Instead, find the case that works for you and buy Duck Tape or Packing Tape which now comes in dozens of bright patterns. The fancy suitcases with bright patterns may look pretty and easy to spot, but you pay for those designs. Hedgren’s Andreia tote does double-duty as a travel bag and stylish purse.Ī cheap way to spot your suitcase. Even better it has a built-in TSA lock that makes it almost impossible for the bad guys to break into. The Hedgren Transit Boarding S not only has a sturdier scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, but an outside pocket that holds a 15″ laptop. And the thinner the plastic shell, the more likely your suitcase is to get scratched and nicked.īut manufacturers are making hardsides more durable and adding safety features. On the downside unlike cloth, polycarbonate isn’t easy to attach pockets on the inside or outside, because there’s nothing for manufacturers to sew on to. That’s half the weight of my go-to ballistic nylon suitcase. For instance, the Lojel Ultra Lightweight weighs less than four pounds. softside? Polycarbonate suitcases are lighter, much lighter. But be warned: once you check that bag, sometimes bad guys are now using bolt cutters to cut them off. What that means is TSA has a “master key” agents can use to open your lock should your luggage contents warrant extra scrutiny. If you have an older case, you’ll need to buy a TSA-approved lock.

Here are seven tips that can help you save money when buying new luggage and making sure it doesn’t disappear on your travels.Īre locks worth it? Even if you don’t put anything of great value into checked luggage, it should be locked. fancy luggage, as long as you realize that you may have to replace it after a few trips. You can find it all online or at local retailers.

Don’t worry, the examples below are all reasonably priced, most less than $150 and some even cheaper. It’s all about FUNCTION, SAFETY, SIZE, and WEIGHT - and avoiding pesky checked bag fees or overweight luggage fees. I’m a bit of a suitcase addict - you should see my basement - and every year attend to the Travel Goods Showcase to see what’s new. Living On The Cheap is all about saving readers money and that includes travel.

Hedgren world explorer