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If you are planning a trip, you must have planned everything from travel tickets and accommodation to car hires and itinerary. But do you ever give attention to the travel luggage you would be carrying? Believe it or not, the luggage that you carry would make a lot of difference in your safety and comfort during the trip.
You would be amazed to find such a huge variety of travel bags available in the market, and you need to choose the best travel luggage as per the desired features, quality, sturdiness, storage, and comfort, along with the looks. Moreover, the baggage should be the right size to meet your luggage requirements, and it should be easy to maneuver too.
CHECK THE TOP TRAVEL LUGGAGE NOW!Now, it is time to do away with any of the confusions, as here we have come up with this comprehensive guide to help you select the best luggage option. Find all your answers relating to the kind of baggage you should buy and make the right choice as a well-informed buyer.
Different Types Of Luggage
Before you start looking for the best luggage for your travel, get aware of the common types of luggage available in the market. The travel luggage is available in a huge variety of sizes and models from various brands. The three most common types of luggage cases you are likely to come across include the following:
1. Traditional Rolling Suitcases
These are the most common and traditional kind of travel luggage that are made of hard or soft materials. Hard-side suitcases are made of sturdy materials like polycarbonate and polypropylene, while the soft-side suitcases are made of leather, nylon, microfiber, PVC, or polyester. Many customers prefer soft bags, as their surface is flexible and can pack 25% more of your stuff.
2. Backpacks
Another common kind of travel luggage is the backpacks, which are available with or without frames. Backpacks are useful for outdoor activities, as they can be easily carried on shoulders while keeping your hands free. It is common to see hikers and campers carry their luggage in backpacks, and many of them even come with wheels and padded back straps for increased comfort and maneuverability.
3. Duffel Bags
When you speak about Duffel bags, do not envision them as a small-sized sack that people carry to gyms. Today, the Duffel bags have indeed become a lot more advanced and carry sophisticated features like retractable handles and wheels. Also referred to as travel duffels, these bags can easily be used as carry-ons and can fit in the overhead compartment.
Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Travel Luggage
Choosing the best lightweight luggage for international travel can indeed keep those unwelcome and unpleasant surprises away. Here are some of the essential factors to keep in mind to make the right choice:
1. Size And Weight
The size of the travel luggage would rely on your personal preferences and luggage requirements. If you are traveling by air, then as general rule of thumb, try to remain within the standards set by most major airlines, which is around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Consider the complete size of the bag and the precise measurements, including the handles and wheels.
If the bag is too small, you are likely to overstuff it, and if it is too large, it would mean handling a bulky bag with a space that you really do not need. The medium sized luggage is appropriate for someone who travels a lot, which is about 23” to 24,” and those who go away for just the weekends can opt for an 18-20” bag.
It is important to be wary about the weight of the luggage and avoid those with bulky sizes and weights. As a traveler, you need to be very careful about the weight restrictions at the airport.
2. Hard Or Soft Luggage
Every traveler shows a strong preference when it comes to the material of their travel luggage, which can be soft or hard. Actually, a lot relies on the kind of travel and packing style one has, and one should consider the pros and cons of each kind before shopping.
Soft bags are generally preferred by all over the hard-shell luggage because of its several advantages. For example, these bags offer more storage and are easier to squeeze. As compared to their harder counterparts, they can withstand any rough handling better.
Moreover, soft travel luggage is lightweight and easier to handle. However, one should be wary about the fabrics used, and go for the one like ballistic nylon, which offers the best protection and is waterproof and stain-resistant as well.
The hard luggage bags are made of hard-shell materials that carry more strength and durability. The good news is that travel luggage companies are now using upgraded and improved materials that are lightweight.
For example, special plastics and polycarbonate materials are extremely durable and strong, as well as have featherweight. These suitcases prove to be better for fragile items, and they are easier to clean than soft suitcases. On the downside, they cannot be squeezed and are not flexible about packing.
