best travel bag suppliers

American Tourister

Briggs & riley, bric's, luggage faqs, the 11 best luggage brands of 2024, tested by experts.

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The best suitcases let you roll through the airport quickly and confidently, with assurance that your items are well-protected and sturdily organized within.

We selected our picks for the best luggage brands based on years of hands-on testing by several travel editors who regularly take up to 50 flights a year. Since the size of luggage you'll need will depend on your specific travel plans, we focused on the best brands rather than specific pieces. Our top picks are known for making sturdy and reliable luggage, with smart extras to make packing and traveling a breeze.

Read on for our top choices for the best luggage brands at various price points to consider. If you're specifically looking for hand-luggage, check out our guide to the best carry-on bags .

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

When it comes to value, Samsonite makes excellent luggage at some of the best prices, which is why we named it our top overall pick for the best carry-on . Samsonite offers numerous options for roller bags, including both hard-side and soft-side carry-ons and checked luggage, as well as wheeled underseat bags and even roller duffels.

Samsonite also sells several two- and three-piece sets if you want to pair small, medium, and large roller bags together. In addition to traditional roller luggage, Samsonite also offers classic backpacks, wheeled backpacks, duffels, briefcases, wallets, dop kits, and more. There are even some cool wheeled garment bags that can fit under your seat and will fit far more than your typical folding or hanging garment bag. I've owned a Samsonite bag for over three years now and it's held up incredibly well.

You can read our full Samsonite Centric Carry-On review for more info.

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

Away has multiple options for roller luggage, including hard-sided, expandable, and aluminum. Bags are available in both neutral hues and bright, eye-catching colors.

Away's stand-out feature used to be the removable battery pack for charging your electronics on the go, which was previously available as an add-on to its carry-on bags. While the brand retired that feature, we still think its bags have thoughtful extras like in-bag compression, built-in TSA-approved locks, and a removable washable lining.

In addition to roller bags, the brand also a range of other bags and travel accessories, including backpacks, duffels, pet carriers, totes, packing cubes, and more. I've personally owned Away luggage for years and can attest to its durability and practicality.

Read our full Away luggage review and Away Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

Travelpro mostly makes soft-side luggage and rightfully earned its spot as our top pick for the best soft-sided carry-on . I personally love the clear attention to detail that comes with a Travelpro bag, from the whisper-quiet spinner wheels to the tear-resistant material and sturdy buckles.

In addition to rolling luggage, Travelpro has options for underseat bags (rolling and not), toiletry bags, backpacks, foldable duffels, garment bags (which often come included with a carry-on), luggage tags, laptop bags, and more.

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Monos

Monos is a newer start-up that doesn't have as many suitcase options as the other luggage brands on our list, but it's worth mentioning since it's one of the best suitcases on the market with a hard front pocket that gives you an easy place to safely store laptops and extras. Monos suitcases are durable, come in an array of colors, and are well-priced. Plus, all of the luggage comes with a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. The same brand also makes some of our favorite durable packing cubes .

Currently, Monos has two sizes of carry-on that either come with a front pocket or not depending on your preferences, plus a medium-sized roller bag and a checked luggage option. Monos also make a backpack, duffel, and folio kit.

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

Many of American Tourister's carry-ons start under $100, and while they may not last you a lifetime, they certainly won't break down anytime soon either. The hard-sided bags are made from a sturdy ABS material, and the spinner wheels aren't quite as high-end as premium options but still easily roll on most surfaces. While these suitcases don't come with tons of extras (be aware that some don't come with built-in TSA locks), the interiors are still thoughtfully designed for easy packing.

American Tourister has numerous roller bag options in varying sizes, including both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases. There is also a line of Disney luggage that kids especially might love. While there are also some nice wheeled underseat bags, American Tourister hasn't branched out much from classic roller bags, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a duffel or weekender bag is more your aim.

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

When it comes to high-end luggage, Rimowa is a consistent standout that uses premium materials to create long-lasting and recognizable pieces. Its ribbed aluminum luggage, which comes in every color from simple silver to a cherry red, is particularly popular — though it will cost you upwards of $1,000. However, thanks to heavy-duty construction that still manages to be lightweight, the rollers might be worth it if budget isn't an issue for you.

For a slightly more cost-effective (though still pricey) option, I particularly love the Essential Lite collection, which I named the best high-end hard-side carry-on thanks to the fact that it's incredibly durable but weighs less than five pounds. Unfortunately, if you're a fan of soft-sided suitcases, Rimowa is not the brand for you, and there aren't as many accessories available as some other brands.

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

We named Briggs & Riley our top pick for the best high-end soft-side carry-on. I particularly like the super-smart interior features that truly elevate these suitcases, from a special CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25%, to making sure the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of the bag so no packing room is lost to the poles. These suitcases are certainly investment pieces, but they're built to last and also come with a lifetime warranty.

While I find the soft-sided bags to be some of Briggs & Riley's best options, there are also some nice hard-sided carry-ons and checked bags for those who prefer to go that route. In addition to roller bags, Briggs & Riley also makes backpacks, duffels, weekends, laptop bags, and travel accessories of all types, including packing cubes, bag ID tags, laundry bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Bric's

Bric's is probably best known for its high-end Bellagio collection of luggage, both recognizable and revered for its durable, but ultra-light polycarbonate exterior with leather trim that gives it a nostalgic trunk feel. It's the little details that set this Italian brand apart, including Hinomoto wheels, matching interior linings, and premium zippers. That's why you've likely seen a luxury travel guru wheeling this bag through the airport, or, if you're an eagle-eyed "Schitt's Creek" fan, may have caught Alexis Rose using this collection to pack up her belongings.

However, for those not ready to spend $600 on a carry-on, Bric's also has several more affordable suitcases in both hard-sided and soft-sided options. The Capri collection features striking exterior detailing in a wide range of colors at a mid-tier price point, while B/Y Zeus will appear to soft-sided fans.

The brand also has a sale section where you can sometimes score premium collections that typically start at $650 or more for under $200.

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .

Shop all luggage at Tumi

Like Rimowa, Tumi luggage pieces are an investment. But they're a worthy one since these suitcases will likely last you years, if not decades. With numerous options of all sizes for both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases, Tumi has bags to suit just about all tastes.

Its well-thought-out suitcases include premium spinner wheels, heavy-duty zippers, scratch- and tear-resistant exteriors, and well-designed interiors that help travelers maximize every last inch of space. In addition to roller luggage, Tumi is also well known for its premium totes and briefcases, and also makes travel wallets, backpacks, duffels, care kits, travel umbrellas, and more.

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

Victorinox luggage falls in the mid- to high-tier of pricing but its durability makes it a good value choice. The brand also frequently has luggage on sale during big shopping holidays when you can score suitcases for less. As you might expect from a Swiss Army company, the interiors of most suitcases are also thoughtfully designed to maximize packing space.

Victorinox offers both hard-sided and soft-sided roller bags of numerous sizes including classic carry-ons, checked bags, medium-sized suitcases, and smaller wheeled underseat bags that can fit laptops and accessories. Beyond roller bags, Victorinox also offers briefcases, duffels, backpacks, totes, toiletry kits, garment bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Delsey

If you like the look of Bric's cream suitcases with leather trim, you may also want to consider Delsey's Chatelet line of hard-sided luggage. While these suitcases start around the same price as Bric's, they can be found on sale more frequently, often for half the price. Delsey's Titanium suitcases are also a fan-favorite option since they are ultra-lightweight but incredibly durable.

Delsey has numerous options for roller bags for domestic and international travel in both hard-sided and soft-sided variations (though more hard-sided), as well as several luggage sets. It even has an eco-friendly line of laptop bags and duffels using recycled materials.

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

There are pros and cons to each. In general, hard-sided luggage offers more protection for your belongings than soft-sided luggage.

For checked bags, you're best bet is hard-sided luggage, since it can withstand tough handling and having other items stacked on top. Soft-sided luggage may be a good option if you want more flexibility, since fabric-made suitcases have a lot more give. Soft-sided pieces are a good option for carry-ons because they can flex and compress to fit into tight overhead bins.

What size luggage should I buy?

We think it's best to start with a carry-on size, since it offers the most flexibility, whether you want to keep it in the cabin or check it. Most US airlines cap carry-on size at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

When it comes to buying a checked bag, you'll want something between 25 and 29 inches long. Airlines typically charge a fixed fee for checked bags up to a certain weight, so it may be tempting to think a bigger suitcase is always better. However, bigger pieces of luggage come with more weight of their own, don't protect your items well when they're underpacked, and encourage overpacking, which can lead to higher baggage fees (or the dreaded airport floor repacking).

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The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers

By Alyssa Lapid

Young woman preparing for road trip packing suitcase

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether you have travel lined up or your friend’s recent travel posts are inspiring your next out-of-office getaway, it’s high time to shop for the best travel bags. The type of travel bag you decide to get will depend on your travel destination, your budget, and your personal style. But with so many choices, it's hard to know what to pick. We spoke with frequent fliers and travel experts on the best tips to pick the right travel bag for comfortable, secure, and easy travel. Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose. And if you’re flying, remember to try to keep up with safety travel precautions as best as you can.

Makeup and Toiletry Bag

How to choose a travel bag

When it comes to shopping for luggage , experts agree that you should never sacrifice quality. “If you plan to travel often or take longer trips, it’s worth investing in higher-quality luggage,” Ciara Johnson , full-time travel blogger at Hey Ciara , tells SELF. Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable. Otherwise, you’d be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags.

We know that wear and tear can’t be avoided, especially with luggage taking a beating on planes and buses. Megan Homme , a travel blogger who also works in the airline industry, has a tip for that. She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better. “Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly,” she says. Pro tip: Add a unique luggage tag to make your bag stand out from the others at the conveyor belt seat.

If possible, try to opt for carry-ons to save time at check-in lines and speed through baggage claim—just make sure it passes the size requirement. “These days, it’s more important than ever to use carry-on because of the chaotic systems at understaffed airports,” says Caroline Eubanks, writer and author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States . “You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.” Her pro tip: Always look up what type of plane you’ll be on. She notes, “for small, regional routes, the standard carry-on bag won't fit in the overhead bin.”

Shopping tips

When it comes to the actual shopping part, Johnson recommends shopping by need and tendencies. Will you be staying in hotels or hostels? Will you be taking shorter or longer trips? Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure? Spinner wheels are easier to haul through airports, but if you’re backpacking in Europe, ditch the spinners for a backpack to avoid the cobblestone streets that will surely wreck the wheels.

Johnson also adds, “If possible, you should examine the product in-store. However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online." She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase. She adds that some brands even offer a “try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.” Generally speaking, travel bags are not the place to save some money on your travels, but there are ways to find deals, especially during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And if you enjoy the thrill of secondhand shopping, Eubanks says she’s gotten a deal or two shopping thrift. “Secondhand can be a good way to save money.”

You also don’t need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well. All you need are pockets. Johnson says a good rule of thumb when shopping for any travel bag is “the more pockets [and] organizers, the better.” Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones. You can even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation. According to Johnson, you can’t go wrong with the following features for luggage options: 360 spinner wheels, expandability, compression straps, endless pockets, a side handle, built-in TSA locks, and polycarbonate material.

Best travel bags

Here are 21 expert-recommended travel bags for every kind of traveler to help you narrow down your options and focus all that logistical planning on your itinerary. We broke it down by luggage and suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, fanny packs , crossbody bags, tote bags, and makeup and toiletry bags.

Beis The 29 Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

Béis The 29-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

As far as check-in bags go, Johnson says the Beis 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller is “one of the most functional suitcases on the market.” Beis is owned by Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell and has been a hit since its launch. Its many features include everything you’d need in a check-in suitcase: multiple pockets and organizers, a built-in TSA lock, a laundry and shoe bag, and an ergonomic handle for easy lugging. Her favorite feature? “There's a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.”

Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner

For soft-side suitcases, the technologically-advanced Hartmann Carry-on comes highly recommended. Eubanks loves the bag’s “flexibility,” including the pockets for reading materials and documents that are often lacking in hard-shell cases. The best features are the padded, trifold garment suiters it comes with for keeping formalwear or business outfits tidy and pressed, and the bag has built-in USB ports, so you can charge your gadgets while in transit.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Away’s suitcases. Homme, who always travels carry-on only, prefers Away’s The Carry-on Flex because its expandable feature ensures extra storage allowance for shopping. Plus, she points out, “I recommend hard-shell luggage because you never know what could leak out of someone else’s bag in the bins.”

Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket

“The quality of Away luggage is incredible across the board,” says Johnson, who is a fan of the brand and prefers The Bigger Carry-on with Pocket. Most hard-shell suitcases in the market don’t have external pockets, but this one features a water-resistant front pocket—perfect for keeping your travel documents and boarding passes available for easy access. It can even hold a 15-inch laptop. It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag

Luggageworks

Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer , only has one carry-on go-to: LuggageWorks’s Stealth Premier 22-Inch 737 Rolling Bag. Apparently, her crew feels the same way. “I know pilots and flight attendants who have had the same roll-aboards for 10 years and never had to get another,” she says, adding, “Durable is an understatement.”

Black Tumi Alpha 3 Continental Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On on white background

Tumi International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On

Another expert favorite brand is Tumi for “extremely resistant and durable” bags. Though just in case it breaks when you’re on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere. Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers and Solo Female Travelers Tours, says the Tumi Carry-on in particular is a popular choice for vacationers for a reason. “You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.” She particularly enjoys the “nifty details” like “outside hooks to hang your laptop bag” and “double bar handles so you can slide your laptop bag.”

