college travel luggage

Last updated on December 30th, 2023 at 07:42 am

The Best Luggage for College Students in 2022: 10 Best Options for Students on a Budget

When you’re planning to head off to college, the process of packing can feel daunting. What should you bring with you? What’s necessary, and what can you leave at home? For first-time college students, one item that’s often a top priority is luggage. You need something that will hold everything you need for your time at school, plus whatever extra gear you might need for your sport or activity.

So what’s the best luggage for college students?

There are so many options on the market these days; it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. Do you need a backpack, a rolling suitcase, or something else? And what about brand and price? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best luggage options for students and provide tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Table of Contents

Quick Recommendations: Best Luggage for College Students

Steve Madden 4-Piece Set – Overall Best Luggage for College Students

American Tourister 3-Piece Set – Best Luggage for Students with Carry Handles

Rockland Journey 4-Piece Set – Best Upright Luggage for College Students

Travel Select Amsterdam 8-Piece Set – Best Luggage for Students with Packing Cubes

Coolife Softshell 3-Piece Set – Best Affordable Luggage Set for Students

YH&GS Rolling Backpack – Best Wheeled Luggage for Students

A. SAKS Rolling Trolley – Best Wheeled Duffel for College Students

AMBOR Wheeled Backpack – Best Rolling Luggage for Students

Ailouis Rolling Duffel – Best Foldable Luggage for College Students

Amazon Basics Wheeled Duffel – Best Large Capacity Duffel for Students

10 Best Luggage for College Students

When you’re packing for college, the last thing you want to worry about is your luggage. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best luggage for college students. Whether you’re looking for a backpack, a rolling suitcase , or something in between, we’ve got you covered.

Steve Madden 4-Piece Set (Overall Best Luggage for College Students)

Size: 29.5 x 18.2 x 12.8 inches (Large)

Weight: 10.1 pounds (Large)

Key Features: Large packing capacity; collapsible design; spinner wheels

The Steve Madden offers one of the finest luggage sets, particularly for students. This generous package comes with three rolling suitcases and one tote bag. All four bags have great storage space. The largest suitcase comes with a huge 100L capacity and the two smaller ones offer 69L and 35L of space respectively, while the tote bag has a 30L of packing room.

All pieces are lightweight and collapsible, making them easy to carry with you on your travels. The elegant design adds a touch of style, and the luggage meets airline weight restrictions so you can be sure your belongings will get where they’re going safely.

When you’re looking for the best luggage for college students, you need something that is going to be durable, reliable and stylish. That’s exactly what you’ll find with the Steve Madden bags. The luggage set comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for students on the move. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, while the spinner wheels ensure high stability and easy maneuverability. Plus, the suitcase lining is made of high-quality materials to help keep your belongings safe and protected.

The Steve Madden luggage comes with a limited 5-year warranty. It is available in four colors, so you can choose the one that best matches your style.

American Tourister 3-Piece Set (Best Luggage for Students with Carry Handles)

Size: 29-inch, 25-inch, 21-inch

Weight: 12.12lbs, 10.25lbs, 8.6lbs

Key Features: Top and side carry; expandable capacity; multiple pockets

The American Tourister luggage set is near perfect for college students who are looking for a durable and stylish travel companion. The luggage is made of long-lasting polyester that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. All three pieces of this set feature multi-directional spinner wheels that make them easy to maneuver in any direction.

The set includes a large upright, a medium upright, and a small upright. All three suitcases expand to give you extra packing space when needed and come with padded top and side carry handles for convenience.

The luggage set features multiple pockets to help you stay organized. The bloused shoe pockets keep your shoes protected and the accessory mesh pockets are perfect for holding your smaller items. The modesty pockets in the suitcases prevent items from falling out when the packs are open.

The American Tourister luggage comes with cross straps to keep your belongings secure, as well as a push-button handle that makes it easy to maneuver. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty. You also have the option to choose from four attractive colors.

Rockland Journey 4-Piece Set (Best Upright Luggage for College Students)

Size: 28-inch, 24-inch, 19-inch, 14-inch

Weight: 9lbs, 8lbs, 6lbs, 1lb

Key Features: Expandable storage; top and side carry; handy pockets

This 4-Piece set by Rockland offers the best upright luggage for college students. The bags are made of heavy-duty polyester and come with PVC backing for long-lasting use. The set includes three expandable uprights that provide ample storage for all of your belongings and a tote bag that is perfect for carrying smaller items.

The upright bags come with a fully-lined interior and feature three internal organizational pockets. They also include back zippered pockets to help keep you organized while on the go.

The bags offer a generous amount of packing space and come with top and side handles, as well as inside retractable handles, making them easy to transport. The four skate wheels of the suitcases provide trouble-free maneuverability, while the bottom stability bars keep the luggage in place.

The tote bag features a spacious main compartment with some useful pockets and a detachable shoulder strap .

The Rockland Journey bags come in multiple bright colors that make them easy to spot on the carousel or in a busy airport.

Travel Select Amsterdam 8-Piece Set (Best Luggage for Students with Packing Cubes)

Size: 29-inch, 25-inch, 21-inch, 15-inch

Weight: 9.5lbs, 8.5lbs, 7.7lbs, 2lbs

Key Features: Expandable capacity; four packing cubes; add-a-bag strap

The Travel Select Amsterdam 8-Piece Set provides a luxurious storage facility for college students who are always on the go. Made with durable and lightweight D 2-tone polyester, this luggage set includes three uprights, one tote, and four packing cubes.

The upright suitcases feature full interior lining and telescopic handles for easy organization and navigation. The largest of these stylish uprights has an expandable space of up to 12 inches, which is quite useful when you need to pack some additional items.

The suitcases also come with recessed inline skate wheels for easy transport and handy add-a-bag straps that will help you attach smaller bags to these uprights.

The luggage set includes a spacious tote bag that can be easily carried by the padded handle or adjustable shoulder strap. It also comes with four packing cubes featuring metal pulls. The mesh top panel of these cubes allows you to see what’s inside without opening them.

The Travel Select Amsterdam luggage is available in five colorful designs, so you can choose the one that best represents your personality.

Coolife Softshell 4-Piece Set (Best Affordable Luggage Set for Students)

Size: 28-inch, 24-inch, 20-inch, 15-inch

Weight: 10lbs, 8.7lbs, 7.6lbs

Key Features: Expandable space; TSA combination lock; ample storage

This Coolife Softshell luggage set is another great option for college students who are looking for spacious yet affordable bags. These suitcases are made of high-quality and durable Jacquard oxford fabric, which is resistant to water and scratches.

The set comes with three soft shell cases of different sizes. The largest and the medium suitcases can be used as checked-in bags and have an expandable storage capacity of up to 2 inches. The smaller one is ideal for carrying your belongings on board the plane and features a large size pocket on the front.

The interior of these upright bags is fully lined with mesh to keep your belongings in place. The pieces also come with exquisite zipper closure and easy-grip handles. Additionally, the luggage has interior straps that make packing your clothes a breeze.

The Coolife Softshell suitcases feature multidirectional wheels that make it easy to move your bags in any direction, while their telescoping handles ensure a comfortable grip. The luggage has a TSA combination lock system that keeps your items protected. Plus, the cases come in three different colors that let you choose the best one for you.

YH&GS Rolling Backpack (Best Wheeled Luggage for Students)

Size: 21.6 x 14.1 x 10.2 inches

Weight: 7.28 pounds

Key Features: 17-inch laptop compartment; large wheels; pocket organizer

The YH&GS Rolling Backpack is a piece of ideal luggage for college students who usually prefer backpacks over suitcases. This rolling backpack is made of durable and waterproof material, so it can be used in any weather. The pack features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to wear, even when it is loaded down with textbooks and supplies.

This 52L spacious backpack features large wheels that allow you to navigate through airports and busy city streets without feeling the load. Plus, it comes with a comfortable handle that has been made of durable ABS material.

The Rolling Backpack has a laptop compartment with a Velcro sleeve that can hold up to 17-inch devices. It also features a multi-pocket organizer and smart zippers that make it easy to access your belongings.

The back panel of the pack is thickly padded for comfort and its shoulder straps are adjustable so that you can easily find a custom fit. Moreover, the YH&GS Rolling Backpack has a reflective strip for safety and comes in two colors to match your style.

A. SAKS Rolling Trolley (Best Wheeled Duffel for College Students)

Size: 20 x 12 x 12 inches

Weight: 4.8 pounds

Key Features: 47L expandable capacity; U-shaped opening; within carry-on limits

The SAKS Rolling Trolley is a compact and lightweight piece of luggage perfect for college students. It’s made from high-quality D ballistic nylon and features sturdy zippers that will keep your belongings protected.

This rolling duffel has a roomy compartment with a U-shaped opening that makes it easy to pack and unpack. The bag expands up to 5 inches, giving you plenty of space for all your belongings. There are also two exterior pockets for quick access to your essentials.

It features in-line skate wheels and a stow-away trolley handle for easy transport. The carry handles make it easy to lift and the bottom lift handle provides extra support. Plus, the detachable piggy-back strap allows you to wear the trolley like a backpack, making it even easier to carry.

The A. Saks Rolling Trolley is also within carry-on limits, so you can take it onboard the plane with you.

AMBOR Wheeled Backpack (Best Rolling Luggage for Students)

Size: 16.5 x 7.9 x 21.7 inches

Weight: 5.51 pounds

Key Features: 45L storage space; laptop compartment; space organizer

This Rolling Backpack by AMBOR is also one of the best luggage for college students. It is made of water-resistant and robust textile. The backpack features rock-hard edges and a steel frame for strength and durability.

The luggage has a large 45L compartment that can hold all your clothing and college supplies, including textbooks and notebooks. It features a space organizer that comes with different pockets and a key fob to help you keep your items ordered. The backpack’s zippered accessory pocket is perfect for storing small items like keys, money or credit cards.

AMBOR Wheeled Backpack comes with a padded laptop compartment that can comfortably accommodate a 18-inch device. The backpack straps are hidden on its back zippered pocket, so they can be pulled out when needed. This rolling luggage offers skate wheels that allow you to maneuver with ease, and a telescoping handle that makes it comfortable to transport.

Ailouis Rolling Duffel (Best Foldable Luggage for College Students)

Size: 22 x 12 x 36 inches

Weight: 8 pounds

Key Features: Extra-large volume; foldable design; rotating wheels

The Ailouis Rolling Duffel is not only the best luggage for college students, but it is also perfect for anyone who wants a durable and stylish soft-sided wheeled duffel. The Duffel is made with waterproof nylon fabric and has an excellent design that makes it convenient to use and comfortable to carry.

This Rolling Duffel is extra-large in size and has a capacity to carry a lot of stuff. It features easy-to-access front pockets that make it convenient to reach your essentials without having to search through your luggage. The bag has been made with robust zippers that ensure that your belongings are well-protected. The Ailouis Rolling Duffel is compact and can be folded away almost flat, making it easy to store in even the smallest of dorm rooms. Plus, with five rotating wheels, it is painless to maneuver through airports and train stations.

