I first started backpacking at age 22. That was also the first time that I went traveling with an actual backpack. I must say – I felt pretty cool. I was now “one of them”. Giving in to peer pressure (that didn’t actually exist, I just pretended it did) my travel wardrobe suddenly consisted of loose cotton wrap pants (Thai fisherman style) and white rip shirts. Leather sandals or thongs were another must-have. Did these clothes reflect my actual style in the least? No. Did I actually enjoy carrying 30 pounds of clothes on my back around India? Not really. But hey, I was a backpacker. It was the thing to do. I did what backpackers do.
Fast forward 3 years. I embarked on an epic one-year trip around the world. The first 3 months of traveling through South East Asia I did the thing I knew: cotton pants, rip shirts, sandals. All stuffed into a 60L backpack. Then I arrived in Sydney, a big city, kind of like Paris, where I had lived just before leaving on my great adventure. Suddenly rip shirts and cotton pants didn’t seem so cool anymore, they actually seemed touristy and not at all like me. Wasn’t I always the one who wore lipstick and heels and cute vintage dresses? Long story short, I decided then and there that I could have both – I could be a backpacker and still wear wheat I liked to wear. So I became that girl that backpacked the world with a pack full of dresses and 5 pairs of heels.
Fast forward 8 more years. I am 33 now. I live in a nice apartment, I have my own business, I even have a child. Do I still own a backpack? You bet. Does it get much use? Nah, not really. Because guess what: traveling with a suitcase is awesome! That’s right, I said it. You can roll it, you can use it as your always ready closet, it fits a lot more and your clothes don’t crumple quite as badly as they do in a backpack. It is blissful.
Naturally you can’t hike the Himalayas with one of these but other than that there aren’t a whole lot of trips that cannot be done with a suitcase. True, you don’t get to bask in the glory of calling yourself a backpacker, but that nice light feeling of air on your back just might make up for it.
Speaking of air – we were recently asked to test-drive the new Helium Air model by Delsey, a suitcase after my kind. It really is surprisingly light, has a beautiful interior and can fit sooooo much, that in the end I had to take out a whole bunch of clothes because I had packed it up to 30kg! Unfortunately Air France doesn’t allow luggage heavier than 22kg. Another feature I love – 4 rolls! Up until now my large suitcase only had 2 rolls, which is fine, but 4 really is a little piece of heaven. Nothing feels better than swiftly sliding through that airport, latte in one hand, suitcase in the other, as it just elegantly rolls down the corridor beside you. Sigh.
Big tip: opt for one of the colorful options (the blue one is soooooo pretty!) as these are MUCH easier to spot at baggage claim than the lovely, but unfortunately also very popular grey and black models. Unless you are a business traveler – let’s have a bit of color on our travels, right? And for the geeks out there, this model rules safety with its TSA combination lock and ZIP SECURITECH, a unique zip system which is 41! times more resilient than a classic zip. Impressive, right?
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking. You’re thinking “Aw man, I really want one of those!” Well, good news, friend, we’re giving one away! Better yet, you get to pick your own color and model from these options:
Of course, each size comes in one of the 4 available colors – blue, red, grey and black. Take your pick and leave us a comment why you need a new suitcase!
UPDATE: The giveaway is now closed!
*This blogpost was realised in collaboration with Delsey.
I sooo need a new suitcase! (Short story) So, I'm an over-packer. I pack for all seasons and all situations regardless of where I'm going.This summer, I think my suitcase had finally had enough of my over-packing bullsh*t, and as I went to pick it up to put in the car, to head for the airport, my handle snapped clean off -_- . To make things worse, the two comments I got from my unsympathetic parents were " I told you not to bring so bloody much" and "It's going to be one of those days..."
Hey there travelettes! Thanks for the chance to enter :) I need a new suitcase because my perfectly-sized old travel suitcase has been so loved and served its time that its zipper is now broken, and I can no longer take it along. I would love a small upright red suitcase please! With living in Canada and family in the US, Germany, and Slovenia, I´m always on the go either personally or professionally - this would be a fantastic addition to my travel gear.