3. Number Of Wheels
The wheels add to the portability of the travel bags and can make a huge difference in handling the bags. After all, no traveler would like to lug on a heavy suitcase that refuses to budge because of no or very few wheels. The luggage bags with four-wheels or two wheels are very easy to maneuver.
Two-wheeled luggage is known as rollaboard luggage, as it can move in forward and backward direction only. Although these bags are easier to maneuver on uneven surfaces, the main drawback is that you need to drag the bag because of the pulling motion.
The four-wheeled bags are also known as spinners and can be rotated in any direction because of their 360 degrees rotation feature. You can push or pull the bag in any direction, and moving them from one place to another is just like a breeze. On the downside, the luggage could roll away on its own on an inclined surface.
Travelers prefer four-wheeled suitcases as they find them easier to handle and can easily spin 360 degrees. Moreover, it becomes a lot easier to navigate your luggage in tight spaces. The two-wheeler is less ergonomic, but is better when rolling on sidewalks or clearing curbs.
Whatever kind or number of wheels you go for, check the wheels for any weak spots and their durability. They should be firm and stay in place and offer a more secure attachment.
4. Quality Of Stitching
Customers often overlook the stitching of the luggage, but it is essential to look at the stitching carefully, as it can reflect the quality of the overall luggage and its construction. The stitches should look neat and uniform, and the higher the number of stitches, the better would be the construction of the bag.
Look for a travel luggage that comes with reinforced stitching that would not be easy to come apart. Pay close attention to how the tension points behave and how the rivets are attached when you hold the luggage.
5. Handles
If your great-looking suitcase doesn’t have strong and sturdy handles that have been designed to offer a firm and comfortable grip, chances are you are not going to like what you have bought. So, make sure that the handles are ergonomically designed and are strong.
Test the handle by extending it to the full length and spin the bag. If the suitcase jabs you anywhere, it shows that the handle is not well designed and nor are they strong enough. There should be no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag and look for maximum durability when it comes to handles.
6. Zippers
The zipper of the travel luggage should always be bigger and sturdier, as they are likely to face lots of usage and abuse. It sure can be a headache if one of those zippers breaks when you’re traveling. As a general rule, avoid bags with plastic zippers and go for the metal ones.
Zippers are either chain or coil type, and the chain type zipper is seen to be better and stronger than a coil zipper. The coil zippers can be easily pulled apart and thus should be avoided, and there should be no gaping holes along the zippers.
Pull the zipper back down and up to test how smoothly it works and test its strength. The zippers should sit evenly and should be easy to operate.
7. Additional Features
Check out the interiors and exteriors of different luggage sets and compare them for organizational systems and pockets. More pockets and better organizational systems mean better and more storage. Many suitcases boast of extra pockets and outer compartments to keep your items well organized.
Compare the interiors and exteriors of different luggage sets to know if they suit your needs and traveling style. Check out the compartments and pockets and if they carry an organized packer or not. Look for other useful features, like a plastic waterproof pouch that can keep the shampoo bottles and wet swimsuits well protected.
Many newer carry-on models for travel are even equipped with USB charging ports. Thus, now you can power up your phone on the go with no need to get anxious about your phone losing its power.
8. TSA-Approved Locks For Security
Do not overlook the safety matter when shopping for travel luggage. The safety of your travel bag becomes even more important if you are carrying any valuables. So, ensure that your travel luggage has great safety features and comes with a secure internal or external locking system.
It is a good idea to go for a TSA-approved lock if looking for extra security and convenience, as in case the TSA decides to search your baggage. Using zip ties is another way to lock your suitcase. Just exercise basic precautions and buy travel insurance for added safety to get cover from stolen or lost baggage.
9. Color And Pattern
While the color of your bag is your personal choice, there are certain advantages if you go for certain colors. Today, travel bags are available in a wide range of unique colors and patterns and can range from metallic hues to special designs that make them unique and easy to locate.
This can be a big advantage as you can single out your suitcase easily among the long rows of travel baggage arriving on the belt as you wait at the airport. Choosing a brighter or different color and pattern means it is much easier to spot.
