Investing in luggage that lasts is necessary for any world traveler. But how do you choose luggage that fits your style and destination when your travels may range from epic safaris to multi-week South American tours and holidays in Europe? You want to invest in quality pieces that match your travel style and can adapt to your travel interests. A more active adventure one year can lead to a more relaxed journey the next—and you don’t want to have to reinvest each year. Here’s our tips on how to choose luggage bags to go the distance. 

RELATED CONTENT: What to pack for a trip to India  

 The best travel luggage for tours 

Joining us on one of our tours? We’re so glad to have you! An ideal piece of travel luggage will take you to a range of destinations and tours. For most Luxury Gold journeys from 7 to 22 days, a sturdy wheeled suitcase will go the distance and still be easy to move from between destinations. We love a collection of hardback wheeled suitcases to have at the ready. Grab the smallest size for long weekends. It also makes an excellent “traveling companion” for journeys longer than a week with cruise or train getaway.

Best luggage bag for getaways 

Speaking of getaways… When your tour includes one of our unique getaways by train, ship or even vintage car, you want the best luggage bag to keep you mobile, ready and stylish. A smart leather duffel ensures that you have room for overnight clothing and necessities—as well as room for a few souvenirs. A duffel bag is also easy to stash in train or ship compartments. Our Vietnam tours that include an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay are the perfect place to take a chic carry-on bag. 

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Best luggage bag for trains 

Train journeys are one of the most exciting and intimate ways to immerse yourself in the landscape. What better way to take in the Scottish Highlands, Rocky Mountains or South African landscape than watching it just outside your window? A roomy duffel or large handled bag ensures you have everything you need, and nothing you don’t. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys 

Best travel bag for day trips 

Should your travels take you on more active adventures, you’ll want the best travel bag for hands-free exploration. A chic yet adventure-ready back pack is the ideal choice for day trips. Whether you’re taking in the grand scenery of Banff National Park or venturing through a charming European town, a small pack has room for all the necessities. Pack your wallet, phone/camera, a layer or two and off you go. 

RELATED CONTENT: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve 

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Best travel bag for epic drives 

Drive in the country, anyone? A simple crossbody bag will take you from your luxury hotel to a picnic (rest assured your Travel Concierge has packed a lovely spread) to an acclaimed winery. We love the look of a crossbody bag as both a fashion accessory and travel bag. Our Ultimate France tour chauffeurs you through the countryside in a vintage Citroen 2CV to Domaine de la Citadelle. Our tour of Italy finds you arriving in style for your overnight stay in Capri by open-top taxi. 

Investing in luggage for a lifetime

Investing in luggage is a combination of style and necessity. You want to make a purchase that will last through your upcoming adventure and beyond. A bag that matches the destinations you want to explore as well as your personal style. A bag that is manageable and keeps you light on your feet. Your favorite piece of luggage is one aspect of your travels you can own, feel proud of and that will keep you stress-free. Because once you arrive, your Travel Concierge is on hand to cater to your needs. Just pack your bags and we’ll take care of the rest.  

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Where will your luggage take you next?

Sophistication, glamour and endless possibilities, the “golden era of travel” conjures up nostalgic emotions. And, after a period of enforced abstinence, we are craving the elegance and extravagance more and more.

We take a look into why we crave a new golden era of travel so much, and how you can experience it once again with Luxury Gold.

The Golden Era of Travel

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The period from the 1950s to the 1970s was fondly remembered for its glamor and luxury.

With the birth of commercial air travel came an endless world of possibility and wonder. Complete with cocktail lounges, five course meals and caviar served from ice sculptures, these dreams were fueled with an endless flow of champagne.  The timeless elegance of train travel was revered, with its opulent carriages, exclusive encounters and exceptional dining.

Travel was comfortable and spacious, and guests were lavished with personal attention with no ask too great.

Our yearning today

With the resurgence of travel comes a craving for the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of golden era travel. And with more money to spend in the ultimate vacation, luxury travelers are looking for something extra special. 86% of respondents to the American Express Travel Global Travel Trends Report said they would spend more or the same on travel in 2022 compared to a typical year before the pandemic. And 65% of respondents agree they would rather take their dream vacation than purchase a new car.

 Read more: 5 benefits of visiting iconic tourist hotspots after hours

A renewed need to spread our wings

Restrictions due to the pandemic placed a curb in what most of us hold so dear, the freedom to move around. For travelers this inability to seek new experiences and discover new lands left many feeling empty and unfulfilled. Leaving time to get nostalgic and to foster even greater expectations.

For many of us travel is an expression, an extension of ourselves, as well as a treat and a break from everyday life. According to the Amex 2022 Global Travel Trends Report, looking beyond the pandemic, travelers are eager to experience the dream destinations they have not previously visited. In fact, 55% of respondents agreed they wanted to book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation this year.

Read more: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Our craving for elegance

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The golden era of travel evokes a picture of elegance and sophistication. As we are able to explore once again, we are yearning for more exquisite hotels, exceptional dining and the very best service every step of the way. When considering why we crave travel, we want to picture ourselves again in the cocktail lounges, being waited on hand and foot, surrounded by opulence and the promise of endless possibilities.

From boutique properties to magnificent castles, at Luxury Gold we understand the craving for excellent and hand select the most exquisite hotels. Guaranteeing exceptional service and the very best amenities, every night is a delight. With multiple night stays at many properties, there is also time to relax in luxurious spas, play a round of golf or simply admire your magnificent surroundings.

Read more: Where the wilderness and luxury combine: Step inside the Lion Sands Game Reserve

The timeless lure of train travel

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The Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent carriages, mahogany-lined cars, and slow-moving scenery at your fingertips. Nowadays the world’s 5-star train journeys are elevating the experience, with everything from personal butlers and Michelin-star dining to luxury suites with bathtubs and marble floors.

