India, April 1 -- For anyone who grew up in the 90s in India, the mantra was always 'sasta, sundar, tikau'. If it was cheap and looked good, it was a win. But times are changing. Not everything cheap will last, and quality often comes at a price. To truly see this in action, you need a suitcase hoarder and travel enthusiast like me. Over the last few years, I've tested over 15 suitcases across road trips, flights, solo jaunts, family outings and even chaotic holiday packing sessions with kids. Each trip has been a reality check, from potholes in Rajasthan to crowded overhead bins on a SpiceJet flight, I've seen what holds up and what falls apart.

A Rs.2,000 trolley bag from the local market might look like a steal until a wheel melts in ...