Voyager: Born to Travel

"Born to travel", this is the tag line of Voyager. A local brand of luggage founded in 1983 (as claimed by the SM Department assistant).

Article updated October 2024:

Saying thank you to my Voyager black luggage bought in 2012.   Has been to many places in Japan and once in Denmark.

Been to repairs on SM due to zippers and wheels.   Leaving it with all inside zippers still working, divider clothing all clean and unstained.  Outside zippers are still working but 2 of the zipper heads outside may cause wound.  The wheels have been cleaned on SM repair, but there is still noise when being used. The handle no longer locks in any level. Some parts of the hard shell are still with original plastic. 

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Just bought 20-23 kilos blue voyager luggage – polycarbonate material, expandable, shock absorber 360 wheels, scratch resistant, anti-theft twin coil zipper, with flat TSA lock. Waterproof and water repellant.  Features I prioritized are smooth wheels, expandable zippers, and TSA lock.

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From its tag price at 11,999 php, bought it during the 41st anniversary of Voyager and Southmall's pre-holiday sale with extra 10% off on SMAC on limited time frame, in total of 60% discount price dropped to only 4800 php.

Written on the cards included on the luggage:

Warranty covers manufacturing defects namely replacement of parts such as trolley wheels.  If the shell was discovered damage during transit due to the rough, mishandling or misuse of airline porters.  You must immediately make a claim to the airline carrier or baggage handlers at the airport since it is their duty and obligation to handle your belongings with care. 

Materials to consider in buying a luggage:

• Aluminum – Expensive but durable.  This is waterproof and zippers are sealed. Mainly inspired by Rimowa.
• Polycarbonate – light and impact resistant.
• Rubber – bendable, may also be durable during airport staff handling. But when stored on a humid area, too cold country or too warm country, it may eventually worn out. 

Article posted April 2012:

 
I bought my first luggage on 2006 for less than 1500php.  It is a 15 kilo moss green Voyager bag with 2 wheels and belt security. 

I was not able to try other brand of luggage, but I must say that Voyager served me well on what it more than expected for its worth.  For almost 12 out of the country trips in less than 6 years, it was able to run the rocky streets of Causeway Bay, Senado Square and went up and down at the stairs of Namdaenum and Myeongdong.

Last June 2011, I took it from the rotating belt in Incheon with a broken handle.  Good thing, there is lifetime warranty service for any issue you'll have with Voyager luggage.  Right after the trip, I went to SM Department Store to submit my luggage for repair, SM will be sending it to the Voyage service center.  After a month, I was able to get it back.  Just in time for my next travel.

By November 2011, after coming back from Jeju-Seoul trip, part of the body of the luggage is losing up, perhaps I put a lot on what it can accommodate.  Even though it can still be fixed, I decided to but a new one.



The one I used is already an old model and is already faced-out.  This time, I’m looking for a four-wheel luggage for an easier transfer on the road and on the airport.  One that is available has 4-wheel but no extensions at all.  Another plus I learned is to have the inside lining to be in striking color – so you would see things easily. 

Tips on Buying a Luggage or travel bags:

• Check and monitor luggage from different brands.  Read reviews online.  “What’s a good brand of luggage” from PinoyExchange, has their top suggestion to be Samsonite.
• Buy on what you need and not what you want.  Be practical.
• Buy depend on what your body type can carry, you must be able to run and hold a fully loaded luggage.
• Don’t buy fake or cheap luggage on small shops – believe me, you don’t want to get it broken with all your things scattered on the rotating belt.
• Look for possible small damages on items that you may need to be careful of when buying from any luggage sale or discounted items on clearance sale.

This is not a promotional entry, but it is good to support Philippine product.  Spend sometime to study on what to buy, because you are ‘born to travel’ on a practical way!