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If you’re wondering how to choose the best luggage for travel, find out the three things to consider with our easy-to-use buying guide.
Shopping for the Best Luggage for Travel
Written by: Kelly Ella Maz
Table Of Contents
The best luggage for travel is strong enough to make it through baggage handlers and good looking enough to be pulled around international airport terminals. Durability, function, and size are the specifics you should consider before buying.
The biggest difference between types of luggage is the material it’s made of. The material can affect the durability, appearance, and cost. Deciding which factors are most important for your style of travel will narrow down the best luggage for travel for you!
When deciding how to choose the best luggage for travel, there are three m’s to consider:
- Mobility
- Measurement
- Material
Luggage Mobility
Wondering how to choose the best luggage for travel? Start with the number of wheels. Don’t make this choice solely based on how the luggage rolls in the store; consider the environment you’ll be traveling in. For most people, everywhere you go isn’t going to have smooth airport floors!
The secret to traveling light is to create a travel capsule wardrobe which can easily fit into a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing!
Delsey’s Helium Aero 29″ Spinner
Four Wheels
Four wheels glide the easiest through airports and train stations. Being able to push your suitcase (versus pulling it behind you) is a lot easier on your body, especially when your bag is heavy! If you’re really worried about extra weight, it’s worth noting that a four-wheeled suitcase will weigh slightly more than a two-wheeled suitcase.
Delsey’s Helium Aero Spinner is a great four-wheel suitcase that will glide easily through any terminal, and is often considered one of the best luggage for travel. Buy it here!
Osprey Ozone Wheeled Carry-on 42L/21.5″
Two Wheels
Two-wheeled cases are not as easy to pull through airports as four-wheeled ones, but they are significantly easier to navigate on cobblestone roads. If you do a lot of Europe travel, you may want to consider sticking with the traditional two wheels.
Osprey Ozone Wheeled Carry-on is a durable choice, guaranteed to last through any uneven terrain. Buy it here!
Briggs & Riley Luggage Baseline-Deluxe Duffle Bag
No Wheels
Bags without wheels are great for those who travel with significantly smaller suitcases or those looking for weekender bags. If a duffle bag is all you need, getting one without wheels will save on your overall luggage weight.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline-Deluxe Bag is a fantastic choice for a travel duffel bag. Buy it here!
Alternatively, if you like this style but need wheels, check out these rolling duffle bags that make great alternatives to travel backpacks!
Luggage Measurements
I learned a tough lesson when I assumed bigger was better when it came to checked luggage! I thought a 30” suitcase would be perfect for bringing eight pairs of shoes and endless bikinis. But it turns out I wasn’t able to lift my suitcase off the baggage carousel!
In addition, even with four wheels, it was really hard for my 5’1” body to push this suitcase around. The best luggage for travel is the one that you can carry comfortably!
Tired of overpacking? Read our ultimate guide on carry-on bags only.
Delsey Chatelet Hard Wheel Spinner Carry On
18″-22” Suitcases
This size is great for travelers who want to jetset with carry-on only. Using smart packing techniques and organizers like those shown in this video tutorial, you can travel carry-on for any destination or trip length. We definitely think this is one of the best luggage for travel.
Delsey offers stylish and cost-effective luggage. The Chatelet style is gorgeous! Buy it here!
24″-27” Suitcases
These are the perfect size for people who need to check a bag. The ideal height for someone using this size luggage would be over 5’4”. The suitcase will reach to your mid-thigh, which is the optimal height for easy mobility.
Samsonite’s Omni Spinner is the perfect height and size for average-height travelers who don’t want to travel carry-on, and many travelers say this is the best luggage for travel. Buy it here!
Victorinox Luggage Spectra 2.0
28″-30” Suitcases
Larger suitcases are best left for people who are 6’ or taller and specifically need to pack a larger quantity of items. The handle will be at the right spot for you to comfortably pull it around the airport. Many women will find this size to be overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling alone.
The Victorinox Luggage Spectra 2.0 is a great choice to accommodate travelers with various heights! Buy it here!
The best luggage for travel that’s carryon sized:
- Carry-on Suitcases We Absolutely Love
- Non-boring Carry-on Suitcase Designs
- Best Carry-on Suitcases for Europe
- Carry-on Personal Item Options
- The Best In-flight Travel Purse
Luggage Material
Another question you’ll be faced when determining how to choose the best luggage for travel is the luggage material. Different materials are more durable than others, some are waterproof, and some are lightweight. You’ll want to evaluate which matters most to you.
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 25 Inch Spinner
Polycarbonate
The hard sides of polycarbonate luggage prevents the suitcase from caving in, which protects your belongings. The major downside to “hard” luggage is that it scratches easily and occasionally cracks. Many travelers consider polycarbonate hard suitcases the best type of luggage because it’s lightweight.
Delsey Helium Aero is a popular choice for polycarbonate luggage. Buy it here!
