Where has this year gone? It feels like only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, and now it’s almost three quarters of the way through the year and the September school holidays are just around the corner.
September is always a popular holiday time, whether you’re a uni student making the most of their mid-semester break or a family wanting to spend some quality time together. To prepare you for your next adventure, we asked the experts from luggage retailer Bags to Go for their top tips on how to choose the best bag for your big trip.
The Beach Getaway
After a long and cold winter, we’re sure many Brisbanites will be itching to hit the waves and enjoy some springtime sun. And how could you go past the Gold Coast? This area is a classic destination for a reason – the mix of modern high-rises and old-school surf shacks means there’s an option for everyone. You may plan to get down there for the weekend, or stay for an entire week (or two!), but the best thing about a road trip is that you won’t have to worry about your bag getting damaged in transit. Instead of a clunky suitcase, look for easy-to-pack duffle bags that can fit all of the togs and boardies you’ll need. The most important thing is to make sure you get a quality bag with straps that can support the weight of whatever you put inside. A decent bag for this kind of trip is the Josh Leather Overnight Bag from Oran.
The Domestic Departure
Get out of town – literally! A number of airlines these days offer affordable fares for flights to Melbourne, Sydney, and other capital cities, creating the perfect opportunity to sample what the rest of Australia has to offer. However, in many cases you’ll find your fare only includes carry-on luggage, so it’s critical you have a suitable bag. To avoid adding unnecessary weight, look for a light yet durable option in the approved size. In the past, this would mean avoiding hard suitcases, but in today’s market this kind of luggage is often the best option as it’s made from durable materials. A hard case will also stop you from over-packing and potentially running into issues when your bag doesn’t fit in the allocated space. Try out the Bon Air 55cm Small Spinner Suitcase from American Tourister!
A European Adventure
September is the end of Europe’s peak holiday season, so it’s the perfect time for a visit! You can enjoy the mild Autumn weather while taking advantage of some awesome travel deals. Just be sure to take a set luggage that can meet all your travel needs. Many travellers opt for black or neutral-coloured suitcases, but brighter colours may actually work to your advantage as they make your bag easier to find on the luggage carousel. You should also look out for suitcases with built-in security features, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything throughout the trip! The Prism Hi Shine Suitcases from Antler will probably do the trick in this case.
Cruising the High Seas
Brisbane is in a prime position for cruises around the South Pacific and New Zealand! Many of the larger cruise lines offer a variety of activities for people of all ages, so you can be sure there’s never going to be a dull moment on board. Cruisers should look out for luggage that can be swiftly manoeuvred in tight spaces, so four-wheeled suitcases are usually a safe option. Your luggage should also be able to absorb any impact, as it might get rough-handled during its journey onto the boat. The Lite Shock Spinner Suitcases from Samsonite is a good pick for this kind of trip.
The Family Camping Trip
Make the most of your time off and check out some of the camping hotspots in Brisbane’s surrounding areas. Cotton Tree, Ballina and Stradbroke Island are just some of the most popular camping grounds, but there are plenty more options to suit everyone. This is not the trip to bring out your expensive suitcase – opt instead for a soft hiking backpack or duffle bag like the Cancun Hiking Backpacks from BlackWolf.
