The Best Luggage for International Travel: Carry-On and Checked Bags

When planning an international trip, choosing the right luggage is as essential as your itinerary. From navigaating rugged cobblestone streets to smooth airport walkways, finding the best luggage for international travel can make your journey seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re a minimalist traveller or a heavy packer, we’ve got you covered with options for both carry-on and checked luggage.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Luggage

Before diving into our top recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key factors that influence luggage choice:

1. Wheels: Two-Wheeled vs. Four-Wheeled

Two-wheeled luggage is excellent for uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or cracked sidewalks, offering larger and more durable wheels. On the other hand, four-wheeled luggage provides better maneuverability on smooth surfaces, making it ideal for airports and hotel lobbies.

2. Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided Luggage

Hard-sided luggage offers superior durability and protection for fragile items but lacks external compartments.

Soft-sided luggage is more flexible, lighter, and often includes external pockets for quick access to essentials.

3. Carry-On vs. Checked Bags

Carry-on luggage must meet airline size restrictions, making it ideal for short trips or light packers.

Checked bags are better for longer trips or when you need to carry bulky items, though they’re subject to weight and size limits.

Top Picks: The Best Luggage for International Travel

1. Aer Carry-On Small

Why We Like It: Compact and airline-friendly, this bag performs well on smooth and uneven surfaces alike. Its locking wheels are particularly useful for navigating slopes.

What to Note: It’s slightly heavier than comparable options, and the price is on the higher side.

2. July Carry On

Why We Like It: Equipped with a built-in 10,000 mAh battery bank, it’s perfect for staying connected on the go. The telescopic handle adjusts to 20 different heights.

What to Note: While it excels on bricks and cobblestones, its performance on grass is less impressive.

3. Monos Carry-On

Why We Like It: Great for first-time travelers, this luggage includes internal organizers and packing aids like laundry and shoe bags.

What to Note: The exterior may scratch easily, but it offers excellent performance across various terrains.

4. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Why We Like It: Trusted by flight crews, this lightweight bag features silent wheels and an expandable design for extra storage.

What to Note: Loose threads may appear over time, but they don’t compromise durability.

5. Away Carry-On Flex

Why We Like It: With an expandable design, this sleek bag is ideal for trips where you expect to bring back souvenirs.

What to Note: Be cautious when expanding the bag, as it may exceed airline carry-on size limits.

6. Carl Friedrik Carry-on X

Why We Like It: Sleek, durable, and designed with a dedicated laptop compartment, this bag combines style and practicality.

What to Note: The interior lacks organization, so packing cubes are a must.

7. Osprey Transporter Wheeled Carry-On 38

Why We Like It: A two-wheeled design makes this bag a champion on rough surfaces like bricks and grass. It’s lightweight yet spacious.

What to Note: The top-access design can make packing bulky items a bit challenging.

8. The Torq Extra Large Trunk Spinner by Briggs & Riley

Why We Like It: This massive bag offers ample storage and durability, ideal for extended trips. The monogramming option adds a personal touch.

What to Note: While it performs moderately well on all terrains, its size may require additional packing aids for better organization.

9. Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner

Why We Like It: Designed for long-haul travelers, this bag’s wheels glide smoothly, even under the weight of its 143.5-liter capacity.

What to Note: It’s made from recycled materials, which adds a sustainability edge, but the design might not be the most stylish.

Testing Methodology: Why You Can Trust These Picks

We’ve been testing travel gear since 2017, using real-world scenarios to evaluate each bag’s performance. From smooth airport floors to uneven cobblestone streets, every bag on this list has been rigorously tested for durability, maneuverability, and overall functionality.

Tips for Maximizing Your Luggage’s Potential

Use Packing Cubes: Keep your belongings organized and make packing easier.

Check Airline Restrictions: Always verify size and weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage before traveling.

Invest in a Quality Luggage Tag: This small detail can save you a lot of hassle in case of lost luggage.

Conclusion

Selecting the best luggage for international travel comes down to your specific needs, destination, and travel style. Whether you prioritize durability, style, or storage capacity, the options above ensure you’ll travel with ease and confidence. Ready to roll into your next adventure? Choose the right bag and start packing today!

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