Béis The Backpack

Another Béis favorite is The Backpack. “It is really, really spacious,” Kristina Rodulfo , beauty content creator and former Elle editor, tells SELF. Rodulfo notes that the bag “opens really wide which makes for easy packing” while still looking sleek as a solo bag for short getaways. It's designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff. If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack

This Pacsafe Citysafe backpack is a great hands-free, anti-theft option thanks to its slash guards, smart-zipper security, and an RFID-safe pocket. “The zippers can be attached with a clip, and one shoulder strap has a locking mechanism if you want to secure it around a table leg,” adds Eubanks. There are also a ton of pockets and compartments, including a laptop sleeve and two side pockets for holding water bottles or umbrellas.

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

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 can double as a daypack. “The U-zip compartment allows for easy packing and access to your gear, while the stowaway shoulder harness and hip belt give you options on how you want to carry your luggage: backpack style or over the shoulder like a duffel.” Osprey has been continuously perfecting the bag with slight improvements yearly, and it’s built with recycled fabrics making it an eco-friendly option.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a short hike will be on your itinerary? According to Bor, Osprey’s smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures. The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and two water bottles for an itinerary that’s incredibly versatile. Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia

Bor dubs the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 Del Día Travel Pack an “all-around functional, rugged carry-on bag” that can weather rougher terrain. “The exterior polyester and nylon shell resists moisture and defends your belongings against rough scrapes or tears during transit,” says Bor. It even comes with a rain cover.

Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack

Fanny packs are a great option for hands-free travel, and this versatile Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack Fanny comes highly recommended by Eubanks, who wears it on her hip and as a crossbody. Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from. You could even wear it with a backpack like she does to have easy access to essentials like documents or a camera.

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

This Lululemon bag is another great, stylish option with several pockets that make grabbing smaller items like lip balm, credit cards, and headphones easy. “I always recommend a belt bag for the airport to breeze through security and keep your ID and ticket easily accessible,” says Homme. Keep it on your hip during your flight if you’d rather not dig through the bag under the seat.

Burgundy Travelon Hobo Crossbody Bag on white background

Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody

Many frequent fliers prefer anti-theft bags for venturing out during travels—especially when traveling alone. Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern. “These bags are specifically designed with these types of thefts in mind and have added security features such as anti-slash straps to avoid the common motorbike run theft.” The bag also features other security features like secure zip locks and anti-RFID mesh compartments to keep credit card information safe.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here's another great crossbody bag option. “I normally keep my passport, cards, and phone in there when I’m walking through the airport and can easily access that when I get off the plane. In fact, it’s so easy that when we’re boarding, I can easily just slip it into my personal item and stow it under my seat with no worries," says Mistt.

Tde. Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag with gold monogram in center

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

“Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel,” Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDE’s mini leather bag. It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and even sunscreen . The bag’s minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility. "It works for evenings out as well as during the day,” says Rodulfo. 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 .

Tumi Everyday Tote

Lord & Taylor

If roomy tote bags are more your style, check out Tumi’s Everyday Tote. The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back. The small details are what make it stand out, such as its pen loop, key ring, and magnetic snap phone pocket to ensure you don’t spend time rummaging through your belongings each time you need to get something. Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a great hybrid tote with several organizational compartments. "It’s roomy enough to fit all of my actual personal items including electronics, chargers, and even snacks,” says Mistt. And it’s compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin.

Kusshi Makeup Bag Plum Collection

You don't have to strip down your beauty or skin-care routine on vacation—at least, not with Kusshi’s Vacation Makeup Bag, which can hold 20 to 25 products. “Kusshi [bags] are by far my favorite because they are washable, fit a ton (including full-sized products), and have plenty of pockets for easy organization,” says Rodulfo. If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includes makeup brushes and other skin-care tools , just add the attachments. “You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.”

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit. Johnson laments that it’s surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag. She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization. It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits don’t need to be boring.

The Best Weekender Bags for Last-Minute Getaways
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SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

The Empty Promises of ‘Medical-Grade’ Skin Care

The Perfect Luggage for Avoiding Airport Chaos Is Here

Because stress-free travel starts with having the right gear.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

But choosing the best luggage is not always as easy as it seems. The variety of options on the market can make shopping for a new large suitcase or carry-on feel like driving through a dark tunnel without a navigation system. This guide here on the best luggage brands will help shine a little light on your trek, aiding you in choosing the right luggage for your budget.

Best Overall Luggage Brand

The Close Second

The Frequent Favorite

Best Investment Luggage Brand

Best Softside Luggage Brand

Best Luggage Sets

Best Luggage for Hauling Gear

Peak design.

Best Luggage for Apple AirTag Users

Best Adventure Luggage Brand

Eagle creek.

Best Luggage for Minimalist Travelers

Which brand of suitcase i s best.

The editors and writers at Men's Health are constantly on the go. From working assignments in LA to taking tropical vacations in Madeira, we make it a point to test all the best luggage brands in our adventures. Over the past four years alone, we've tested well over 40 different luggage brands to find the perfect piece. Here, we bring you the 17 best luggage brands of 2024 in one clean list, with Samsonite commanding our top spot of the best luggage brand overall due to the brand's outstanding durability, clean design, and wallet-friendly price.

No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all bag or an entire luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising without the stress of schlepping some raggedy old case. Ready to see the list?

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 10 years

Samsonite makes the best affordable suitcases and luggage sets in our eyes. While the brand is in just about every major department store, the best place to buy Samsonite luggage is on Amazon. The retailer carries some of Samsonite's highest-rated products that won't burn a hole in your wallet. You can score an entire hard-sided set for under $300 or shop the brand's durable nylon singles . The items might not be as feature-loaded and reinforced as some of the other brands, but you will be surprised at how far your luggage will go before you need replacing.

When asking Justin Crabbe , the CEO of Jettly, a private jet charter service, about his go-to luggage brand, he mentioned Samsonite as one of the most well-priced and reliable brands that come to mind. "With lightweight yet durable material, superior design, and multiple compartments for packing with ease, it is a traveler’s dream come true," says Crabbe.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, always seems to find himself traveling with Samsonite too. " Time and time again I think I need to upgrade my luggage, and then I come back to my softside Samsonite carry-on I've held onto for over 5+ years," he says. " It [my carry-on] has been my companion with me through many adventures, from high altitude camping trips in Colorado to overseas adventures in countries like China and Germany." Thompson also notes his Samsonite's all-black fabric body has resisted scratches and marks over time, which makes it suitable for business trips as a clean piece that will blend in among the other bags—and not stand out for being all mangled and disheveled.

Read more: Viral TikTok Travel Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: Lifetime

You must be living under a rock if this is your first time hearing about the magic that is Away luggage. The simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry the brand's bags. Away's claim to fame comes from the brand's built-in battery packs that can power up your devices. Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford, is a huge fan of Away due to the brand's attention to detail in the design process. " The interior of the suitcase has a streamlined design, which offers ample space to fit all your necessary items in an uncluttered and organized way ," says Stafford. " Plus, Away’s suitcases are extremely lightweight, so you can easily maneuver to and from your destination without pulling your muscles or overexerting unnecessary energy—to me, that kind of ease is invaluable at a price that’s very fair.”

The carry-on sizes come in a traditional option and a bigger carry-on for certain airlines that allow it. The brand also innovated on its hard-sided luggage collection, and now makes a full line of soft-sided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions.

Why Trust Us

In order to keep up with new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing the latest travel gear. Aside from covering travel gear in our evergreen roundups, we also highlight the best new travel gear in our gift guides and annual Travel Awards .
When it comes to luggage, we make sure to line up real-world testing opportunities anytime we're on assignment or traveling for pleasure. Then, we bring the luggage back to our office to thoroughly inspect each bag to determine what design notes surprised us, and what could use more work.
We consider how luggage brands appeals to specific types of traveler, as opposed to making generic assumptions that every traveler's needs are the same. We take into account everything from checked bags to carry-ons, to duffel bags and travel backpacks. Travelers who come to us will gain a full understanding of the luggage landscape and how it fits their lifestyle.

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How to Find the Right Luggage

Like your favorite pair of jeans , your favorite piece of luggage is going to come from a brand that fits your lifestyle. When looking for the best suitcase brand, you're going to want to write down what quantities you desire in your luggage. Here's what you should look for.

Frequency of Travel

The right luggage is going to fit with how you travel. If you're only going out of town a handful times a year, then you don't necessarily need to splurge on a super expensive suitcase or suitcase set. In fact, we'd recommend going for a wallet-friendly suitcase or set from brands like Samsonite or Coolife if you're not traveling that often, as these brands will hold up for years with light to medium use and not cost you very much upfront. If you're traveling a lot (for pleasure, business, or both) then you're going to probably want to lean towards making an investment in a piece of luggage that's made to handle continuous wear and tear. "When it comes to buying the right piece for your travel needs, my advice is always to opt for something that fits your lifestyle and budget," says Justin Crabbe.

How You Travel

After estimating how much you will be traveling throughout the year, you can start to write down your travel habits, or how you travel. Do you pack heavy or pack light? What features do you want or need? This is where features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, special laptop compartments, built-in portable chargers, and more are to be considered. "Look for ways to elevate your internal organization, like dividers, pockets, and sections that will help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible during your travels," says Sean Oblizalo. Another note: if you're into adventure traveling, look for a bag that's more flexible, lightweight, and made with weather-resistant materials is your best option. "Look for sturdy fabrics such as nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and strong zippers to ensure your luggage can handle the demands of outdoor adventures," says Jackson Groves.

You also want to consider how much you are willing to pay for your suitcase. Some suitcase brands are expensive because they get grouped into high fashion, but suitcases can also be expensive because they're known to last a long time (it's worth mentioning the best luggage brands have a kind of timeless style attributed to them). A few of the best suitcase brands that require a significant investment include RIMOWA, Tumi, and Filson. If you're looking for suitcase brands that provide the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.

Lastly, take note of each luggage brand's warranty. A warranty will help get your suitcase replaced or fixed should it have any issues (like a broken off wheel or damaged handle). Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually 5-10 years) but the best warranty you can get on a suitcase is a lifetime warranty. Warranties can be huge for frequent travelers, as your suitcase will wear down with high usage. If you are a frequent traveler, or if you're someone who simply wants the best warranty you can get, go with a suitcase that has a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to have lifetime warranties, so this can be another benefit to going up and investing in an expensive suitcase.

Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better?

The most popular luggage comes in either a hard-sided or soft-sided structured bag. Like mentioned earlier, the pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). They open with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softside luggage offers more packing room, but it can throw off the balance of your goods when it’s tossed around and stowed away by airline employees. Basically, soft-sided luggage does not provide as much protection as hard-sided bags—but they are roomier.

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Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hard-sided bags started gaining popularity in the past few years Hardside luggage features a 50/50 split opening (also called a book opening), making each side an equal stabilizer with an outer shell of hard protection. Polycarbonate shells are typically better for business travel. They stack easily but are usually rigid with zero room to expand like a soft-sided bag. The latest hard-sided bags look sleeker and are easier to clean and move—but they require you to be more strategic in your packing.

Other features that you’ll want to consider are weight and wheelability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze.

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9 Best Foldable Travel Bags and Foldable Luggage

Ashley Rossi

Ashley Rossi is always ready for her next trip. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram for travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.

After interning at SmarterTravel, Ashley joined the team full time in 2015. She's lived on three continents, but still never knows where her next adventure will take her. She's always searching for upcoming destination hotspots, secluded retreats, and hidden gems to share with the world.

Ashley's stories have been featured online on USA Today, Business Insider, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, Jetsetter, and Yahoo! Travel, as well as other publications.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "A reusable filtered water bottle—it saves you money, keeps you hydrated, and eliminates waste—win-win."

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Travel Motto : "Travel light, often, and in good company."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Window—best view in the house."

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Whether you live in a small space and need all the storage room you can get, or you need an extra bag to pack for your return trip home, these nine foldable travel bags fit the bill.

The Best Foldable Travel Bags: Duffels

From hybrid backpack-duffels to collapsible spinners, there’s an easy storage option for every travel style and size.

HEXIN Packable & Collapsible Lightweight Foldable Large Travel Duffel

This large and durable duffel by HEXIN is great to pack with your normal luggage in case you end up buying additional items that can’t fit in your packed bag. It is lightweight and has a shoe storage compartment and an 85-liter capacity. It’s one of the top-rated foldable travel bags on Amazon. Its ripstop nylon fabric protects against water and tearing.

Dimensions: 24 x 9 x 14 inches, folds to 11.5 x 10 x 3 inches.

The North Face Flyweight Duffel

This highly compressible duffel is one of the smallest foldable travel bags on the list. The super-functional duffel is part of The North Face’s Flyweight Collection , featuring 30 percent lighter fabric. The bag has removable shoulder straps and top grab handles, as well as an external zippered pocket and stretch-sleeve pockets. If you’re a light packer, this foldable travel bag is the perfect option.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 20 x 8.5 inches, folds into internal zippered pocket.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffel

This 60-liter foldable travel bag packs into its front-end zippered compartment for easy storage. These foldable travel bags also come in sizes small through extra-large. Each size has removable backpack straps, padded top handles, and side grab handles. The U-shaped lid makes for an easily accessible main compartment, and the bottom is foam-padded for rugged environments (or baggage handlers).

Dimensions: Taken from the medium size: 26.5 x 10.25 x 13.5 inches, folds to 13.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches.

Cotopaxi Uyuni Travel Duffel Bag

The Cotopaxi Uyuni is one of the most versatile foldable travel bags out there. While it doesn’t have any special storage features, it lies completely flat and takes up minimal space under a bed, making it easy to stow it. I love this backpack-duffel hybrid because the backpack straps snap under a flap, so they don’t get in the way if you want to use the shoulder strap. The 46-liter size works well as a carry-on.

