21 great travel bags, according to frequent flyers

Whether you’re ready to travel, or your friends’ recent travel posts are inspiring your next outing, now’s the time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to buy depends on your travel destination, budget and personal style. But with so many options, it can be hard to know what to choose. We spoke with frequent flyers and travel experts about the best tips for choosing the right travel bag for a comfortable, safe and hassle-free trip. Here are expert-recommended choices and tips to help you make your choice. If you are flying, remember to follow safe travel precautions as much as possible.

redirect to:

• Luggage
• Carry-on
• Backpack
• Waist bag
• Messenger bag
• Handbag
• Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When shopping for luggage, experts agree never to sacrifice quality. “If you’re planning to travel a lot or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in better quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson, a full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara, tells SELF. Large items such as luggage should be durable. Otherwise, you’ll spend more to keep replacing damaged bags.

We know wear and tear is inevitable, especially when luggage gets hit on planes and buses. Travel blogger Megan Homme, who also works in the airline industry, advises. She said to choose a dark suitcase to better hide the wear. “Lighter colors show wear and aging more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your luggage stand out on the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for a carry-on to save time at check-in – queues and speed through baggage claim – just make sure it fits the size requirements. “Today, with the clutter of understaffed airport systems, the use of carry-on luggage is more important than ever,” says Caroline Eubanks, author and author of This Is My South: Essential Travel Guide for the Southern States . “Ideally, you should be able to manage your own luggage instead of relying on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always check the type of plane you’ll be flying on. She points out, “For small regional routes, standard carry-on luggage will not fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by needs and trends. Will you be staying in a hotel or hostel? Are you going on a shorter or longer trip? Will you travel where the infrastructure is mature or developed? The runners are easier to haul through the airport, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, throw the runners in your backpack to avoid cobblestone streets that are sure to break the wheels.

Johnson also added, “If possible, you should check the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands usually only exist online.” She recommends researching before buying And compare various luggage brands. Some brands even offer “try before you buy” policies, as well as lifetime warranties, she added. In general, travel bags aren’t the place to save money while traveling, but there are ways to find great deals, especially on shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday. If you like the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s getting a or two Shopping frugally.” Used can be a great way to save money. “

You also don’t need to be a professional packer or be born to pack well. All you need are pockets. A good rule of thumb when buying any travel bag, says Johnson It’s “the more pockets [and] organizers the better. Use them to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after the holidays. According to Johnson, you can choose from the following luggage features: 360-degree swivel wheels, expandable Features, compression straps, endless pockets, side handles, built-in TSA lock and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bag

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for all kinds of travelers to help you narrow down your options and focus all your logistical planning on your itinerary. We sort by luggage Cases and suitcases, carry-on – bags, backpacks, fanny packs, messenger bags, totes, cosmetic bags and toiletry bags.

Nordstrom

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

For checked luggage, Johnson says the Beis 29-inch Large Checked Luggage Roller is “one of the most powerful luggage on the market.” Beis by Pretty Little Liars owned by alum Shay Mitchell and has been very popular since its launch. Its many features include what you need in your checked luggage Everything: Multiple pockets and organizers, built-in TSA lock, laundry and shoe pockets, and ergonomic handles for easy portability. Her favorite feature? “There’s a built-in weight indicator that tells you you whether the bag is overweight. “

Macy’s

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-sided luggage, the technologically advanced Hartmann Carry-on is highly recommended. Eubanks loves the “flexibility” of this bag, including for reading material and documents pockets that hardshell bags often lack. Best features are the padded tri-fold suit that it comes with to keep formal or business clothes neat and ironed, and the bag has a built-in USB port , so you can charge your gadget in transit.

Traveling

Stay away from carry-on Flex

Frequent flyers love Away suitcases. Always only carry-on Homme prefers Away The Carry-on Flex, because its expandable features ensure extra storage space when shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what’s going to leak in someone else’s bag in the bin. thing. “

Amazon

Tumi International Scalable Four Wheel Carry-On

Another expert-favorite brand is Tumi’s “extremely durable” bags. Although just in case you break down while you’re on the go, Tumi provides global support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says there’s a reason the Tumi Carry-on is a popular choice for vacationers in particular. “You’ll recognize this bag because they’ve been making it for over 20 years with very little improvement.” She particularly likes “nice details” such as “outer hooks for hanging laptop bags” and “double lever handles, so that You can slide the laptop bag.”

