Depending on the traveler’s needs and preferences, overnight luggage can vary in size, shape, and appearance. Suitcases, garment bags, small totes, and carry-on bags are all examples of overnight luggage. Longer trips usually necessitate more or larger pieces of luggage, as more items must be packed to be used throughout the trip. Some overnight luggage is sold as open stock, which means that individual pieces can be purchased, while others are sold in luggage sets, which include multiple pieces with the same outer covering.
Hard-sided or soft-sided suitcases can be used for overnight luggage. Hard-sided suitcases are usually durable and can withstand a lot of abuse, but because they are rigid, they can be difficult to transport on an airplane. Soft-sided suitcases are less durable than their hard-sided counterparts, but they are more flexible and may be more convenient for short trips or flying. Both types have enough space to store folded clothing and other essentials for a trip; most suitcases also have pockets for storing smaller items.
Garment bags are used to store clothes that don’t fold well or would wrinkle badly if folded into a standard suitcase. Items are hung on hangers before being placed in the garment bag. When it’s time to travel, hang the bag on a clothing rod, fold it in half, and secure it. Including a garment bag in an overnight luggage set is a good way to ensure that clothing such as suits, dresses, and formal wear arrive in good condition.
Small totes are useful for keeping track of small items that might get lost in transit. This small piece of overnight luggage can easily fit cosmetics, jewelry, hair dryers, tools, and even shoes. Small totes are frequently sold as part of a luggage set with larger suitcases and can be made from matching or coordinating materials. When traveling by air, this type of overnight luggage is small enough to keep close at hand.
Carry-on bags are overnight luggage designed specifically for airline travel. This type of bag allows travelers to avoid paying excess luggage fees by avoiding bag check entirely. Carry-on luggage is designed to fit into an airplane’s overhead storage bin or slide under an airliner’s seat. Rollers or a shoulder strap can be found on carry-on bags, and some have both. Carry-on bags often come with a spot to attach a smaller travel tote when purchased as part of a set.