Traveling is one of life’s most exciting experiences, but time spent at the airport is rarely worth writing home about. For many travelers, the process of packing, going through security, finding your gate, and making sure you have all of your documents in order can quickly become overwhelming. It’s common to feel like you aren’t able to get a moment of calm until you’re settled in on the plane, or even until you’ve finally arrived at your destination.

There are, however, concrete steps you can take to make the journey, not just the destination, enjoyable. Having carry-on luggage that suits your needs can massively reduce the stress of dealing with the logistics of travel, taking a burden off of your mind and allowing you to be more present. Finding luggage that is comfortable and roomy while also adhering to airlines’ size and security regulations is not always easy, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase. Making the most informed decision possible will help keep the entire journey smooth.

Following are five things to consider when purchasing carry-on luggage:

  1. Security. Nothing adds stress to a vacation like compromised luggage. Airports are often extremely busy places full of action and noise, making it easy for thieves to steal or compromise your luggage without being noticed. Many luggage pieces do not come with locks, requiring buyers to purchase an external lock, often requiring a key. Such locks often create as many problems as solutions: for one, these keys can easily be misplaced, especially in the rush of packing and navigating the airport. Second, these locks can easily be broken into with the right tools. When shopping for luggage, opt for pieces that come with a TSA-approved lock–ideally one that is built into the luggage itself. These locks meet the highest standards for security, allowing you to travel without any nagging worries about the safety and security of your valuables.
  2. Durability. Luggage is not something that should change with the seasons: ideally, luggage is a true investment, one that should provide you with value for years to come. While some travelers prefer soft-shell luggage for their travel needs, this kind of luggage tends to deteriorate more quickly than hard-shell luggage. With that said, not all hard-shell luggage is built the same: some brands end up investing so much in durability that the luggage becomes bulky and hard to transport. The Bigger Carry-On from Away is a great example of luggage that boasts high durability while maintaining a lightweight, maneuverable design.
  3. Ease of transport. There’s nothing worse than being in a rush to get to your gate and having to haul a heavy, bulky piece of luggage along with you. Even if you have hours to spare in the airport, ill-designed and uncomfortable luggage can be frustrating and tiring to drag around with you. Opting for luggage with 360° wheels allows for smooth transport, making the overall travel experience more pleasant regardless of how much time you have to spare. Moreover, a lightweight, sleek design makes the luggage easier to maneuver even when
  4. Size. Another common source of frustration at the airport is the experience of bringing your luggage up to the gate, only to find that it’s too large to count as carry-on. This experience can result in frustrating delays and changes to travel plans, which are the last thing any traveler wants. It’s important to note that not all brands are designed with airline specifications in mind: opting for a brand that is built specifically to meet these standards can save you an enormous headache. Of course, these specifications are not universal, so thinking ahead and doing your research will help ensure that whatever luggage you buy is able to serve you as you visit multiple different destinations.
  5. Interior compression. Packing a suitcase is an art, and learning how to do so efficiently is an essential skill for travel-lovers. However, it’s not uncommon for your luggage to work against you rather than with you. If the interior is poorly, inefficiently designed, there is only so much you can do, no matter how skilled of a packer you are. For the best and most consistent results, opt for a suitcase that makes packing easy, intuitive, and effective. Features to look out for include multiple mesh pockets for easy organization, hanging pockets for simple storage, and water-resistant polyester bags to segregate dirty laundry and keep your clean clothes nice and fresh.

Luggage is an aspect of travel that we often overlook until it’s too late. When everything is going fine, we hardly notice it at all, but as soon as something goes wrong, it’s all we can think about. The best way to save yourself from this trouble is to treat luggage as a long-term investment: opting for high-quality storage and organizational features, a durable yet lightweight design, and easy maneuverability ensures that your luggage eases the stress of travel rather than adding to it. With this essential part of the process taken care of, you can free yourself up to focus on making the most out of your trip.