The Best Luggage to Travel With Internationally

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There are a few indispensable elements that go into planning that perfect summer vacation abroad. A great itinerary is key. So is a chic and versatile wardrobe of breezy dresses, designer sunglasses, and classic white sneakers. Also a must: eliminating as much drama as possible when it comes to the packing department. Sure, things like lost luggage are out of your control, but nothing puts a damper on an idyllic international holiday like a carry-on that can't keep up with your mad dash to catch that connecting flight to Florence, or a weekender barely big enough to fit a pair of shoes, or a suitcase too fragile for multiple trips through baggage claim. A jetsetting lifestyle demands an arsenal of worthy luggage. Below, we've selected 12 of the best suitcases, duffles, and other packing necessities to ensure only smooth journeys ahead.

Essential Check-In L Suitcase

Innovation has been at the heart of the Rimowa brand since it was founded in 1898. While it's famous for its hardy aluminum constructions, it's also a pioneer in polycarbonate-crafted suitcases, which are lighter but still durable, and a bit easier on the wallet. This check-in size can fit about 10 days' worth of vacation essentials, and with its high-end wheel system, you'll be effortlessly (and fashionably) gliding through every airport terminal you find yourself in this season.

Dimensions: 30.6" x 20.5" x 11.1"
Weight: 11.5 lbs.

The Bigger Carry-On

Away luggage is ubiquitous for good reason: sleek, functional, and with tech extras like a USB charger. For those who exclusively travel with a carry-on, even for, say, month-long, multi-destination tours of Europe, Away's bigger sister to its classic carry-on is a perfect choice. It will still fit in most overhead compartments and give you room to pack that extra outfit or two (the interior compression system will also help with that).

Dimensions: 22.7” x 14.7” x 9.6"
Weight: 7.4 lbs.

Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Luggage, 8 Wheel Spinner Suitcase, 25-Inch

The carry-on-only life isn’t for everyone, of course. For over-packers, soft-sided luggage tends to be more forgiving. Travelpro's ultra-roomy 25-inch suitcase is particularly popular and well-reviewed. The brand was founded by a former pilot, which means it actually knows how to make stuff that works. Think: lightweight nylon construction, lots of useful pockets and compartments, a cushioned contoured handle to relieve stress on your hands, high-tech magnetic wheels, a built-in garment folder that keeps clothes wrinkle-free, a removable TSA-compliant toiletries bag, you get the idea.

Dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11.25"
Weight: 9.8 lbs

Packing Cube Quad

As every seasoned traveler knows, packing cubes are a game-changer. They not only keep your things neat and compartmentalized, but will also protect your clothes from dreaded toiletry spills. Paravel’s organizers are among the best in the market—not only do they come in a range of fun colors and sizes, they can be monogrammed, too.

Black Hole® Duffel Bag 100L

Have a two-week wilderness trek through the Galapagos on the itinerary? Patagonia has cracked the code on a workhorse that is durable, super lightweight, and huge. Plus it has useful design features like removable shoulder straps and the whole thing can be compressed and folded into a small, portable bag. According to reviews, it will survive backpacking in Iceland, a climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro, rainy season in Costa Rica, even shipping your kid off to college.

Dimensions: 31.5" x 19.5" x 14.5"
Weight: 3 lbs.

JetKids™ Bedbox®

Your toddler will love zipping around the airport on Stokke's ride-on suitcase. The best part? It'll tire him out in time for the long-haul flight, at which point this ingenious carry-on transforms into a little bed. You're very welcome.

Dimensions: 18" x 7.75" x 14.25"

Suit Carry On Garment Bag

It's wedding season, which means you likely have more than a few destination affairs on the calendar. As far as worthy garment bags go, that Zegur's version—which is reinforced with multiple pockets and is waterproof—has more than 9,000 reviews on Amazon should be endorsement enough. Not to mention the great price point.

Dimensions: 22.99" x 4.02" x 22.01"

Hardside Expandable Luggage, 28-Inch

Samsonite has been a veteran luggage-maker for more than a century. Its pieces boast all the accoutrements expected of a luxury suitcase—lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell, good wheels, expansion potential—but at a really attractive price point. Also a draw? The array of unique designs and styles, which means you'll never have trouble spotting yours at baggage claim.

Dimensions: 27.75” x 19.6”x 12.4"
Weight: 10.8 lbs.

Classic Duffle

The #LKRB of luggage, T. Anthony bags are quintessential old money Americana. Jackie Kennedy, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Marilyn Monroe were all fans. Constructed of lightweight nylon, this classic staple will fit your carry-on staples—and look great in the Delta One cabin of your flight to Nice.

Dimensions: 22” x 12” x 11”

The Everywhere Bag

It's all in the details with this one: a wraparound zipper, a trolley sleeve that secures it to any Away suitcase, a padded laptop pocket. They may seem like small considerations but when you're power-walking through Heathrow en route from London to Cape Town, these functions will make all the difference.

Dimensions: 16.3" x 10.2" x 7.3"
Weight: 2.75 lbs.

29-inch Baseline Large Expandable

Briggs & Riley are perennial favorites for their hardiness and lifetime warranty. This expandable suitcase is perfect for those who need maximum space—it features the brand's proprietary compression system. With the touch of a button, the interior will expand to accommodate more, then it'll compress again when you're done. Genius.

Dimensions: 12" x 20" x 29"
Weight: 13.6 lbs.

Astyll 2-Piece Luggage Set

A seamless blend of form and function is Calpak's calling card. From their pretty designs to their spacious construction, it's no wonder the reviews are so good. And thanks to these sets, why settle for one when you can have two?

Dimensions: (Carry-On) 22” x 14” x 9” | (Large) 29.5” x 19” x 12”

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