Dimensions: 20 x 11.25 x 5 inches, folds flat.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

This backpack-duffel hybrid is one of the best foldable travel bags out there as it completely folds into itself (admittedly, the first time is a little tough, but with practice it gets easier). The polyester ripstop material, complete with weatherproof TPU laminate and a sturdy water-repellent finish, makes this bag extremely durable in the outdoors.

Dimensions: 28 x 17.5 x 13 inches, folds into itself.

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The Best Foldable Travel Bags: Rollers

Biaggi zipsak line.

The Biaggi ZipSak line offers a variety of folding travel bags, but my favorite is the 22-inch spinner . The bag folds up into a package the size of a packing cube for easy storage, with “MicroFold” technology that shrinks the bag. All the products in the ZipSak line are affordable. The upright bags have four multi-directional spinner wheels and are super lightweight.

Dimensions: Taken from the carry-on spinner: 22 x 14 x 10 inches, folds into a Z-Fold pack.

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Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel

This rolling duffel from Eagle Creek somehow miraculously folds into its own stuff pouch—yes, even the wheels. Available in sizes L and XL , this is one of the largest foldable travel bags on the market. This foldable luggage also has sturdy, oversized wheels, reinforced webbing, and compression straps.

Dimensions : Taken from the L size: 30 x 15 x 14 inches, folds into itself.

Biaggi Lift-Off! Expandable Underseater to Carry-On

Though not fully collapsible, this 2-in-1 bag starts off as an underseater and expands up into a full-on carry-on bag. Separate dirty shoes from your clean clothes by simply unzipping the top lid and pulling up the top fabric in order to reveal a brand-new compartment.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 7 inches at full size, condenses down to 15 x 14.5 x 7 inches.

Best Carry-On Luggage: Affordable Bags Under $150

Lipault 0% Pliable Collection

Our favorite item in the Lipault 0% Pliable Collection is the Foldable Upright 55/20 . It’s one of the best-quality collapsible bags out there and folds up into its own case. The spinner is soft-sided and lightweight, so you can fit a lot in it without excess bag fees.

Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.6 x 8.6 inches, collapses flat.

What to Pack in Your Foldable Travel Bag

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The Best Suitcases for Checking

Three of our picks for best suitcases for checking, shown side by side.

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

For many travelers, the frequently discussed dream is to never check a bag. But life doesn’t always cooperate—sometimes you need a bigger suitcase.

After researching 30 pieces of checked luggage and testing eight finalists over many years, we can still say that the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best suitcase for most travelers who plan to check a bag. The bag easily holds two weeks’ worth of clothes, and it looks and feels fantastic. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty against airline damage.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner

The best checked bag for most travelers.

This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner

Same suitcase, but bigger.

If you need a checked bag that gives you the maximum allowable space, and you don’t mind paying an overweight-bag fee, the 29-inch model is the way to go.

Away The Medium

The best hard-sided checked suitcase.

This great-looking, relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage matches our hard-sided carry-on pic. It has the same top-of-the-line components—including wheels that roll as smoothly as any we’ve tested.

Away The Large

The best large hard-sided checked suitcase.

If you need to maximize your allowed space, and you aren’t worried about weight limits, this bag is, as the name implies, the largest one Away makes. Apart from its extra capacity, it’s identical to The Medium.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 26″ Spinner

Hefty luggage for a heftier price.

This bag provides the most satisfying packing experience money can buy. It can fit an additional week’s worth of clothing, when compressed, in the same amount of space as the Travelpro Platinum Elite bag offers.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable 31″ Spinner

The same durable bag, but bigger.

This bag is for anyone who needs a somewhat ludicrous amount of space. Fully expanded, this bag is the biggest we’ve found. Fair warning: If you fill it full of clothes, you’re all but guaranteed to exceed airline weight limits.

Monos Hybrid Trunk

This type of luggage brings back the classic silhouette of upright steamer trunks. Due to their design, trunks are considered by some to be easier to pack and to maneuver.

Testing takeaways

We’ve found that the stated dimensions and weights of checked suitcases tend to be more accurate than those of their carry-on counterparts.

Wheel quality can affect how well carry-ons roll, but this is less true for checked bags—their weight smooths out the ride.

Handle shape and size often dictate a carry-on’s usable space. In roomier, checked bags, however, they’re less of a factor.

We considered how well a suitcase handles when it’s fully packed, how durable its materials are, and whether it’s comfortable to use.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the larger, checked-luggage version of our Travelpro carry-on top pick , and everything we like about its diminutive sibling applies again here.

It’s made of a hard-wearing nylon that’s both sleek and durable. And it looks and feels like a bag that costs a lot more than it actually does.

For a checked bag, it’s also surprisingly nimble. That’s thanks to the height-adjustable handle and the magnetically locking MagnaTrac wheels, which make the bag noticeably easier to maneuver—especially when it’s loaded with 50 pounds of stuff. And this suitcase is protected by a lifetime warranty, with stated protections against airline damages.

Internally, the Platinum Elite is well organized, and it includes a built-in garment folder for formalwear, with a removable folding board (similar to the one in our upgrade pick ). If you need a little more space, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29″ Expandable Spinner .

Note that with luggage this capacious, it’s easy to overpack and exceed the 50-pound (22-kilogram) weight limit imposed by most airlines. But if you’re willing to pay the fee, the Platinum Elite can easily withstand the extra weight.

For anyone who enjoys the look and simplicity of hard-sided luggage—as well as the comfort of knowing that this one is virtually impossible to overpack— The Medium suitcase from Away is an excellent choice with an excellent warranty.

Soft-sided luggage typically has a longer lifespan than hard-sided bags, typically made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. And soft-sided luggage typically has features like exterior pockets, making organization easier. However, the differences in durability and utility between hard- and soft-sided luggage are increasingly marginal, and plenty of people prefer the aesthetic and additional color options of polycarbonate suitcases.

Away builds its luggage with high-quality components. We tested the Away bag for three years before first recommending it. This suitcase has been our pick for over six years now, and we are confident in its long-term durability and the reputation of Away’s limited lifetime warranty . Away also makes a bigger checked-luggage model, The Large . We’ve found, however, that it’s very easy to overpack suitcases of this size, even ones that are hard-sided.

If you identify as a frequent flier or a serious overpacker, or if you have a large family and are willing to invest in higher-quality luggage for traveling, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner .

Although the Travelpro Platinum Elite is great for the price, the Briggs & Riley Baseline bag is great, period. Every detail is made to the highest standards of any luggage maker—from the zippers to the wheels to a unique compression system (which lets you fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into the same volume as offered by the Travelpro bag).

You won’t get the unique styling that other luxury brands specialize in, but Briggs & Riley’s reputation for reliability and durability is unmatched. The bag also includes a garment folder, as the Travelpro bag does.

If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for any kind of damage. We’ve traveled with this durable bag for six years now on multiple national and international trips. And it’s still in great shape and a dream to pack. Also, its expanding capability has rescued us more than once when we wanted to bring something extra home.

Trunk luggage, including the Monos Hybrid Trunk , replaces the 50/50 split of a clamshell design with a deeper central compartment. It’s a small change, and it makes packing this type of case very pleasant.

However, this luggage seems best for destination travel, when you pack up once and unpack once. Living out of a trunk requires more layers of packing and unpacking. So using trunk luggage across multiple stops could seem potentially onerous, compared with using a bag that has a typical clamshell design.

Monos continues to impress us with its luggage lines and construction. But the Hybrid Trunk stands out for its reinforced aluminum frame and denser-feeling polycarbonate, and it has a lifetime warranty for any damage that renders the luggage unusable.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, the best checked luggage: travelpro platinum elite 25" expandable spinner, our pick for the best hard-sided luggage: away the medium suitcase, upgrade pick: briggs & riley baseline expandable spinner, the best trunk pick: monos hybrid trunk, other good suitcases for checking, the competition, what to look forward to.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel-bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years, we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts : flight attendants for major airlines; product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies; and travel writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

Several suitcases we tested to find the best for checking.

We’ve spent more than 160 hours researching luggage, continually testing to understand what makes good luggage. In the nearly eight years we’ve covered this category, the products have evolved—and so has our thinking about what kind of luggage is best for most people. Based on what’s available and what different travelers prefer, we think the following travel bags are the best checked luggage you can currently find.

There may be thousands of different types of checked luggage available for sale. Even after we excluded models that didn’t meet our basic criteria—a reliable warranty, reputable luggage reviews, and quality materials—we found hundreds of bags worth testing. And we went on to evaluate the choices between nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more.

Three suitcases we tested in 2016, shown side by side.

Besides the suggestions from our experts, we researched editorial and user reviews of luggage, making sure to include popular brands, such as Samsonite and Tumi, as well as more-esoteric names, like Hideo Wakamatsu. In addition to our interviews with experts, we’ve spoken with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks, to make sure we found the best models from each company.

If you want a general rundown of our testing process, check out the corresponding sections from our best carry-on luggage review , since our testing of the larger bags mirrored that process. But we did uncover some differences—mostly having to do with the larger size of checked luggage—that led us to modify our analysis.

The smaller the luggage, the more intricate the design must become to accommodate travelers’ needs. While testing carry-on luggage in the past, we found that company claims of luggage weight and measurements weren’t exactly precise, with capacities exaggerated and weights minimized. Oddly, for checked bags, we didn’t find so much fudging of the numbers. Our best guess is that with the looser size and weight restrictions for checked luggage, manufacturers aren’t as motivated to manipulate their figures when advertising their larger bags.

When we tested carry-ons, we noticed the varied and individual way that each bag handled rough surfaces, depending on their wheels and build quality. With checked bags, this wasn’t a problem. When any checked bag was fully packed, the weight carried it over the roughest of surfaces, without a strong discernable difference between models.

With bags this large, the subtler points of comparison aren’t as pronounced. For instance, the handle’s size and shape can significantly change a carry-on bag’s usable space and your overall packing experience. But when space limits aren’t an issue, this doesn’t really matter. As a result, we focused on the obvious design comparisons, including how these bags handled when full, how durable their materials were, and whether the bags were comfortable to use.

Our top picks for the best checked luggage, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch and 29-inch Expandable Spinners, side by side.

For the majority of families who fly less than 25,000 miles a year together, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25″ Expandable Spinner is the best choice for checked luggage.

It’s the bag to compare others against. The Platinum Elite suitcase is a durable, attractively styled, well-organized bag for a reasonable price. It holds a full seven days’ worth of clothes for two people, and it’s protected by a warranty that covers carrier damage, as long as you register the bag within 120 days of purchase. (The registration is a very simple process, and it can be done in 5 minutes with a smartphone: Simply take a picture of the registration code, which comes with the luggage; send that picture to a number Travelpro provides; and fill out the form in the response link .)

During a trip to New Zealand, our tester was able to pack two weeks’ worth of clothes—without a laundry stop—and several pieces of camera equipment into the Platinum Magna (the previous, largely identical model of the Platinum Elite) without issue. Like every large piece of checked luggage we tested, the Platinum Elite comes only in a four-wheel (or “spinner”) configuration. More wheels mean more bits with the potential to break (as well as some reduction of interior space), but that’s a necessary compromise for bags this size, if you want any hope of managing them in a busy airport.

A Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch Expandable Spinner with its built-in garment folder opened.

It shrugs off wear and tear. The Platinum Elite’s exterior is made of ballistic nylon, which can take more overall abuse than polycarbonate and will show less wear in the long run. As we’ve said with regard to carry-ons , we don’t think polycarbonate hard-shell bags are as versatile or durable as soft-sided nylon bags. (Travelpro tests its bags by filling them with 70-pound loads and passing each handle through 7,500 automated lift tests.)

Hard-shell bags usually weigh about 4 pounds less than soft-sided equivalents. However, their increased failure rate and affinity for displaying scratches and wear aren’t worth it, unless the bag’s contents really need the extra protection from sharp jabs.

The soft fabric design allows for extra flexibility and the inclusion of exterior pockets, for quick access to small items. The Platinum Elite has two pockets: a flat one (suitable for documents and boarding passes) and an accordion-style one (which provides extra storage for miscellaneous small items; this can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids and need quick access to extra-small toys, coloring books, clothes, or other supplies).

Top view of the main compartment of the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner.

Organization makes the dream work. During her three-week trip in New Zealand, photographer Caleigh Waldman said of the earlier, nearly identical model in the Platinum line, “On this trip I never stayed in the same location for more than three days and was forced to constantly unpack, repack, and maneuver [the bag]. Usually living out of any suitcase makes me crazy, but the many zip compartments [of this bag], both inside and out, make it easy to compartmentalize your things. The pockets, zippers, and interior liner seemed sturdy, and the large pull-back cover allowed me to access everything I had in the bag with ease.”(Full disclosure: Years later we married, but I don’t think that influenced her review.)

Similar to its smaller Travelpro sibling, the Carry-On Rollaboard , this suitcase has a built-in garment folder (or “suiter”). Additionally, a 2-inch-wide expansion zipper runs along three sides of the Platinum Elite, allowing the bag to accordion-open a touch, if you need the extra space (though we found this more useful as a way to compress what you’ve already packed than as an additional-space-providing feature).

Close-up of the Built-in TSA combination lock on a Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner.

It moves through the world with ease. The Platinum Elite handles beautifully for its size. Its aluminum handle extends to three different heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42½ inches). Although every bag we tested for this guide had similar levels of maneuverability, the Premium Elite’s MagnaTrac wheels, which align in the same direction, rolled past the rest of the competition with ease. On smooth surfaces, like those found in airports, it felt as if the bag were almost directing itself across the floor.

