for 8 years now and they've been all around the world without a hitch. I saw a test on the TV a few years ago where they dragged them behind cars, dropped them from great heights etc. They had really expensive designer stuff that failed miserably, cheap stuff that was better, but Samsonite was as rugged as they come. If you go to one of the McCarthy Glen type designer outlets, (Ellesmere port, Mansfield, Bicester), they do Samsonites for a round 50-60 quid for a large suitcase. I've also got Antler holdalls like the ones you mentioned, we use these for shoes and non breakable stuff, but honestly Elaine, soft luggage will not protect your valuables like hardcase luggage will.