10. Price
The price of luggage can vary, based on its model, brand, and style. Those who travel frequently should consider investing in good quality luggage sets. Buying a lower-priced suitcase of cheaper quality would mean faster damages and frequent replacements.
Be careful about materials and construction, no matter what kind and what price you are looking for when shopping for a luggage set. One can easily get a good quality luggage piece for about $200 or $300. The price of the high-end designer luggage can exceed $1,000 per piece and even more.
One can go ahead and splurge on a piece of luggage that costs thousands of dollars. However, not every buyer would have that kind of budget, and a reasonably priced bag would suffice.
11. Warranty And Guarantee
Always check out the warranty policy when purchasing a bag, and it is best to stick to companies that provide lifetime warranties on their products. Customers prefer to go for travel luggage sets with comprehensive warranties and with great return policies.
Having a guarantee would give you peace of mind, knowing that the product promises to remain in good working condition for long and can withstand extensive wear and tear. The buyers know that they can easily get a replacement if the bag gets damaged before the guarantee period offered by the company is over.
12. Quality Of Customer Service
Make sure that you buy the best travel suitcase that is backed by quality customer care and support. Browse the company’s website to learn as to how long it has been in business and read the reviews from other customers. Ideally speaking, the company should offer live chat options along with a contact number, where the customers can get any of their queries sorted out.
Now that you have a good idea about the best suitcases for travel and what aspects to consider when shopping for them, have a look at the top 10 products from leading companies. These travel bags have been listed after reviewing the expert’s comments and what the customers have to say about them.
Top 10 Best Travel Luggage 2022
1. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage
Whether you are on a business trip or a relaxing holiday, this impressive suitcase with wheels will surely make for an ideal choice. The innovative design of this 21-inch spinner suitcase comes with a protective and scratch-resistant finish on its hard shell. What adds to its comfortable maneuvering and handling are the double spinner wheels and telescoping handle.
Weighing 7.34 lbs and with interior dimensions of 13.3 x 9.6 x 18.5 inches, the spinner luggage is just the right size for carry-on or weekend getaways. The extra-thick abs and fully lined interiors mean higher strength and more durability. You can easily store smaller items in the 3 zippered pockets, and thanks to the15% expansion, there is more packing capacity.
Pros
- Protective and scratch-resistant
- Higher strength and durability
- Fully lined interiors
- 15% additional packing capacity
Cons
- Front wheels are not so stable
2. Rockland Softside Upright Luggage Set
This 2 piece charcoal luggage set is part of the respected brand, Rockland, which is known for making technically advanced luggage for years. The deluxe expandable luggage is made of heavy-duty 600 denier fabric and designed especially for the experienced travelers on the go.
The 2 piece set boasts of a telescoping handle and inline skate wheels and stability bar. Thanks to the ergonomic padded grip handles, you enjoy a firmer grip, and full-size zipper pockets and internal pockets mean more storage capacity. Take advantage of the detachable and adjustable non-slip shoulder strap with this luggage set.
Pros
- Expandable luggage
- Ergonomically designed
- Detachable and adjustable strap
- Available in a myriad of colors and patterns
Cons
- Chemical smell when new
3. Samsonite Winfield Luggage Set
This 3-piece luggage set from Samsonite is made strong and tough, but without compromising on the style. You will love the sleek and elegantly designed Samsonite product that comes with a 10-year limited warranty. This is the best travel luggage for longer trips.
Multi-directional spinner wheels of this luggage set and its lightweight ensures effortless mobility. A pull handle offers an exceptionally comfortable grip. TSA approved locks on the side means easy access to your baggage and a strong deterrent to the theft.
The luggage set features interior organization pockets and ten oversized zippers. The unified brushed design on front and back shells keeps the luggage scratch free for years.
