When shopping for new luggage, the best thing that you can do is invest in the best suitcase or set that you can afford. But since luggage is pricey, the low prices of bargain luggage can be very tempting.

Some people who don't travel frequently have bought bargain luggage -- not to be confused with quality luggage bought on sale or online at a good price -- and have no problems. But you get what you pay for, as the saying goes. Low quality luggage can be an imminent disaster on your next vacation or business trip.

If you do a lot of flying, you are probably familiar with horror stories of claiming destroyed bags after your flight. You may even have one or two stories of your own about suitcases being returned with torn zippers or large holes. Although even a good brand of luggage risks the possibility of damage at the airport, cheaper brands are even more susceptible to it.

Low quality hardside luggage can end up returning to you with cracks and holes in it. A polyester case, cheaper than durable ballistic nylon, rips and frays far easier than the more expensive option. A broken zipper can end up with your personal belongings spilling as you roll your suitcase through the airport. Broken handles or straps suddenly make your luggage harder to carry around. Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little extra for something more durable and less stressful during travel.

Another thing to note: beware of designer luggage as well. Though at the other end of the price spectrum from bargain brands, designer brands are often made similarly to them, with only a label or signature pattern as the major difference. The best luggage is sold at a mid-range price -- cheaper than designer luggage, more expensive than bargain luggage.

So don't be tempted by cheap, low quality luggage when you go to make your next purchase. Instead, invest in good luggage that is sturdy and will hold together not only for your next trip, but also for the trips you will be making in the future. You'll save time and money, and you won't have the hassle of dealing with luggage that fails you partway through your trip.