Amazon Basics Wheeled Duffel (Best Large Capacity Duffel for Students)

Size: 33 x 16 x 14.5 inches

Weight: 10.6 pounds

Key Features: Huge storage space; multiple compartments; in-line wheels

The Amazon Basics Wheeled Duffel Bag is perfect for college students and travelers. The bag is made of durable fabric and has a comfortable and convenient design.

It has a 87-liter capacity, making it ideal for packing everything you need for a semester away from home. The multiple zippered compartments make it easy to organize your belongings, and the ease of transport makes maneuvering through airports and train stations a breeze.

The Amazon Basics Wheeled Duffel Bag is a great option for people on the go. This durable, lightweight duffel bag has in-line wheels and an upright handle for easy transport. You can pack a lot of gear into this duffel, thanks to its spacious interior. It also includes a restricted one-year warranty.

Comparison Table

Also Read: Best Flight Attendants’ Luggage

This article provides an overview of the best luggage for college students. We have included a variety of options, so you can find the perfect bag for your needs.

College students need luggage that is durable and can withstand frequent trips. Our research shows that the Steve Madden 4-Piece Set is one of the best options available. It is stylish and durable and comes with a variety of features that students will appreciate.

What Type of Luggage Do You Need for College?

When packing for college, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For one, you’ll want to choose luggage that is durable and can handle being carried around a lot. You’ll also need a good set of wheels, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking.

Another important factor to look into is the size of your baggage. Make sure you pick something that will fit everything you need without being too bulky or heavy.

There are a few different types of luggage you can bring to college with you. The first option is a backpack. Backpacks are good for carrying books and other lightweight items . They are also comfortable to wear, which is a plus if you have to walk a lot on campus.

Another option is a rolling suitcase. This type of luggage is good for carrying heavier items , such as clothes and bedding. It also makes it easy to move your belongings from one place to another. However, rolling suitcases can be difficult to carry up and downstairs, so keep that in mind.

Finally, you may want to consider a duffel bag. Duffel bags are perfect for carrying smaller items and can easily be transported from one destination to another. Plus, they usually come with straps, which make them easy to carry.

The Pros and Cons of Each Type of Luggage

There are a few different types of luggage that are commonly used by people when they travel. Each type of luggage has its own set of pros and cons, which can make it difficult to decide which type to use.

The three most common types of luggage are backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags. Backpacks are ideal for people who want to travel light since they don’t weigh very much and they can be easily carried around. However, they can be uneasy to carry for extended periods of time.

Suitcases are a good option for people who want to bring a lot of stuff with them since they have a lot of storage space. However, they can be cumbersome to carry and they often cost more than backpacks or duffel bags.

Duffel bags are the most versatile option since they can be used for both traveling and storing gear. They are also the least expensive option.

Best Luggage for College Students: FAQs

Which luggage bag is best for college students.

There are different features to look into when choosing a piece of luggage for college students. The first is weight. Students often have to lug their belongings around campus, so it’s important to choose light luggage. The second is size. Students often don’t have a lot of space in their dorms , so it’s important to choose luggage that doesn’t take up too much room. The third is price. Students often have a limited budget, so it’s important to choose affordable luggage.

How much luggage does a college student need?

A college student needs a moderate amount of luggage. It is important to have enough clothing and personal items to last a week, but a student should not bring so much that it becomes a burden to carry. A small suitcase or duffle bag is a good option for a college student, as it can be easily carried and stored in a dorm room. Another important consideration for college students is the type of luggage they choose. Hard-sided luggage is more durable and offers more protection for belongings, but it is also heavier and more difficult to store. Soft-sided luggage is lighter and more convenient, but it is not as durable and offers less protection. College students should decide what is more important to them before selecting luggage.

Should I bring suitcases to college?

The answer may vary depending on the individual, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed. Suitcases are not required for college, but they can be helpful if you plan on traveling home often or if you need to bring a lot of items with you to campus. If you do decide to bring suitcases, be sure to pack light so that you can easily carry them around.  Now that you have a better understanding, you can make the decision that’s right for you. Whatever you choose, be sure to pack everything you need to make your college experience a great one.

How many clothes should I pack for college?

A good rule of thumb is to bring enough clothes to last you two weeks. This will ensure that you have enough clothes to last you until you can do laundry again. However, if you are planning on doing laundry more often, you may only need to bring enough clothes for one week. When packing clothes for college, it is also important to consider the climate. If you are attending college in a warm climate, you will need to pack different clothes than if you are attending college in a cold climate. Make sure to pack clothes that will be appropriate for the weather conditions

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Best Luggage For College Students: Budget to Luxury Options

If you’re wondering which luggage is the best option for college students, I’m fairly certain you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide includes ten excellent luggage options, which range from super cheap to luxury!

At A Glance: Best Luggage For College Students

• Best Hardside Luggage For College Students Samsonite Omni 2 Jump To Review
• Best Softside Luggage For College Students TravelPro Maxlite 5 (Softside) Jump To Review
• Best Budget Luggage For College Students AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Jump To Review
• Best Checked Luggage For College Students Coolife Luggage Aluminum Frame Jump To Review
• Best Duffel Bag For College Students Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Jump To Review
• Best Luggage Set For College Students Rockland Melbourne Luggage Set Jump To Review

Whether you’re a broke college student who desperately needs a new suitcase, or you want to treat a college student in your life with a high-quality piece of luggage, you’ll find some excellent options in this review. Keep reading to see our top picks for the best luggage for college students!

Top Product Overview

Top products, samsonite omni 2.

Samsonite luggage is known for excellent quality and durability, but it’s often price. The Omni 2 is one of their more affordable luggage collections, which makes it an excellent option for all college students who can’t really afford to spend too much money on a suitcase.

The Omni is made from polycarbonate, which is considered the best material for a suitcase. It’s lightweight, flexible, and boasts excellent impact resistance. It’s got double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA-approved lock, and an expandable capacity.

Also, this luggage is available in two carry-on sized and two checked baggage sizes, so you’ve got plenty of options. The only difference between the smaller and larger suitcases is that the carry-ons include a convenient USB charging port.

The interior of the Omni luggage is somewhat underwhelming, but honestly fine for the price. It’s fully lined with a zippered divider in one compartment and elastic cross straps in the other. There’s only one small pocket inside the luggage, and it’s supposed to hold the power bank that connects to the USB port.

• Great value for money
• Polycarbonate construction
• TSA-friendly lock
• Expandable capacity
• No zippered pockets inside

Product Information

• Dimensions: 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”
• Weight: 7.5 lbs
• Capacity: Not specified

TravelPro Maxlite 5 (Softside)

Travelpro is a very popular luggage brand among frequent flyers and airline professionals. They’re known for the excellent quality of the luggage and generally affordable prices. Sure, some of their suitcases are pricier than others, but the Maxlite 5 collection is reasonably priced for the quality and performance it offers.

This is an excellent carry-on for many reasons; for starters, it’s very lightweight at just 5.4 lbs, and it offers an impressive capacity of 45 liters. The case is made from durable polyester fabric, which is treated for improved stain and water resistance.

One thing to note about this Maxlite 5 luggage, is that it features in-line skate wheels instead of spinner wheels. That’s partly the reason for the more affordable price point, but it’s not necessarily a downside. In-line skate wheels are more durable than spinner wheels, and they allow the luggage to have a large capacity while staying within the height limit for carry-ons.

Other features of the Travelpro suitcase include low-profile grab handles, an ergonomic wheel handle, exterior and interior pockets, and an expandable capacity. This luggage doesn’t have a lock, and that’s the only downside for me.

• Water and stain resistant
• Very lightweight
• Large and expandable capacity
• Internal and external pockets
• No TSA-friendly lock
• No spinner wheels
• Dimensions: 21.75” x 15.75” x 7.75”
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Capacity: 45 liters

AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner

AmazonBasics is one of the best luggage brands for travelers on a very tight budget. Let me be clear; their suitcases are not of amazing quality, but they’re perfectly fine if you don’t travel too often and you can’t afford a high-quality suitcase.

The hardside spinner is a standard suitcase made from ABS plastic, a material that doesn’t have the best impact resistance but has really good scratch resistance. Although ABS plastic isn’t generally preferred for suitcases because of poor durability, it honestly doesn’t matter as much for carry-on luggage.

I’ve owned an ABS plastic suitcase for years and taken it on many trips, and the only thing that’s wrong with it is that I’ve torn the lining in a few places.

The AmazonBasics luggage also features double spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and a fully lined interior. You get a full-panel divider in the top compartment, as well as two zippered pockets, and elastic cross-straps in the bottom compartments. It might not be the best suitcase for frequent travelers, but it’s certainly a good option for the price, especially the carry-on size.

• Very affordable
• Shell is resistant to scuffs and scratches
• Spinner wheels
• Interior pockets
• No TSA lock
• Not the most durable option
• Dimensions: 14.76” x 9.45” x 21.46”
• Weight: 7.34 lbs

Away The Carry On

Away is one of the more expensive luggage brands, so it’s a good option only for college students who can afford to spend a bit more on a suitcase. All their luggage is manufactured with premium durable materials, and they have some of the best suitcases money can buy.

The luggage features smooth double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, and a TSA-approved combination lock. The capacity is not expandable but the luggage does have an internal compression pad that helps pack more items inside.

Also, it’s worth noting that Away Luggage offers a collection of expandable suitcases. However, even the smallest suitcase becomes a checked bag when fully expanded, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them if you need cabin baggage. If you’re interested in this brand but want bigger suitcases, you’ll find plenty of options in Away’s collection.

The interior of this luggage is really great. It’s fully lined with a zippered divider in the top compartment and an adjustable compression pad in the bottom. There’s also a zippered pocket on the compression pad, plus Away includes a removable laundry bag with all of their suitcases.

• Durable construction
• TSA-combination lock
• Internal compression pad
• Removable laundry bag
• The capacity is not expandable
• Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Capacity: 39.8 liters

Coolife Luggage Aluminum Frame

Coolife luggage is a great option for many college students. It’s made from durable polycarbonate and it features an aluminum frame, so it’s a great suitcase to use when you’re traveling home for a while. The luggage is available in two checked bag sizes, and it’s surprisingly affordable for the quality of construction.

This suitcase also features double spinner wheels, a TSA-friendly latch lock, and a height-adjustable wheel handle. The shell is textured for better scratch resistance, and the entire case is zipperless for ultimate security.

It’s not the lightest luggage you can get your hands on, but that’s because of the sturdy aluminum frame. If you value durability and impact resistance more than the weight of a suitcase, the Coolife luggage is still an excellent option, especially for checked bags.

This case also has a great interior with lining, a zippered divider, and multiple pockets for easy organization. The bottom compartment is equipped with tie-down straps that will hold the clothes in place.