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 22″ Lightweight Expandable Carry-on
Nylon
Nylon fabric is both strong and lightweight, making it the most durable option. Nylon also has more “give,” allowing you to squeeze in that extra pair of shoes. Some nylon suitcases are made from the same technology used in military gear, so you know your stuff will be safe!
For a high quality and lightweight nylon suitcase, the Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 is what some call the best luggage for travel. Buy it here!
IT Luggage Stitched Squares 22-inch Lightweight Carry On
Polyester
Polyester fabric is the cheapest and least durable. You can usually find these suitcases on sale in a local mall, but they won’t last very long. If you’ve ever seen how luggage gets handled at an Italian airport, you won’t be buying a polyester suitcase. Let’s just say, most of the best luggage for travel isn’t made from polyester.
IT Luggage Stitched Squares 22-inch an example of an affordable and popular polyester suitcase. Buy it here!
Best Luggage for Travel Comparison Chart
Still undecided? Here’s a quick review of the best luggage for travel:
| MOBILITY | MEASUREMENT | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|
|
FOUR WHEELS Delsey’s Helium Aero Spinner is a great four-wheel suitcase that will glide easily through any terminal.Check Price |
18"-22” SUITCASE Delsey offers stylish and cost-effective luggage. The Chatelet spinner style is gorgeous!Check Price |
POLYCARBONATE Delsey Helium Aero 25 is a popular choice for polycarbonate luggage.Check Price |
|
TWO WHEELS Osprey Ozone is a durable choice, guaranteed to last through any uneven terrain.Check Price |
24"-27” SUITCASE Samsonite’s Omni is the perfect height and size for average-height travelers.Check Price |
NYLON For nylon, the Travelpro Luggage Maxlite is what some call the best luggage for travel .Check Price |
|
NO WHEELS The Briggs & Riley Duffle is a fantastic choice for a travel duffel bag that will save on your overall luggage weight.Check Price |
28"-30” SUITCASE The Victorinox Luggage Spectra 2.0 is a great choice to accommodate travelers with various heights!Check Price |
POLYESTER IT Luggage an example of an affordable and popular polyester suitcase.Check Price |
AmazonBasics Hardside 20″ Spinner Luggage
Tips on How to Choose the Best Luggage for Travel
It’s not easy knowing how to choose the best luggage for travel. Along with our tips we’ve covered so far, here are a few more to help you make your decision:
- If you’re stuck between two suitcases, compare their warranties. We love companies that offer lifetime warranties!
- With so many flashy suitcase colors, it’s hard to buy one that will stand out from others on a baggage carousel. Consider going with classic black and adding a luggage strap. The strap gives you added security, and your black suitcase will look chic whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.
- Bring a measuring tape with you when shopping for luggage. I was heartbroken when I discovered that my Heys Smart Luggage was significantly larger than advertised.
- Airlines have different size restrictions. Jot down the maximum measurements for the airlines you’re most likely to fly with before buying luggage. Be aware that international airlines have tighter size restrictions than US domestic airlines.
- Always check the wheels, zipper, and handle before buying. I once fell in love with a Samsonite, but when I had trouble using the zipper in the store I knew I couldn’t buy it. Lockable zippers are a bonus to help prevent theft!
- Empty suitcases roll a lot easier than full ones. Stuff a smaller suitcase into your suitcase at the store to get a better idea of how it will perform.
What are your tips on how to choose the best luggage for travel?
For more tips on how to choose the best luggage, please read:
- Travel Experts Recommend the Top Luggage Brands
- Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing a Suitcase
- Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Backpack
- This Video Will Change the Way You Pack
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I hope you enjoyed this buying guide on how to choose the best luggage for travel. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Kelly Ella Maz is a travel writer from Canada. Her passion for travel and world-wide experience led her to start her own travel planning business and blog. She recently bought a one-way ticket to Barcelona, where she’ll be living by the beach and traveling around Spain. You can follow her travels at www.kellyellamaz.com.
Alex— have you reviewed the Away brand of luggage? It looks really good online but would be helpful to have an independent review.
Hi Becky, thank you for your question! No I haven’t used it personally because I prefer carryons that are 2kg/5lb. To get you some feedback about the brand, I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s Facebook page. Our readers have the best feedback, so keep an eye open for their replies from Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/. Sorry I could not be of more help! 🙁
I’m nowhere near pilot level of trips but I fly about 40 times a year, and love my four wheel TravelPro. It’s much more maneuverable through crowded areas, great for nudging along with my foot when inching through a security line, and better for my 6’4″ height than the two wheeler I use to have (the angle when I held the handle wasn’t conducive to good rolling.)
Great feedback Jiiva!
Is American tourister bag for having clothes and other bag for some utensils,food products like rice mix.Would be good enough for A 3 week business trip to canada. Let me know ur thoughts
It’s a highly recommended brand. You may want a hard side suitcase if you plan to take delicate items. Have a good trip!
