How to Choose the Right Travel Bag for a Weekend Getaway

When planning to go on a trip, most people spend time thinking about what to pack, forgetting an equally important aspect – the bag or luggage to carry the items. Do you know that your chosen travel bag can make or mar your long-awaited trip? When choosing the best bag for travelling, you don’t need to settle for something that doesn’t feel quite right.

Whether you’re going away for a short weekend or a longer city break abroad, it’s best to choose a travel bag that not only fits your personal style but also ticks all the boxes when it comes to staying organized and carrying your things effortlessly and securely. From weekenders to leather holdalls, and carry-ons, here’s how to choose the right bag for your getaway.

1. 1. What size luggage do I need?

Size matters when you’re travelling so it’s important to consider – what size luggage do I need? Since it’s only a short trip, you don’t need a bag that looks like you’re moving to another country but you can also find yourself struggling if you cannot fit everything you want to take with you. Finding the sweet spot size-wise is key.

First consider the items you’ll be putting in the travel bag. If you need to take quite a few items with you, a leather holdall might be the perfect fit. If you're travelling light and only need a couple of clothing items and some other basic necessities, a smaller bag or a backpack will do the trick. Try to choose a carry-on bag that leaves some extra space even when you've placed all your items inside – you never know if you might need something extra or bring something back from your getaway.

Weekender bags are great for short trips. They are spacious enough to fit all of your basic necessities and quite a few extra items all while leaving a bit of extra space for anything unexpected. On top of that, they're easy to carry and also look great.

2. 2. Waterproof bag or not?

People are usually on the fence when it comes to choosing a waterproof travel bag. The main reason is that waterproof bags tend to be more expensive than regular bags. Usually it all comes down to materials and construction used in their production. But if you're travelling to a place with unpredictable weather conditions (rain and snow), consider getting a waterproof weekender.

Even if you're travelling somewhere that is supposed to be quite dry, you never know when an unexpected downpour may occur. Waterproofing is key to ensuring that your clothes and other valuables stay dry inside your travel bag. Waterproof materials ensure that you don't have to worry about water damage to the bag itself.

What's great about leather bags is that you can easily waterproof them too. Proper cleaning and conditioning beforehand is essential but that goes along with regular upkeeping of a leather bag anyway so that's quite easy to do. Furthermore, it keeps your leather bag looking great at all times.

3. 3. Durability is key

There's nothing worse than realising that your travel bag is not going to last. It may be tempting to go for a budget option but you have to ask yourself whether you want to be using your new travel bag for more than one or two times.

Investing in a premium leather weekender is a sustainable choice. You'll avoid the hassle of replacing bags frequently and you'll get a timeless piece that will be a reliable companion for all your travels.

Premium bags tend to cost more than basic high street travel bags but it's worth looking at a price breakdown to see it objectively. Normally, a premium bag will start at a price point that is two to three times higher than a very basic bag. But if you consider the fact that a premium bag may serve you for a lifetime, it's not too bad, is it? On top of that, consider the high-quality materials used and the fact that premium bags are often handmade by expert craftsmen. This way you know your bag will be durable and it supports sustainable businesses.

Premium leather travel bags are durable and stylish, so it’s a win-win for you. Imagine having to deal with a zipper break or the bag ripping while in transit; this would be so stressful. Even if you do find a place that can fix it, there's always a risk that the bag might rip again after the initial fixing. But you can avoid all that by choosing a quality weekender. It is worth it. Here at Von Baer, we offer you quality premium leather bags that are durable and made to last.

4. 4. Check out the features of the bag

To get the best from your travel bag, you should buy a men’s travel bag with certain features. These features will enable you to enjoy comfort and ease when using the bag. It's always best to look out for what fits in with your personal preferences. Here's what to consider:

• Travel bag with compartments and pockets:

Does it matter to you if your weekender has extra compartments or not? If you are traveling light, you might go for a bag with just the main compartment, but with more items travelling with you, you should opt for a bag with extra internal and external compartments. This will allow you to organize and arrange your belongings in the bag in an accessible manner.

With compartments and pockets, you can easily know where to find everything when you need it. This reduces travel stress and makes things more convenient. Also, this offers additional protection for electronic devices like laptops, cameras, tablets, and more.

• Sturdy handles:

Sturdy handles are a must for any travel bag. After all, you'll be carrying it so it's important that whatever you pack, the handles can hold. It's one thing how the handles hold the weight of the bag, but it's equally important how they feel in your hands. Leather weekender and holdall handles are much more comfortable to grasp than those of other materials (like nylon straps for example). Quality craftsmanship ensures that each handle is attached to the bag in the most secure way and the handles themselves won't break.

Related:

• Best Weekender Bags for Women
• Best Weekender Bags for Men
• Best Black Weekender Bags
• Best Garment Duffel Bags

5. 5. Go for something stylish

A bag, after all, is another element of your wardrobe, so choosing a bag that complements your style is a must. Timeless yet versatile, stylishly modern yet elegant – a bag that is both functional and captivating to look at. You don't have to compromise one for the other. We've made sure that all of our bags are as functional as they are stylish. Useful features, durability, and exquisite style all in one – ready to accompany you on your next trip.

To match a bag to your personal style, we've ensured that Von Baer bags are available in several classic colors that will fit any style. Furthermore, you can choose personalization by embossing or laser-engraving your initials on your bag to make it instantly identifiable.

In the end

Whether you go on spur-of-the-moment weekend trips frequently or keep short trips to a minimum, choosing the right bag will make this experience even more enjoable for you. Furthermore, it's great to know that a bag that you choose will serve you for more than just one or two trips away – choose a bag that you can trust.