The number one factor to consider when considering how much you should spend on luggage is quality. Quality luggage provides several benefits over cheap alternatives, including increased durability, increased functionality, and increased longevity. The quality of your luggage is important because it could very easily be the difference between a life-changing trip and an unpleasant journey. If you choose to invest in quality luggage, you are going to spend more money than you would otherwise. That said, quality luggage is going to last longer and provide more utility than cheaper models that were only made to last a short period of time. If you're not sure how much to budget for your luggage, here are some guidelines: For a weekend trip, plan on spending no less than $100 on a good suitcase. This budget will purchase you a piece made from polycarbonate or polypropylene. If you're planning on using your luggage for two weeks, plan on investing at least $250. This budget will purchase you a piece made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. If you plan to use your luggage for more than two weeks, plan on spending more than $250. The cost of such luggage is going to depend heavily on the size and durability required. If you're planning on traveling frequently, plan on investing in quality luggage. This isn't a suggestion, but rather a necessity. The way we pack can also impact the length of time that we own our luggage. The more careful we are with our luggage and the less we subject it to environmental hazards such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, excessive heat, or contact with abrasive surfaces, the longer our luggage is going to last. It's also worth pointing out that different bags serve different purposes. If you're planning on traveling frequently and you're not worried about upholding lots of dress-code requirements, a simple, clean-looking backpack is going to be all you need. On the other hand, if your clothing and accessories are all very formal, you might want to consider a suitcase with a hard shell. If your accessories are somewhere in-between, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. The bottom line is that quality luggage isn't cheap but it's worth busting the piggy bank for.