How to transport fragile items while traveling | How to pack and choose a suitcase to bring back souvenirs safely

  • New Trip

Update date: 2025.12.03

Title

Glasswork, pottery, and bottled souvenirs purchased while traveling.
Even if you think you have taken good care of it, it is common to find that it is broken or leaking after you get home.

Fragile items are easily damaged by shocks, changes in air pressure, and shaking inside the suitcase while checked in.

In this article, we will explain the main reasons why fragile souvenirs get damaged and

We'll introduce some easy-to-understand tips for safe packing that you can put into practice even while traveling.
Please use this as a reference to ensure that your precious souvenirs are brought home safely.

Title

table of contents

1. Reasons why fragile souvenirs get damaged

Title

Fragile souvenirs such as glassware, pottery, bottled drinks, and sweets purchased during your trip should be packed away.

There is a risk that it may be easily damaged by even a slight shock during transport .
Traveling by plane is especially prone to damage for the following reasons:

-Strong impacts on checked baggage Loading and unloading at airports often involves strong forces, making glass, ceramics, bottles, etc. easily breakable.

- Shaking and bumping due to gaps inside the suitcase If there are gaps, the contents will move around while you are moving, and cracks will easily occur due to collisions and friction.

- Changes in air pressure on an airplane cause wine, sake, jam, condiments, etc. to expand → loosen the cap → cause leakage.

- Damage caused by carrying the product while sightseeing Even when traveling in a backpack or paper bag, small vibrations and pressure can accumulate, and the product may suddenly break after you return home.

- The simple packaging used by local shops is often insufficient for air transport, with items still in paper bags or using thin bubble wrap.

Title

2. Packing techniques for safely transporting fragile items

Title

To safely transport fragile items in a suitcase, it's important to use "packing techniques that are close to professional packing." Here, we'll introduce practical techniques that can be used for a wide range of souvenirs, including glass, ceramics, bottles, and food.

table of contents

1. Always wrap fragile items individually – stacking can cause damage

It is not recommended to wrap multiple fragile items together.
When traveling, even a small movement inside your suitcase can cause collisions, so it is best to pack each item separately .

Effective triple-wrapping procedures

・Thin paper (or tissue) : To prevent minor scratches

・Bubble wrap (medium grain) : shock absorption

・Zip bag or bag : to prevent debris and liquid leakage

This three-layer construction makes it easier to withstand the impact of air transport.

Title

2. Use bubble wrap, towels, and clothing as cushioning

It's a good idea to have some cushioning material on hand before you travel , as you may need it suddenly once you arrive at your destination.

Useful things to prepare

・Popular candy (preferably medium-sized)

・Large zip bag (for liquids and bottles)

・Thick towel or hoodie (immediate cushioning material)

If you don't have bubble wrap,
It is also effective to wrap thick clothing such as a sweater, sweatshirt, or hoodie around the area .

Title

3. Always keep bottles upright (sideways risk leaking)

Liquids such as wine, sake, and olive oil expand due to the effects of air pressure.

The key point is that the cap tends to loosen when placed sideways .

Recommended fixing method

1. First, put it in a zip bag.

2. Wrap the bottle in a towel

3. Place it vertically in the center of the suitcase

4. Stuff the area with clothes to prevent movement.

If you can make it "immobile," the risk of damage is significantly reduced.

Title

4. Place it in the center of your suitcase – the corners are the most susceptible to impacts

The edges (four corners) of a suitcase are the worst places to store fragile items because they are more susceptible to external impacts .

The best position is the stationary central zone

・The middle of the suitcase

- Position that can be fixed with a stop band

- Areas that can be surrounded by soft clothing

This "center placement + fixing" prevents most damage.

Title

5. Take thorough leak prevention measures for liquids with double or triple containment.

Even if the fragile item does not break, there are many cases where the entire suitcase is damaged by liquid leakage alone .

Reliable leakage prevention

・Put it in a zip bag (required)

・Wrap the outside in a bag (double layer)

- Wrap tape around the cap to secure it in place (to prevent loosening)

In particular, care should be taken with jam, honey, oils, and sake, as these are prone to leaking.

🛡️ 壊れ物を守る 5つの梱包テクニック(図解)

1
個別包装を徹底
一つずつ薄紙→プチプチ→ジップ袋の三重で包むと破損と液漏れを同時に防げます。
2
衣類をクッション化
セーターやタオルでしっかり巻くと即席のバブルラップに。隙間埋めにも有効です。
3
瓶は縦向き&固定
ボトルは立てて入れ、周囲を衣類で挟み込む。キャップ緩み・液漏れを抑えます。
4
中央配置で衝撃を回避
スーツケースの四隅は衝撃が伝わりやすい。壊れ物は中央で固定するのが安全です。
5
二重の漏れ対策を忘れずに
ジップ袋+外袋、さらにキャップにテープを巻くなど二重・三重で対策しましょう。

ヒント:現地でプチプチが入手できない場合は、厚手の服を多めに持ち帰り用に残すと安心です。

Title

3. The safety of your fragile items depends on the suitcase you choose

Title

Protecting fragile items depends not only on the packaging, but also on the type of suitcase you use .

