Over the last couple of years, traveling abroad proved challenging due to the pandemic. Being forced to stay indoors frustrated many avid travelers, but with most countries reopening to tourists over the past year, people are getting excited about life returning to normal.
If you are planning a trip in the near future, you’re probably looking for new travel gear. There are tons of traditional stores and online marketplaces selling a wide range of travel products, so finding items that will suit your needs can be a little overwhelming. Let’s take a quick look at how you can find quality products without spending a fortune and without getting frustrated!
- Do the products come with a warranty?
If a store claims they are selling quality travel products, they should offer their customers a guarantee. Some reputable online stores, like Cortazu, give their clients a 10-year warranty on all the products they have for sale.
Not only does a long-term warranty satisfy customers, but it also shows that the sellers are confident in the products they are selling. If you travel regularly, you will want to invest in products that last for several years.
- Is there a money-back guarantee?
Most online shoppers have bought products on the web, but as soon as these items arrive on the consumer’s doorstep, they no longer want them. Often, the images used to advertise these products are misleading.
Try to find an online or traditional store that provides customers with a money-back guarantee. If you don’t like the product, you can return it and the money you have paid for the product will be returned in full.
- Read reviews
Honest reviews posted by genuine customers can give you an insight into the different travel products available. Before splashing your hard-earned cash on the first travel products you stumble across online, spend time doing a little bit of research.
Popular online marketplaces like Amazon allow buyers to rate the products and the sellers on its platform. Top sellers will have built up a good reputation, which is why they sell more items than their competitors. Find an experienced seller, and don’t hesitate to make direct contact with them if you have any further questions.
There are several online forums where frequent travelers discuss travel destinations, accommodation, and travel items. If you are not sure what travel products you need for your upcoming trip, consider joining a forum and asking others for advice.
- Size and weight
To avoid paying overweight fees before jumping on a flight, it’s of vital importance that you don’t overpack. If you are in the market for a new bag, don’t forget to check out its size and weight. Some modern travel bags can be extremely heavy. Not only will you be forced to pay overweight fees at the airport if it’s over a certain weight, but it might cause you all sorts of headaches trying to bring it from A to B.
If you want to travel light, keep an eye out for products that are marketed as “lightweight”. If you are buying online, check to see the product specifications first. Here you’ll find the bag’s actual weight and size. If you are buying a bag in a physical store, read the label for more details.
- Travel empty-handed
If you are traveling to an area known for shopping, why not arrive without any travel gear whatsoever. Popular travel destinations like Bangkok are great for shopping. You can arrive at the airport with your phone, passport, and wallet, and buy all your travel products in Thailand’s capital city. In areas like Bangkok, travelers are always on the lookout for items they can travel with, so you can expect stores, markets, and shopping centers to have all the items you will need for your trip.
Keep in mind that most of these stores won’t provide you with a guarantee. Even if they did, returning to the same location just to return an unwanted or damaged item is highly unlikely.
You might be tempted to buy low-cost travel items sold in street markets. Although you could save a lot of money by going down this route, don’t expect the products to last. A lot of the products sold in these markets might look like the real deal, but a lot of these items are counterfeit, especially in underdeveloped countries.
Conclusion
When shopping for quality gear, take your time. Some people who have been on the road for several years still use the same backpack. It’s worth spending a little extra on quality products, especially for those who travel on a regular basis. If you are buying a bag from a traditional travel store, examine the straps, and zippers, and take a close look at the material. If you notice bad stitching or poor hardware, then you should look for a different product.
