Samsonite Skywheeler €175:Highs: This is without a doubt the Mercedes of suitcases both in quality and, sadly, price. It is lightweight ( just 2.8kg), compact and ridiculously sturdy. The handles are comfortable and it will fit into overhead lockers without a murmur of complaint from airline staff. The built-in lock looks like it would keep prying hands out of your stuff.
Lows:There are only two compartments - at this price we expected at least one secret and snazzy storage area. It's a little on the small side and we can't help wondering how much of the €175 is being wasted on the brand name.
Verdict:Excellent but too dear
Star rating:***
Constellation International
€30
Highs:This case was bought in Dunnes Stores and is pretty good value for money. It looks sturdy and has a 44-litre capacity - which can be increased by a further third should you lose the run of yourself while on holiday. Its bright red colour should make it easy to spot on the airport carousel.
Lows:While the outside bits look solid, the clasps on the inside look a bit flimsy. And the handle is ridiculously short, so if you're over five foot five you might have to stoop a bit to pull it. The case is an odd size and some airlines may not let you bring it onto the aircraft with you.
Verdict:Good value
Star rating:****
Aerolite Malaga
€25
Highs:On first sight this frill-free bag looks surprisingly good quality given its cheapness. It is quite compact but seems to fit more clothes than some of the similarly sized competition. It is lightweight and the handles, wheels and external zips all seem pretty robust. It should also slot into an overhead locker without too much fuss.
Lows:The zips on the inside had started fraying before we had even taken the tags off, which didn't suggest a long life carrying our stuff around the world. The warranty is very, very limited and the "locks" could probably be bitten open by a toothless infant.
Verdict:The Ryanair of luggage
Star rating:**
Leonardo
€19.99
Highs:The cheapest wheelie suitcase we could find, this is very old-fashioned and perfectly functional. It has four separate pouches on the outside which might prove handy for losing your passport in as you approach check-in. All the main components work effectively and it's big enough to a fit a week's worth of clothes if you pack light and leave all your shoes at home.
Lows: It is, and there's no getting round it, a little on the ugly side. It is also very dull looking and so ordinary that it might be a little too easy to misplace in a crowded space.
Verdict:Cheap but dull
Star rating: ***
Aftersun creams
Ombra Cooling Aftersun Gel €2.69 for 250ml
Highs: This gel from Aldi wins hands-down when it comes to price, so if you plan to bake in the summer sun for weeks on end then it might be a good idea to stock up on this. It goes on smoothly and, just as the manufacturers promise, is easily absorbed and not at all greasy. The bottle is transparent so we could gauge how much was left; it also has a nice, fresh smell and the aloe vera is soothing.
Lows:The scent may be a little flowery for some tastes, and the bottle had a tendency to open at the drop of a hat, or a suitcase, which might not be entirely convenient.
Verdict: Cheap and cooling
Star rating: ****
Piz Buin After Sun
€12.99 for 200ml
Highs:A good-quality product from a widely recognisable brand, this is light and creamy and - with its nattily designed pump - easy to apply. It was absorbed in seconds. The spray is pleasant, particularly if you're feeling kind of hot - speaking of hot, this has also been tested in the Sahara, the bottle tells us, which sounded quite impressive.
Lows: Until we realised that we had no intention of sunning ourselves in the Sahara any time soon. The price also works against it - although when we bought it in Boots, there was a buy one, get one free promo on, which made it much better value.
Verdict:Good while on special
Star rating: ****
Hawaiian Tropic Cooling Aftersun Spray
€13.40 for 200ml
Highs:The key to making a good aftersun appears to be the addition of plant extracts - Aldi goes with aloe vera, Piz Buin went for menthol, but this has coconut milk and avocado oil, so if doesn't work on your skin, maybe you could spray it on your salad. It has a very coconutty smell that some may find too sweet, although PriceWatch liked it as it was reminiscent of the sunburned holidays of youth.
Lows:The spray is a little too targeted and a lot of pumping was required to cover a broad area of burnt/tanned skin. Its price was more off-putting.
Verdict:Pricey and smelly
Star rating:**
Simple Insect Repellent Aftersun
€6.66 for 200ml
Highs:This is a good product and one which does its job without the aid of any smelly plants - although it does list a wholesome-sounding oat extract among its ingredients. It has no perfumes or colours and also works as an insect repellent. While we were unable to directly test its efficacy at dealing with mosquitoes, reports from others suggest it does the job quite nicely. The price is nice too.
Lows:It doesn't smell remotely of summer holidays, which was a disappointment, but one we could live with, all things considered.
Verdict:Nice and simple
Star rating: *****