During her trip, Caleigh appreciated this suitcase’s smooth rolling, even when the bag was overpacked, saying, “It was not always easy to maneuver on rough or gravelly surfaces. Overall, though, given the limitations of traveling with this much stuff, I thought [this bag] did a great job moving through a variety of environments.” And it has sealed wheel bearings; these extend the wheels’ life by preventing dirt and grime from entering and breaking down the components as quickly. That’s a feature not usually found on cheaper bags. And chances are good that if a bag isn’t clearly advertising sealed bearings, you should assume it doesn’t have them. If, for whatever reason, the wheels do break, you can easily swap them out yourself with Travelpro’s readily available replacements .

It’s light yet cavernous. The Platinum Elite weighs 9 pounds 8 ounces when empty, which is average to heavy among checked bags. That’s a workable weight, though, for the bag’s spacious, 6,982-cubic-inch interior—twice what its carry-on sibling can hold! But when you’re selecting luggage this large, weight shouldn’t be your primary concern because all of the bags we tested felt about equally heavy once fully packed. The important thing is that, in our testing, the Platinum Elite swallowed up a week’s worth of clothes for two people with no problem, with a good deal of room to spare.

Travelpro also sells a Platinum Elite model that’s 29 inches tall . It’s important to emphasize just how absurdly large this suitcase is for most people. Given its capacity of 7,710.6 cubic inches (143 liters), the challenge here is to pack without breaking airline weight limits. I suppose if you were on a (very) long cruise, a bag this size might make sense.

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After my wife’s world travels, a neighbor borrowed this bag for their children’s college travels (Hawaii to New York), making several trips over the past few years. The Platinum Elite is still going strong.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We should note that bags of this size can hold almost too much. The Platinum Elite bag already weighs over 9 pounds. So when you pack it to its limits, it may be hard to keep it below the 50-pound weight limit of most airlines—and that means extra fees. But this is true of all checked luggage.

During her New Zealand trip, Caleigh Waldman packed the Platinum Magna 2 (29-inch model) for two weeks, with enough clothes, toiletries, and different types of shoes and activewear for the terrain. Though she didn’t fill the bag completely, she still found that her luggage came in over the 50-pound limit. “Every flight I took, I had to cough up the overweight-baggage fee, and it was a monster to carry up stairs and toss into car trunks,” she said.

Our picks for the best hard-sided luggage, the Away The Medium and The Large suitcases, side by side.

We still think most travelers would be better off with one of our soft-sided picks than with a hard-sided carry-on. That’s because soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But if you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage, or you want the security of knowing you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Medium is the one we recommend.

From wheels to warranty, it’s the best polycarbonate option. Its wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than its hard-sided competitors. And it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

It provides more than enough space. The Medium weighs 9.9 pounds and measures 26 by 18.5 by 11 inches—a fairly standard weight and size for checked luggage this size. (By comparison, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-inch bag weighs 9.8 pounds and measures 28 by 18.5 by 11.75 inches.) If you need extra room, Away’s The Large offers the maximum allowed space in a piece of checked luggage. The Large weighs 11.6 pounds and measures 29 by 20.5 by 12.5 inches. But with bags this big, it’s easier to overpack and exceed airline weight limits, which is why we recommend the Away Medium for most people.

Don’t sweat the flex. The Away bag’s modern and minimalist look comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately—according to every luggage designer we’ve ever interviewed—more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks is to tear. Still, the shell feels similar to those of higher-end (and significantly more expensive) suitcases, such as the $1,000-plus Rimowa Essential Check-In M ; it’s strong and flexible, and the Away bag itself feels good in your hands.

Away builds its luggage with impressive components. The wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we’ve tested. We’ve rolled these wheels across every conceivable surface, from cobblestone streets to the smoothest airport surfaces, and they were always a pleasure to use. When we first started testing The Away bag, in 2016, we found that flexibility to be a liability, especially on airport carpets. The first version of this bag that I tested tended to flex into itself and jam up its own wheels when I pushed it in front of me. But I haven’t had that issue with any of this suitcase’s latest models.

Top view of an opened Away The Medium suitcase.

Its interior matches its minimal exterior. The Away bag’s interior is almost as bare-bones as its exterior. Unlike our other picks, this bag has no included suiter or suit folder, but you can buy one for $85 . The interior is split in half: One side closes with a zippered flap, and the other side has a built-in compression panel and straps, which work decently well.

It’s better to stick with the basics. We tested Away luggage for three years before making our recommendation. We traveled with it ourselves across the country, and we lent models of the bag to several testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using them. Away makes two similar models of checked suitcases with an expandable zipper: The Medium Flex and The Large Flex . For all intents and purposes, these are the same overall bags as the standard Medium and Large, except for the expanding center zipper and the price (they each cost $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers. They feel like potentially just one more thing to break. Also, they can increase the likelihood of exceeding the airline’s weight limit. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

Like our other picks, the Away pairs with its matching carry-on : The models are virtually identical, except for their sizes. Matching your luggage sets is visually appealing. But the real value in matching your carry-on to your checked luggage is that the smaller suitcase can, when you’re back home, nest within the larger one. (This holds true for every set of luggage we’ve ever tested. Here’s why: Nesting luggage is the most economical way for luggage manufacturers to ship their wares from their factories overseas.)

The lack of a suit panel for important items, like dresses and suits, may limit this suitcase’s appeal for some travelers. With a bag that has this much space, though, there are other ways to pack fancy clothes (video) without wrinkling them.

If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worth investing in luggage that goes beyond the minimums and somehow improves your travel experience. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25″ Spinner is that kind of bag. It costs more than twice as much as our top soft-sided pick, but after using all of these bags side by side, I’m sure there’s more than twice as much value hidden within this luggage: This is one of the best checked luggage systems we’ve found for international travel.

It has the best compression system. This suitcase’s most impressive feature is its compression system. Briggs & Riley’s proprietary compression system is superior to anything else we’ve seen—it allows you to fit an additional week’s worth of clothing into a bag with the same external dimensions as those of the Travelpro Platinum Elite suitcase. To manage it, you pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag; this extends its depth by a full 2½ inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed without putting stress on the zippers. Then you simply push on the bag to compress it back down again, and a latch mechanism keeps it securely in place. Unlike cheaper zippered expansion systems, which are either fully open or closed (like the Delsey bag’s ), this one can lock in at variable degrees of expansion or compression. This suitcase is unique and satisfying to use. (If you prefer a polycarbonate shell, Briggs & Riley has designed a similar compression system around a hard-shell case, for its Sympatico Spinner line. Still, we prefer the pliability of a soft-sided shell for any compression system.)

Measuring the extra capacity of the Baseline isn’t exact. The bag’s base (that is, where the wheels are) measures an inch deeper than the top of the bag (where the handle is); this design is, I believe, to make the base of the bag heavier when fully packed. At the base, the exterior of the Baseline Medium measures 25 by 18.5 by 10 inches; expanded, it measures 25 by 18.5 by 12 inches.

A person measuring the height of the internal storage space of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Expandable 25-inch Spinner with a measuring tape.

It takes hits like a brick. The Baseline Medium’s exterior is wrapped in 1,680-denier ballistic nylon, which is durable and puncture resistant. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.) But even more impressive is what’s underneath the nylon. The Baseline Medium’s frame is the strongest we’ve seen among any of the soft-sided luggage we tested. This bag can take considerable pressure from any angle. Like the Travelpro Platinum Elite, the Baseline Medium has two external pockets: a small one for tickets and passports and a larger one for small items or light outerwear. Briggs & Riley also makes a 31-inch Extra Large version of this bag, with nearly 10,000 cubic inches of interior space. It’s a good bag, but we can’t see the point of something this large. As it is, you can easily exceed most airlines’ weight limits packing the Medium to capacity.

Similar to its carry-on version, the Baseline Medium’s handrail tubes are on the outside of the bag; this makes the inside back wall almost completely flat, so packing is easier because there are no crevices to work around. We liked this feature for lighter carry-on luggage, since exterior plastic handrail tubes can protect the bag when it’s going over an edge, without risking too much damage. However, that all changes when you’re bouncing a 50-pound bag over a curb; in that case, an exposed handrail system seems like an unnecessary risk, especially since there’s so much room for an internal rail system.

The best trunk pick the Monos Hybrid Trunk.

Trunks are a welcome new addition (reimagined from a somewhat older tradition) to checked-luggage lines. Longer than they are wide, modern travel trunks—including our pick, the Monos Hybrid Trunk —stand out against the more-common squat, square luggage of the last few decades.

It has a pleasant shape, and it’s easy to maneuver. The Monos Hybrid measures 30 by 15.7 by 14.3 inches, with a capacity of 6,735.3 cubic inches, and it weighs 13.2 pounds. Imagine something like a small steamer trunk, except without the team of stevedores to move it.

In our early testing, we’ve found that the Monos Hybrid, with its taller, narrower shape, is easier to wheel around than other checked luggage. There’s something about the four wheels’ relative proximity to one another that gives the trunk a remarkable agility across most surfaces. Its wheels make it handle more like a carry-on bag than the other checked luggage we tested.

An opened Monos Hybrid Trunk lying flat on its back.

It’s a pleasure to pack. This element is harder to explain. Packing the trunk somehow just feels more pleasant than packing other types of luggage. Maybe it’s the main compartment’s higher walls, which give a comforting feeling of placing your clothes deep within the confines of a box. Or perhaps it’s the shape’s somewhat vintage appeal, bringing up nostalgia for a type of travel you’ve never experienced except in movies. Packing clothes into the Hybrid Trunk for a long journey is like stepping back in time just for a moment.

That said, unlike the steamer trunks of yore, the modern Monos Hybrid doesn’t have a ton of extra organization. One side has a fabric cover that completely zips in the contents; the other side has a compression panel with two zippered pockets. That said, for most modern travelers using (I hope) a good set of packing cubes , these simple dividers should be plenty to keep everything in the right place.

The Hybrid Trunk does away with the standard zipper closure, opting instead for an aluminum frame that runs along the seam of the luggage, where a zipper might have been. The case has two TSA locks, which close with a satisfying latch. We’ve reviewed a few bags with latches like this, and they’re great. Our only concern is that these locks have lots of small moving components, which could be a weak point over time.

It’s made for long, tough journeys. The only trunk models we’ve seen so far are made of polycarbonate. The Monos Hybrid immediately stands out with three details: an aluminum frame around the center seam that reinforces the body of the luggage, aluminum corner guards, and a reassuringly robust polycarbonate.

The Monos Hybrid Trunk, like our other picks, is protected by a lifetime warranty.

The one potential flaw we’ve found so far (we’ve tested trunks for only a few months) is that a trunk design may require more packing and unpacking to find what you need if you’re making lots of stops while traveling. A suitcase with a clamshell design, on the other hand, has both sides more or less open to you for easier access.
Like the Away, the Monos Hybrid Trunk doesn’t have a dedicated suit folder or suit compartment for dresses or formal wear. Again though with this much space to pack in, there are a number of ways to protect clothes like this.

If the Monos Hybrid Trunk is unavailable: Consider Away’s The Trunk , which has a similar design (apart from having a zipper, instead of latches) for a similar price. However, though we’re generally fans of Away’s luggage, The Trunk isn’t as satisfying to use as the Monos Hybrid . The Away Trunk’s shell is flexible and its body is light, so it lacks the robust feel of the Monos Hybrid.

The Delsey Helium Aero , our previous hard-sided pick, comes in a 25-inch and a 29-inch version, so you can choose how much capacity you need. Like the Away suitcase, this bag is made of 100% polycarbonate, so it should last longer than cheaper, less-durable ABS plastic suitcases. However, Delsey’s 10-year limited warranty doesn’t match Away’s limited lifetime warranty.

Briggs & Riley makes excellent luggage, but we don’t think you need to spend this much on a hard-sided case without any extra frills, like the Briggs & Riley Torq Medium Spinner .

The Delsey Peugeot Large Trunk Spinner has a similar zipperless design as the Monos Hybrid, but the Peugeot bag lacks the corner guards and, more importantly, the lifetime warranty. Instead, the Peugeot is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Rimowa defined hard-sided luggage in the 1940s and redefined it in 2000, when it introduced polycarbonate luggage. But paying just over $1,000 for “virgin German polycarbonate” is silly. These bags, including the Rimowa Essential Check-In M , are smart-looking, though.

If you’ve ever wondered how much people pay for those handsome aluminum pieces of luggage, we’ll tell you: at least four figures. The Rimowa Classic Check-In M is twice as expensive as a ticket to Europe, yet it’s little more than a status symbol.

We also tested and dismissed Pelican and Samsonite suitcases that have since been discontinued.

We’re taking a look at the Level8 Voyageur Check-In . Its standout feature is the unusually wide handle, which seems to help its handling. The Level8 bag is less expensive than other luggage of its size and apparent quality. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty. To make a decision, however, we do need to study the handle and the build quality a bit longer.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

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The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

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Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

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Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

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Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Curvy dark blue pillow on top of orange surface with a green plant in the background

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

Small outlet surge protector with 2 small slots up top and 3prong space on the bottom

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

A small black compass shaped device with a handle and silver hook to weight items

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

Black laptop case with topright rounded edge and a silver laptop partially inserted

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

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Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

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Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

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Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

White rounded rectangular device with two buttons on the front and a cord coming out of the top

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

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For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

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Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug with Flex Sip Lid

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

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Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

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11 Best Weekender Bags, Tested by Travel Experts

Don't bother with a carry-on when these weekenders can fit everything you need.

three weekender bags on a blue set with a stack of folded up clothes, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

To find the best ones, our Good Housekeeping Institute product analysts tested 22 weekender bags in our Lab and with consumer testers . We evaluated each bag based on ease of packing, comfort when carrying, durability, organizational design and more to find the best weekender bags.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Weekender Bag

Calpak luka duffel.

Best Value Weekender Bag

Bagsmart carry on weekender.

Best Oversized Weekender Bag

Lo & sons catalina deluxe.

