India, July 25 -- I own more suitcases than I care to admit and have reviewed enough to keep the conversation going for days!

Cabin cases, large check-in luggage, fabric bags, polycarbonate shells. After years of catching flights for work, family holidays and quick weekend escapes, I have learnt one thing. The perfect suitcase does not exist. Every time someone asks me if they should buy a hard suitcase or a soft one, my answer is always the same. Let me know how you travel first.

I have watched people buy a sleek hard shell case because it looked great online, only to regret it after a shopping-heavy holiday. I have also seen soft luggage struggle to protect fragile souvenirs on long-haul flights. The suitcase is only as good as the pe...