Luggage needs?

[TravelBug92]

Hello! 

 

Next fall I'll be attending a uni in the UK (likely Northern England) and will be there for at least a year straight, so I'll need enough space for clothing/shoes for all seasons. I'm currently looking for luggage sets that I might enjoy having, but my problem is I'm not sure what size would be good for a year. I studied abroad for a semester last year and took a fairly large suitcase (about 28 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches I think) and a carry-on sized, and both were completely packed - for just a quarter of the time I'll be there for my masters program.

 

I was wondering if anyone had some input on what sized luggage/luggage sets would be conducive for my needs, because I am completely stumped!

 

Steph

Edited December 3, 2013 by sko127

[DuongVat]

Trust me, northern England only has one season throughout the entire year.  You'll be fine.

[TravelBug92]

Is it different than central Scotland (Stirling)? When I was there I definitely needed clothing for multiple seasons (haha).

[St Andrews Lynx]

The great thing about living in the UK as a student is the existence of charity shops (thrift shops) in every town. Especially in university towns like Durham: it may take some searching but you can find a lot of good-quality clothing at ridiculously cheap prices. They are also the best places to buy kitchenware, etc.

 

Pack light, buy all the clothes you need when you get there.

[Shiji E. Moji]

I'm reviving this topic with the hope that someone out there has some amazing luggage -- which brand do you prefer? Best size luggage for the money? Luggage experience travelling abroad? To clarify, I'm a US resident off to the UK in the fall for a one year program. I plan on packing light (I'm not taking the whole wardrobe, and I'm trying not to take all of my books), two check-in suitcases/duffels at most.

 

I'm no slouch when it comes to travel, but I'd like a piece (or two) of new luggage that will last me at least 5 years. That, and product reviews always come off sounding a bit fake to me. 

 

Any insight would be very much appreciated! 

[TakeruK]

Honestly, I don't think the upscale luggage brands are that much better than the cheaper kinds. At least, not for the price difference! My spouse worked at a retail luggage store for awhile to pay for college and she would always tell me and everyone this.

 

This is my 5th year as a graduate student and I have travelled a lot. Most of our luggage is about 5-6 years old and they are still going strong. I found that the Swiss gear brand is pretty good for my smaller carryon piece ($75 for it, but for most trips, it's the only piece I take and I save on checked bag fees every time). The bigger pieces are about $100 but we waited for a buy one get one free (or 50% sale) to get a couple of pieces that end up costing between $50-$75 each. 

 

Sure, these lower scale luggage pieces won't stay super pretty and will get bumped up a little bit as you travel but I think luggage is meant to be used, not stored! In my opinion, you can easily pay 2 or 3 (or more) times as much for an upscale brand (e.g. Samsonite etc.) but they are not going to last 2 or 3 times longer. Just buy the cheaper ones, not worry about airlines messing up your luggage and replace them when they no longer work! 

[Shiji E. Moji]

Honestly, I don't think the upscale luggage brands are that much better than the cheaper kinds. At least, not for the price difference! My spouse worked at a retail luggage store for awhile to pay for college and she would always tell me and everyone this.

 

This is my 5th year as a graduate student and I have travelled a lot. Most of our luggage is about 5-6 years old and they are still going strong. I found that the Swiss gear brand is pretty good for my smaller carryon piece ($75 for it, but for most trips, it's the only piece I take and I save on checked bag fees every time). The bigger pieces are about $100 but we waited for a buy one get one free (or 50% sale) to get a couple of pieces that end up costing between $50-$75 each. 

 

Sure, these lower scale luggage pieces won't stay super pretty and will get bumped up a little bit as you travel but I think luggage is meant to be used, not stored! In my opinion, you can easily pay 2 or 3 (or more) times as much for an upscale brand (e.g. Samsonite etc.) but they are not going to last 2 or 3 times longer. Just buy the cheaper ones, not worry about airlines messing up your luggage and replace them when they no longer work! 

 

Thank you! I certainly don't plan on getting designer/upscale luggage. I just want something that'll last and isn't too heavy before there are any clothes in it. "IT" brand seemed a good deal + quality, but many reviews say not to bother (it doesn't make it past the first trip). Which means the quality isn't nearly as good as I'd read. I've seen it in person, too, and it didn't impress me (all the materials looked great, but the stitching didn't look like it'd last). This certainly doesn't mean it isn't good, and some people have found success with the product, but I'm not sure I can put $100 dollars into luggage that I'll only potentially use once. 

 

Thanks again! Your post was really helpful!