Image Credit: Billy Hathorn

It remains one of the big travel quandaries: How do you find the perfect bag to carry everything you need—safely and securely—from point A to point B and beyond?

It seems there are more different kinds of luggage on the market than ever before.

So where do you start? A luggage set? That’s not my first choice, since you’ll inevitably be buying bags you’ll never use.

Hard or soft shell luggage?

In the end, it all comes down to the number of wheels and overhead bins.

If you want a carry-on bag, then go for soft shells, since they squeeze into those overhead compartments.

Don’t forget about center of gravity.

Just because a bag has wheels, it doesn’t mean it will be manageable when packed full or will remain upright.

So before buying the bag, see if you can borrow every heavy item in the store and cram it inside. If the bag is still standing, buy it.

For more information about luggage, check out:

• What to Consider Before Buying Hard Shell or Soft Sided Luggage
• IATA Proposes New Dimensions for Carry-On Luggage
• Best Carry-On Luggage 2015

Keep reading for more travel tips.