• Durable construction with aluminum frame
• TSA latch lock
• Zipperless luggage
• Internal zippered pockets
• Double spinner wheels
• Somewhat heavy
• Dimensions: 32” x 21” x 13”
• Weight: 12.8 lbs
• Capacity: 93 liters

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler

If you prefer duffel bags to standard suitcases, the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler might just be your new luggage. It’s an excellent duffel bag with shoulder straps that allow you to carry it like a backpack.

This duffel is available in three sizes, ranging from a 40-liter carry-on to a 90-liter checked bag. The smallest option works for trips of up to a week, while the largest duffel could easily help you transport all your belongings to the dorm.

It’s made from TPU and 1000D polyester, for excellent abrasion and water resistance. The duffel is also very lightweight at just 2,2 lbs for the 60-liter version, plus it folds completely flat for storage. It also features stowaway shoulder straps, so you can get them out of the way when they’re not necessary.

In terms of the packing compartment and organizational features, the Cargo Hauler is probably better than any of the suitcases featured here. It’s got loads of pockets and compartments, so you can easily organize all your belongings. The duffel even allows you to separate the main compartment in two, so two people can easily pack inside it.

• Water-resistant construction
• Stowable shoulder straps
• Multiple internal pockets and compartments
• No wheels or handle
• Dimensions: 26.75” x 10.25” x 13.5”
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Capacity: 63 liters

Tumi 19 Degree

Tumi is a high-end luggage brand known for the premium quality and durability of its products. They’re certainly not the top choice for the average college student because their luggage options are very expensive, but if money’s not a problem and you can get any suitcase you like, this is one of the top options.

The brand offers high-quality luggage with innovative features and the 19 Degree collection is one of the all-time best-sellers. It features luggage made from metal and plastic, and I’ll focus on the polycarbonate suitcases here.

Coincidentally, PC luggage is also the most affordable option in this collection. The shell is textured for improved scratch resistance, and the luggage is available in quite a few different colors and sizes.

The 19 Degree suitcases from Tumi all feature a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA-friendly combination lock, double-spinner wheels, and low-profile grab handles. Also, every one of their suitcases can be registered into the Tumi Tracer system, which helps locate your bags if they ever get lost in transit.

This luggage also has an expandable capacity, and it features two spacious packing compartments with a zippered divider in the top one and tie-down straps in the bottom one. There’s also a USB port on the TSA lock.

• High-quality luggage
• Multiple internal pockets
• Height-adjustable wheel handle
• Very expensive
• Not very lightweight
• Dimensions: 13.98” x 9.06” x 21.65”
• Weight: 8 lbs

Rockland Melbourne Luggage Set

Luggage sets are a great option for college students because they’re excellent value for money. It’s always cheaper to buy a set with multiple pieces of luggage instead of individual suitcases, and it’s the best thing to do if you genuinely need more than one suitcase.

The Melbourne luggage from Rockland is a good inexpensive option. The cases are all made from ABS plastic; it’s not the most durable material out of the bunch, but if you’re not a very frequent flyer the cases should still perform well.

The luggage set includes a 20” carry-on, a 24” medium suitcase, and a 28” large checked case. All three cases have the same features, which include double-spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and an expandable capacity. None of the Melbourne suitcases have a TSA-friendly lock, which is a downside.

Also, the interior of these cases is quite basic. It’s lined with a zippered divider in the top compartment and elastic cross straps in the bottom one, and one lonely zippered pocket.

• An expandable capacity
• Very affordable set
• Telescopic wheel handle
• ABS plastic is not very durable
• Dimensions: 17” x 12” x 28”
• Weight: Not specified
• Capacity: 93.6 liters

US Traveler Boren

The Boren luggage is another great option if you’re on a tight budget. This affordable suitcase is made from polycarbonate, so you’ll get excellent durability for a very fair price. It’s available in three sizes and two luggage set options, as well as six different colors.

The US Traveler suitcases are equipped with double spinner wheels, a telescopic wheel handle, and low profile grab handles on the top and side. This luggage doesn’t have an expandable capacity and it lacks a TSA-friendly lock, but that’s honestly not too bad considering the construction quality and the price point.

Also, the carry-on suitcase is equipped with a USB charging port, which is very convenient for air travel. The interior of this luggage is standard; it’s fully lined with tie-down straps in one compartment and a full panel zippered divider in the other.

The divider features a large zippered pocket, so you’ll be able to organize your items as you pack. Overall, these might not be the best suitcases that money can buy, but they’re certainly some of the best affordable polycarbonate cases you’ll find.

• Durable polycarbonate construction
• A USB port on carry-on
• Dimensions: 21. 5” x 14. 25” x 9. 5”
• Weight: 6.48 lbs

SwissGear Sion

SwissGear is a very popular luggage brand best known for its awesome backpacks . They also manufacture suitcases, and they’re a really good option if you want a quality piece of luggage made from great materials. SwissGear luggage is not very expensive, and it’s a good option if you’re not on a super tight budget.

The Sion is a softside suitcase with single spinner wheels, height adjustable wheel handle, and an expandable capacity. It is a great option for a carry-on bag because of its multiple external compartments that allow you to have all the things you might need at the airport easily accessible.

The shell of this suitcase is made from durable polyester fabric with good abrasion and water resistance. The suitcase isn’t coated to repel water or anything, but it should fare well in light rain and keep the contents dry.

The Sion has one packing compartment with tie-down straps to keep your clothes in place. The top cover features a large zippered pocket, plus this luggage comes with a removable wet pocket.

• Good value for money
• Removable waterproof pouch
• Dimensions: 22.75” x 14.25” x 10.25”
• Weight: 7.96 lbs

What to Look For

Do you need luggage that will help you move across the country to the dorms, or are you looking for something you can take on weekend trips back home? Make sure that you get a suitcase that’s the right size for the type of trips you plan to take, and consider a luggage set if you’re entirely sure what size would work best for you.

One thing to note is that it’s always cheaper to fly with carry-on luggage, not to mention how much more convenient it is.

Materials tell you a lot about the durability of luggage and they’re particularly important when you’re looking to buy a large checked bag for air travel. Polycarbonate luggage, preferably with an aluminum frame or just corner reinforcements, is one of the best options for a checked case because it will last the longest.

The materials matter less if you want a small suitcase, so feel free to prioritize other features if all you want is carry-on luggage.

Price Point

Most college students aren’t in a position to spend a large amount of money on a suitcase, which is why I did my best to include affordable luggage. I’ve shown you Samsonite suitcases that are under $100, but I also included a few high-end options for those who might want to splurge.

In any case, if you’re pinching pennies, by all means, get the cheapest suitcase available. But if you’re able to choose from a few different suitcases, I would always recommend a trusted brand like Samsonite or Travelpro, especially if it’s just $20-30 more expensive than the budget option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What luggage size is ideal for college students.

A carry-on is the ideal luggage size for college students because you won’t have to pay any additional fees for luggage. Those who usually go away on longer trips will need a checked bag, preferably something with a capacity of at least 70 liters.

Is hard or soft luggage better for college students?

Hard or soft luggage is usually a matter of personal preference. College students who fly often should consider hard luggage because of better durability, but those who usually drive or take other modes of public transport will be fine with soft luggage.

Are luggage sets better than individual pieces for college?

If you have to transport a lot of things to the dorm, a luggage set is better than individual luggage pieces. They’re always better value for money than purchasing individual suitcases.

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Best luggage for college students 2024.

For many, going off to college signifies a new level of freedom and independence. And for those who dream of seeing the world, the college years present plenty of opportunities for travel. From study-abroad programs to spring-break vacations (and of course, the occasional trip back home), college students tend to do their fair share of traveling.

The right luggage is a must for any trip, yet many college students are on limited budgets and therefore may have a hard time affording a $500 luggage set. The good news is that great luggage doesn’t have to cost a semester’s worth of tuition; by shopping the top brands for college students, you can find quality luggage at a reasonable price.

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Best Luggage for College Students

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Reviews of Best Luggage for College Students

Check out our picks for the top five luggage brands for college students below.

Specializing in compact yet durable and user-friendly designs, CHESTER is a top pick for college students looking for fairly priced luggage that will last well beyond their years in school. From carry-ons to medium-sized checked bags, CHESTER offers it all with a 100-day free trial period. They also offer free two-day shipping and returns for those last-minute planners similar to Away luggage .

Shop CHESTER

2. Rockland

Rockland is another popular luggage brand among college students, and for good reason. Fashion-conscious students enjoy that Rockland’s luggage comes in a wide array of colors and styles, which makes it easy to select one that suits your own unique personality. Rockland is also known for their luggage sets, which give you the most bang for your buck.

3. AmazonBasics

Amazon’s brand, AmazonBasics, offers everything from apparel and housewares to luggage and everything in between. Students especially love AmazonBasics luggage because it comes with free one- or two-day delivery for Prime members and comes in a wide array of styles, colors, and sizes. From soft- and hard-sided spinner suitcases to smaller carry-ons and duffel bags, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with AmazonBasics luggage. And if you already have a discounted student Prime membership, you won’t have to worry about paying for shipping or returns.

4. Samsonite

Samsonite has been a trusted, budget-friendly luggage brand for decades. Today, they’re a top choice for travel-loving college students due to their expansive selection and great prices. On their website, you can easily filter based on luggage size, price, and other features. Samsonite also offers a 50% discount for new customers who sign up for the company’s mailing list.

5. US Traveler

College students will love the US Traveler luggage line, which is frequently on sale and comes in a large selection of colors and styles. Their quality luggage is available on its own or in sets, which range from three to five pieces. US Traveler also offers travel-friendly carry-ons and other accessories to make students’ lives easier while on-the-go. This brand offers one of the best values when it comes to luggage for college students.

Advantages of Luggage for College Students

If you’re a college student without a great luggage set, there are some major benefits you could be missing out on as you prepare to travel.

Better Organization While Traveling

Travel luggage is designed with easy organization in mind. The right luggage will come with numerous storage compartments to keep things like your tablet, glasses, and liquids safe even while stowed away on a turbulent flight. These thought-out storage compartments will also make it easier to get settled in once you’ve reached your destination. No more fumbling around trying to remember where you packed that phone charger when you arrive at your hotel with a drained battery. A great suitcase will also offer plenty of space for your clothes so they can arrive wrinkle-free. After all, who wants to have to use one of those hotel-room clothes irons  or  do laundry while traveling?

Easier Maneuverability From Place to Place

If you’ve ever had to schlep a heavy suitcase from your car to your dorm room without a luggage cart or other help, you know just what a pain this can be. When you travel with modern luggage that’s been designed with easy maneuverability in mind, you’ll enjoy features such as spinner wheels and telescoping handles that make getting your bags from place to place a breeze. This will especially come in handy as you make your way through crowded airport check-in lines and cramped city streets. Even some carry-on luggage is designed with mobility features, including ergonomic and breathable shoulder straps, spinner wheels, and telescoping handles.