Most Stylish Weekender Bag

Beis the mini weekender.

Best Duffel Weekender Bag

Herschel novel duffle.

Most Versatile Weekender Bag

Dagne dover landon neoprene carryall bag.

Most Sturdy Weekender Bag

Away the large everywhere bag.

Best Weekender Bag for Road Trips

Vera bradley performance twill grand weekender travel bag.

Most Durable Weekender Bag

Patagonia black hole duffel bag 40l.

Best Weekender Backpack

Cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack.

Weekender bags are just about any type of bag that's smartly designed for a weekend trip away. As the category continues to expand, we're seeing more and more variations (like weekender backpacks and weekenders with wheels!). When trying a weekender bag for the first time, our testers were impressed with just how useful these bags are, and many opted to use them on more than just weekend trips; they're great to use as a gym bag, overnight bag, tote bag, personal item and more.

After you shop through our top-tested picks, keep reading to learn more about what to look in a great weekender, information about how we test and answers to your pressing questions about travel bags.

Perfectly suited to a weekend trip, this puffy weekender bag from Calpak checked every box in our tests. The sleek material was easy to wipe clean and stayed in great shape use after use. It has a thoughtful design with a large exterior pocket, a separate shoe compartment and internal organizational features. The shoulder strap was comfortable to carry and there is a removable crossbody strap as well. It's currently available in five stylish shades, like chocolate brown, light pink and bright green.

In our packing test, this bag fit everything on our list with room to spare, and it was a tester favorite for being just the right size. One tester brought this bag as her personal item for a two-week trip and found it the perfect size to hold everything she needed while traveling. She said, "This bag fits everything I need and more! The puffy design is chic with a durable exterior. I appreciated the well-organized interior with multiple zipper compartments, a luggage sleeve, a separate shoe compartment and even a side water bottle holder.

It also poured while I was traveling and everything inside this bag stayed perfectly dry." She did, however, notice a bit of the stitching unraveling around the trolley sleeve. It's best suited for casual weekend travel instead of outdoor adventure wear.

a model carrying a pink calpak luka duffel in front of a bookshelf, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Most weekender bags retail for over $100, but this affordable option from BAGSMART starts at around $35. It's made from very lightweight nylon fabric and weighs under 2 pounds, so it won't weigh you down too much if you're walking through a new city or running through the airport.

Available in nine colors and earning over 2,000 rave Amazon reviews, this popular bag has two size options, medium and large. The medium size is within most airline size limits for a personal item while the large is better suited for longer trips.

Testers were impressed with just how much they could fit in this bag. One tester said, "It's especially great for overpackers" thanks to the "super roomy interior and convenient exterior pockets." The material is on the thinner side and some testers noticed a bit of wear and tear after a long trip.

a pink bagssmart weekender bag on a rolling suitcase while traveling, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe

Overpackers, this is the bag for you. Testers and analysts were both impressed with just how much they could fit in this Lo & Sons bag. It fit the most out of all the weekender bags we tested, even multiple pairs of shoes. One tester said, "This large weekender bag makes packing and traveling easy," and another shared, " I love the thoughtful design and lightweight nature of this bag! The separate compartment felt very helpful, especially for keeping everything organized."

Because of its oversized design, this bag is best suited for car or train travel where there aren't strict size restrictions. This bag is available in both recycled polyester and canvas with two size options. Testers generally preferred the smaller size as it was still quite spacious.

When the bag was fully packed, testers noted that it was quite heavy to carry, even with the padded shoulder strap. The brand recently launched the Catalina Supreme (largest size option) and the Catalina Deluxe Tote (smaller, personal-item-sized pick).

a pair of navy sneakers inside of a lo and sons catalina deluxe bag as part of good housekeeping's best weekender bag testing

Many credit the Beis weekender with starting the weekender bag trend in the first place. Available in a range of colors, this chic bag has a classic shape and thoughtful design. It features easily accessible pockets (on the interior and exterior) for added convenience when traveling.

"I like that it sits upright and that the top has structure when it opens, which makes it easier to rifle around in ," shared one tester. The shoe compartment is also structured, which gives the bag a nice shape, but testers found it created a bit of wasted space as they didn't want to pack other items with their shoes. We appreciate that this bag has metal feet on the bottom to protect the base and we like the padded laptop sleeve too.

We tested both the original weekender bag and the mini version. Our testers preferred the mini size as they found the original too large for weekend trips. Plus, the mini size is compliant with airline personal item size restrictions and costs less than $100. Note that during packing tests, we found the zippers a bit finicky to open and close when the bag fully packed.

two lime green beis weekender bags, one mini and one original, next to each other in front of a floral image, good housekeeping's best weekender bags testing

Great for all types of travel, this versatile duffel from Herschel is compact enough to use as a large weekender bag but spacious enough it could also work for a much longer trip.

It has a classic design with a 600-denier recycled polyester body and faux leather shoulder straps. The material proved to be very durable in our abrasion resistance tests in the Lab. There is a separate shoe compartment and removable crossbody strap with ample cushioning.

Ideal for long weekends or week-long trips , this bag fit everything in our carry-on suitcase packing test. One tester even said "This bag felt never-ending! I was impressed with just how much I could fit." Testers appreciated how comfortable this bag is to carry, but one tester said the crossbody strap broke; she did applaud the brand's customer service for helping her quickly with the issue.

a black herschel novel duffel with brown leather straps on a grey couch, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Dagne Dover is a favorite brand among GH editors for a reason: the bags are thoughtfully designed for travel, trendy and comfortably fit everything you need.

In our packing tests, we loved how well-organized this bag was with a padded laptop sleeve, a pouch for a water bottle and an exterior phone pocket . Testers agreed with one saying, "I love how many pockets and organizational features it has. It comes with a bag for shoes and a little mesh-looking zipper bag that I actually put my chargers and stuff in, and it clips onto a string inside so it doesn't get lost at the bottom of my bag."

This pick is available in five sizes; we found that the large size is best suited for weekend trips, but the medium and extra-large sizes could also work depending on your preferences. This bag uses the brand's signature neoprene material, which we found to pill a bit after extensive use.

a model holding a green landon carryall bag in front of a floral image, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Ideal for business travel, this sturdy weekender bag keeps its shape even when not full. Away is a best-selling travel brand, offering top-performing carry-on suitcases that consistently ace our luggage testing. The material is water-resistant for easy cleaning after traveling. When packing, we appreciated that the bag fully opens up like a suitcase, so it's easier to place your clothes inside. The leather straps add a chic touch.

"It is easy to pack a lot more than expected because the mesh helps compress everything," said one tester. "It also has extra storage in the fronts of both sides which is great for smaller/flatter things." There is a back sleeve to conveniently place this bag on top of a rolling suitcase; testers said this was key as the bag was quite heavy to carry when fully packed. Note that the Large size would qualify as a carry-on and not a personal item when flying. There are also Small and Medium size options.

a blue away everywhere large bag in front of a floral backdrop, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Vera Bradley is well known for its classic floral and paisley duffel bags. This weekender version is more compact than the larger duffel, and it's available in both colorful and neutral shades.

This bag can easily squish into tighter, oddly shaped spaces, so you can shove in the trunk between suitcases when traveling. It features a large interior, a roomy exterior zippered pocket (which could be used for one small pair of shoes), a zippered luggage sleeve and two side water bottle holders. It's sleek and easy to wipe clean, thanks to the brand's newer performance twill material.

When traveling, one tester reported, " The fabric was soft and the construction made it easy to fit into smaller spaces . I liked the size of the bag too. It would be an easy carry-on and is the perfect size for a weekend away. The straps were also very comfortable." Testers did wish this bag included a larger separate shoe compartment.

a model carrying a black vera bradley grand weekender travel bag, good housekeeping's best weekender bag testing

Head on a camping trip or any outdoor adventure with this durable, best-selling pack from Patagonia. This pick can be worn as both a shoulder bag and as a backpack , which is very helpful on longer walks. It's made with 900-denier recycled polyester ripstop with a TPU-film laminate, which impressed us in the Lab for its extreme durability and water resistance.

The padded base helps prevent scuffs or damage from rocks or rougher terrain. While it's available in four sizes, the 40L option is weekender-sized while the others are better suited for longer trips. Testers were blown away with just how much they could fit in this aptly named Black Hole pack. One tester said, "I liked the mesh zipper pocket on the lid (this compartment is perfect for underwear, bathing suits, socks, etc.) and the second zippered pocket which the entire bag can fold into for storage or you can use as a compartment when using the bag."

Multiple testers reported that it was confusing to figure out how to buckle the backpack straps, but once they had them secure, it was a very helpful feature.

a model holding up a folded up blue patagonia black hole duffel in front of a window, good housekeeping's best weekender bags

Acing our backpack testing, this Cotopaxi backpack cinched the top spot in our best travel backpacks round-up . This backpack opens up flat like a suitcase for easy packing, and it fits an impressive amount — even more than some of the carry-on suitcases we've tested . One tester even said,"I love this backpack. It fits approximately two weeks' worth of clothes in the bag. It has an amazing number of compartments [with] structure and the overall look is fantastic."

We appreciated the padding on the back for comfort and convenience while traveling and both the hip and sternum strap for extra support. The brand is known for its bright colors, but this bag is also available in neutrals. Note that this backpack doesn't have a trolley sleeve, so it won't rest easily on top of a suitcase.

Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.

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Published: May. 13, 2024, 3:05 p.m.

With 40% of travelers planning on traveling even more in 2024 than they did the previous year, there’s a good chance you have a trip planned for the summer.

You may be eyeing a tropical locale for some rest and relaxation or have your heart set on an adventurous vacation with plenty of outdoor activities planned.

No matter where you’re headed, you’re going to need to pack some essentials for your trip. This means you’ll need some durable luggage , a backpack or weekender bag to hold your belongings and those must-have travel accessories you’ll need before boarding your next flight .

But finding the right travel bag can be a hassle with endless options brands and styles to sort through. To help you decide which travel bag to buy for your upcoming trip, this comprehensive roundup has some of the best, including checked luggage , carry-on bags , weekender bags , backpacks and more.

Here’s a look at some of the most recommended travel bags and accessories to make all your travels even easier in 2024.

Related: JetBlue Personal Item Policy: 7 bags you can fit under seat with no problems

Best Checked Luggage

These are some of the top-rated checked luggage you can buy for all your summer adventures, including these popular suitcase styles from Samsonite and Travelpro. Amazon

These are some of the best checked luggage you can buy for those summer vacations that require air travel to get there.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage: “It’s exceptionally durable and breezed through our strenuous testing with hardly a scratch — the polycarbonate is designed to flex slightly to absorb impacts before popping back to its original form. While the bag sustained no major damage like dents or gashes when we dropped it off tables and hit it with a baseball bat,” Travel + Leisure says.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner Luggage: “This bag provides a luxury feel at a reasonable price, with a capacity, warranty, and reliability that should suit most travelers. The 25-inch model should offer plenty of room for most travelers, without going over airline weight limits,” Wirecutter says.
Away The Medium Luggage: “It’s solid and durable — with only a few scuffs from its trip down the stairs — has an incredible interior compression system, is easily maneuverable and is even comfortable to carry for when you need to lift it in and out of the car,” CNN says.

Best Carry-On Luggage

These are some of the best carry-on luggage you can buy today, including these popular styles from Samsonite and CALPAK. Amazon, CALPAK

You can take these carry-on luggage on the plane to keep your belongings close as you travel.

Beis The Carry-On Roller: “This brand from actress Shay Mitchell has gone viral on TikTok thanks to its stunning monochromatic designs and its unique features, including a built-in weight indicator that lets you know if your luggage is over 50 pounds. It also has an extendable strap in the front that lets you attach a smaller bag, helping to free up your hands while traveling,” Good Housekeeping says.
CALPAK Ambeur Mini Carry-On: “They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers,” Time says.
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: “Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and any scuffs it has accumulated have been easily buffed out. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it’s a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on,” Travel + Leisure says.

Best Weekender Bags

Here are some of the top weekender bags available to buy today, including these popular styles from Beis and lululemon. Beis, lululemon

If you’re planning a short trip, these weekender bags are some of the best you can buy.

Beis The Commuter Duffle: “On the outside, it keeps things simple with a single zippered pocket and simple slip pockets on the remaining sides, while the inside has a total of five pockets (one zippered, two mesh, and two elastic), a velcro padded laptop pocket that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop on top of its capacious main compartment, and a luggage handle sleeve longer,” InStyle says.
Lo And Sons Catalina Deluxe: “It features a messenger strap with removable padding so that your shoulder never gets sore if your bag is packed full, plus double-sided zippers and a bottom compartment where you can store shoes away from your clothing. As an added bonus, the bag is made from malleable canvas, which makes it easy to roll back up into your closet when you’re done using it,” Forbes says.
Calpak Luka Duffel: “It has a thoughtful design with a large exterior pocket, a separate shoe compartment and internal organizational features. The shoulder strap was comfortable to carry and there is a removable crossbody strap as well,” Good Housekeeping says.

The Best Travel Bags of 2024

JetBlue Personal Item Policy: 7 bags you can fit under seat with no problems
The best backpacks to buy in 2024, according to reviews
The best carry-on luggage to buy for all your trips in 2024, according to reviews
The best travel duffel bags to buy in 2024, according to reviews
The best weekender bags to buy for travel in 2024, according to reviews

Best Backpacks

These are some of the best backpacks you can buy today, including these popular designs from Away and The North Face. Away, The North Face

Pack all your necessities in these top backpacks on everywhere you go this summer.

Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack: “Virtually indestructible, it safely holds a 16-inch laptop and your worldly goods. The harness, back panel, and hip belts can be stowed away when unused. No need to carry a small bag for daytime excursions as it comes with a detachable daypack with a lockable laptop/tablet sleeve. It can be used as a domestic flight carry-on item,” Time says.
Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack: “Our pick for the best small travel backpack is the Patagonia Atom 20L Tote Pack, a versatile, lightweight bag that stows under airplane seats. This backpack has a large main compartment, which houses a thickly padded removable 13-inch laptop sleeve and a hydration bladder pass-through for hikers,” National Geographic says.
The North Face Borealis Backpack: “Its 28-liter capacity is big enough to fit the extras you pick up during errands on your way home. It has a separate laptop compartment and just enough easy-access pockets to stay organized. This bag can go out on the trails after work or on the weekends as well. It’s super durable and water-resistant, which only adds to its versatility,” GearLab says.

Best Travel Duffel Bags

Here are some of the top travel duffel bags you can buy today, including this Patagonia Black Hole style. REI

These top-rated travel duffel bags can hold all your gear as you explore uncharted territories.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: “This bag is the most versatile gear duffle we’ve found. It’s tough, water-resistant, and great for toting clothes and equipment in almost any travel or outdoor scenario,” Wirecutter says.
Beis Commuter Duffel: “The bag is bursting with compartments and pockets for organizing small, medium, and large items so you can pack efficiently before a weekend getaway. After we packed the bag full of clothing, shoes, and a toiletry bag, it was fairly heavy, but the shoulder and tote straps were shockingly comfortable and helped balance out the weight,” Travel + Leisure says.
REI Co-op Roadtripper: “The REI Roadtripper offers excellent storage and utility at over half the price of other bags, making it an exceptional value for a duffel bag on a budget,” GearLab says.

Best Portable Chargers

Here are some of the top-rated portable chargers on the market today, including this popular Anker PowerCore model. Amazon

Keep your tech devices charged with these portable chargers and you’ll never worry about dead batteries on your vacation.

Anker PowerCore 10,000 PD Redux Power Bank: “This power bank is small enough to be popped into a pocket or bag, and big enough to give your devices a decent boost,” ZDNet says.
Belkin BoostCharge Plus Portable Charger: “This power bank is small and light, and its rounded edges make it easy to slip into a pocket. It comes in only one color, but it has two built-in cables and enough capacity to charge most smartphones up to three times,” Wirecutter says.
Nimble Champ 5K Portable Charger: “At 6.2 ounces, it’s one of the lightest on the market. It’s smaller than a deck of cards and can deliver 20 watts to charge two devices at once via a USB-C port on either end,” Wired says.

Best Water Bottles

Here are some of the top water bottles you can buy to keep your beverages cold and flowing all summer long, including this Owala FreeSip style. Owala

Stay hydrated with these popular water bottles that keep your beverage cold during all your summer trips.

Yeti Rambler Water Bottle (26 oz): “It keeps your water cold enough, but what makes it stand out is its amazing durability and drinkability. Plus, the Rambler is customizable, available in 14 colors and five sizes (12 ounce, 18 ounce, 26 ounce, 36 ounce and 46 ounce), and it’s even dishwasher-safe,” CNN says.
Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle (24 oz): “The bottle’s handle is extremely sturdy. Though it’s close to the spout, it rotates down so it’s not in the way while drinking. It also features a hook that holds the bottle’s cap,” Good Housekeeping says.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap (32 oz): “The open mouth and simple construction make the Hydro Flask easy to clean. We love the easy breezy flip-up straw cap. And with a comfortable finger carry loop, you barely need to lift a finger to tote it around,” GearLab says.

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33 Best Travel Essentials You Should Always Pack

What our editors always travel with, and you should, too.

For some of us, an affordable carry-on is our travel essential. For others, it's nothing less than a Rimowa suitcase . Some of us never travel without a cashmere sweater . Personally, I swear by this Halfday Garment Duffel , but others swear by a classic weekender . We're exploring all options here.

Best Sweater for Travelling

Naadam cashmere sweater.

Travel Packing Hack

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Packable Tote Bag

Tumi just in case tote.

Best Passport Cover

Smythson passport cover in panama.

Best Dopp Kit Upgrade

Lucchese dopp kit.

Best Suit to Fly In

J.crew kenmare unstructured suit jacket.

Best Travel Pants

Lululemon abc classic-fit pant.

Best Shoes for Travel

Sabah baba leather slip on.

Best Travel Wallet

Husbands paris black metal corners wallet.

Best Hanging Toiletry Bag

Away the hanging toiletry bag.

From post-flight, or in-flight, grooming must haves to luxury wallets that make you feel more put together walking through TSA, you can trust our expertise here. And here's a light warning. We will, only once, recommend that you still wear a suit while you travel. It's part of our DNA, sorry. Other than that, these are the 33 travel essentials that we swear by.

It sounds annoying to say a cashmere sweater is the perfect travel accessory, but it's so warm, soft, and lightweight, there's nothing that beats it. Plus, our favorite sweater from Naadam only cost $100.

I've already written about how great this bag is . A garment duffel isn't a new concept, but for $100, this version of it is life changing. Pack two suits or a few dresses, roll up the bag, then add everything else like normal. Nice clothes stay wrinkle free and everything packs more easily.

We all know the deal. It's a return flight, you have new clothes and souvenirs, or you just are packing a lot less diligently. That's where this Just In Case Tote comes in. It packs down to the size of a book and expands to be a sizable personal item.

A passport cover is tough to call an essential, but once you hit a certain level of frequent flyer, it absolutely is. This one in luxe leather from Smythson is the best you can buy.

One thing we really believe in is upgrading your dopp kit. That polyester one from Amazon won't make you happy, and it'll disintegrate in a few years. Lucchese makes some of the best travel bags on the market , and this pebble leather dopp kit is the best value on the website.

Yes, the men's magazine is still telling you to wear a suit on a flight. A relaxed-fit unstructured suit is a man's matching set. It's just as comfortable as your ugly PJ pants, getting dressed takes two seconds, and you look great no matter how jet lagged you are.

If you insist on doing stretchy pants, make sure you do the best stretchy pants on Earth .

The airport shoe situation is a funny one. There's a lot of ways to tackle the issue. Most people prefer sneakers. Loafers are a great shout. Cowboy boots —they're slip ons!—are my chaotic choice. The only rule is no exposed toes.

Truthfully, though, these Sabah slip ons are the only answer to "What's the best travel shoe?" Slip on, slip off. Wear them to the beach, or use them as a bring your own hotel slipper.

When you're an American exploring parts of the world you're unfamiliar with, be smart. A front pocket wallet will keep you from being on the losing end of tourist pickpocket schemes. This one from Husbands is my absolute favorite.

If you have an especially long self-care routine, you'll need something a bit more tailor-made. This hanging toiletry bag from Away is a great shout.

Cadence Flex System

As far as routines go, this Cadence system is a functional masterpiece. You can customize a set of containers for grooming products, bath products, and supplements. All the little hexagons click together for easy packing. It's some of the best travel design we've ever gotten our hands on.

Byredo Mojave Ghost Roll-On

Creating your own olfactory bubble is a life-changing travel hack, but spray-on cologne is a bit intense for the plane ride. Byredo makes nice roll-on fragrances to solve that problem.

F. Miller Eye Oil

That stale plane air is a nightmare for your skin. This eye oil firms and nourishes skin while still feeling natural. Keep it on hand to take care of any problem areas—around your eyes, lips, and cuticles. It's our best hack for looking good even after a long flight.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

We're big proponents of noise-cancelling headphones for pretty much all things that require either a deep inner focus or a hard distance from the world outside. Bose's QuietComfort headphones silence the world (crying babies, crunching plane neighbors) around you.

Bombas Everyday Compression Socks

These socks will reduce any swelling or numbness after a long flight, or a short one for that matter. Compression socks are your new favorite travel companion. These have a daily-use approved 15-20mmHg pressure.

Patagonia Nano Puff Fitz Roy Trout Hoody

A packable Patagonia jacket is one of travel's biggest upgrades. It's super warm, and makes for an excellent extra layer—especially when you're not sure what you'll need. It packs into a little cube, which can double as a travel pillow.

Davek The Mini

Tiny and adorable, this will save you from some unexpected weather. The micro design tucks away perfectly into your suitcase.

Drake's Brown Birds of Paradise Print Wool Scarf

But even more versatile than a sweater is a lightweight scarf. Any scarf from Drake's is a good buy, but this printed one is especially fun. In the terminal, it's an accessory. In the lounge, it's a blanket. On the flight, it's a shawl, eye mask, emergency pillow, or a fucking tablecloth. If you buy one thing for travel, buy a good lightweight scarf.

Adidas Originals Stan Smith

Stan Smith's are another classic choice. Wear them with jeans, sweatpants, or a suit, and look fine in all instances.

NEW BALANCE 990v4 Sneakers

Sometimes you just need to get there, and these sneakers will do the trick. And when you do get there, go stretch your weary plane legs on a long walk without having to change shoes.

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Travel Light With the 15 Best Sleek and Stylish Crossbody Purses, Sling Bags, and More — From $14

Handpicked by someone who hates traveling with a big bag.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

No matter the destination, traveling can be an amazing experience, and having the right purse can make your life on the road smoother. But what if you’re someone who doesn’t love carrying a big bag as you stroll through a farmer’s market in Seattle or hike Rocky Mountain National Park?

Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of suggestions for you. These days, large purses are far from a necessity. We found 15 travel purses and bags that will hold everything you need without weighing you down — and they’ll fit right into an overhead bin or under the seat if you’re flying. That's not even the best part: These top-rated styles, ranging from sleek sling bags and belt bags to RFID-blocking crossbody purses and backpacks , start at just $14.

Kedzie Quilted Puffer Crossbody Bag

This convertible sling bag from Kedzie has become my go-to travel purse. The zippered front pocket is perfect for lip gloss and receipts while the larger two zippered pockets hold lotion, wallet, phone, gum, and more. You can wear this like a crossbody or over your shoulder, plus, a second strap is included if you want to wear it like a backpack.

Reviewers have said they want to buy multiples after trying the bag. They have also called it the “perfect size” that " holds everything I need and more ."

Everlane The Recycled Nylon Camera Bag

Yes, this is a camera bag, and you can absolutely carry a camera in it. But it’s good for so much more than that with its adjustable crossbody style strap, two zippered compartments, and an exterior slip pocket. The main body is made with 100 percent recycled nylon while the lining is 100 percent recycled polyester. Tasteful neutrals like black, khaki, and beige will go with anything — saving you precious luggage space.

“It's a great size with enough room for the essentials; it holds my wallet (not a small one), keys, phone, glasses, lipstick,” raved one reviewer. “I love it so much I bought it in two colors.”

Everlane The Cactus Leather Sling Bag

Sling bags are in, and this option brings sophisticated vibes for a girls’ weekend in wine country. Made with organically sourced prickly pear cactus (who knew?), the brand's Desserto material is a fabulous leather alternative. No digging in the bottomless abyss of a giant purse here — it’s got just enough room for just the basics, like a card or two, lip balm, and your phone. Choose from sleek cashew, dark honey, or day-brightening lime green.

“I am also a bare necessity type of girl, so I love the fact that it really only fits my small wallet, phone, and chapstick," one shopper was happy to report. "It will be wonderful for travel as well with a passport."

Patagonia Atom Sling Bag

If you’ve got active travel plans like exploring the Grand Canyon, you’ll want to grab this sling bag from Patagonia. The four color options include two solid hues and two vibrantly color-blocked options, all of which are water-repellant, made with recycled materials, and Fair Trade Certified sewn. Weighing just 12 ounces, it has an impressive capacity of 488 cubic inches with a phone pocket and two main compartments. You can even use it to bring your yoga mat along by using the tuckaway front straps. Now those are Namaste vibes!

According to one reviewer, who hiked not one but two challenges (100 miles in 100 days each), said, “I can always fit more than I think in the outermost compartment. The mesh pocket holds {my} phone perfectly, and it's easy to access everything even when the bag is on.”

Osprey Daylite Pack

Want something slightly larger than a sling bag? This backpack weighs just over 1 pound and can fit a 13-inch laptop in its roomy, three-compartment interior. Its compact size makes it an ideal personal item if you’re flying to your next workcation since it’ll fit right under the airplane seat. You’ll stay hydrated with two side pockets for water bottles and you can keep your keys close by with the attached key clip. Plus, the four solid jewel-tone hues lend just the right amount of understated style.

From hikes to flights, reviewers love this bag for any adventure. One chimed in, “This was perfect for my flight excursion. It's just the right size and shape, [and is] lightweight and comfortable.”

Fjallraven High Coast Crossbody Bag

This crossbody may look like your average purse, but it has a detachable strap that turns the bag into a sleek pouch when you're on the go. It has two main compartments, a key hook, and two interior mesh sleeves to keep everything in its place, whether used as a cosmetics pouch in your checked bag or as a purse while dashing to your airport gate. It's available in olive green and black hues, and both styles are just $50.

Though it's perfect for travel, reviewers love that it makes for a great everyday bag. One REI customer said, “This bag does the tricks great for travel, hiking, [and] dinner out with friends. It holds way more than you think, and the outside pocket is a nice added bonus."

Baggallini Crossbody Bag With RFID-blocking Wristlet

Known for functionality and plenty of pockets, Baggallini crossbody bags live up to the brand’s reputation. Five colors are available, including black and a fun lipstick red. The bag has RFID-blocking protection in the included wristlet for peace of mind while jet-setting, plus three exterior zip pockets. It’ll stow nicely under an airplane seat and you can even machine wash the bag. Bonus: It’s on sale starting at $49 — the lowest price we’ve seen in a month.

“The size is perfect [and has] enough space to fit everything: keys, glasses (two pairs), a wallet, a phone, [and more] odds and ends," a reviewer described. "[There are] zippers to keep everything in securely and just enough compartments to organize."