Oh man do we need new suitcases!! My husband, 8 month old daughter and I are moving to Spain in January! We are so excited to show our daughter the wonderful world of travel - and a new suitcase (with 4 wheels) would make packing and traveling with a soon to be toddler so much more fun and pleasant!
I need one of those! I plan on travelling a lot in the next year. And i always overpack! I got a suitcase (thanks mom) but it always fall on the side and looks like zippers are gonna die soon..
I am about to embark on some major travel, Eastern Europe, then South America, and the Caribbean. I would love to have one of these great suitcases. The four wheels seems wonderful!
In dire need of a suitcase. On my first solo trip overseas and somehow thought a very full 80kg backpack was the way to go... a suitcase would be a great solution!
I am very lucky that I am always on the go with my family, but I'm not so lucky to have such a delightful little suitcase as this. Every member of my family would able to use this case when traveling independently, but when we travel as a group, it would be all mine!
The reason why I need a suit case part 1!
•When I was little I used to watch my favorite travel show Rick Steves Europe with my father (it's still my favorite tv show) at 9:30 and each night I would tell him "daddy I'm going to there some day" or "dad would you let me go there" he would reply the same as long as you pay for it! So I decided right there and then that I would do everything in my power to travel the world and go every place Rick Steves went to.
When I looked for a suit case I was looking for reliability and strength so I recherches them and I have only heard great things about this brand! I would love it if I were the one to get this beautiful suit case! Thank you!!!
Travel is such an integral part of my life so I definitely need good quality, sturdy luggage. Unfortunately my suitcase has bitten the dust. I leant it to my sister to use for her first semester of university across the country. When she came back, she stuffed it so full, and with so many heavy textbooks it completely destroyed it :( The zippers are split and it has completely lost it's shape. I would really love a chance to win the Helium Air Trolly case!!
I ADORE travelling. I haven't done that much of it seeing as I'm still 17 but nevertheless, I am taking a gap year next year and will be travelling around Europe SOLO! I'm so excited but what I am not excited for are the expenses. Not only will I have to buy a plane ticket and accommodation, but the little (yet expensive) bits and bobs such as a visa, other essential travel items and a suitcase are extra on top of the already hefty budget for a student. The medium size helium air suitcase would be absolutely ideal to come along with me on this adventure! I would absolutely love a bright blue babin' suitcase rolling along with me ;)
If pictures were allowed, it would be totally clear why I need a new suitcase ;). Worst thing is I can't expand mine anymore, so there's usually no space for souvenirs..
This suitcase has to be mine!!!! I'm from Brasil and I have been traveling with my one weal suitcase. bought two years ago in a place that only takes cash coz they don't wanna fix in case ur bag breaks...Wich totally was the case. First trip bye bye weal... Since than I have this bag. I did my way to dublin(first time traveling without my parents and in a air plain) now new country's in Europe and I really need this suitcase for this new journey.
Plz pickkkk meeee!
I would love that blue Helium Air cabin trolley! My old cabin suitcase (which I loved) is showing its age; nothing works quite like it used to! Plus I moved from Toronto, Canada to Leiden in the Netherlands this year, and the old suitcase doesn't fit the smaller size regulations of European low-cost airlines, which means I'm forced to check it, which no one wants to do!
I'm going to be cheeky and enter on behalf of my friend. She will travel to visit me (in Cambodia) this weekend and is borrowing a case off someone else as she doesn't have one. She's having a bit of a getaway after a separation. This is her first trip out of Australia or New Zealand (she's a NZ born Australian citizen). Next year, she plans to go on exchange to the US, Canada or maybe Iceland for 12 months, and travel while she's away! I'm so excited for her taking this step. She's about to get her butt into saving up so she can prepare for her epic trip next year, but a great new suit case would definitely help her as she finds her feet, seeing the world for the first time! I think she would be the perfect recipient. I think she would like the blue, and either in the big size for her initial move, or the a medium size for other trips she'll take during the year. I can put you in touch with her :)
These suitcases are gorgeous, and I'm absolutely in love with the blue! As a traveling Registered Nurse I take a new assignment every 13 weeks in a different city. My current suitcase is a larger size with NO wheels. Packing that thing to the max of 50lbs makes going to the airport less than desirable. The thought of wheels is blissful. I need helium air in my life.
