Buying luggage isn’t an exact science. Some people who want to save a little money end up buying a cheap brand, only to watch it fall apart in front of their eyes. Others want to buy luggage that is stylish, yet spend more than they should have. The problem is that most people don’t know where to buy luggage and most importantly, what to look for.

To get started, you will need to set a budget and determine how often you travel. If you aren’t a frequent traveler, I would suggest keeping your budget lower. If you travel quite extensively, then you should make an investment in a set of high quality luggage. Over time your luggage will be bumped, scratched and knocked all around. So it only makes sense that the more you travel, the more durable your luggage needs to be.

Some things you will need to consider:

Do you want soft or hard sided luggage? The hard sided luggage is usually going to be heavier than soft luggage, but it is more durable and will offer better protection for your valuables. An exception is the polycarbonate luggage, which is both hard, but lightweight. However, it is quite expensive.

What is the denier of the fabric? The higher the denier of the fabric, the more durable it is. This is always a sure way to tell low quality luggage from high quality.

What kind of wheels does the luggage have? You want to look for urethane wheels, which ensures a smooth ride for your luggage. If the wheels are made of plastic, it is another sign of lower quality luggage.

Should you consider lightweight luggage? This luggage is more expensive, however, with the airlines starting to charge more for heavier bags, this may be an investment that pays off over time – for both your pocketbook and your back

Also, you will want to buy luggage that has been treated with weatherproofing materials. I’ve lost count how many times I have been stuck in the rain while traveling and believe me when I tell you, cheap luggage doesn’t hold water at bay very well!

On a final note, even if you buy luggage online, be sure to check out the luggage you want in a store before purchasing it. Open it up, inspect the zippers, stitching, amount of room etc. This will guarantee you aren’t getting any surprises when it is shipped.