Since checked baggage is subject to drops, impacts, and pressure, the material and structure of the case directly affect the risk of damage.

If you keep the following points in mind, carrying fragile items home will be much safer.

How to choose a suitcase that is resistant to fragile items

The recommended outer shell material is PC (polycarbonate). Its flexible construction makes it highly shock-absorbent and protects against impacts. It is particularly resistant to ceramic and glass.

- The frame type is more resistant to twisting and pressure than a zipper that is resistant to external pressure , making it suitable for protecting glass bottles, wine, etc.

- Internal dividers and fixing belts prevent important items from shifting and significantly reduce the risk of them moving and breaking.

- Caster performance = directly linked to the risk of tipping and impacts Large diameter, double, silent casters reduce rattle when moving, providing peace of mind.

・When using the expansion function, be careful not to pack it too tightly , as this can make it easier for fragile items to move. When using it, make sure there are no gaps.

Title

4. New Trip suitcases recommended for safe transport

Title

To safely bring home fragile items,

In addition to packing, it is also essential to choose a suitcase that is shock-resistant and keeps your luggage stable.
The New Trip 0501 meets these requirements and is especially recommended for those who place importance on safety when traveling.

The appeal of the 0501 is that it is not just a front-opening suitcase, but has a strong structure designed to protect fragile items .

The following points will significantly contribute to reducing the risk of breakage:

Why New Trip 0501 is great for carrying fragile items

- Front opening x Deep main compartment with a stable vertical opening front opening design prevents luggage from falling out all at once.
Combined with the deep main compartment, it also makes it easy to secure wine, ceramics, and glassware.

- Comes with an expandable compartment so you can create extra space , and even if you add more souvenirs you can store them without forcing them in.
Fragile items can ideally be stored in a space that is not squeezed or moved around.

- Made of PC (polycarbonate) material, the outer shell has high impact resistance and resilience, making it easy to protect luggage from drops and pressure at the airport.

- The four-wheel brake casters ensure stable movement and prevent the suitcase from moving on its own on trains or up slopes, reducing the risk of it falling over.

- The 4-way adjustable aluminum handle allows for easy adjustment to suit your height, so you can pull it without shaking , and vibrations when moving it are less likely to be transmitted to fragile items.

- The secure structure of the TSA lock and YKK zipper means you can safely check your luggage even when traveling internationally, and opening and closing it is stress-free.

New Trip 0501 Suitcase

By using it in conjunction with packaging techniques,

Greatly reduces the risk of damage

View product details

Title

summary

Title

To safely bring home fragile souvenirs, you need:
Understand the causes of damage, pack correctly, and choose the right suitcase.

And if the suitcase itself is made of shock-resistant materials, has a structure that prevents the contents from falling over, and has stable running performance,
This synergistic effect with packaging techniques further enhances safety.

If you are worried about bringing back fragile items, be sure to use these tips as a reference when preparing for your trip.

Title

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Title
Q1. スーツケースに入れた壊れ物が割れやすいのはなぜ?

A1:預け荷物は落下・圧力・振動が避けられないためです。
特に「隙間がある」「重い荷物の下敷きになる」「外殻が柔らかい」などの条件が重なると破損リスクが高まります。

Q2. 壊れ物は手荷物と預け荷物のどちらに入れるべき?

A2:基本は「手荷物」が安全ですが、サイズや本数によっては預け荷物になることも。
預ける場合は、衣類で上下を挟む・固定する・圧迫物から離すのが必須です。

Q3. ワイン・日本酒をスーツケースで持ち帰るときの注意点は?

A3:気圧変化で液体が膨張するため「緩衝材+防水袋」は必須です。
さらに、瓶同士を絶対に直接触れさせないよう、必ず個別梱包をしてください。

Q4. 壊れ物に強いスーツケースの条件はありますか?

A4:PC素材・フレーム構造・仕切りがしっかりした内部・安定性の高いキャスターの4つが重要です。
荷崩れしにくく、外殻の変形が少ないモデルほど壊れ物に向いています。

Q5. New Trip 0501 は壊れ物に向いていますか?

A5:前开盖構造、深いメイン室、PCシェル、安定したキャスターが特徴で、壊れ物向きです。
さらに拡張機能や防水袋もあり、ワイン・陶器・ガラス製品などの持ち帰りに適しています。