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When it comes to international travel, having the right luggage is essential. Whether you’re jetting off to a European city (with outfits prepped for an entire week) or seeking some rest and relaxation in an exotic beach town, your suitcase needs to withstand the rigors of travel while keeping your belongings secure and organized. And since you’re an ELLE reader, a stylish suitcase is an absolute must. The best luggage for international travel is a combination of durability, functionality, protection, and design. Certain international airlines have specific carry-on sizes, so it’s important to invest in luggage best suited for your travel plans. So, let this be your gentle reminder to do your research and compare your luggage sizing to the airline-specific restrictions—we don’t want any unplanned mishaps at check-in!
To help you find the best suitcases, carry-ons and more for crossing borders, I’ve sourced and tested plenty of options. The selection ahead is highly researched, backed by glowing reviews, editor testing, and expert recommendations. We’ve considered every detail, from the toughness of materials to the convenience of multi-directional wheels and TSA-approved locks. You’ll find options that meet travel and comfort requirements along with aesthetically pleasing options to compliment your style. And, with the perfect crossbody by your side, you’ll be ready to take on a new adventure overseas with confidence, style, and ease. So go ahead, book that trip you’ve been dreaming of and travel with these chic and dependable picks.
Pros
360-degree wheels
Zipper expansion
Underside grab handle
Cons
Some say it scratches easily
Away luggage pretty much broke the internet upon its launch. Since then, the brand has only expanded (no pun intended). The Large Flex is a more innovative version of the brand’s original version because it’s expandable. You get an additional 75 inches of space, if needed. Other great qualities of Away suitcases include 360-degree spinner wheels, an interior compression system, a leather luggage tag, grab handles, and a TSA-approved combination lock. Need I say more?
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: 11 options
Weight: 12.25 lbs
Customer review: “I’m in love with my blue large flex luggage. I fit so many jackets and shoes inside for my first trip with it to Europe. The magic eraser makes it look brand new after every trip. It’s sleek, stylish, and has tons of space and neat features inside. You can’t go wrong with this bag. I’ve recommended it to all my friends.”
Pros
Removable, self-supporting shelving system
360-degree wheels
TSA-approved three digit lock
Cons
No bottom handle for lifting
Solgaard’s Check-In Closet suitcase is one of the more unique designs on this list, with 1,000 five-star reviews directly from the site. It features a built-in shelving system covered by an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, so you can pack with a purpose and organization in mind, and unpack with ease. The removable, built-in shelving system has five shelves along with compression straps for even more storage. There's also a zippered mesh pocket opposite the closet to store several pairs of shoes. The high tech design provides ample space for more.
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: 9 options
Weight: 12.3lbs
Customer review: “Excellent suitcase! Love the closet feature. Makes unpacking so much easier to just hang up the closet when I go whenever I need to go.”
Pros
Weatherproof
Flexible but durable
Easy to clean
Cons
Some colors vary in person versus online
No waist straps when wearing it as a backpack
If you haven’t already been sold by Baboon To The Moon’s Instagram ads, listen here. The Go Bag is the brand’s most popular product. While it comes it a few different sizes, we’re fans of the 40-liter option because it’s a large carry-on that can fit three to five days’ worth of clothing and act as a duffle bag or backpack. It’s a great addition to any international trip serving as a weekender, backpacking bag, or carry-on. The weatherproof outer shell makes this a great option for adventure travel. Plus, it’s easy to clean and has a secure zipper to avoid theft.
Travel expert and content creator Nikki Tomlin says, “I wanted to try out Baboon To The Moon bags because I heard they were sustainable and made from recycled materials. I’m so glad I did! The 40-liter size is, hands down, my go-to ever since I got it. I’m obsessed with it as a carry-on and for its all-around functionality. It can be a side duffle bag or a backpack. The straps are fully adjustable. It’s super comfortable and flexible yet sturdy and durable, allowing me to pack anyway I want for any trip. It doesn’t fall apart or pop open like others, even when stuffed. It’s also super easy to clean. I also have the 60-liter and use it for winter trips when I need more gear.”
Material: Phthalate-free PVC fabric
Colors: Mineral Green, Deep Mahogany, Citronelle, Mandarin Red, Crocodile, Black, Navy
Weight: 3.5 lbs
Customer review: “This bag is exactly what I wanted! It’s the perfect size for work, where I need to bring a few changes of clothes and water-resistant enough that my stuff won’t get drenched when I’m out in the rain. Customer service was also so quick and kind, getting back to me when I had a question. 10/10 would recommend!”
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Pros
Expandable up to two inches
Dual spinner wheels
TSA-approved locks
Cons
Some say it scratches easily
When you need new luggage, Calpak has you covered. Key features of Calpak’s luggage include TSA-approved locks, expandable capacity up to two inches, convenient bottom grab handles, an included luggage tag, and a divider with multiple interior pockets. Strutting through the airport with a matching set has never been so stylish. With Calpak, you can achieve that look without breaking the bank.