Ability to Make a Fashion Statement

If you’re still using hand-me-down luggage from an older sibling or parent, treating yourself to a new luggage set also gives you the ability to choose luggage that will reflect your own unique personality and sense of style. Today’s luggage brands offer suitcases, carry-ons, and accessories in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles. From metallic rose gold hard-sided suitcases to stylish leather duffel bags, your luggage can (and should!) be a reflection of your own fashion!

Potential Drawbacks of Luggage for College Students

While there are plenty of advantages to buying a great set of luggage while you’re in college, there are some potential drawbacks to think about as well.

More Luggage Means More Baggage Fees

Depending on the airline you fly, you could rack up a lot in baggage fees if you travel with a lot of luggage. While some airlines (such as Southwest) include two free checked bags and a free carry-on bag with each ticket, other airlines may charge for each bag you need to check. On the flip side, the right luggage can also help you reduce the number of bags you need by offering better organization of your belongings, so buying your luggage wisely  could  also save you on baggage fees.

Initial Cost of Luggage Sets

When you’re a college student, money is often tight, so it may be difficult to justify spending a few hundred dollars (or more) on a new luggage set. This is especially true if you have student loans, textbooks to buy, and rent to cover. This is where asking for a new luggage set for a birthday or other gift-giving holiday can be a great choice. Some students may even use their student loans to pay for luggage, especially if they’ll be traveling home from campus during holidays or taking part in any study-abroad opportunities.

Choosing the Right Luggage Can Be Difficult

With so many brands and styles to choose from, simply deciding on the right luggage set for your needs can be stressful. You undoubtedly have enough on your plate as a college student, so why add to the stress?

How to Choose the Best Luggage as a College Student

Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help you choose the right luggage for your needs without adding unnecessary stress to your already hectic life. By following these key considerations as you shop for luggage, you can ultimately make a purchase with confidence.

Consider Your Travel Needs

Start by thinking about the kinds of traveling you do most while in school. If you moved far from home to attend college and like to visit your hometown throughout the school year, you’ll want to make sure the luggage you choose is suitable for carrying all your essentials back home. If you fly a certain airline when you head home, you may also want to check their luggage restrictions and size requirements so you can purchase luggage that will fall in-line with these.

If you’ll be doing any study-abroad programs, choosing a durable luggage set that will hold as much clothing and accessories as possible will come in handy. By simply taking some time to consider the kinds of traveling you’ll be doing throughout your college years, you can more easily narrow down your luggage options.

Opt for Quality, Durable Materials

No matter what, you’ll want to select durable materials and quality accessories when shopping for luggage. After all, while buying new luggage may be a large up-front purchase, your luggage should easily last you for several years (if not decades). By spending a little more on durable materials now, you may end up with luggage that lasts for many years beyond your graduation. The right materials (such as polycarbonate found in Monos luggage) will offer maximum protection for your belongings while still being lightweight and easy to carry. Be sure to also choose luggage that is made with quality accessories such as packing cubes , such as long-lasting spinner wheels and zippers that will stand up to the test of time.

Make Maneuverability a Priority

More than likely, you’ll be doing a lot of moving back and forth with your luggage. From maneuvering it around the airport when you travel to moving it from different dorms and apartments throughout your college years, it only makes sense that you’ll want luggage that’s easy to get around. This is where it makes sense to shop for luggage that has features to make your life easier. Telescoping handles and spinner wheels on suitcases and duffel bags, for example, can make it easier to carry even heavy bags around crowded spaces. Carry-on backpacks with breathable and adjustable shoulder straps will also make things more comfortable for you as you make your way from place to place.

Think About Storage

Living space is often limited when you’re a college student. This likely remains true whether you’re in a dorm or sharing an apartment with roommates. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure the luggage you choose is compact enough that it can be easily stored away when not in use. This is where it can be wise to choose luggage sets with individual pieces that can be stored inside one another. For example, a carry-on backpack can be stored inside a smaller suitcase, which can be stored inside a larger suitcase when not in use. This will cut down on the amount of square footage or closet space taken up by your luggage, which your roommates will thank you for.

Decide on Must-Have Features

Today’s suitcases and other luggage pieces come with many different options when it comes to features that can make your life easier. Take some time to research features and figure out what you want and need in your new luggage set. For example, one feature that is especially popular among college student travelers is that of the rechargeable battery pack. Some suitcases have these built-in, which allows you to charge your devices on-the-go without the need to plug into an outlet. This can come in handy when you’re at the airport and all the charging stations are crowded. However, this is just one example of many potential features you may want to consider in your next luggage purchase.

Choose Luggage That Reflects Your Style

Don’t forget to also think about your own unique style when shopping for luggage. You will most likely be using this luggage for years to come, so of course, you want to choose something that will be fashionable now and grow with you down the road. A unique pattern or style of luggage can also make it easier to spot your bag on the luggage-claim conveyor belt, reducing the risk of another traveler accidentally grabbing your suitcase by mistake. Take some time to explore your style and color options to find luggage that is a true reflection of who you are.

Save Money With a Set

If you’re on a budget, buying a luggage set is a great way to get the best value for your money. Sets often come with a small carry-on bag and two larger suitcases that are ideal as checked bags. However, specific components of a luggage set can vary from one brand to the next. Either way, buying a set will ensure you have all the luggage you need without having to waste money buying piece-by-piece.

Your college years present some of the best travel opportunities you’ll likely ever have, so take advantage of them with the right luggage set!

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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 Best Luggage for College Students

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Is your luggage due for an upgrade? You might be getting ready to return to campus, planning a trip for spring break or going abroad next semester. Perhaps you’re an international student, and you need to make sure your luggage is in tip-top shape before your next trip. 

Either way, you’re likely wondering — what’s the best luggage for college students? 

Luggage Considerations

Before making a purchase, you’ll need to think about what you’re looking for in your luggage. Are you looking for something affordable, is durability a bigger consideration? Are you looking for bags that store easily? You’ll want to reflect on how often you travel or think into the future and consider how much you might want to spend traveling. If you’re an international student who goes home to see family and friends at the end of term, you’ll want a different set of luggage than someone who won’t be flying internationally.

Additionally, you’ll want to decide between soft fabric or hardshell luggage . This typically comes down to personal preference, but hardshell luggage generally is known for a higher standard of durability than soft. It’s made from polycarbonate material that stands up to increased wear and tear. On the other hand, soft bags often allow for more flexibility in packing and storage. 

When you consider these factors, you’ll be more informed when it comes to making a purchase.

Affordable Luggage

Most college students’ budgets are limited. How much do you want to spend on your luggage? Do you have an amount in mind? Can you pay whatever it takes to get the bags you desire? Here are some affordable options that still look great:

First Choice: AmazonBasics Luggage

Luggage usually isn’t cheap. However, AmazonBasics Luggage offers various options for under $100. Amazon’s line specifically features backpacks, duffels, and under-seat airline bags in both hard and soft fabric options in many sizes and colors. 

Runner-up: Rockland Fashion Luggage Set

Rockland’s luggage set features a 20-inch carry-on bag and a 14-inch tote, all for under $40. The bags are lightweight and polyester, ensuring they travel effortlessly and take up little space. They are highly reviewed on Amazon and an excellent bargain for the price. However, they aren’t a great choice if you’re a frequent traveler, as the bags aren’t durable.

Durable Luggage

You want your luggage to last and your purchase to be worthwhile. The following luggage suggestions are just that:

First Choice: The Delsey Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels

This luggage option is made from polycarbonate, making it lightweight and durable. A 10-year warranty backs this model. Its four bottom wheels allow it to spin in any direction, making for easy travel when moving through airports and to your destination. The bag also contains a lock to keep your possessions secure. 

Runner-up: Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase

The Coolife suitcase is another lightweight and durable option that can take rough handling when going through airport security. The bag features an aluminum telescoping handle and multidirectional wheels to help you better navigate to destinations. 

Easy-to-Store Luggage

Space is often limited in dorm rooms and other campus housing options. These luggage options keep storage as a critical consideration :

First Choice: Eagle Creek No Matter What Rolling Duffel 

If you’re like most college students, having luggage that stores easily could be a significant perk. Going with a bag that collapses and hides beneath your bed like the Eagle Creek rolling duffel could save you a lot of trouble. Eagle Creek duffel bags come in two spacious sizes, 30 and 36 inches, and various color choices to suit your personality. The bag rolls easily on two wheels and includes a shoulder strap and handles.

Runner-up: L.L. Bean Rolling Adventure Duffel

Do you tend to overpack for your trips? This bag might be the one for you. All of L.L. Bean’s duffels are roomy, but their extra-large duffels feature 36 gallons of space. You’ll never need to pack an extra bag again. Once you’ve unpacked your duffel, it collapses and stores easily in a closet or beneath your bed.

Luggage for Frequent Travelers

Are you a frequent flyer? Flying puts a great deal of strain on your luggage. Consider the following suggestions if you’re a student who travels frequently:

First Choice: Travelpro Maxlite Softside Carry-On

Travelpro Luggage, which was founded by a pilot, makes suitcases specifically for personnel in the industry. Therefore, you know you’ll be getting the best of the best when it comes to quality and detail. This luggage has an excellent reputation within the airline industry and those who use it daily for business travel.

Runner-up: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On

Samsonite also has a fantastic reputation for durability and resilience in its luggage. The brand rigorously tests its baggage and even boasts a 10-year limited warranty on product defects. The Samsonite luggage is lightweight and easy to pack, with countless compartments inside.

The Best Luggage for You

The best luggage for college students runs the gamut. It all depends on personal preference: Do you want suitcases that are affordable, durable or easy to store? Whatever you decide, you’re on your way to finding the perfect bags for you, and you’ll be ready to hit the road as well as the books.

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The Best Suitcases for Checking

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Further reading

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in September 2022.

Wirecutter’s Most Popular Picks of March 2023

by Gabriella DePinho

Here are the top 100 picks that our readers loved in March, from luggage to hiking boots.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks of January 2024

Here are the 100 things our readers loved most in January, from carry-ons to humidifiers and more.

Are Away Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

by Kit Dillon

Although we still prefer the better durability of soft-sided luggage, if you want the look and feel of a hard-sided case, we recommend the Away Carry-On .

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The 11 Best Luggage Sets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

For more efficient traveling, invest in a stylish and functional luggage set.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips For Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

When it comes to luggage, the most important thing is a high-quality, reliable design. But to many travelers, aesthetics are a close second. Just like an outfit, it's nice when your baggage looks cohesive and intentional. Plus, a matching set is useful when traveling with your family or partner and any time you need to bring more than one bag.

So, what are the best luggage sets? That depends on your needs, preferences, and taste. To help you narrow it down, we tested over 450 pieces of luggage in our lab using our specially-made airplane set as well as in the real world. We packed up the suitcases, spun them around, rolled them over various surfaces, hoisted them into overhead bins, pushed them off tables, and whacked them with a metal baseball bat to see how they'd perform in a real-life setting. The winners here not only performed well in our tests, but are also available as part of a set. Check out our favorite luggage pieces that are available as matching sets below.

