Traveling for business can be fun, as long as it’s comfortable. A comfortable trip of any kind always starts with the right suitcase, but when doing business, you need to be super organized!
When travelling for business, choosing the right kind of suitcase is more important than you might think. You need space, efficiency and comfort. Your luggage should be easily navigated while space and ergonomic design are essential for keeping your clothes neat ―you wouldn’t want to show up for a meeting with a wrinkled shirt! Travelling is about human connection, where first impressions are vital, even more so when business is concerned.
So, what is it that you should consider when choosing the right luggage for business?
Material
Shopping can be chaotic, as there’s a lot of options to whittle down. As far as suitcases are concerned, the material is important. Do you want a soft and flexible bag or a hard case with a polycarbonate shell to keep your belongings safe? Do you need it to be water-resistant? Regardless of what you choose, each option comes with its perks ―so take notes on exactly what you need beforehand, narrowing down your range.
Size
Are you packing for a business weekend trip or a week-long conference? In any case, size is a factor you should take into account, making sure you’ve checked all measurements, width, height, and weight! According to travel blogger Lenzee Gillette, it’s best to choose a carry-on suitcase that will fit in the overhead compartment of a plane, or underneath your seat, as this is the most popular and convenient option you won’t need to check-in.
Ease and Comfort
While a lot of people have trouble packing, it shouldn’t be hard to do. The right suitcase is supposed to help you organize your belongings, keep your clothes wrinkle-free and allow you to reach for whatever you need, whenever you need to.
Plus, it should be easy to carry and move around. Do you need wheels to glide it along with the floors of the station or airport, or do you prefer a duffle you can keep on your shoulder while going up and down steps? Whatever the case, you have a wide variety of options, all with their own benefits.
Best Hardcase Carry-on
So, where to begin? Below, we’ve gathered some of the best suitcases for business travels to help you get started.
Tumi Latitude International
This suitcase is made with layers of reinforced polypropylene ballistic material, specially woven. While durable and impressive, this hard case carry-on bends and flexes to fit mostly everywhere, all the while protecting the contents. Its four spinner wheels and telescoping handle add extra support and convenience.
Inside, there are two compartments and mesh tie-down straps for your belongings to be packed neatly, while the available zip pockets will help you separate the toiletries. There’s also a hanger bracket to keep formal wear from wrinkling.
Additionally, the Tumi Latitude International is very light. Measuring at 22 x 14 x 9 inches, it weighs only 6.24 pounds.
Best Soft-shell Carry-on
Lipault’s Original Plume Spinner 55/20
This carry-on is an amazing option for anyone looking for a more flexible luggage solution. Lipault’s Original Plume Spinner weighs just 4.9 pounds and features a 4-wheel spinner system, allowing for effortless mobility in most terrains and to every direction. Available in 4 charming colours, it boasts a 4-stage telescopic handle along with 2 carrying handles.
In the inside, its main compartment featuers a zipped lateral pocket and a full-length interior cover pocket, as well as securing straps, and a front zipper pocket to store the items you’ll need easy access to while traveling.
Best Laptop Backpack for Business Travelers
Tumi Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack
If your business trip is just for a day or two and you merely need a change of clothes, or you just need a seperate backpack for your laptop and easy-access essentials, the Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack could be ideal for you.
It’s small and lightweight (1.6 lbs and 17 x 12 x 6 inches), made of nylon and features a lot of seperate compartments: a double-zip entry to the main compartment, double-zip entry to the front pocket and a laptop compartment, as well as a front straight pocket with a locking zipper, side phone and water pockets, a leather top handle, along with padded, adjustable shoulder straps to carry with you comfortably.
Best Affordable Suitcase
Amazon Basics Soft-Side Carry-On Spinner Luggage Suitcase
If you happen to be on a budget, choosing a quality business suitcase can be quite challenging. However, the Amazon Basics Soft-Side Carry-On Spinner Luggage Suitcase is here for you, priced at just under $60. For an affordable price, you get a neat and nice-looking soft-shell carry-on that can be squeezed and fit nearly everywhere.
This suitcase features 3 zippered pockets and expands up to 25%, so you’ll be able to fit whatever you need inside. Standing at a 21 inches height, it’s got a telescoping handle for comfortable pulling, and its 360-degree spinner wheel system allows for smooth-rolling in any surface and direction.
Best Underseater
Samsonite Solyte Deluxe Underseat Carry-On
Measuring at 16 x 14 x 7.25 inches, the Samsonite’s Solyte Deluxe neatly fits under your seat. Designed for efficiency and comfort, this under seater can accommodate your laptop and your tablet in its padded dual sleeve, while a USB charging port is also available for mobile charging. Υou’ll have to buy the battery separately, but it’s a smart choice if you need to get some work done on the go.
Available in three blue-ish colours, this suitcase also has a front compartment ideal for separating any dirty clothing from the rest of your stuff; finally, a very attractive 10-year warranty makes this suitcase a very wise purchase option, priced at $127.99.
Best Duffel Bag
Leather Duffel Bag
For the more traditional types, this classic, chic, leather duffel is a great choice for a weekend conference or a few nights’ stay at a hotel. Thick, rugged and sturdy, this Duluth Trading duffel is built to last you for a long time.
Measuring at 24 x 12 x 12 inches, this bag has a capacity of 56 litres and can easily hold a few days’ changes of clothes and a pair of shoes. It features a detachable shoulder strap along with a U-shape zipper for easy packing and unpacking. The flannel inside lining makes for a more luxurious note, while the vintage brass details on the zippers and buckles are a sign of top-quality design.