Helloooo, I love your article! I consider myself as a backpacking person, "one of them", as you point it out. But living in Morocco taught me the advantages of a suitcase- more space, easier to pack, especially bulky things, most important: safer way to take back and forth argan oil and olives resp. pork sausages! I am dreaming of a large, easy to handle 4W-suitcase! The one you have in the pictures seems perfect! Looking forward to facilitate my import/export! Best wishes, Flora
Dear travelettes, are you able to read my mind or something? I just started looking for my very first suitcase and I've been a bit overwhelmed by the huge variety of choices. I've been a backpacking girl for a while now, but since I'm about to finish my studies and hope to start my first "real" job soon, I've noticed that there are some occasions in which my trusted backpack (it used to be black and there's this one zipper that just won't keep shut...) might not be the the most practical choice ;) I'd be thrilled to win a suitcase and I'd opt for a blue, medium sized one!
Why I need a new suitcase? Well I'm leaving for a bigger backpacking trip to South America in December and I'm still in that phase of my (traveling) life, that makes me think that this trip is only a real trip in the backpacking spirit if I torture myself with a backpack ;-) So convince me otherwise!
Love your story. I want to do backpacking some time, but not because I like the thought of 60l on my back, but because it's necessary on some tours. But if I can, I'll always decide for the suitcase. Here's the trouble: I don't own one. I only have a small weekend suitcase for my own, the rest I always borrowed from my parents as they lived so close. Now I'm at the other side of the country and will have to buy one for my next trip :/ As an intern, I'd really rather win one here and use the money on the trip! :D
i would love to win the blue suitcase! I travel at every opportunity and my current suitcase is so beat up. It's starting to rip along one of the edges so I've had to duck tape it. This would be awesome to win!
Hey Travelettes. I love my hard pink suitcase, & def agree it is the only type of suitcase to have when travelling.. Love seeing it on the conveyor belt. No mixing that one up!! Plus everything is nice & safe inside. I have had my suitcase for over 10 years now & have brought it to so many places around the world. Unfortunately it has seen better days. It has far too many scrapes, dents, black marks (Nooo!!!!) & now the locks are going. I really don't want to arrive to my destination, unable to open my suitcase!! I hate to bring myself to say it, but it may be time to get a new one. But hey, I am confident I will have the next one for over 10 years also, fingers crossed. Please please pick me!! : )
Sorry... To add to my previous comment... I would like a lovely new blue hard suitcase please for my next worldwide adventure. Thank you.
I have been travelling throughout Europe, Middle East, Central Asia and Russia for the last 8 years and I have had 3 soft but oh so light bags destroyed by baggage handling. My next big adventure is to either Africa or South America and a colourful light and sturdy new suitcase would be a wonderful start
I usually travel with just a shoulder bag, but it is REALLY time to get a carry-on sized suitcase. It would be so much more practical and helpful for my frequent back-and-forths between the UK and US.
Hey Katja! What an inspring article! I must have the Helium Air model by Delsey in red to glide through airports as classy as you are and to fit my two pairs of pumps in there ;)
Thanks a bunch,
Yuli
I'm starting on a trip next year and looking for a great suitcase to travel the world with me! Because I'm petite by nature, backpacks are a challenge cos it gets very painful to carry after some time from the weight. It would be great if I could win the red one for my upcoming adventures! <3
I need a new suitcase so badly because my current one is a) grey and therefore hard to spot at baggage claim and b) slowly falling apart because I thought I could get away with a cheap one AND my next trip to India is just around the corner (well, not really but there is no pleasure like anticipation...).