Best Overall

Samsonite hardside spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

This two-piece suitcase set is lightweight, spacious, and super easy to maneuver.

The suitcases don't have laundry bags or smart features.

After trying 14 pieces of Samsonite luggage, we're big fans of the brand — particularly the Freeform line. This two-piece set includes the Freeform Carry-on (21-inch), plus the matching Checked Spinner (28-inch), both of which expand. The smaller size earned perfect scores in all our tests, thanks to its lightweight and compact yet spacious design. We didn't even need to use the expander to fit everything on our packing list . Though there's no removable laundry bag, these suitcases have various pockets within the main compartments and separators for dirty shoes. The high-strength thermoplastic exterior stood up well to our durability tests. After hitting it with a baseball bat and shoving it off a table, we observed no dents, scratches, or scuffs. It seems water-resistant and easy to wipe clean, too.

The suitcase we tested was a breeze to maneuver, gliding effortlessly on hard flooring, carpet, and even gravel. We also love the minimalist-modern appeal of the Freeform collection and appreciate the many styles and chic color options. All things considered, this luggage set is very reasonably priced, and the brand's 10-year warranty can give you peace of mind about your purchase.

The Details: 2 pieces (21-inch and 28-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable

People / Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner-up

Away luggage set.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.6 /5
• Maneuverability 4.5 /5
• Durability 4 /5

Away offers discounted two- or three-piece suitcase sets and backs them with a limited lifetime warranty.

The price of this luggage set varies based on your selections.

Away gives you the option to build a set of two or three bags, with a discount of $50 or $100, respectively. We were generally impressed with the pieces we tested , particularly the brand's suitcases. The Large checked suitcase and The Carry-on both earned perfect scores thanks to spacious yet compact designs and enhanced durability. The hardside exteriors of the Bigger Carry-on Flex and Large Flex checked bag sustained zero dents from our bat swings, though we noticed a few scratches after pushing them off a table.

With dual compartments, expanders, compression systems, and dirty laundry bags, these suitcases make it easy to pack and stay organized. They're also a breeze to roll, thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels. Away isn't the most affordable luggage, but the bundle-and-save deal is definitely worth considering. Plus, the brand has a generous 100-day return window and a lifetime warranty.

The Details: 2–3 pieces (21.7-inch or 22.7-inch, 26-inch, and/or 29-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable | Smart

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Trunk Set

July trunk set.

We love the scuff-proof, glossy exterior of these trunks.

There aren't many organizational features in either bag.

These compact trunks are slightly smaller than other travel trunks , but for those who prefer this shape to traditional suitcases, the July Trunk Set is a great option. Both bags are sufficiently spacious and fit our entire packing lists, although we did need to do some strategic arranging in order to easily close the trunks. We do love that each trunk is designed with two durable clips to latch them closed as opposed to zippers, and each latch is built with a TSA-compliant lock right into the device.

Like much of July's luggage , these trunks are both extremely portable as they're relatively light. But that doesn't mean they're flimsy — the glazed polycarbonate shells are durable and only sustained minor dents after we hit each trunk with a bat multiple times. Plus, the interior nylon lining is water-resistant and stain-proof, enhancing the sets' longevity.

The Details: 2 pieces (21.7-inch and 28.25-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

• Design 4 /5
• Value 4.7 /5

Amazon's luggage sets are not just affordable, they’re also durable with unexpectedly large capacities.

The suitcases don't have TSA locks or USB ports.

Amazon Basics makes our favorite budget-friendly luggage, and you can save even more by buying it in sets of two or three. We were pleasantly surprised by the hardside spinner suitcases we tested. While we would have appreciated a few more pockets, we had no problem fitting everything on our list without the expanders, which increase the capacities by 15 percent.

Not only that, but the thick thermoplastic shells took our bat swings and shoves like a champ — no dents or scratches to speak of. Though rolling over the gravel wasn't the smoothest, these suitcases were easy to maneuver as well. They don't have USB ports or TSA locks, and the color options are somewhat limited. But considering the agreeable price point and three-year warranty, this is a pretty sweet deal for a luggage set.

The Details: 2-3 pieces (21-inch, 26-inch, and/or 30-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Expandable

Travelpro hardside luggage set.

• Capacity 4.9 /5
• Design 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

Backed by a lifetime warranty, these smooth-rolling suitcases are notably spacious with built-in expanders.

You won't save money by purchasing the luggage as a set.

All of the Travelpro luggage models we tested earned high ratings, but the Platinum Elite hardside collection might be our favorite. This two-piece set includes a matching carry-on and checked bag, each with spacious, expandable capacities. You can also add matching bags like the underseat duffel or rolling garment bag for a more complete set that fits every travel occasion. We could fit every last item on our list with room to spare, and the expanders add another two inches to the depth. The various pockets, zipper panels, and cross straps help with packing, too.

While we noticed a couple of superficial marks after whacking and shoving the suitcases, they didn't dent or scratch. The carry-on rolled a little better on two wheels than four, but otherwise, the Platinum Elite line is very easy to maneuver. Another thing to note is that buying the suitcases as a set isn't actually more affordable than purchasing them separately. Still, we think the price is fair and appreciate the 100-day return policy and lifetime warranty.

The Details: 2 pieces (23-inch and 30-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable | Smart

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Most Durable

Delsey paris 2-piece luggage set.

• Maneuverability 4.2 /5
• Durability 4.3 /5

These suitcases have glossy exteriors in your choice of jewel tones, and they don't scuff.

The carry-on isn't as smooth on all four wheels, and the handle feels somewhat flimsy.

We like the stylish and functional design of Delsey's Helium Aero collection. The jewel-toned suitcases will be easy to spot on a baggage carousel, and they won't show up scuffed or damaged. After hitting the bags multiple times with baseball bats, they showed no signs of damage — a sure indicator that they will survive all of your long-haul flights. This glossy hardside luggage set comes with a compact carry-on and a checked spinner suitcase . We didn't need the expanders to fit everything on our packing lists, but since there aren't many interior pockets, you might want to use packing cubes . 

These lightweight suitcases are generally easy to maneuver and turn on a dime. However, the carry-on was slightly rickety on all four wheels, and we thought the handle felt a little flimsy. This luggage brand is one of the most affordable we tried, and you'll save even more by buying a set. Helium Aero suitcases are also backed by a 10-year warranty.

The Details: 2-3 pieces (21-inch, 25-inch, and/or 29-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable

Best Lightweight

Kenneth cole reaction hardside spinner suitcase set.

These sleek yet rugged suitcases have spacious two-compartment interiors and smooth-rolling spinner wheels.

The hard shells are prone to minor scuffs.

If you tend to overpack , lightweight luggage can help balance out your load. The Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 2-piece set comes with a 5.7-pound carry-on and a 9.8-pound checked suitcase. While they look small, the two-compartment interiors are surprisingly spacious. After packing the checked suitcase with enough stuff to get through a week-long trip, the spinner wheels still turned sharply and moved smoothly on hard floors and carpet.

The sleek yet rugged hard-shell exterior survived drops and bat hits during testing, sustaining only minor scuffs. These lightweight, durable, and stylish suitcases are an excellent value as is, but you'll save even more by buying them as a bundle. Plus, Kenneth Cole backs the set with a 10-year warranty.

The Details: 2 pieces (20-inch and 28-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels

Coolife Spinner Trolley Suitcase Set

• Capacity 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5

Coolife Spinner Trolleys have strong yet flexible hard shells that resist dents, scratches, and scuffs.

They are not expandable.

Durability is essential for luggage, and Coolife doesn't disappoint. While this isn't the least expensive set on our list, the brand's two-piece Spinner Trolley Set includes a sizable checked suitcase and a carry-on that prove durable and long-lasting. These suitcases are made of ABS+PC (acrylonitrile butadiene and polycarbonate), a super-strong thermoplastic blend. After whacking the carry-on with a bat and shoving it off multiple surfaces, there was no visible damage.

These suitcases aren't expandable. However, the slightly flexible hardside exterior and stretchy cross bands made it easy to stuff in everything on our packing list in organized compartments. And the bags have TSA locks for an extra layer of protection. The four-wheel design is a piece of cake to maneuver, too, though it doesn't roll as smoothly on two wheels. Though Coolife's two-year warranty is relatively short, we wouldn't be surprised if this luggage set lasted several years. Considering the affordable price, you'll get plenty of bang for your buck.

Best Eco-friendly

Paravel aviator set.

• Design 4.9 /5

These durable, carbon-neutral suitcases are made of recycled materials and aircraft-grade aluminum.

We wish each side of the suitcase was a bit deeper to fit bulkier items.

Looking for eco-friendly luggage? Paravel is your best bet. Not only are these some of the most elegant suitcases out there, the brand is also dedicated to keeping its suitcases carbon-neutral , the brand offsets emissions at every point, from sourcing and assembly to shipping and delivery. We tried the Aviator Carry-on Plus and Grand Checked models, which are made of recycled materials and exceptionally durable aircraft-grade aluminum.

Though they don't expand, we loved the spacious compartments, dividers, pockets, compression panels, and removable laundry bags. For long trips, these suitcases were especially helpful since they are so light, you can really pack them to capacity without wasting any precious weight on the shell itself. Both suitcases stood up to our durability tests and only showed minor scuffing after being checked during six different flights. They were also easy to push, pull, and roll over multiple surfaces. The sophisticated aesthetic doesn't hurt either. While Paravel's price range is slightly steep, the brand backs its luggage with a five-year warranty.

The Details: 2 pieces (21.7-inch and 28-inch) | Hardside | Four spinner wheels

Best Maneuverability

Delsey paris chatelet 2-piece set.

The classically stylish suitcases are easy to maneuver over any surface.

They do not expand, so they can be difficult to pack.

If you're looking for a stylish luggage set that includes plenty of storage options, security locks, and easy-to-maneuver 360-degree wheels, consider the Delsey Paris Chatelet set. Whether you're interested in a carry-on and 28-inch checked bag , a 24-inch and 28-inch checked bag , or all three , this collection is perfect for every adventure. Despite their light, sleek coloring, all three bags survived being hit with bats multiple times without so much as a scratch during testing. In fact, after we checked them on multiple international flights, the 21-inch carry-on and 24-inch medium checked bag both survived with minimal scuffs that we could easily wipe away.

We also loved the bags' four 360-degree wheels that make rolling an absolute breeze. Throughout three months of real-world testing, we found ourselves running through airports, maneuvering onto escalators, and pulling the suitcases over curbs, sand, dirt, and asphalt without any issues whatsoever. And when it comes to lifting, the Chatelet set proved to be lightweight. Plus, the handles quickly slide back into the case, so you don't skip a beat going from pulling to carrying. We brought this set on planes, trains, and even cruise ships, and the suitcases easily navigated every surface and fit in every small corner.