Arc’teryx Mantis 1 Waist Pack

Into hands-free travel bags? Arc’teryx’s waist pack has a rugged appeal and can be worn around the waist or over your shoulder. At 15 inches wide, the two zippered compartments hold a respectable amount of goods, including your keys with its interior key clip. The Yukon hue is a medium tan and the bag is made from recycled poly material for a durable yet environmentally friendly option that’s less than $50.

Taking to the review section, a traveler explained how useful it is as both a travel and an everyday bag, saying, “While traveling, it was great that it could hold larger portable batteries for phones, wallets, snack bars, keys, coins, etc. The zippers are very robust and zip very smoothly.”

Frye Melissa Zip Crossbody

Frye is known for quality leather bags, but with this on-sale option, the brand is bringing in a little shimmer for those who can’t say no to a bit of glam. The three hues include denim blue, oatmeal beige, and dusty rose to match your favorite travel outfits. It has a zippered main compartment with an interior pocket, as well as an outer slip pocket and an adjustable strap.

Reviewers adore this bag and rave that it’s “roomy” yet lightweight. Another happy shopper said even when the bag is full, it still has a slim profile.

Dagne Dover Mara Phone Sling Crossbody Bag

If you’re gifted with the elusive (for me, anyway) skill of packing light, you’ll want to grab this Dagne Dover phone sling bag. It has a crossbody strap that can go from 14.5 to 28 inches, and the bag itself measures just 6.5 inches wide — just enough room for your phone, a lip balm, and a credit card or a bit of cash. You have four colors to choose from, like classic black or a deep moss green.

“I take this literally everywhere with me and have two young kids. It's much easier to fish things out [of] this than any giant bag of kid stuff,” said one clever reviewer. “And it’s trendy and cute when I’m without kiddos.”

Hobo Draft Leather Crossbody Bag

This bag will be your new best friend if you appreciate versatility and a timeless style. Available in all neutral colors (black, white, or tan), it has an adjustable strap that you can remove to transform the bag into a clutch for a night out. The foldover flap gives it extra style while upping its content's protection, and the luxe leather material elevates it into a chic everyday bag.

Reviewers say the bag is soft and holds plenty of items without bulging. One shopper noted it was “perfect” for carrying a wallet and passport during their international travels.

Madewell The Essential Mini Bucket Tote

It’s possible to get the style of a bucket bag without the bulk thanks to Madewell. Measuring just 8.5 inches tall, this bag can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. Plus, it’s structured like a classic bucket bag and has a flat base to keep it upright for easy packing and tracking down what you need inside. The elegant leather bag also comes in a warm brown or a beige hue for a timeless look.

Multiple reviewers have called it a “great bag,” with some calling it the “perfect size.” And it currently has a perfect five-star rating from all reviewers at Nordstrom.

Travelon Women’s Messenger Bag

Have travel plans to busy destinations? Check out Travelon’s anti-theft messenger bag for peace of mind, especially while weaving through crowded stadiums or venues. Its five-point anti-theft features (like a slash-resistant material) make it a smart choice while the front magnetic flap adds style and an obstacle for thieves and pickpockets. Keep your water bottle handy in the side pocket and stash your passport and other important documents in one of many zippered or slip pockets. The classic black version is $80, but select colors (like olive green) are on sale for as little as $51.

It’s easy to see why over 6,200 people have given it a perfect five-star rating. One traveler , who bought multiples, said, “It has excellent security features. All [the] zippers have clasps that secure them. There is a front pocket that works great for cell phone, on the opposite side, one outside pocket that works great for credit cards, passport, etc., and has RFID protection.”

Bostanten Small Phone Crossbody Bag

Available in an impressive 15 colors and patterns, this vegan leather cell phone bag can hold four cards plus a phone, along with some small essentials in the zippered pockets. The crossbody strap is adjustable, but you can remove it and slip this small bag into a larger one if you need more supplies for all-day sightseeing excursions.

“I purchased this for a Caribbean cruise vacation; I fit three passports, credit cards, a driver's license, a hotel keycard, car keys, and a ship sea pass, and still had room for lipstick, a folded excursion map, receipts, and other essentials,” one cruise goer shared . “I’m glad I bought it.”

Maxtop Fanny Pack

Last but not least, this fanny pack is another perfect travel companion if you don’t want to carry around a huge bag. It’s just $14 (but currently on sale for $9) and comes in four colors (black, two gray hues, and pink). Within the zippered main compartment, there’s a hidden pocket to store your cash or passport. Wear it as a classic fanny pack (the ‘90s are back, after all!) or as a sling.

“I bought this cross-shoulder bag for vacation and wanted a nice looking, comfortable cross-shoulder bag that carried just what I needed — that’s what I got,” exclaimed one shopper . Another traveler added , “It feels good worn in the traditional sense, but I do prefer the strap across the shoulders.”

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Beach packing list: 33 essentials to bring.

Get ready for seaside, lakeside or poolside fun with this list of must-pack items.

Beach Packing List

Relax in peak comfort on your next beach vacation with essentials like a chair, hat, cooler and more.

There's a lot that goes into planning a beach vacation, even after you decide where you're going and settle on a hotel , resort, vacation villa or condominium. You also have to create a packing list that has everything you need – including items for the beach you may not have even thought about.

Obviously, your beach packing list can be more extensive if you're driving to the beach and you have room in your car. In that case, you can bring along items to make your beach trip more comfortable, like beach chairs and beach umbrellas. If you're flying, on the other hand, you'll need to stick to beach essentials like sunscreen, sun hats, rash guards and of course your favorite beach bag. You can also look into travel-size items that pass muster with TSA for travel in your carry-on.

To help you decide what to pack for your beach vacation, U.S. News has compiled a list of essentials below. You can also download the beach packing list here .

Beach trip packing list

Beach pillow, water shoes, beach chairs, beach wagon, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, bathing suits, beach blanket, reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops or pool slides, beach cooler, rash guards, underwater camera, packable jacket, portable speaker, waterproof phone case, reusable water bottle, first-aid kit, baby powder, after-sun lotion, leave-in conditioner spray, toiletry organizer.

Your beach trip packing list should definitely include a beach bag. After all, you'll need something to carry your beach essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and a beach read. If you have kids, you'll want extra room for snacks, toys and maybe even a change of clothes.

The Becokan Large Waterproof Beach Tote Bag is our top beach bag pick for its large capacity and lightweight waterproof construction. For beach picnics, consider a combination tote and cooler bag like the OdyseaCo Beach Bag with Cooler Compartment . It keeps cold beverages, sammies and more chilled and separated from your towels, magazines and other necessities – plus, the cooler part is fully detachable for when you don't need it. There's also an endless number of beach bags on Amazon . Be sure to browse U.S. News' list of the best beach bags .

Ballast Beach Pillow in blue against white background

Courtesy of Ballast

A beach pillow is great for those times when you want to lay in the sun in comfort, and maybe even take a nap with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background. The best beach pillows are easy to transport, don't take up a lot of space and make your beach time even more relaxing.

One great option is the Ballast Beach Pillow because it's inflatable and made of weather-resistant fabric. It also attaches to beach chairs and comes with a compact carrying case for storage and transport.

You'll also want to have water shoes packed for everyone in your crew, or else you could live to regret it. Kids may want water shoes on as they venture into the ocean where they can't see the bottom, and parents may want them to protect against rocks, shells, coral and ocean creatures, too. Bringing water shoes is an easy way to protect feet from painful scrapes and cuts that could literally cut your fun time at the beach.

You can buy basic water shoes in a local store at home or find a range of water shoe options online at Amazon for women , men and kids .

If you're looking for beach essentials to bring in your car for a weeklong beach trip, don't forget to look for styles that fold up easily. A good beach chair can make your day on the beach considerably more comfortable, especially when you consider the toll that sitting on the sand for several hours can take on your back and neck.

Some of the best beach chairs – like the Tommy Bahama Deluxe Backpack Beach Chair , the U.S. News pick for top beach chair – have a drink holder, an insulated pouch and a zippered storage compartment. These features make it easy to relax, unwind and have everything you need.

Hauling all your beach gear through the sand can be taxing and difficult. To make it easier, consider a folding option with large wheels designed for sand, like the Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon , chosen by U.S. News as one of the top beach wagons . A foldable style can easily go in the trunk when you're done at the beach.

While resorts and rentals may have towels to use during your stay, having a dedicated beach towel for everyone can be quite useful. It'll help avoid kids or teens arguing over which towel belongs to who, especially when they're wet.

You can pick up beach towels almost anywhere, but a large Turkish towel can make your vacation much more sand-free. The Sand Cloud beach towels on Amazon are quick-drying but also naturally repel sand. Or, let everyone express their personality with a lightweight microfiber beach towel in fun prints like cactus or sea turtles.

A beach umbrella or tent is another must-have item if you plan to spend the day on the sand. The best options easily anchor in the ground and are adjustable so you can move them with the sun's movements throughout the day.

There are numerous beach umbrellas you can buy online . Choose a design that works for your beach day style or – depending on the amount of shade you may want – consider one of the best beach tents . Whichever you choose, make sure you also have a beach umbrella anchor , if the umbrella you select doesn't already include one.

A beach trip requires everyone in the family to have a bathing suit, but you may even want to bring a few extra suits along. This is especially true if you have kids who like to swim several times a day. Having a few bathing suit options means they won't have to constantly put a wet swimsuit back on, and that you can have suits not in use hanging to dry while you're out for the day.

To find an array of styles and range of sizes for the whole family, consider shopping online at Amazon .

Wekapo Beach Blanket in blue colors against white background

Courtesy of Wekapo

If you want to host a picnic or have little kids who like to play the day away in the sand, a beach blanket is another must-have. You may spend the bulk of your family beach vacation watching the kids make sand castles or play in the surf, yet they'll want a sand-free place to sit from time to time. A beach blanket provides exactly that, and the best ones fold up easily for transport in your beach bag.

Check out the Wekapo Beach Blanket , which is sand-free and comes with six stakes and four built-in corner pockets.

Read: The Best Beach Blankets

Maybe you don't want to sit in just your swimsuit all day, or perhaps you want something you can quickly throw on over your suit to go to breakfast or head back to your room to grab snacks and drinks. Either way, swimsuit cover-ups for the whole family (or at least those who want them) are always a good idea.

As you look for the right cover-up , remember that they come in different colors and styles. Some are dress-like or shirt-like styles, such as the Coolibar UPF 50+ Palma Aire Beach Shirt , which can provide additional sun protection. Others are sheer or made of netting like the Eomenie Contrast Lace Bathing Suit Cover Up .

You'll also want to bring sunscreen on your beach vacation, but not just any kind: Reef-safe sunscreen keeps your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays, yet it doesn't hurt the ocean, coral reefs or the animals that call the sea home.

While there are many reef-safe sunscreen brands, one top option is the Blithe Honest Sunscreen for its hydrating effect and pH balance. This reef-safe sunscreen is also made without oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can hurt coral reefs and sea ecosystems.

Read: Sustainable Travel: Ways to Be an Eco-Conscious Traveler

Green Sprouts Flap Sun Protection Hat in aqua against white background

Courtesy of Green Sprouts

A good beach hat can keep your face protected from the sun, but it can also provide you with some much-needed shade. Of course, you can just pack a hat you have at home – or splurge on a style that coordinates with your swimming attire.

From straw brims to packable options, there are a lot of beach hat choices . To narrow the options, consider the activities you'll be doing. For lounging by the pool, the Brixton Joanna Hat is a top option, as is the Quiksilver Men's Pierside Straw Lifeguard Hat .

For those who love wearing a ponytail, Ponyback hats have a built-in hidden slot for a ponytail. If you're bringing little ones to the beach, the i play. By Green Sprouts Baby Sun Hat is perfect for infants, and the Outdoor Research Kids Rambler is ideal for protecting young children's skin from the sun. Check out all of U.S. News' top beach hat picks .

Protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun is good for everyone. Choosing a timeless, full-coverage style like Ray-Ban Wayfarer Polarized or Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator sunglasses will shield you from the sun, minimize squinting and maybe even help avoid a headache. For the kids, check out a variety of children's sunglasses on Amazon.

Another essential for your family beach trip is flip-flops or pool slides, and you may want to have more than one pair. Women may want a set like the Clarks Breeze Sea Flip-flops or the Cole Haan Findra Pool Slides for the beach, but you may also want a slightly more dressy pair of slides like Kenneth Cole REACTION Glam-athon sandals for dinners out and trips to the store.

For men, the Reef Rover Sandals are available in four colors, while the toddlers and kids can pick a pair of KRABOR flip-flops with back straps in a fun print or color.

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Maximize the fun in the sun and waves with fun floating swim noodles , or use one to create a floating sling chair . Of course, the kids will want to play in the sand, so grab a castle mold set for creativity by the sea (or lake). If floating is the name of the game, release your inner mermaid with a mermaid tail pool float , consider inflatable flamingo and unicorn floaties from Jasonwell, or opt for a two-pack of shark loungers .

YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler in orange against white background

Courtesy of YETI

You will absolutely want a beach cooler that's easy to carry so you can keep food and beverages cold for your time on the sand. After all, having a beach cooler in tow means you won't have to head back to your room to get drinks and snacks, and that you can pack what you need for the day and bring it along.

Popular cooler brand YETI offers beach coolers in several sizes, including coolers with shoulder straps and backpack straps for hands-free carrying. One top option is the YETI Hopper Flip 18 Portable Soft Cooler since it holds up to 18 cans (or fewer cans and some food) and comes with a built-in strap that lets you carry it like a beach bag.

Read: The Best Cooler Bags

Rash guards offer extra sun protection since they cover more of your skin without keeping you out of the water. The best ones offer SPF protection of some kind, while also being comfortable and cute. You can find rash guards in every size , color and design on Amazon.

