Small luggage has a lot of financial advantages. This type of luggage is usually less expensive to purchase, and it can help you avoid paying baggage fees when flying. When traveling with small children, small luggage is also easier to manage. However, there are disadvantages, such as limited storage space and a higher risk of loss.
The obvious disadvantage of small luggage is that it restricts the amount of belongings that can be carried. People who need to transport a large number of items will either have to forego some items or will require multiple small pieces of luggage, which can be more cumbersome than a single large bag. Furthermore, larger pieces of luggage are more expensive to purchase, so saving money is one reason for purchasing smaller items. The savings will be offset if multiple small pieces of luggage are required.
Small luggage may be advantageous for those traveling by plane. Many airlines have policies requiring passengers to pay for checked baggage, but carry-on luggage is free of charge. Smaller luggage can be carried onto an airplane, and if a person limits herself to a single piece, she may be able to avoid the extra fees.
When traveling in a vehicle with a group, having small luggage is also advantageous. If a group of adults is traveling together and each has a lot of luggage, a lot of space will be required. This may necessitate the use of a second vehicle or the use of a large, less fuel-efficient vehicle solely to transport the luggage. These extra costs can be avoided if some or all of the individuals travel with small luggage.
Small luggage is often much easier to transport, especially if it has wheels. This can be extremely useful for parents who are traveling with children and who are having difficulty handling large, bulky luggage. When multiple pieces of luggage are required for a family trip, choosing smaller items can be advantageous because young children are capable of handling their own luggage.
Small luggage, on the other hand, has the disadvantage of being much easier to misplace. It can easily be forgotten if it is placed in an adjacent seat or pushed under a table in a public place. In addition, smaller luggage is easier to steal and conceal. This risk is reduced with larger items because a thief will have a harder time taking them without being noticed and moving through a crowd with them.
However, the ease with which small luggage can be hidden is also a plus. These items are much easier to store when not in use than larger pieces of luggage. This is especially important for people who live in small spaces, such as studio apartments or shared dorm rooms.