Pros
- 10-year limited warranty
- TSA approved locks
- Multi-directional spinner wheels
- Strong and scratch free
- Lightweight and durable
- Available in multiple colors
- Self-retracting handle
Cons
- Little expensive
4. Coolife Hardshell Luggage Set
Coolife may be a relatively new brand when it comes to the industry of travel luggage, but it doesn’t lack behind in terms of quality and innovative features. The 3-piece luggage set is not just stylish to look at, but exceeds industry standards of quality as well.
With two years warranty, the luggage set can be easily stored one into another. The travel luggage is both strong and durable, and thanks to the spinner wheels, you can enjoy multidirectional maneuvering. Other features include an ergonomically designed aluminum telescoping handle that is both sturdy and offers a firm grip.
Buyers are very impressed with the company’s customer service.
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Maximum impact resistance
- Squared full-capacity design
- Great customer care
- Silent operation
- Reasonably priced
- Available in so many colors
- Mesh pocket inside
Cons
- Only 2wo years warranty
5. Teton High Performance Backpack
If you are looking for a functional and affordable backpack that carries a sleek appearance, well, then this internal frame backpack made of synthetic material indeed makes for an ideal choice. The backpack for men and women features 3400 cubic inches capacity and weighs just 2 kgs.
This is a backpack that you can customize based on your body sizes, thanks to the multi-position torso and waist adjustment feature. Enjoying great reviews from hundreds of hikers, you can count on the trusted quality of the backpack. Other useful features include compression straps, sleeping bag compartment, and exterior pockets for external storage options.
Pros
- High-quality backpack
- Sleek and stylish
- Multi-position torso adjustment
- Maximum comfort and airflow
- External storage options
Cons
- Drink holders are slightly small
6. Coolife Expandable Suitcase
This lightweight and easy to handle expandable suitcase with a built-in TSA lock is designed to create both looks and quality. ABS+PC hard plastic shell means that it can absorb impact and survive rough handling without any dents. The small suitcase can be stored easily within the bigger one.
The suitcase comes with a 2-year warranty and has a built-in TSA lock. The quiet airplane spinner wheels and aluminum telescoping handle means fast and easy maneuvering. Thanks to the multi-use organizational pockets and a fully lined interior, you can pack your clothes easily.
Look forward to a happy traveling experience because of the higher comfort, functionality, and reliability with this travel luggage.
Pros
- Quality controlled test standards
- Strong and sturdy
- Built-in TSA lock
- Available in 3 different sizes and 4 different colors
Cons
- Only 2-year warranty
7. American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Set
If you are a frequent flyer or are planning a long vacation, what you need is a travel luggage set that offers plenty of storage, and this American Tourister XLT Set truly fits the bill. This luggage set includes one boarding bag, one wheeled duffel, one 21 inches upright bag and one 25 inches upright bag. So, look no further than this 100% Polyester and ultra-lightweight travel luggage set with polyester lining.
The rolling inline skate wheels ensure smooth and effortless mobility. Thanks to the multiple interior and exterior pockets, now you can have plenty of space to keep your stuff well organized.
Enjoy higher comfort because of the push-button locking handle. The travel luggage set can withstand the toughest travel conditions, thanks to the reinforced corners.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and sturdy construction
- Smooth and effortless mobility
- Reinforced corners
- 10-year limited warranty
- Available in multiple colors
- Cheap price
Cons
- Not stain resistant
8. Inateck Rucksack Approved
Travel in style and feel fantastic with this highly functional Inateck backpack that is both lightweight and convenient. With a cabin approved size and carrying an ingenious structure, the dimensions are precise to meet the maximum size allowed in most airlines. As the backpack is made of scratch and splash resistant materials, it is strong and durable.
The easy-to-carry backpack features several pockets for different purposes. In addition to the main pocket, the backpack also includes a laptop compartment, a change pocket, a toiletry bag and other pockets. The two handles allow a more flexible carrying experience.
As hand luggage, you can carry it both vertically or horizontally. The small-sized backpack is just perfect for students and weekenders, and a dual zipper design adds to the convenience and safety.