I've had my go-to carry-on for trips for a few years now, but unfortunately some airlines have made new restrictions on carry on bags that they are enforcing more. So, even though my bag is a carry-on, it can sometimes not be accepted past security for a few centimeters of size alone. As a student traveller, money's extra tight, so it would be a big help to win one of your blue carry-on suitcases ! I could travel this year without that worry/hassle! Thanks for your consideration! :)
I am kind of in the same situation - I have a child now and we are travelling to new zealand for 10 weeks. From our latest trips I learned that living out of a suitcase is much easier than living out of a backpack, especially when you always have to have one eye on your crawling baby ;-) .
Hey!!My name is Maria!I m a 22 years old greek college student and i started travelling one and a half year ago....i went backpacking in Spain and it was wonderfull...but after twoo weeks...it kinda fell apart..i was lucky enough to carry all my stuff back home! Now i would like to travell to Prague to visit my brother who is an erasmus student there!!It would be awesome if i could have one blue handluggage that suits the ryanair dimensions =D =D !!!
Amazing post! I hate all these unwritten rules for backpackers- who says you can't wear dresses and heels? x
Wow, I'd love to have one of these beautiful Helium Air suitcases ~ the blue one please. I hope you pick me since I could really use this lovely suitcase on my upcoming 3 month trip to Israel and England. It would be so nice to live out of one of these awesome suitcases ;~) This is kind of a 'bucket list' trip, as I recently found out that the cancer I beat a couple years ago is back & now I'm back on treatment. Fortunately the new treatment allows me to live my life and keep traveling. I'll hopefully be celebrating my 60th birthday in Israel. I'd be so thankful for such a great birthday gift :~)
Hi Travelettes!
Great article. I'm definitely with you on the transition from backpack to suitcase. I'm going away for my second trip in less than three weeks - and I still haven't found a suitable case! This time I'm going for it; I've quit my job, sold my car and bought a one way ticket - freedom awaits! I'm heading to Melbourne (solo) first with a working holiday visa. I'm at the older end of visa requirements age range so will be looking for professional work: a lovely, large blue suitcase with space for heels and more would be perfect! As well as being a big tick off my Travel To Do list :-) Thanks
I need a new suitcase because I am traveling for the first time by myself to Australia for a month at the end of the year! I'm nervous but excited so I need a suitcase I can rely on to roll all over the east coast of Australia with no fuss.
I'm travelling a lot so this babe would really get used!
But because of this I have a really thight budget with nothing left to replace my *** suitcase ... The next upcoming Trip is Hong Kong and it would be great to take my new best friend with me!
Cool suitcases!! My suitcase is falling apart and I require a new one to combine my travelling around the world and doing short term contracting work (3 to 6 months). I love to be able to stay for a couple of months at a place to find time to get to know the locals better and to search for this little hidden secrets. Therefore I choose the biggest suitcase model in blue colour.
Hi, your a mind reader! I'm 51 and have been traveling the last 4 and a half years, finally seeing all the places I only dreamed about seeing when I was younger. I have a goal to see 50 countries . My red suitcase is looking the worse for wear and I just bought some cute stickers for when I can afford a hard shell case. I am gazing longingly at that midsize red one, oh how pretty it is! It would be great to win, and I'm sure that who ever does will have a fabulous time travelling, good luck everyone! Cheers , Sue xxx
Thanks for sharing your experience in the blog. I find myself in the same situation you were.
I'm travelling Australia for 11 months now with a 55l backpack and I can hardly fit everything in there. I hate people watching me how I struggle with that heavy backpack and several other bags. I'm not an overpacker but it's the smalls things that add up, like bracelets, a scarf or nail polish. This is my last week in Australia before heading to Southeast Asia for another year. I would be more than happy to take the blue Helium Air Model by Delsey with me.
I so need the blue one. Well why I need a suitscase is because this blog just opened my eyes. I just realised how am a heavy packer and how I was always compromising with my style and wardrobe during my travels. Why until now I was treating all my travels like a traditional backpacker travel. How interestingly I can pack few cloths along with a day pack and fit it all in this one bright suitcase and I ll be all set to swift around the world. And still be a backpacker! I think I totally need one and time is now :) and getting one from Delsey would be a total encouragement.