The Details: 2 or 3 pieces (21-inch and 28-inch; 24-inch and 28-inch; or 19-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch) | Hardside | Four spinner wheels

Best Design

Béis hardside luggage set.

• Design 4.8 /5

Béis suitcases have roomy compartments, zippered sections, multiple pockets, laptop sleeves, and separate pouches for shoes or laundry.

The lighter colors may show scuffs.

Béis is already known for its accessible price points, but you can save 10 percent on a set of two hardside suitcases or 15 percent on three. Founded by actress Shay Mitchell , the brand is among the best for organization. Earning perfect scores for capacity, organization, design, and maneuverability during our tests, these are some of the easiest bags to pack and help keep your items easy-to-access throughout your whole vacation. We tried the Carry-on Roller and Large Check-in Roller, each with two roomy interior compartments, a zippered mesh section, multiple smaller pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and a separate pouch for shoes or dirty clothes.

The suitcases are also conveniently expandable, and four-point compression straps help keep everything in place. The hard shells feel sturdy and thick yet flexible, and we only noticed a small scuff after hitting them with a bat. Béis luggage is easy to push on its spinner wheels, and we had no problem lifting it overhead. A 90-day return policy and a lifetime warranty are icing on the cake of an all-around great luggage set, and it's possible to add other smaller bags like weekenders in coordinating colors, too.

The Details: 2–3 pieces (21-inch, 26-inch, and/or 29-inch) | Hardside | 4 spinner wheels | Expandable

Other Luggage Sets We Liked

We have a few more luggage sets we feel confident recommending after testing, although we didn't like them quite as much as the others on our list.

Antler Brixham Set : We love that these softside bags are shockingly strong and let you squeeze in more items than more structured hardside suitcases. However, they have a fairly basic design without additional pockets or storage compartments.

Travelpro Roundtrip Carry-on/Medium Check-in Hardside Set : We like this set for how spacious and stylish the suitcases are, but the checked size held up much better than the carry-on in our durability tests; when we hit the carry-on with the baseball bat, the reinforced corner of the suitcase chipped and flew off.

The Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 450 pieces of luggage in the lab, our New York City testing facility that features an airplane set with a real row of seats and overhead bins. To see how they'd hold up in a real-life setting, we packed them full of clothing and other items; rolled them over hard floors, carpet, and gravel; placed them in an overhead bin ; hit them with a metal baseball bat; and shoved them off tables.

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

After awarding each model a score for capacity, maneuverability, durability, design, and value, we narrowed it down to those with the highest average ratings. The winners of this roundup not only performed well in the lab and during six months of real-world travels but are also available in matching sets. We will update this article as we continue to test even more luggage sets that we like.

Tips for Buying a Luggage Set

Decide if you want a hardside or softside.

You'll see many hardside and softside options when browsing luggage sets. Rigid exteriors offer better protection against crushing, and while lighter colors are often prone to scuffing, they're easy to wipe clean. Softside suitcases are sometimes trickier to clean, but they conceal dirt and scuffs (and can be just as durable as hardside models). Softside suitcases are a bit more flexible when packing, too.

Only get what you need

It might be tempting to buy a luggage set with three or even four pieces, especially if it's available at a discount. However, we recommend getting only what you need and know you'll use. Two suitcases are plenty for most individual travelers, but you may need more if you're traveling as a family, with a partner, or heading on an extended trip .

Prioritize well-made items

Even the least expensive luggage sets are an investment, so you want to choose a long-lasting design. It's important to select high-quality luggage that can withstand rough baggage handlers and other stresses of travel while protecting all of your items. When looking for a new luggage set, you should prioritize durable cases that won't scuff or tear, sturdy wheels that can handle the bag's weight, comfortable handles that won't break, and quality interiors that will keep everything you pack safe.

Many travelers appreciate the crush-resistant exterior of hardside suitcases , especially if they're traveling with tech equipment or want to avoid wrinkling delicate clothing . The rigid exteriors are also easy to clean and flaunt a sleek, modern appearance.

That said, softside luggage can be very durable, plus it's easier to stuff full and often has external pockets where hardside models don't. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference, though all of our winning sets in this article happen to be hardside suitcases.

Oftentimes, buying sets can save you money since many luggage brands offer suitcase sets at a discount. However, other companies simply bundle pieces to demonstrate the ability to build your own matching set, which can be helpful when searching for your bag at a luggage carousel. If a discount isn't mentioned when you're buying a luggage set, you can add up the individual bag prices and compare that total to the bundled price to see if it's a better deal.

Most sets include two or three pieces of luggage with at least one carry-on item and one checked item. Sets that offer three bags usually provide an additional checked bag of a different size. If you're a frequent traveler, heading off on a long adventure, or traveling with family, you may want a three-piece luggage set to give yourself more options and packing space while maintaining the convenience of matching.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, commerce writer Theresa Holland combed through our luggage testing insights, researched each brand, checked warranties and return policies, and crunched the numbers on buying luggage sets versus individual pieces. T+L editors personally tested each luggage piece in our lab, and we will continue to update this article as we test even more luggage sets.

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• Study Abroad

GoAbroad's 2024 Study Abroad Gear Guide

Raised in a multicultural family in the colorful Chicago suburbs, Raquel’s greatest joy is ...

• Before You Go
• Packing Tips
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What sets study abroad packing apart from all the must-have gear out there for backpacking, general travel, and volunteer abroad? While you’ll find tons of useful accessories stuffed into a volunteer abroad packing list , the nature of study abroad calls for its very own assortment of hand-dandy treasures that will make your experience all the more fantastic.

Study abroad is a breed of its own, usually opening up opportunities to live abroad for months to a year at a time. The more diverse the destinations, seasons, and activities, the more Tetris-like and daunting the packing predicament becomes. You’ll never learned known the true meaning of struggle until you try condensing a years’ worth of things to take when studying abroad into 100 pounds. Only then will you be able to look in the mirror and confidently proclaim, “I can do anything.”

Although there’s the occasional weekend excursion roughing it in hostels, most time studying abroad is spent hunkered down in a homebase, where the “studying” portion (supposedly) takes place. Do you pack more functional, portable clothes or fancy stuff that won’t make you stick out like a sore thumb in your new home? Only the wiser, future “you” will ever know. This beloved blend of exploration and education gives way to a special little mix of goodies to help you along your study abroad journey.

[ American Students Studying Abroad—DO NOT Make These Stupid Mistakes ]

If you’re leaving in a few weeks on your study abroad program and still have an empty suitcase while reading this article, don’t panic just yet. Discover tons of things to take when studying abroad, even the ones you never knew you needed!

Where to buy your study abroad gear

Times may be changing, but there are still oodles of brick-and-mortar establishments at which to things to take when studying abroad with a good, old fashion transaction. Trying on a new functional jacket is usually a good idea before jetting off around the world, where you won’t be able to make returns!

Rookie mistakes include packing up your entire room (your grandma may even be packed in there too?)!

Students with a budget and a flexible packing list will find most of their basic needs at large retailers like Walmart and department stores in malls. If you’re heading toward a study abroad destination with the opposite weather of home, you’ll find all the off-season gems waiting on the sale racks. Outdoor travel specialty stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Patagonia carry tons of equipment and durable travel clothes for shoppers with a bit more cash to spend. A heavy duty Columbia coat may seem like a hefty investment for a study abroad trip, but the high-end gear will last you a lifetime. 

[To help pay for your new gear: 15 Little-Known Study Abroad Fundraising Ideas ]

Of course, the most convenient place to browse all your options side-by-side, like the best luggage to study abroad, is online (it’s the 21st century, after all)! You can scroll through thousands of choices on Pinterest or dig up countless reviews from real customers on blogs who’ve already taken the latest and greatest equipment on test runs. Once you’ve sniffed out your dream study abroad backpack, buying is as easy as a click Amazon Prime or a stroll into the store.

Stocking up on the best luggage for study abroad (AKA your lifeline)

The age-old mystery: How to relocate abroad in just two check-in suitcases while preparing for all possible scenarios, natural disasters, and social interactions?? The enigma demystified: Get your hands on the right luggage. You may want to pass up grandma’s trusted 30 year-old green floral print suitcases this one time.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com

The single most important asset you’ll take on your study abroad trip is a reliable suitcase (or backpack, if you’re ultra-adventurous and obsessed with mobility/convenience). With secret compartments galore, a flexible exterior, and a durable build, we think the Thule Subterra ($350 on Amazon) is one of the best luggage for a semester abroad on the market. Its lightweight frame means you can fit more of your actual stuff without the overweight airline fees. Did we mention this luggage also breaks into two pieces? With a detachable rolling bag and duffle, you won’t have to worry about lugging an extra day pack for weekend excursions. Hello, versatility.

• Equally functional: Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed 32 Inch Luggage
• Parents aren’t paying?: American Tourister Luggage Fieldbrook II 4 Piece set  
• For the backpacking type: Osprey Farpoint 55L

Packing Cubes 

Once the luggage situation has been taken care of, the fun has only just begun.

Photo Courtesy of Newchic.com

How on Earth does one squeeze the massive pile of clothes, shoes, and essential electronics into a tiny rectangle? Packing cubes, my friend. At $27, the New Chic 6-piece waterproof packing cubes are not only reusable for the journey back home and beyond, but they also make your belonging super accessible if you need to live out of your suitcase for a time. 

The “secret pouches” are completely opaque to store all your super secret study abroad possessions like that childhood teddy you can’t live without. It might seem like an extraneous purchase, but packing cubes will keep you super-organized, making it one of the best things to bring on study abroad.

• For an ultra lightweight option , try Tortuga Backpack's Outbreaker Backpacking Cubes ($59 for 3-pack), made from similar material to parachutes!  

Photo Courtesy of Cotopaxi.com

Sleek, sexy, and different color options available?

It seems almost too good to be true, but then again, the Boma 13L Daypack from Cotopaxi has all that and more. Its padded shoulder straps and internal laptop sleeve make this a great pack for commuting to class or crazy hikes through the jungle. At just $40, it’s also stands on the affordable end of the quality daypack spectrum. 

Trust us—you'll want to pack a smaller adventure pack to keep you going on all of your day trips and explorations around the city. It's the perfect companion for towing your camera, external battery, a good book in case you find an all-too-adorable cafe, your water bottle, and your other on-the-go necessities.

• Equally stylish: Fjällräven’s Kånken Backpack

Passport and travel document holders aren’t just for dads. 

With those study abroad trips that have you galavanting across countries at a time, you’ve got to have a well-organized place to store different currencies, transportation cards, and your documents. 

Zero Grid Passport Wallet and Passport Holder ($21.72) holds all that and even a phone, comes with a wrist strap, and lets you retrieve the most important things in life like a pro.

• Equally convenient: Hello Wanderer Versatile Travel Wallet

Water Bottle

Don’t sacrifice hydration in the name of convenience. Studying abroad is hard work, and that means your need to keep yourself in tip-top condition to go out and adventure to your fullest. A collapsible water bottle like Hydaway is one of our favorite things to pack for study abroad, as it easily stashes away when empty into a size small enough to fit into a pocket. Colorful, leak-proof, and BPA-free, the Hydaway will carry you through the toughest mountain treks and 3-hour long lectures for $20. 

