Traveling is stressful without the added burden of hauling around heavy or unwieldy luggage. And who wants to worry about their suitcase breaking open or tearing, spilling their belongings all over the ground? Frequent business travelers rely on their luggage more than anyone. They know that good luggage for plane travel is light, compact, has shoulder straps and/or wheels, and is tough and sturdy. Finding your bag on a baggage carousel can be a little like finding Waldo. Fortunately, the days are over when luggage only came in black. Now, not only can you find quality luggage from major manufacturers in a variety of interesting colors, but many offer patterned luggage as well. This is a good way to have your bag stand out, making it easy to find (and making a bit of a fashion statement as well).

When purchasing luggage, avoid the temptation to get the cheapest suitcases and bags out there. You may save money in the short-term, but these are often lower quality bags that won't stand the repeated stress and wear of frequent travel. If you opt for higher quality, you'll often save money -- and aggravation -- in the long run. There are some easy ways to evaluate luggage quality. Look at the fabric the luggage is made out of. Quality bags tend to be made of durable, lightweight material like canvas, nylon, or ballistic nylon. Rub the fabric between your fingers. Run a nail down it and see if it marks or frays. If it does, that's not good material. Check the bags zippers and closures. Make sure they're securely sewn into the bag. If the bag has straps, check them out as well. Fit the bag over your shoulder. Put some items in it and see if it feels comfortable to carry. If it's not comfortable in the store, it will be even less comfortable filled with your clothes and computer while you're running to catch a flight. If the bag has wheels, wheel it around, seeing how well it turns. If it has a collapsible handle, open and close it several times. Give the entire bag a bit of a test run, imagining how well it'll hold up in the real world. One other consideration when buying luggage is to look for pieces that are waterproof. These tend to hold up better in the long run and will protect your clothing and other belongings from getting soaked.