I have traveled from one end of the world to the other. Drifted from my time zone to one a whole day ahead. Have seen sights miles high in an airplane and rocked side to side by ship. Nevertheless, one thing that I have always ensured to take with me during my travels is one kick butt travel handbag! Not just something that looks like an Instagram pic waiting to happen, but a bona fide piece of travel equipment that will see me through my adventures and then some.
However, my fellow jet setters not all travel handbags are created equal. If you don’t get the right one it will actually feel more like it’s hindering you than being a comrade on your trip. Therefore, how can you make sure your bag has got the goods (no pun intended)? Well, I put together a list of 5 things you should never skimp or sacrifice when it comes to purchasing a quality handbag.
All of these suggestions are based on my travels, good as well as the bad. Plus, the many lessons I learned from getting it right and wrong. So then, let’s get to it and get you the right bag so that you can get to traveling!
#1 Make It a Carry On- ‘But I don’t want to be responsible for my things. I just want to walk on the plane and get my bags when I get there.’ That’s the voice of someone who has never experienced an airline company losing their luggage.
I’m not talking cheap airline carriers either. Some of the biggest out there have lost my valuables and it is truly the pits. Therefore, having a carry-on bag is really the headache-free way to go. Even if you have to check another bag, fine do it. However, a carry-on will help ensure that you will at least have:
- Toothpaste and a toothbrush.
- A couple days of clothing.
- Passport.
- Comb and/or brush.
- Another pair of practical shoes.
- Extra contact lenses or glasses.
- Beauty bag (makeup, shaver, mouthwash, lip balm).
After looking over the above bulleted list; isn’t it easy to see how valuable a carry-on can be even if the rest of your bags get lost? So invest wisely in one. It could really save you in a pinch.
#2 A Front Pouch- I’m going to make this one short and sweet. The beauty of a travel handbag with a front pouch is that it makes certain valuables easily accessible. For instance, your passport. Instead of having dig in the black hole of the bag you can simply unzip the front, grab and present.
This feature makes accessing essentials a cinch. If you like to keep earphones, your smartphone, tissues or mints/gum nearby without losing them. Then the front pouch will really prove to be a travel lifesaver.
#3 Durable Material- Its got to make it through rain, scorching heat as well as being tossed from conveyor belt to conveyer belt. Therefore, buying a well-made bag is like money in the bank. You can do anything!
One thing I have learned is that you get what you pay for. While a cheaper bag may crash and burn quicker than a more expensive one. It doesn’t necessarily mean a super expensive bag is going to be better. Always check out customer reviews first before buying. People are more accustomed now to going online and stating how they truly feel about a particular product.
#4 Comfortable Straps- Picture traveling for hours and the entire time the strap to your travel handbag is digging deep into you. Not fun. Before purchasing a bag always look over the strap.
That strap is either going to be your friend or foe. So then, make sure it’s a friendly by testing it out and ensuring it will be comfy. Your body will send a personal thank you card later.
#5 Distinguishable Traits- Your travel handbag should have features that scream, “Hey, I’m yours!” At the baggage claim every piece can start to look like each other. This is even more true when you’re tired from your flight.
Decrease any retrieval anxiety by purchasing a travel handbag that’s got traces of your own personality. Whether it’s patterns, prints, color, monograms or the like. Make sure your bag really looks like YOUR bag so that’s it’s fun and easy to spot.
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