Whether you plan to go on a snorkeling trip or you just want a dry place to store some items at the pool or the beach, a dry bag can help. These bags offer a waterproof escape for items you want to keep safe and dry, and they come with enclosures that ensure water can't accidentally seep in.

There are many dry bags you can buy online, including this top-rated pack of three from Outdoor Products . Not only are these dry bags waterproof, but they come in three sizes and have a roll-top enclosure that keeps your items safe from exposure.

Three angles of the GoPro Hero 11 against white background

Courtesy of GoPro

If you're planning a snorkeling or diving session and you want to capture images of life underwater, a waterproof camera should make your beach packing list. Having this kind of camera along can be a fun way to capture the moment, and it can also a creative activity for the kids.

The most popular underwater camera by far is the GoPro Hero 11 , and it's easy to see why. This underwater camera takes pictures and records video, and you can buy additional accessories to make the camera even more user-friendly. For example, you can purchase a floating hand grip that ensures your camera won't accidentally end up on the ocean floor.

The beach may be a hot place to be during the day, but temperatures always drop when the sun goes down. Depending on where you are, you may even find that your beach destination is downright cool at night – especially when the ocean breeze is in full force.

With that in mind, you'll want to bring a packable jacket along on your trip. Highly rated options include the Capa Hybrid Insulated Hooded Jacket for women from Cotopaxi since it's stylish but also folds up easily, plus this lightweight men's jacket from Amazon Essentials .

Bringing paper books on your family beach vacation may be your best bet, but you can also add an e-reader to your packing list. Having an e-reader can help you bring more books along without taking up any extra space, and most are compact and light as well.

If you have an e-reader already, make sure to bring it along on your trip. If not, try shopping for Kindles and other e-reading devices online. You'll find some are even waterproof, including the Kindle Paperwhite .

There's nothing like some good tunes to add to fun at the beach. Consider something compact, portable and waterproof like the Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker . This product is small enough to toss in your beach bag, and you can take calls on the speaker or stream your curated playlist.

Anker 733 Power Bank against white background

Courtesy of Anker

Make sure you have a power bank with you on your beach trip, especially if several members of your family all have their own devices. While you can always charge your phones, cameras, laptops and tablets in your vacation rental or hotel room, a portable power bank lets you charge up items wherever you are – even on the beach.

There are numerous portable power bank options online, but make sure you compare them based on their charging capacity and battery power. This Anker portable charger from Amazon is powerful enough to charge up to three devices at once.

Sure, you may be out of office, but you'll be using your phone to snap pics, share your photos on social media and stream your playlists. But days at the beach can be hard on your phone, so a waterproof phone case can help protect it from liquids, sand and sunscreen. The Vera Bradley waterproof phone pouch includes a lanyard and lets you use your phone without removing it from the case, while the Rifle Paper Co. style from Case-Mate has a watertight seal and floats.

Bringing a reusable water bottle along on your trip lets you avoid the environmental impact of single-use plastic while ensuring you always have something to drink. You can use your own water bottle and fill it up for each trip to the beach.

If you don't have a reusable water bottle at home to add to your beach packing list, consider purchasing a water bottle online so you can use it over and over again and avoid buying bottled water for the long haul. Consider this reusable water bottle from Amazon .

Welly Bandages in dog design against white background

Courtesy of Welly

A first-aid kit is a must-have when you're traveling to the beach with kids. After all, one of them is bound to get a cut or bruise an elbow when they're out playing all day, and you'll want to be prepared.

Bandages from Welly are popular because they come in fun colors and designs that kids love. Welly even refers to some of their bandages as "bravery patches," which can give kids' self-esteem a boost after they're hurt. Welly also has a Human Repair kit : a first-aid kit that comes with bandages, hand sanitizer, ointments, creams and more.

Don't let pesky flies, ticks and other bugs ruin your beach day. Bring along some Babyganics natural insect repellent spray , which is DEET-free. Or, for easy transport, consider OFF! Insect repellent wipes .

Fun in the sand is what makes a day at the beach, but bring along some Johnson's baby powder to help remove that sand when it's time to pack up. It'll help get the stubborn sand off your skin so you don't bring half of the beach into your hotel room or vehicle.

From cleansing before you eat to getting the extra sunscreen off your hands, wet wipes – like travel-size Wet Ones – are a must-have for beach days. In addition to wiping your hands, you can use them to clean up spills or wipe something off your shirt before it becomes a stain.

After-sun lotion can soothe aching skin after you've spent too much time outside, but it can also ensure your skin stays hydrated and healthy. Some after-sun lotions come in the form of body butter, while others are made of specific ingredients like aloe vera.

Sun Bum Cool Down lotion is popular because it's made with aloe vera and cocoa butter. Not only does this lotion help heal sun-damaged skin, but it instantly nourishes too.

Carmex Weather Guard lip balm against colorful background

Courtesy of Carmex

Lip balm is a must for long days at the beach, and some products even come with SPF protection. This ensures your lips won't get burned like your skin can, all while keeping your pout moisturized from morning until night.

Carmex Weather Guard lip balm is popular because it's affordable (around $6), and it automatically has SPF 30 protection built in. You can also check out Rubber Ducky lip balm with SPF 44 protection, which is waterproof and comes in a three-pack on Amazon.

The hot sun can wreak havoc on your hair, but you can get it back in shape with the right leave-in products. Some leave-in conditioner sprays are specially formulated to protect against the sun, and even to enhance the color of your hair after sun exposure.

For example, Sun Bum Blonde Tone Enhancer nourishes dry hair while using violet extract and blue spirulina to bring out your hair's natural highlights. Meanwhile, Revitalizing 3-in-1 Detangler Leave In Conditioner from Sun Bum conditions and protects hair while also serving as a detangler.

Also consider shopping for a toiletry organizer if you don't have one already. This item makes it easy to pack all your beach-related toiletries like sunscreen, bug spray and lip balm in a single space. You'll be able to quickly locate beach necessities when you need to reapply your sunscreen or freshen up.

There are many toiletry organizers online in different shapes and sizes. The traveler-favorite Mossio hanging toiletry bag is a top U.S. News pick, and there's a wide variety on Amazon as well.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a veteran travel writer who has visited more than 50 countries and many of the top beach destinations in the world. She frequently heads to Florida beaches with her family, and they also love taking cruises and spending time at all-inclusive resorts. Johnson's favorite beach destination in the U.S. is Destin, Florida.

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Money blog: McDonald's changes iconic Happy Meal box; AI-powered mortgage lender cuts rates

The fast food giant has made the change to shine a light on mental health. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 21:00, UK

Strong wage growth shrinks hope of interest rate cut
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has been labelled "delinquent" in the US for failing to submit annual records.

A letter was sent to the charity on 3 May by by California's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, saying it has been "listed as delinquent" for "failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees".

The letter said an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from "soliciting or disbursing charitable funds" and its registration may be "suspended or revoked".

It is understood that a physical cheque was sent by Archewell Foundation but not received, and a new one has been sent to resolve the issue.

It is believed the charity was only made aware of this when the delinquency notice was published.

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Away: The Only Way To Travel
Superior quality and design. Limited lifetime warranty. Trusted by millions worldwide. Superior quality and design. World-class customer service. Limited lifetime warranty.
2024 Best Luggage Bag
Only Today, Enjoy Best Luggage Bag Up To 90% Off Your Purchase. Hurry & Shop Now. Come and check Best Luggage Bag at a surprisingly low price, you'd never want to miss it.
The 11 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Travelpro. The suitcases are durable, smooth-rolling, and spacious, and the brand has a generous 100-day return policy. Some are harder to pull on two wheels, and the checked models are a bit ...
The 11 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested by Experts
The 11 best luggage brands of 2024, tested by experts. Written by Lauren Savoie and Hannah Freedman. Updated. Feb 16, 2024, 9:48 AM PST. Great luggage makes both packing and traveling easier ...
10 Best Travel Bags of 2024
Long-term quality questions. Not enough padding for high-capacity. The Yorepek Travel Extra Large is a high-capacity laptop-capable travel bag that is great for work trips and weekend getaways alike. Its 50 liters blows away the volume of every other pack in our review of the best laptop backpacks.
The 14 Best Travel Bags We've Tested (And Some to Avoid)
Yeti Crossroads 35L. Yeti's coolers and cups are famous for being bomb-proof. The company recently launched a luggage line that's similarly overbuilt. The Yeti Crossroads 35L is a 22-inch roller ...
The Best Luggage Brands to Buy in 2024
Find out which luggage brands are the best for your travel needs, based on expert and user reviews. Compare features, prices, and styles from top-rated brands like Away, Samsonite, Tumi, and more.
Tough Traveler
TRAVEL BAGS TRAVEL BAGS ALL LUGGAGE WHEELED LUGGAGE ... BEST-SELLERS; BACKPACKS. BACKPACKS ... Fox & Friends: Back-to-school supplies: 9 'Made in the USA' products for the return to the classroom 8/18/2023. TOP COLLECTIONS
The Best Gear for Travel in 2024
The ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Sport Mesh 6″ Boxer Brief is the best men's underwear for travel because it balances fit, comfort, odor-proofing, and value better than anything else we've tested ...
The 14 Best Luggage Brands of 2024
Best Expandable: Briggs & Riley. Courtesy of Briggs & Riley. Price range: $419 to $1,049. Return policy: 30 days. Warranty: Lifetime. Shop on Amazon. Focused on creating innovative luggage and ...
The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2024
Best small carry-on bag for most situations: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack. Best large bag for most situations: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L. Best mobile office: Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L ...
The 21 Best Travel Bags, According to Frequent Fliers
It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag. LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag. $430. Luggageworks. Cierra Mistt, a flight attendant and TikTok travel influencer ...
17 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, Tested by Our Travel Experts
Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze ...
The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024
Best Budget Travel Backpack: Dakine Campus 33L Backpack. Best Carrying Travel Backpack: Osprey Farpoint & Fairview 40 Travel Packs. Best Organization in a Travel Backpack: Matador SEG45 Travel ...
The Best Travel Accessories to Pack on Every Trip
Royce RFID-blocking passport organizer. $95 at Royce. Browse more passport holder recommendations. 26. A back-up travel bag. For trips where you plan to shop, something lightweight, like Paravel's ...
Away
Designed by travelers, for travelers. We want you to love everything about getting Away—which is why we offer free returns and exchanges on unused items for the first 100 days. Exclusions apply. Learn more. Premium luggage thoughtfully designed for modern travel. Explore our suitcases, bags, and accessories all with a warranty and free returns.
The 19 Best Travel Products of 2023
Amazon. $16 at Amazon. This is one of the most versatile bags around, and it's proven itself to us all over the world this year. Its simple, mostly monochromatic design allows it to blend ...
Best Travel Gear of 2023, According to Our Readers
The brand gave the Easy Tote a little facelift in 2023—it can now be fully zipped, making it an even more secure travel companion. It's lightweight, sleek, and the quality speaks for itself. You ...
13 Best Carry-on Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested & Reviewed
Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage. Jump to features and expert insights ↓. Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner - 20.4 Inch ...
The Best Foldable Travel Bags: Luggage That Stows Away Easily
Our favorite item in the Lipault 0% Pliable Collection is the Foldable Upright 55/20. It's one of the best-quality collapsible bags out there and folds up into its own case. The spinner is soft ...
The 7 Best Suitcases for Checking of 2024
How we picked and tested. The best checked luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite 25" Expandable Spinner. Our pick for the best hard-sided luggage: Away The Medium Suitcase. Upgrade pick: Briggs ...
The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best With Shoe Compartment: Calpak Luka Duffel Bag at Nordstrom ($128) Jump to Review. Best for Camping: Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag at Amazon ($250) Jump to Review. Best Budget: Gonex Canvas ...
The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier
Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations. Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) .
11 Best Weekender Bags of 2023
Away is a best-selling travel brand, offering top-performing carry-on suitcases that consistently ace our luggage testing. The material is water-resistant for easy cleaning after traveling. When ...
The 21 best travel backpacks, luggage, and accessories, starting at
Anker PowerCore 10,000 PD Redux Power Bank: "This power bank is small enough to be popped into a pocket or bag, and big enough to give your devices a decent boost," ZDNet says. Belkin ...
10 Best Dog Travel Bags in 2024
The Top Dog Travel Bag is by far one of the best travel bags for dogs. Rated five stars on Amazon, this bag measures 15" x 7" x 14" and can hold up to 26 cups of food in lined storage containers. ... This travel bag for pet supplies lets you be an expert organizer and have a place for all of your puppy's things. The 16" x 13" x 7 ...
37 Travel Essentials for Any Trip
Other than that, these are the 37 travel essentials that we swear by. $98 at Naadam. It sounds annoying to say a cashmere sweater is the perfect travel accessory, but it's so warm, soft, and ...
13 Best Travel Makeup Bags of 2024
Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag. $45 at Dagne Dover $139 at Nordstrom. Allow me to introduce you to my favorite travel makeup bag of all time: The Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag ...
The 15 Best Small Travel Purses for Spring
Kedzie Quilted Puffer Crossbody Bag. Amazon. Buy on Amazon $42. This convertible sling bag from Kedzie has become my go-to travel purse. The zippered front pocket is perfect for lip gloss and ...
Beach Packing List: 33 Essentials to Bring
For beach picnics, consider a combination tote and cooler bag like the OdyseaCo Beach Bag with Cooler Compartment. It keeps cold beverages, sammies and more chilled and separated from your towels ...
Money latest: Chocolate is a superfood
Money blog: 600 new skyscrapers 'on way' for London, report finds. A reader seeks help as her employer of 24 years is bringing in a new clock-in system to pay her by the minute. Read this and all ...