18 years ago I started travelling, 53 countries later and I have gone through (only) three backpacks - a 55l top loader, 65l side opener and now just stick to a 38l for any trip whether it being a weekend or a couple of weeks. I'm heading to Burma in November and was weighing up backpacks with wheels..... Maybe it's time to embrace the suitcase world, my back surely deserves some R&R? Plus the red one would compliment my red leather doctors bag from Marrakech that I use as carry on.
OOOOh I always need a new suitcase. I'm the kind of person that always end up with a broken suitcase and has to run all over the place to find a new one !!!
And they look lovely !!!
I have been working and travelling in so many different places in the past few years (Kyrgyzstan and Paris, for instance) but I still don't own a proper carry-on. I love my Herschel backpack that fits a lot of things, including my laptop. But sometimes I would love to make things easier for my back, and also look more professional. The blue Helium Air cabin trolley case looks like a dream come true!
Hello! My name is Samantha. I love your story about how you got your start traveling- much like you I am very into fashion and about to embark ony first solo adventure around the world. And this trolley case looks like something I would love! After I was in a car wreck three years ago and totaled my car, I had ongoing issues with my back and elbow (weird, I know!) So it is definitely something I think about - how will long term travel affect my injuries - but totally not enough to stop me from taking the plunge and getting out there.
I look forward to reading more of your posts and learning to keep my style while on the road:)
Take care!
The timing of this article is perfect!! I am planning a big trip that's been in my bucket list for a while. It marks the end of residency training and it would be just before starting a new job. It's a month and a quarter long trip to Spain, Portugal, France and Morocco ( how could you not- they are all so close to each other!!).
Since this trip is before my job starts, this trip is on a budget. I have either used a backpack or a duffle-bag that I carry on trips, but to be honest, its taking a toll on my back!! ), and I could really use something that's durable and is kind to my body :) The red color is adorable!
This is so true, I did the same thing on my first big trip! Then I ended up stuffing my bag full of clothes and shoes that I bought in vintage shops and then wishing I hadn't as soon as I had to move it. Lesson learnt! I will definitely be going for 4 wheels on my next case. I love the blue in the medium size. :)
My husband and I are going on a 6 weeks trip to Asia. We will spend time in Hong Kong, China, Bali and other places in Indonesia. While we can take 2 suitcases each from a North American flight, it will be difficult to take two suitcases to get around various cities. But you know, girls will be girls and to have a stopover in Hong Kong means I have to have extra space in my luggage for shopping. I deserately need a light suitcase so I can do some shopping without having to worry about the luggage weight. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hi girls I just stumbled upon this site a couple of hours ago and I am loving it!
I just started embarking on solo trips after I've gained confidence in arranging all sorts of trips for me and my friends and families.
My next solo trip would be to Iceland and Amsterdam in November and I'm so excited! I would looove to have this lightweight yet spacious luggage to tow around easily around these two countries instead of a backpack seeing as how I need to bring winter clothes and hiking shoes for the trip. So here's hoping! ;)
Otherwise I think I might have to look around on the Internet to buy the luggage lol because I admit I'm smittened!
Over the past year I have been de-cluttering and minimizing my life to create more peace. A year later, I realize that I can practically live out of a small duffle bag and that realization has been freeing. This has easily transitioned my life to one filled with spontaneous travels and adventures. The Helium Air model by Delsey would take my adventures to the next level!
I would definitely choose the 23" suitcase in black!
You just caught my thoughts! I am embarking on yet another backpacking trip and am for the first time thinking of carrying a suitcase. Because of all the amenities you mentioned before. So I am keeeeping all my fingers and toes crossed for the grey, lovely version to accompany me on future trips!
50 something female, embarking on RTW 6mth solo journey come Feb 1. It's all about the journey I'm told ...... So as a kite surfer, stand up paddler, emergency travel nurse, cyclist, motorbiker and female who carries heels and that LBD, enjoying the journey allows a greater appreciation of what's going on around you. If 2 heads are better then 4 wheels must be bliss. Blue is kool for blue skies and crystal seas, but red is the heart of Australia and the passion that fires our soul to embark on those journeys, albeit well prepared with this traveling companion.