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: Rose Gold, Silver, Black, Gold, Copper
Weight: Carry-On: 6 lbs; Medium: 8.6 lbs; Large: 10.3 lbs
Customer review: “I absolutely love my new luggage. It’s stylish, durable and comes with built-in locks. It’s Not nearly as heavy as I thought it would be based on my previous set. I’ll definitely be buying the luggage cover. Airlines can be brutal on your luggage, and I’m sure it will get pretty scratched up without it.”
Pros
Built-in weight indicator
Good ergonomics
Cons
Some say it scratches easily
Shay Mitchell aimed to design a chic and budget-friendly luggage line for women who are constantly on the move. She focuses on the small details that many other brands overlook. Take the Large Check-In Roller, for instance; it features a built-in weight limit indicator to alert you when your suitcase is too heavy. It’s effortlessly maneuverable with thoughtful ergonomics and available in a variety of fun colors. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty (and who doesn’t love that?).
Travel expert, editor, and content creator Kristin Corpuz says, “I love Beis’ suitcases because of how functional they are. I’m typically a carry-on-only kind of girl, and the brand’s carry-on never ceases to amaze me by how much it can fit inside. I’ve traveled for six weeks through Europe with that suitcase, and plenty of other trips before and after. It’s super sturdy (20+ countries and countless road trips do a lot of damage) and glides easily through the airport. My favorite underrated feature is the padded handle, which makes it super comfortable to maneuver through a crowded terminal.”
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: 13 options
Weight: 11.84 lbs
Customer review: “I bought this one and the carry-on luggage for an upcoming work trip. I was able to fit everything I needed. I love all the details from the extra pockets to the compression straps, and the cushioned handle. The wheels are so smooth, too. I did not feel like I was struggling to push the suitcases around. It's worth the buy!”
Pros
Cushioned handles
Swivel wheels
Cons
Not as stylish
May need to check if overpacked
Travelpro stands out as a top choice in the category of softside suitcases. Customer reviews and editor tests highlight the impressive room of this carry-on. It boasts ample space and expandability, with organizational pockets both inside and out. It’s designed for convenience, featuring easy-lift handles and swivel-friendly wheels. The lightweight, soft-shell fabric allows for more packing flexibility, making it a smart choice for travelers. Since it’s a roomier suitcase, be sure to crosscheck your international airline requirements on this one.
Material: Nylon
Colors: Titanium Grey, Patriot Blue, Jet Black
Weight: 8 lbs
Customer review: “Travel Pro is great! The ballistic nylon is the way to go. It's lightweight and durable. I finally upgraded my 2 wheel to this spinner. My old bag has over 1.3 million miles of travel over 22 years of business and family travel. I’m sure this will go the distance to.”
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A long international trip calls for all your necessities. The trunk set from July is an overpacker’s paradise, making them well-equipped to handle it all. The luggage features a scuff-resistant finish, silent wheels, and an ejectable Power Bank. Other notable features include built-in compression that is durable enough to keep clothes in their place, no matter what side you open. Plus, instead of zips, this set uses twin latches to easily lift and open with optional lock usage. Finally, it’s made with a rivetless aluminum frame to withstand it all.
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: Cherry Red, Deep Green, Coastal Blue, Light Sand, Moss Green, Light Grey
Weight: Checked Trunk is 13.2lbs, Carry-On Trunk is 8.4lbs
Customer review: “I traveled for four weeks on my own through Italy and Germany with this trunk. I made it through the stoney streets of Rome, Florence, Innsbruck, Munich, Dresden, Berlin and through the fields, sheep dung and peaco*ck poop of rural northern Germany. I'm super pleased to say the trunk has survived very well. I'm very happy with my purchase.”
Pros
Check-In Large is dent resistant
Telescopic handles
TSA-approved lock
Cons
No bottom handle on carry-on for lifting
The most important callout of the Monos set is that the carry-on fits in international overhead bins. The entire set is a dream design, with each product effortlessly complementing its companion. With various compartments and features throughout the collection, the modern minimalist design will keep you organized and moving on the go. The Carry-On features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your travel essentials and documents, which is an integral part of international travel. The Metro Backpack is made from water-resistant nylon twill for daily commutes and weekend trips and also comes with an additional snap compartment. Plus, this easily slides onto the Carry-On as a personal item. This set also comes with packing cubes—and more organization is always a good thing.
Material: Polycarbonate, nylon
Colors: 11 options
Weight: Check-In Large is I10.58 lb, Carry-On is 7.01 lb
Customer review: “I first used this luggage for a trip to Europe. The luggage rolled smoothly over rough terrain. It did take a slight beaten on the outside of the luggage by airport staff but I plan to use the included sponge to clean it. The organization inside the luggage is a wonderful plus for me. So many pockets to store items. The only negative is that I wished it had a handle on the bottom to assist with lifting the luggage. I had a full luggage and it was hard for me to lift up.”
