Extreme travelers are proponents of getting by with a single carry-on whereas seasoned travelers recognize that this is often not practical, especially when work or other commitments require you to pack items beyond just your own clothes and toiletries.

A single large suitcase with a telescoping handle and rollers is easier to manage than two smaller ones so if you are going to check a bag anyway, make it a big one. Try to limit yourself to one suitcase when leaving in case you want to check an extra suitcase on the way back.

Check the manner in which the rollers are mounted to the suitcase. If the rollers are exposed they will eventually be caught in the luggage handling equipment and break. Look for designs where the rollers are practically embedded, avoid designs where they are sticking out. Especially avoid suitcases with the rollers mounted to a separate piece of vinyl that has been pop-riveted to the bottom of the case.

The second consideration in selecting a suitcase is the price. Matched sets of premium luggage look great in the store but none of them are a match for the steel mesh conveyor belts used for luggage handling at the airports. So as you are standing there admiring that $400 or $500 set, imagine how you will feel when it comes off the luggage carousel sporting a big wide skid mark down the middle of it. The best values are the inexpensive but well designed generic brand suitcases. These can usually be found priced under $50.

Many suitcases look alike so unless you enjoy standing beside the luggage carousel carefully reading the tag of every bag that happens to be the right color you will want to do something to make yours stand out from a distance. One of the easiest ways to do this is by banding it with one of those brightly colored canvas straps. They are inexpensive and can usually be found in the immediate vicinity where ever suitcases are sold. Pick bright colors that contrast well with your bag.