Travelling abroad or perhaps you're off on a weekend break in one of the many hotels found across Malta and Gozo? Selecting the right suitcase or luggage for your trip is very important, however, at times, packing can become a nightmare, most especially if you're forced to travel with a smaller suitcase due to airline regulations. If you're unsure of what is permissible, here is a list of the baggage allowance according to the most popular airlines in Malta.     

Permissable Hand Luggage and Suitcase Sizes  

Small suitcases come in handy during business or short trips, when you do not need to pack too many things. These also serve as a great addition to your main luggage since it will help you keep all your necessities accessible at any time. However, several factors can condition the type of hand luggage you can go for with these consisting of the size, weight, type as well as colour and design. When choosing a carry on which you will take with you on the plane, it's even more crucial to take into consideration the appropriate measurements, which you may review below. 

Air Malta, Meridiana&Ryanair - 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

Lufthansa, SAS, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines&Air Canada - 55cm x 40cm x 25cm

Alitalia, KLM&Air France - 55cm x 35cm x 25cm

Easyjet&British Airways - 56cm x 45cm x 25cm

Swiss - 56cm x 36cm x 23cm

Emirates - 55cm x 38cm x 20cm

United Airlines - 56cm x 35cm x 22cm

Etihad Airways - 50cm x 40cm x 25cm

Wizz Air - 40cm x 30cm x 20cm

It's important to note that all measurements quoted above include all wheels and handles. Deciding whether you should get a 2-wheels, 4-wheels or no-wheels suitcase is up to you, but essentially, it all boils down to comfort and on the amount of space you are willing to compromise.

The acceptable weight also varies from airline to airline but this typically ranges between 7 to 10kg. Hence, while shopping around for your luggage, it's important to keep this in mind. Also, do note that if you are considering a hardside luggage, these tend to weigh more, but on the other hand, they provide better protection, while they are scratch resistant. Softside carry-ons have additional pockets ideal for storing your travel documents.

Bigger pieces of baggage face similar problems with weight. Usually, the maximum weight for a checked in luggage should not exceed 32kg. In addition, you might want to purchase one that has wheels since they provide better balance, yet they might be harder to manoeuvre. For your own peace of mind, ideally, you should get a suitcase with an internal locking system or with sufficient space for a travel lock.

Backpacks for your outdoor adventures

For hikes, adventures and leisure trips, backpacks are the perfect solution. For a proper fit, it should be chosen according to your back's measurements, while some other things to consider are its capacity, the material and the number of compartments available. Ideally, buy a backpack whose capacity is between 20 to 80 litres and more. For example, if you're going on a weekend trip, a 60 litres backpack should be optimal. If, on the other hand, hiking trips is your thing, choose a backpack made out of a water-resistant material, so you won't have to worry about getting everything wet. Additional compartments can come in handy.

Duffle bags of various sizes and materials

Duffle bags are very popular, typically these are used as gym bags and travel bags when you need more space than that provided by a backpack but you want to avoid any additional weight. Depending on the bag's usage, there are some special features worth considering. For instance, duffle bags can have wheels, making them easier to carry however they are useless for offtrack travels. The material's durability can also vary and this may include tear-resistant materials designed for extreme conditions.

If you're planning to travel abroad, here is how to choose the right hotel for your getaway and if you prefer a staycation, here are 6 places to enjoy a summer holiday without leaving the island.