• Equally hydrating: Try the HydraPak ($23) for a similar collapsible design!

Toiletries Bag

How do you cart around shower essentials through hostels, dorms, and airports? 

Zipper up your shampoos and toothpaste in a BAGSMART Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag ($29) all in one easy to access place. The bag’s ambiguous style suits both ladies and gents, with a hook to hang up in even the grungiest of showers when you’re really roughing it on a side trip.

For more of a feminine touch, the Pattern Toiletry Pouch on mochithings ($48) is also a useful roll-out hanging bag for bottles and tubes, but with a ton of whimsical patterns to choose from. You’ll be the most chic travel expert in the study abroad crew. 

• Equally handy: LL Bean's Large Organizer ($39)

Electronic things to take when studying abroad

Who knows where the wind will take you on your study abroad adventure or after, so it’s better to invest in an adapter that you can use anywhere. The Kikkerland UL03-A Universal Travel Adapter has worldwide compatibility in over 150 for less than $10. With a few adjustments to the prongs, any country is far game. That’s a lot places where you could be charging your phone.

Equally universal: Flight 001’s 4 in 1 Universal Travel Adapter

Portable charger

Let’s be real, who has just one electronic device to charge at any given time?

Photo Courtesy of FeelGift.com

 With our backpacks filled with phones, tablets, laptops, and e-books, there’s a constant need for some battery juice to keep life running smoothly. This $39 Universal Cable Travel Organizer Wool Felt Case built-in 4-Port USB AC Adapter is a jumbled mouthful to say, but it’ll keep up to four devices nicely organized and charging in a good looking felt case. No tangles, no missed messages, just a nice collection of full batteries.

• Equally effective: RAVPower 22000 Portable Charger 22000mAh 3-Port Battery Pack

Bag tracker

Lost or stolen bags are the bane of any study abroad-er’s experience. Even after acquiring the best luggage for study abroad, your well-dressed hopes and dreams or favorite conditioner can proof away within a moment of unattended baggage. A K-berho Mini Anti-lost Tag for $20 will track your apartment keys, purse, backpack, or prized possession while you’re on the road, so that you can avoid any unnecessary heart attacks.

• Equally helpful in a pinch: Tile Mate ($20)

Little things for the road

Photo Courtesy of Magellans.com

Travel blanket

Wrap yourself up in a divinely warm blanket while whizzing off to Italy on a frigid airplane. Sure, it may look like a toga, but when in Rome...This Jersey Travel Blanket isn’t just any only blanket—it’s a life-saving, shroud of comfort for the easily chilled travelers out there. For $25 this foldable blanket comes tucked away in an easily transportable pouch. 

• Equally warm: Flight 001’s Travel Blanket

Photo Courtesy of Hootoo.com

Portable WiFi

Take the power of the internet with you wherever you go with Karma Go WiFi Hotspot ($150). Lab reports, term papers, and research assignments aren’t going to complete themselves, yet your study abroad destination is begging to be explored and enjoyed. That only leaves one choice to pack up academic obligations and take them with you to the corner cafe or city park. Karma has a 6-8 hour battery life, fast connection, and portable size for optimum efficiency! 

For a few more functions on top of portable wifi, the HT-TM05 TripMate Versatile Wireless N Travel Router ($44) can transfer files from a phone to a USB storage device, charges electronics, and streams media via USB. Welcome to the future of convenience.

Photo Courtesy of trtl.com

Travel Pillow

Long-haul flights don’t have to be the most dreaded part of a journey. Start your study abroad experience right with a trip right into dreamland on a Trtl Travel Pillow for $30. True to its name, the pillow wraps around a neck, transforming its owner into a...well, turtle. An internal neck support covered in soft fleece fabric props up the head in a way that beats the traditional bulky U-pillow. For die-hard believers of the U-shape, the Adjustable Inflatable Neck Pillow from Lewis N. Clark ($17) may be a better fit. 

Dress for success as a student abroad

Here are a few absolute closet-staples that you've gotta fit in your suitcase whether you roll, squish, smash—whatever you gotta do. These'll make sure you're ultra-prepared for the adventure head.

Photo Courtesy of UncommonGoods.com

All-Weather Jacket

The right travel jacket is like asking your genie in the bottle for unlimited wishes. This Women's Ultimate Travel Jacket (or men’s ) is $159 on UncommonGoods, and comes packed with 15 drool-worthy travel features that eliminate the need for a few other items on our list of things to take when studying abroad. Boasting pockets galore, a built-in inflatable neck pillow, gloves and an eye mask, there aren’t too many other perks you could of a jacket. With all these game-changing innovations, we couldn’t find a similar jacket to measure up.

Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom.com

Convertible Dress

As if travel packing weren’t hard enough, study abroad packing for women in particular is one of the most daunting challenges any lady will have to face. Camis, bottoms, tops, dresses, 20,342 types of bras, and a mountain of shoes later, you’ve got what seems like a workable amount to pack away. 

Cut down on your outfit compromising with a ELAN Convertible Dress ($48) to wear 8 different ways. You’ll never know when you’ll need a little black dress, but it’s best to have it with you anyway in the form of several other outfits.

• Equally versatile: The Versalette ($118)

Photo Courtesy of Vans

Everyday Shoes

Durable, versatile, and comfortable are the magic words for an everyday shoe you can use for almost every occasion. For a pair that will last through the adventures and endless walking of a study abroad program, we suggest lightweight, reliable slip-on classics such as TOMS or Vans . Prices vary by style and color, but you’ll get the same snug fit with all!

Women’s Sandals

Photo Courtesy of Sanuk

Sometimes a study abroad destination is consistently hot, stick, sandy, or wet and the last thing you would want to do is trap your toes inside a suffocating shoe prison. The Sanuk yoga-sling sandal lets your feet breathe free, while having all-around support that ensures your sandal stays put as you traipse around. Perfect for hot-weather destinations, the Sanuk is $38 and offers a student discount. 

• Equally supportive: Chacos Women’s Classic

Men’s Sandals

Photo Courtesy of Teva

For the gentlemen, we suggest the Teva Universal Classic ($50)—a true classic reminiscent of the strap sandals your dad wore with socks in that 80s beach vacation picture. Sandals with socks may be a style faux-pas these days, but there’s a good reason that sandal design got big in the first place. Adjustable straps, quick-drying soles, and a cushioned footbed make these guys a travel favorite. 

• Equally sole-ful: Chacos Men’s Classic

[ Download Our Pre-Study Abroad Checklist ]

Now go forth and shop for study abroad with a purpose.

Most importantly, pack and open-mind and sense of adventure! Enjoy the moment. :)

Whether you’re an online shopping pro or an in-person purist, you can now run off and collect the must-have things to take when studying abroad. However, before going on a shopping spree, remember to keep in mind your specific study abroad program duration and activities when considering what to take with you. There’s no one-size-fits-all packing list, and many essentially may even be obtainable once you’re abroad!

Once you’ve gathered up your gear, you can begin the most difficult part of the study abroad journey, packing. Read up on some more pro packing tips for study abroad to fully equip yourself for the challenge ahead. 

Keep reading: The Art of Light and Precise Packing: What to Bring When Studying Abroad

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The Best Luggage Sets, Tested by Experts

Coordinating carry-ons and checked bags that are worth the investment.

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.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform hardside expandable luggage.

American Tourister Fieldbrook XLT Softside Upright Luggage

Best for Frequent Flyers

Travelpro platinum elite first class luggage set.

Most Fashionable

Calpak ambeur 2-piece luggage set.

Best on Amazon

Amazon basics 2-piece set hardside spinner.

Best Lightweight

Delsey paris helium dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Maneuverability

Monos for your special someone luggage set.

Most Popular

Away set of 2 classic.

Best Viral Luggage

Béis luggage set of two.

Best Sustainable

Eagle creek migrate 110l wheeled duffel bag.

If you're headed on a long trip or just consider yourself an over-packer, you might need more than one bag for your belongings (not to mention space to overfill with souvenirs on the way home). Instead of lugging around a hodgepodge of pieces, consider a luggage set. There's nothing more chic and put together than carrying a coordinating set of luggage complete with carry-on and checked bags. And if you're vacationing with kids or family, traveling with a matching set is a great way to keep track of all your bags. But with so many options to choose from, including different types of materials and all kinds of organizational features, it can be difficult to decide which luggage sets will look great, hold up to frequent use and really be worth the splurge.

Samsonite continues to stand out in our Lab evaluations and has wowed our consumer testers , earning it the title of best overall luggage brand . This luggage set includes two of our top-tested suitcases from the brand's Freeform collection — the smaller 21-inch carry-on model and the larger 28-inch checked bag. These suitcases are made of durable hardside material that performed well in our drop tests, resisting major damage after being released repeatedly at different angles from a set 3-foot height.

When we packed the suitcases with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes and accessories, we were impressed by how well everything fit inside with room to spare — even without having to use the 2-inch expansion system. One caveat: Some of our testers noted that the carrying handles on suitcases in this collection felt a bit tight, which made it more difficult to lift or lower the bags. However, the telescopic handles received higher scores for feeling sturdy and comfortable to use. Testers also appreciated how easily the suitcases navigated around twists and turns and said the 360-degree spinner wheels were smooth.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 28-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

At less than $100 for three pieces, this basic American Tourister trio is an absolute steal and one of the best affordable luggage sets out there. While the softsided carry-on, checked bag and personal item may be simple, they're still full of practical features that make traveling easier like plenty of external pockets, interior mesh pockets and compression straps to secure your belongings.

The brand's bags aren't as durable as others we've tested in the Lab, so I recommend this set for someone who isn't planning to fly frequently. According to one GH analyst who has used this set for nearly a decade, the bags have still held up well to repeated use. She added that the softside polyester material is slightly worn with some fraying and scuffs, but the bags are still useable, and the important features, like the telescopic handles and zippers, are in working condition. When we evaluated other suitcases from American Tourister, testers highlighted the smooth and stable wheels, and online reviewers say they roll nicely, despite only moving forward and backward.

Pieces: 3 | Sizes: 21-inch and 25-inch suitcases, 10-inch personal item | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Originally designed by a pilot for other pilots who are always on the go, Travelpro's luggage is the perfect pick for the frequent flyer, and I'm particularly impressed by the brand's Platinum Elite collection. The softside suitcases were some of the top performers in our durability tests , withstanding repeated dropping without dents or damage. The nylon material resisted signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth with our abrasion tester. They are heavier than many of the other bags we tested, but they are durable bags built to last.

