Originally Posted by
JP Chestnut
Buying and replacing seems like a terrible strategy given your use. Could you imagine flying in somewhere you've never been, late at night, and have to deal with a ruptured bag or broken off wheels - and then getting up the next morning for meetings?
This is wise advice. Unless the purpose of your trip is to stress test luggage then I would "go with what you know" if you can and if not, then invest in the best quality you can especially if you expect such travel to be a regular occurrence.
2 vs 4 wheels is a matter of personal preference, especially for checked luggage. There isn't really a right answer:
It would be wise to consider all of your luggage together: can you handle 2 pieces of rolling luggage at the same time? is there a system for hooking your carry on to the checked luggage? Would a backpack or hand luggage work better - you can stack these on top of the check-in luggage. Will you need to project a professional image (travelling with colleagues or taking your luggage to client sites)?
FWIW, I'm not a fan of hard sided luggage, but it is very common in MENA/Asia. I'm not sure if this means it's better, more available or in fashion. What I've noticed is the corners crack or the wheels break. I prefer the Ballistic Nylon in a two-wheeled frame. Use the manufacturer's warranty as a quality indicator but let common sense be your guide.
Asian (or rather really long distance) carriers are a more strict on weight/size limits - especially on full flights and you might find what is allowable outbound is not the same inbound. I would suggest being comfortably under the limits at all times. If you're travelling with work colleagues or clients avoiding a debate at check-in or having to repack at the airport will save embarrassment. Invest in a luggage scale or get a "feel" for how much your luggage weighs. Not knowing this can get expensive real quick.
Finally, and I think this is the thing most overlooked by travellers of all experience levels (including me): learn to pack and keep learning. For some of the locations you've listed it will be very inexpensive to have your clothes laundered (be sure to have a backup). Plenty of YouTube video, blogs and articles on this but also observe other travellers. The less you have to take, the smaller the bag you will need and the easier it will be for a 5'4" petite woman to navigate.
Good luck on your travels.