Hi there. Thanks for the excellent post! I’m traveling to China soon and staying for 2 weeks. What luggage would you recommend? I can’t decide between nylon or polycarbon. Thx!
Hi Harper, it’s really based on personal preference. I prefer a soft sided suitcase for a wide space and longer trips and a hard side suitcase for short vacations. These other tips might help you choose: https://travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage/
I need the size capability of a suitcase for a Paris trip/France cruise but need something that I can handle on the train from Paris to Lyon. Last year I had a horrible time with my suitcase and carry-on bag during the train portion of my journey.
Any suggestions?
Hi Alex,
What type and dimensions of suitcase I should prefer, when I am going for Vietnam?
And please suggest me, what extra care I should take while traveling to Vietnam?
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for asking! You should be fine with either a rolling bag or backpack in Vietnam, unfortunately there isn’t great public transportation so to get around you typically take taxis so rolling bags aren’t really an inconvenience. Within Vietnam the budget airlines dimensions for carry-ons are: 36cm x 56cm x 26cm so stick within that for a carry-on and you shouldn’t have a problem! Here is a Vietnam specific packing list: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-vietnam/ Enjoy your trip!
Hey, what do you think is a good sized suitcase for a 17 will be 18 year old when go girl who is going to Tahiti for a french immersion trip next year with school for 10ish days?? I have never been overseas so have no idea…
If she packs smart, she should be fine with a carry on! There are some great options in this post: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-carry-on-suitcases-for-traveling-europe/
When I travel light for a week, I’ll pack my ROLO bag that hangs as soon as I reach my hotel room. Nothing is unpacked until I need it. I pack minimally, so I carry my mini hygiene kit and other essentials in my Rough & Tumble Messenger.
Great tips! Thanks for reading and contributing! Happy travels!
nice tips good one have a lots of ideas
Thanks 🙂
Thanks for the list. Very in depth and useful information. I wish I didn’t have the misfortune of bringing home a nasty little unwelcome passenger from my last trip. Did you consider bed bugs prevention as a luggage factor to consider? I can think of nothing else having had a taste for the discomfort they can cause. I went with luggage that actually kills them: http://thermalstrike.com/products/Mw== and was hoping to find more info out there. I guess if I had never had them run amuck in my house I wouldn’t be worrying either. Thanks again and good luck on bug-free travels everybody!
Hi Raegan! I actually did have a bed bug infestation on the second week on my round the world trip. The reason? I placed all my clothes on the bed then repacked them in my suitcase. The easy solution is to never put all your clothing on a hotel bed and never ever put your suitcase on the bed either 😉
Nice tips thanks! How do u compare delsey with rockland luggage?
Hi Tommy, I don’t own a Rockland suitcase, only Delsey. From what I’ve seen in the stores I would say Delsey appears to be better quality. However, without testing it out first I can’t say 100% for sure.
Hi, your list is nicely put together, thanks!
It’s pretty hard to get your hands on Heys hand luggage here in the UK. It’s a shame as I keep reading good reviews about their products…
Do you know or have views on Tripp suitcases?
I have to add my two cents in defense of spinner suitcases. Another advantage of a rollable spinner with 4 wheels vs. a regular pullable suitcase with 2 wheels is that in a narrow space, such as on an airplane or a train car, you can roll the spinner sideways. I remember getting stuck once on a train in Russia where my regular 2-wheel suitcase simply did not fit in the narrow isle. I was literally stuck not being able to lift and carry that thing down the isle to my seat, until some kind soul with much bigger muscles offered to help. As soon as I got back home from that trip I replaced both my check-in and carry-on suitcases with spinner versions and have been very happy since with how they’ve performed even on the exhausting cobblestones in Italy.
OOOOH great defense! You are completely right and I do agree with you! It’s so much easier to go through the plane aisle with spinners
I am going to Paris for a month in the early spring of 2016. I would love not having to check bags. Is there a carry-on that would work for that length of stay? Any tips for packing light?
Hi Lynne, take a look at these posts:
https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-for-paris/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-carry-on-suitcases-for-traveling-europe/
Hope you’ll find the tips helpful 🙂
Nice recommendations I like the Briggs & Riley BRX Duffle in the picture I guess I’m gonna try something like that style.
It’s definitely a great brand!
I’m more a backpack person than a luggage traveler, but I will pass these tips on to my mom :).
Hi Agness, you might find this travel backpack guide more helpful: https://travelfashiongirl.com/step-by-step-guide-how-to-choose-the-best-travel-backpack-for-your-trip/
I want a 29 in to send and a 21 in for carry on. Can these be stacked so I don’t have to pull both separately? Thank you
Hi Linda, there are gadgets to connect luggage such as this multi-bag stacker: http://amzn.to/1KZ0A9Q