Pros
Foam bar neatly holds 1-2 suits
Shock-absorbing wheels
Large front pocket
Cons
Softside doesn’t protect items like hardshell
Another highly reviewed soft-side suitcase is from Briggs & Riley. The brand’s baseline spinner is a bestseller and a great choice for those who prefer to pack all of their clothes into one end of the luggage. The light-colored interior lining makes it easy to see your items packed, and the top flap features an additional zip pocket. It also has a hook and mesh pouch to hang and fold a more delicate garment to minimize wrinkling.
Material: Nylon
Colors: Olive, Navy, Plum, Black
Weight: 13.6 pounds
Customer review: “I had purchased a Briggs and Riley wheeled carry-on and overnight bag a number of years ago at a high-end luggage store. When I needed a larger bag, I couldn’t find a match locally. Enter Amazon. They had the exact bag I needed. I’ve done a fair amount of traveling and they still look like new. They’re extremely durable (great zippers and reinforced corners), lots of pockets, easy to maneuver and they look classy. They are a bit more expensive, but you’re definitely paying for a high quality product. I doubt I’ll ever need to replace these.”
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Pros
Carry-on friendly for most airlines
Padded handles and shoulder strap
Easy access to exterior zip pocket
Water-resistant
Easy to store
Cons
Takes a little time to get used to
For starters, this garment bag/duffel bag combo has over 3,000 perfect five-star reviews. It’s an ideal piece of luggage for destination weddings, business trips, and more. It’s a viral, two-in-one bag that makes packing fun, easy, and quick. It has a strong hanging compartment that can fit a suit and multiple dresses (a 50R men’s jacket for size)—all wrinkle-free! It also zips up to create enough space for a full load of folded clothes and multiple pairs of shoes. Plus, it’s a great carry-on option for a checked bag because it slips nicely over a trolley, has shoulder straps, and is super lightweight.
Material: Polyester
Colors: 11 options
Weight: 2.3 pounds
Customer review: “This bag is unreal and so perfect. It’s actually larger than I thought so I did some strategic packing and was able to get a week's worth of clothes in it and a shaving kit easily! I would highly recommend this even if you don’t travel a lot.”
Pros
Luxurious
Easy to maneuver
Cons
There’s no polycarbonate hard shell suitcase quite like a Rimowa one. After all, the brand has been specializing in and perfecting designer luggage for over 120 years, and this style is a bestseller. It’s incredibly lightweight for how large it is, and has all the features you can imagine and more. On average, you can fit 10 days of travel essentials and extras inside.
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: 9 options
Weight: 7.5 pounds
Customer review: “The look is super sleek, modern, and luxurious. The suitcase itself is highly functional with a few perfect features. The wheels are high-quality, which makes walking with the suitcase extremely easy. I highly recommend it.”
Pros
Robust telescopic handle
TSA-approved locks
Seamless 360-degree silent spinner wheels
Compliant with most European, US, and RoW airline cabin size restrictions
Cons
Some say the is bulky and difficult to slip a backpack over
Carl Friedrik luggage is compliant with most European, U.S. and RoW airline cabin size restrictions, so if you’re traveling internationally, this takes the guesswork out of it. The materials are superior, featuring a polycarbonate shell and aluminum frames to ensure protection and longevity. Plus, the leather-lined detailing is a nice touch.
Material: Polycarbonate
Colors: Grey/Black, Grey/Cognac, Grey/Chocolate, Black/Black
Weight: Carry-on: 8.6 pounds; Checked bag: 9.9 pounds
Customer review: “This is by far the best luggage set I’ve ever owned. It fits everything, rolls extremely easily, and easily withstood all aspects of the travel. So glad to have made this purchase.”
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Pros
Roomy
Stylish
Lightweight
Cons
No technical features
Fragile
There’s something beautifully romantic about the design of Steamline Luggage products that call for a trip to Italy, Paris, or the South of France. Modern features like 360-degree spinner wheels meet a retro, high-brow design to make some of the most elegant suitcases you’ll ever see. It’s crafted from vegan leather, adorned with gold hardware and lined with blue and white striped fabric. Plus, when you’re not traveling, the design serves as a beautiful trunk display.
Material: Vegan leather
Colors: Navy, Red, Black, Pink
Weight: 11 pounds
Pros
Dual spinning wheels
Telescopic handle
Front-lid or split-case zip entry to main compartment
Cons
Not the most stylish
Tumi makes some of the best luggage in the game. This unique design is among the best carry-ons for international travel. The soft top nylon is super durable and lightweight, allowing you to pack more efficiently. It has TSA-approved locks, multiple compartments, a removable garment bag, and two ways to open for easy access to items.
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black/Gold, Black/Black, Anthracite/Gunmetal
Weight: 11.1 pounds
Customer review: “I love the ease of use and overall design of the Tumi. I splurged to get this as I have other luggage but now I don’t leave home without it. Best luggage you can find.”
Meet the Experts
- Nikki Tomlin is a travel expert and content creator who has been to 16 countries in the last two years exclusively with carry-on-sized luggage.
- Kristin Corpuz is a travel expert, editor, content creator, and efficient packer who prioritizes photography, style, and outfits.
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