If you are nostalgic for the romance of train travel, take a look at our limited edition luxury train journeys. Step onboard and back in time for some very special train tours across Europe, South Africa and North America, where we partner with luxurious trains that perfectly complement our guided tours.

Read more: 7 of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Unforgettable encounters

When thinking back to the golden era of travel we remember the thrill of the promise of exclusive encounters. A chance meeting or a pre-arranged rendezvous at glamorous locations across the globe. For today’s traveler, the experience is about much more than meets the eye. 70% of respondents to the Amex Survey stated they were interested in cultural immersion on future trips. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences offer a glimpse behind the curtain, into another world and shine a unique, unforgettable light on your destination.

And for the most exclusive of encounters, take a look at the Luxury Gold Chairman’s Collection. Often one of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the people we meet. These cherished interactions forge an unforgettable connection with a destination and create lasting memories. Discover exquisite gardens with a Duchess, meet an Austrian Princess and dine with Italian nobility.

Read more: Royalty and Noblemen: The fascinating people you’ll meet in Europe with Luxury Gold

The new era is a responsible era

However much we crave the nostalgia, elegance and extravagance of the past, we know that the new golden era of travel comes a strong sense of responsibility. Virtuoso recently released a white paper “Conscious Comeback: Influencing a Sustainable and Regenerative Future for the Travel & Tourism Industry.” which showed that over 80% of respondents feel that the pandemic has made them want to travel more responsibly in the future. Luxury travelers are willing to pay more for sustainable experiences and are becoming increasingly conscious of their role in protecting the planet, communities and wildlife.

Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences know that you are looking forwards and helping preserve our planet for future generations. From meeting the ladies of the Pink City Rickshaw in Jaipur to learning about the conservation efforts taking place at the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, you can crave the thrill of the past whilst contributing to a better world in the future.

Read more: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

 If you are looking to embrace a new golden era of travel, then take a look at our exclusive worldwide collection of luxury guided tours.

Let me introduce you to Pink City Rickshaw. Rajasthan’s capital of Jaipur lives up to its nickname of The Pink City. Upon arrival, you can see the distinctive salmon hue across the city’s skyline. But beyond appearance, it’s also a place that is steeped in heritage. Traditional folk song and dance, textile markets, handmade designer shopping and local cuisine are all part of Jaipur’s rich culture. 

Newer additions are the bright pink, custom-designed and eco-friendly Jaipur rickshaws driven by local women. What better way to see the city sights? It’s more than just a fun way to explore Jaipur. Pink City Rickshaw employs female rickshaw drivers and offers a unique opportunity to help support more than 200 local women from low-income households. 

Employing and empowering women who often have no work opportunities prior to guiding Jaipur tours, Pink City Rickshaw equips its employees with professional training and opportunities for economic empowerment among their communities. 

Does that sound like your kind of ride? Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury guided tour to meet these women for yourself and learn all about the initiative. Hop in, share stories and see the magnificent sights of Jaipur. 

“Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are a beautiful exchange of values between our guests and the people that we meet,” explains Lucie Dalila, Sustainability Manager, Travel Experiences at Luxury Gold “This is a two-way experience – a sharing of stories, ideas and knowledge that shines a whole new light on your destination. We all leave feeling empowered, inspired and keen to contribute even more.” 

Empowering local women 

Puja Gour, Vice President of ACCESS Development Services, a nonprofit organization based in Jaipur, that partners with Pink City Rickshaw tells us: “Empowering women is our main initiative but creating an engaging and curated experience on our sightseeing tours is a top priority as well. Tourism meets philanthropy as you are guided through the medieval mystique of the walled city, seeing the local culture and sites through the eyes of the smart, enthusiastic and knowledgeable women who navigate Jaipur’s streets.” 

A modern icon since the 1880s 

“The presence of rickshaws in India has played an important role, from the electric cities to the smaller towns of rural regions,” explains Puja. “Growing up in Patna in Bihar, we didn’t have a public transportation system. Hopping on a rickshaw (usually hired by a family or friend) for weekly outings with other neighborhood children continues to hold a warm place in my heart.  While the city’s rickshaw industry has traditionally been dominated by men, the societal backdrop is adapting to the transition of new drivers — giving women the power to gain professional experience and income, while also giving you a fuller experience compared to the standard point A-to-B taxi service.” 

Soaking up the sites 

Sites like the 16th-century Amber Palace and UNESCO world heritage site Jantar Mantar observatory are part of what draw so many visitors to the magic of Jaipur. Stroll Amber Palace’s cobbled paths and take in views of Maota Lake. The magnificent City Palace is home to Mughal and Rajput architecture. It is also the present residence to the last ruling royal family who live in a private section of the palace. 

You’ll also get lost in some more off-the-beaten path destinations. Explore the partially hidden lower level of Mansagar, a beautiful place of solitude often overlooked by the masses.  When you take a tour with the women of Jaipur, you’re making a personal impact on the local community and contributing to a cleaner environment. You’re also experiencing the magic of one of India’s most dynamic cities. 

Feeling inspired to rickshaw around Jaipur? 

Jaipur is a featured destination on our Essence of India with Ranthambore and Spirit of North & South India luxury guided tours. 

Travel to Jaipur with us and enjoy the opulent rooms of the 5-star Jai Mahal Palace.  Discover the 18 acres of Mughal style gardens in this magnificent hotel showcasing Rajasthan’s stunning heritage. 

Sample the best of the city’s exquisite food. Dine at the sumptuous 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views. And, celebrate the final night of your voyage at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace. Here the chef expertly blends traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India. It’s an unforgettable feast. 

Visit our website for more information on all our luxury guided tours to India. Download our interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023 Worldwide tours. And learn more about our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.