Pros
- Sturdy and stylish
- Compact size
- Easy-to-carry
- Vertically or horizontally carrying
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Can be tight on regional jets
9. Travelpro Rollaboard Suitcase
Available in seven cool and stylish colors, you are going to love the functional and affordable Travelpro rollaboard luggage that is lightweight and expandable. The ultra-durable and lightweight luggage is made of polyester and ergonomically designed for higher comfort, safety and performance.
The rollaboard luggage meets the size restrictions and maximizes the packing power because of the expandable design. The luggage bag is water repellent because of duraguard coating, and what gives it lasting durability is its high tensile strength.
The lightweight and sturdy luggage feature inline skate wheels that ensure a smooth, easy roll. Other features include two exterior compartments, side and bottom carry handles, plus a full-length interior lid pocket.
Pros
- Lightweight and expandable
- Water and stain resistant
- Limited lifetime coverage
- Available in so many colors
Cons
- Slightly expensive
10. Unicorn Kids Upright Suitcase
Look for a fantastic travel experience with your kids with this cool and stylish pink colored carryon luggage set designed and made perfect for them. The lightweight hard-shell around the luggage and backpack with a cotton lining makes the set light in weight and easy to handle for the kids.
This cool looking travel luggage is just perfect for sleep-overs and weekends away or to bring on airlines. Cultivate independence among the children and let them handle their own luggage that allows super easy mobility with 360 degree rolling. Extendable handles and different sizes add to the convenience for traveling and other outdoor activities.
Pros
- No extra burden to children
- Light weight design
- Super easy mobility
- Very easy to pull and push
- Small, cute and sturdy
Cons
- Meant for girls only, not for boys
FAQs On Travel Luggage
1. Which Are The Most Reputable Brands For Travel Luggage?
Some of the most trustworthy brands to shop for the best travel luggage include names like Eagle Creek, Delsey, Briggs & Rile, Travelpro, Samsonite, American Tourister, and Tumi. These companies are not only known for the quality of their products and expert customer care, but also for the variety they make, such as briefcases, duffel bags, carry-ons, luggage, garment bags, and more.
2. What Convenient Features Should One Check For In The Travel Luggage?
These days, the best travel luggage is getting advanced and hi-tech and is getting designed while keeping the ends of the traveler in mind. Hence, do not be surprised to come across some unique features when you go shopping for luggage.
For example, some companies offer built-in waterproof pouches in the travel luggage, which are great for carrying toiletries. The smarter luggage these days comes equipped with a built-in battery pack too that can keep all your devices charged up while on-the-go.
3. Should One Buy Travel Luggage Online Or Offline?
Previous studies on luggage buyers reveal that the majority of the buyers prefer to buy the best suitcase for travel at a walk-in store, while only a third of buyers shop online. Still, the majority of buyers do go online to surf and get more information on the products they are interested in.
Independent specialty luggage stores such as Burlington Coat Factory, Walmart, Sears, Hudson’s Bay, and Marshall’s have performed well in customer satisfaction. Amazon is the biggest seller, followed closely by Costco.
4. Should One Lock Their Suitcase?
Thousands of passengers file claims against the TSA or the airline for lost items. As you cannot count on the TSA or the airline to reimburse for your losses, it is a good idea to lock your suitcase and keep it safe and protected from any opportunistic baggage handlers. Use a good quality lock to hold the zippers of the bag together, so that there are no damages or openings due to rough handling while in transit.
Guarantee Comfort, Safety And Convenience With The Best Travel Luggage
The bottom line is that as a buyer, there is no dearth of options for you when you are looking for the best travel luggage. Suitcases and travel luggage have advanced a lot over the years and are no longer seen as a basic functional item.
Buyers look for good quality travel luggage that offers them the convenience of travel as well as allows them to make a style statement. Ultimately it is all about making the right choices based on your travel preferences.
So, take advantage of the above guidelines and go ahead to buy one of the best options available in terms of quality, style, and functionality.