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The Best Luggage of 2024: Travelers Essential Guide to Suitcases & Bags

The essentials

Checked bags are a staple for longer trips (anywhere from 10 to 14 days) and for anyone who wants or needs more room in their suitcase. We found durable options you won’t have to worry about saying goodbye to at check-in.

Carry-on suitcases

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often. These are the lightweight yet sturdy carry-ons we turn to time and time again.

Coming soon

Our favorite duffels, expandable totes, and garment bags to take on on weekend getaways, overnight stays, and use as a personal item on flights. These have smart features like separate shoe compartments, trolley sleeves, and adjustable straps.

Whether you’re hopping on a bike, trekking across rugged terrain, sightseeing, shopping, or jetting off to a business meeting, the best travel backpacks give you the freedom to explore hands-free.


The great debate: hard-shell or soft-sided?

Hard-shell suitcases can handle the wear and tear of going through baggage claim. These are the sturdy cases that will last for years to come, from trunks to lightweight spinners.

Soft-sided luggage is extremely durable and usually offers ample amount of exterior pockets that hard-shell cases typically don’t have. The flexible fabric can also be maneuvered into small overhead bins or car trunks more easily.

Soft-sided luggage is trending—here’s why

With top brands swapping shells for fabrics, the underdog choice is becoming trendy again. We’re breaking down the advantages that are drawing so many travelers to the soft side.

Coming soon


Image may contain Baggage Adult Person Clothing Footwear High Heel Shoe Suitcase Chair Furniture and Wristwatch

Checking into The Carlyle? Make sure to order a martini at Bemelmans.

Patrick Cox

Image may contain Baggage Suitcase Accessories Bag and Handbag

Editors and contributors have tested dozens of suitcases over the years to put together a list of the very best.

Patrick Cox


More bags to consider

From roomy canvas carryalls to sleek leather work bags, a good tote is a travel essential. These are the bags we bring for office commutes, beach trips, and souvenir shopping.

We’re breaking down what travelers need to know about size restrictions and airline guidance; plus, our editors’ go-to bags. Here are the duffels, totes, and backpacks we bring on every flight.

Investing in the best kids luggage won’t make traveling with children as easy as traveling without them, but it will make the whole endeavor a lot less chaotic. These are the bags frequent travelers trust for their little ones.

We’ve found our favorites, but we also wanted to know which luggage brands industry experts swear by. Seasoned travelers, adventure seekers, and digital nomads share their top picks.

We asked, you answered: These are the best luggage brands to bring on your travels, according to Traveler readers. From Arlo Skye to Away, here are the brands you trust the most.


Bis's waterresistant pocket is great for storing beauty products toiletries or a stilldamp bathing suit.

Béis’s water-resistant pocket is great for storing beauty products, toiletries, or a still-damp bathing suit.

Patrick Cox

Image may contain Baggage Adult Person Suitcase Clothing Footwear High Heel and Shoe

The Béis Carry-On is one of several pieces our editors fly with frequently; the Weekender is another favorite.

Patrick Cox

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Our favorites from Calpak

Our editors have tried out a variety of bags and travel accessories from Calpak and we’ve never been disappointed. Here’s the functional and sleek luggage from the brand that we love most.