Nordstrom

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is the backpack. “It’s really, really spacious,” said beauty content creator, former Elle Editor Kristina Rodulfo, told self. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens very wide for easy packing,” while still looking stylish as a solo bag for short trips. It’s designed to carry everything from a laptop to the gym. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe Backpack is an excellent hands-free anti-theft option thanks to With its slash guard, smart zipper security and RFID security pocket. “The zipper can be secured with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to attach it to a table leg,” Eubanks added. There are also plenty of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella.

Amazon

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack

If you’re looking for an outdoor backpack, check out the Osprey Porter Travel Pack 46. Kristen Bor, founder of Bearfoot Theory Outdoor, recommends it if you’re going on an adventure or outdoor trip and need a bag that doubles as a backpack. “The U-zippered compartment makes it easy to pack and access your gear, while the stowable shoulder straps and hipbelt allow you to choose how you want to carry your luggage: as a backpack or over the shoulder like a duffel bag.” Osprey is constantly perfecting this The bag, which is slightly improved every year, is made from recycled fabrics, making it an eco-friendly option.

Amazon

Osprey Daylite Backpack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great option for light outdoor adventures. Featuring a laptop compartment and two water bottles, this lightweight backpack is versatile. Take it to coffee shops, festivals or mountaintops.

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Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Size Del Dia

Bor calls the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Bag an “all-around practical, rugged carry-on bag” that can stand up to rough terrain. “The outer polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and protects your items from rough scratches or tears in transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Amazon

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Waist pack is a great option for hands-free travel, this versatile Herschel The Seventeen Hip Pack Waist Pack is highly recommended by Eubanks, wearing it both her hip and crossbody bag. Plus, she likes that there are 25 colors to choose from. You can even wear it with a backpack like her for easy access to essentials like documents or cameras.

Lululemon

Lululemon Clean Lines Waist Bag

This The Lululemon bag is another great stylish option, with multiple pockets for easy access to small items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones. “I always recommend a fanny pack to airports to make it easy to get through security and get Your ID and ticket are easily accessible,” Homme said. If you don’t want to dig in the bag under the seat, put it on your hip during the flight.

Amazon

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody Bag

Many frequent flyers prefer to use anti-theft bags when they are out and about during their travels – especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody Bag where pickpocketing may be an issue. “These bags are specifically designed for this type of theft with added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid common motorcycle thefts.” The bag also has other security features such as a secure zip lock and an anti-RFID mesh like compartment to keep your credit card information safe.

Lululemon

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

This is another great option for a crossbody bag. “When I walk through the airport, I usually put my passport, card and mobile phone in there, and I can easily access it when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we board, I can easily shove it in in my personal belongings and put it under my seat, no worries,” Mistt said.

Daily Edit

Daily Editor’s Mini Black Saffiano Leather Crossbody Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody bag for travel,” insists Rodulfo, whose choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It’s perfect for everyday essentials, including documents, cameras, and even sunscreen. The minimalist style of the bag also allows for the versatility of gear. “It works night and day,” Rodulfo said. It helps not to look like a tourist all the time. Another cool feature? TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a great travel gift.

Lord & Taylor

Tumi Everyday Tote

If a roomy tote is more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. Lightweight nylon material is easy to carry and won’t hurt your back. Small details make it stand out, such as its pen ring, key ring and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings every time you need to reach. Pages loves to slip her handbag onto her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Tourism Professional

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote

Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote bag with multiple Tissue compartment. “It’s roomy enough to hold all of my actual personal items, including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” Mistt said. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under an airplane seat or in an overhead bin.

Kush

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don’t have to strip your beauty or skincare routine on vacation – at least, not Kusshi’s holiday makeup bag, it can hold 20 to 25 products. “The Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they’re washable, fit a ton (including full-size products), and have enough pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a larger beauty library, including makeup brushes and other skin care tools, just add accessories. “You can even include accessories like a makeup brush organizer to reduce fuss and digging when prepping.”

Amazon

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for size toiletries is the Herschel Travel Set. Johnson laments the difficulty of finding the perfect makeup bag. She recommends this bag because it’s very roomy, with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in a variety of colors, proving that a toiletry bag doesn’t need to be boring.

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