The suitcases are thoughtfully designed with a tapered expansion system that prevents the bags from tipping over when full. Self-aligning spinner wheels let you push and pull in all directions, and cushioned handles with contoured grips add a comfortable feel. Plus, they're packed full of extras inside like expandable garment bags, toiletries bags and hidden USB ports to charge electronic devices (power bank not included). Our testers gave luggage in this collection high scores for ease of use and highlighted the sturdiness of the telescopic handle. If you're nervous about committing to the high price tag, the brand offers a 100-day return policy, even for used suitcases.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 25-inch suitcases | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 100 days, any reason

For luggage that looks as great as it performs, I recommend Calpak's Ambeur two-piece luggage set, which offers the best of fashion and function. Available in five fun metallic shades that are sure to stand out at baggage claim, the bags are made of a composite of polycarbonate and ABS plastic that aced our Lab tests for durability. They also proved water-resistant in our evaluations, but did show noticeable markings after we dragged a wire across the surface during our scratch-resistance tests.

The bags are GH-tester favorites and earned top marks for their performance in our luggage obstacle course which had testers pull the suitcases over different surfaces and around sharp turns. Testers especially loved the sturdy and easy-to-use telescopic handle. When we assessed the suitcases in the Lab, we were impressed by the zippers that opened and closed with ease. The spacious interior compartments were able to hold our entire packing load of items including clothing, shoes and toiletries. Both the carry-on and checked bag are expandable and equipped with zippered organizational pockets, compression straps and a removable toiletries bag. For even more organization, you can try Calpak's top-tested packing cubes too.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21-inch and 29.5-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate and ABS composite | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Not only does this two-piece luggage set from Amazon Basics have more than 34,000 five-star reviews, but it also earned high scores in our Lab evaluations and was loved by our testers. The carry-on and checked suitcase both unfold into two main packing compartments, one with compression straps to keep your belongings in place and another with a full zippered panel for even more security. When we packed the carry-on bag in the Lab, we fit an entire weekend's worth of gear including clothing, shoes and toiletries with room to spare. Plus, both of the suitcases expand for even more space.

The hardside suitcases are made of lightweight ABS plastic that keeps the price low, though it wasn't as scratch-resistant as some other suitcases we tested. It did hold up well in our drop tests though, with no serious denting or breakage after being released repeatedly from a set 3-foot height. When testers rolled the suitcases through our luggage obstacle course, around turns and over different surfaces from wood to carpeting, they were impressed by the maneuverability and wheel performance.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 20-inch and 28-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

As the name implies, these Delsey Helium DLX suitcases are some of the lightest we've evaluated in the Lab. No more lugging around bulky bags or struggling to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin. Despite being so lightweight, these bags are tough. In our tests for durability, the luggage held up well after being released repeatedly in our drop tests, and the softside nylon material showed no signs of wear after being rubbed back and forth 15,000 times by our abrasion tester.

In our evaluations, we found the exterior zippers a bit tricky to use, and the bags received lower scores for maneuverability than other suitcases we tried, but they did earn high scores for their comfortable gripped telescopic handles and for being easy to pack. All three of the suitcases open into one primary packing compartment with compression straps, and the lids of each bag are equipped with zippered pockets and elastic sleeves for additional storage. There are removable bi-fold organizers inside as well. I particularly love that the linings can be unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

Pieces: 3 | Sizes: 20-inch, 25-inch and 29-inch suitcases | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Designed with simplicity in mind, this two-piece set from luggage brand Monos has a sleek, modern look that our testers love. Both of the bags opened to reveal two spacious compartments that were able to fit our entire load of items in our packing tests. The carry-on bag features an adjustable compression panel, while the larger checked bag is equipped with compression straps and a larger fabric panel to keep everything in place. What's more, there are plenty of organizational mesh pockets inside the bags, along with additional shoe bags and a laundry bag to separate your dirty clothes.

During Lab evaluations, the durable carry-on and checked suitcase resisted major denting and damage in our drop tests. Both we and our consumer testers noticed prominent scuffing on the suitcases after use, but the brand provides a sponge for cleaning. One GH analyst said the sponge removed most of the marks on her bag. In our luggage obstacle course, testers appreciated the smooth gliding wheels and loved how effortless it was to maneuver the bags around twists and turns. They also noticed how well the telescopic handles locked into place at four different heights for easy toting.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 22-inch and 26.5-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Popular luggage brand Away carries sets of its best-selling carry-on and large checked bag for a better value — $50 off the full retail price. The hardside suitcases are loved by testers who highlighted the streamlined look and the spacious, well-organized interior. The bags open into two separate packing compartments with zippered mesh panels and pockets for additional space. There's also an adjustable compression panel inside each bag so you can really stuff it full if you're an over-packer like me. When we packed the bags in the Lab, we appreciated how smoothly the zippers opened and closed and how much we could fit inside.

The polycarbonate material is super lightweight — even lighter than some of our favorite softside luggage — and ultra-durable. It performed well in our drop tests, remaining in great condition after being released multiple times from a set 3-foot height. In our scratch tests, the bags showed minimal scuffs and markings. One caveat: Our consumer testers gave the telescopic handle lower ratings for feeling a bit wobbly when fully extended. The bags received high scores for their maneuverability and smooth wheels. If you want to add a personal touch to your luggage set, Away offers monograms of up to three letters for an added fee.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: 21.7-inch and 29-inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

If you're on Instagram or TikTok, chances are that you've come across viral luggage brand Béis . Actress Shay Mitchell's trendsetting travel brand offers carry-ons, checked bags, weekender bags and more — all thoughtfully designed. The suitcases feature details like cushy padded telescopic handles, a retractable strap to hold a small bag or your travel blanket and a built-in weight indicator to let you know if your bag exceeds 50 pounds. I'm especially a fan of the chic monochromatic color options — even the metal of the telescopic handle matches.

When we tested the brand's suitcases in the Textiles Lab, my fellow GH analysts and I were impressed by how well the luggage withstood dents and damage after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. We did note that the material was more prone to scratches and scuffs than other luggage we tested. The suitcases open butterfly style, exposing a spacious zippered compartment and a compartment with a secure compression strap. A few smaller pockets help keep your things organized. You can choose which pieces to include in your luggage set , so the price and number of pieces vary depending on your selections.

Pieces: 2 | Sizes: and 28.3 inch suitcases | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No

Whether you prefer traveling with a duffel, want something that will hold up to your outdoor adventures or are looking for a more sustainable luggage option, Eagle Creek has you covered. The brand's Migrate duffels are sold individually, but I like how you can build your own set with five sizes ranging from 40L to 130L. Each bag is convertible: You can carry it with the attached handles or wear it on your shoulders like a backpack. The larger checked sizes can also be tilted back to roll on the ground with the built-in wheels, while the smaller duffels (like the brand's 40L duffel ) make a convenient carry-on.

All of the bags are made of 100% recycled polyester with a TPU coating that's water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Plus, it's super durable, and one GH analyst who regularly travels with Eagle Creek duffels says the material holds up well to rough use. The duffels have a wide opening to make packing a breeze, and the large zipper tabs are convenient and easy to pull. Once your bag is packed, you can buckle the outer compression straps to secure your belongings.

Pieces: 1 | Size: Five sizes from 40L to 130L (sold individually) | Material: Recycled polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

How we test the best luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we test all kinds of luggage to determine which pieces are worth buying. We evaluate luggage in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab and share it with consumer testers who bring the luggage on their own trips and then provide us with valuable feedback. Here's what we look for when we test suitcases:

• Size and weight: To ensure that the brands' listed dimensions for the suitcases are accurate, we measure each bag in the Lab. We weigh the bags and place carry-ons in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to make sure the suitcases meet most airline restrictions.

• Ease of use: We test the luggage to determine how easy it is to open and close zippers and built-in locks, raise and lower the telescopic handles, roll the wheels, grab the carrying handles and more. We then rate and score the luggage for overall ease of use.

• Packing: We fill each piece of luggage with a standard load of items like clothing, shoes, accessories and toiletries (pictured) to test the capacity. For larger checked bags, we pack them with a week's worth of items and for carry-on bags, we add a weekend trip's worth of items. We then score each suitcase on how much it's able to hold.

• Drop testing: We fill the suitcases with a standard amount of weight and then load them into our drop tester (pictured). We then release the luggage from a set 3-foot height and repeatedly drop the luggage from different angles, evaluating each piece for any dents, damages or scuffs.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Best Luggage for College Students in 2022

When you’re packing for college, choosing the right luggage is essential. It would help if you had durable and would hold all of your belongings, but you also want something stylish and easy to carry. This blog post will discuss the  best luggage for college students . We’ll talk about different types of baggage and how to choose the right one for moving abroad .

It’s all about personal preference, but there are a few things to consider when choosing several luggage options. How often do you travel ? What items will you need to bring with you? Is it more important that the luggage looks nice? Your luggage choice largely depends on a combination of three things: weight, durability, and style. Not all suitcases are created equal – some are better suited for students than others. The most important feature to consider when shopping for a new piece of luggage is its TSA compliance. All bags accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can be used on major airlines, which makes them much more helpful than non-compliant bags.

Rockland Fashion Luggage Softside Upright Set

Coolife luggage 3 piece set suitcase, swissgear sion softside expandable luggage spinner, kenneth cole reaction out of bounds luggage, rockland melbourne luggage set, amazon basics carry-on luggage 21 inch, olympia 8 pocket rolling duffel bag 22-inch, u.s. traveler luggage set rio rugged fabric, quick shopping tips for best luggage for college students.

So, if you’re getting ready for your first year of college or whether you’re shopping for a new suitcase or want some advice on how to maintain your current one, we’ve put up a list of the top best luggage sets for college students  for you below. Read on!

Our Recommendations for Best Luggage for College Students in 2022

In this post, we discuss the best luggage options available for college students in 2022. We also describe which bags are best for students who travel frequently, as well as those who only travel occasionally.

Best Bags for College Students

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Rockland | Material: Denier Fabric | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 6.78 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

REASONS TO BUY

✓ Best bag for the price

✓ Best suitcases  for flying

✓ A best carry-on bag

✓ Best travel luggage set for very short trips (1 or 2 nights)

✓ Best suitcase under 50 dollars

REASONS TO AVOID

view on amazon Read Customer Reviews

This Rockland Fashion Luggage Set is best suited for college students looking to take their first trip home, not just for weekend getaways. This luggage comes in a wide variety of colors, so you are guaranteed to find at least one that suits your style. With the interior lining fully padded, you can be sure all your things will be safe no matter how much they jostle around on the trip. And if you are thinking of traveling with electronics, know that there is a compartment for them as well. There are even hangers so you won’t have to worry about wrinkling anything but the best clothes. It has a Telescoping handle system to make it easier for you to maneuver around the airport and a front zippered pocket for all your smaller items. The best part of this luggage is that it is not just limited to being carried on or being checked in. 

This Rockland Fashion Luggage Set is the best buy for the best bags for college students . Made from really durable material, you will be able to take all your stuff without worrying about any damage being done to them. The best part is that not only is this affordable, but it also comes in different colors to suit your style.

The best feature of this luggage is that there are two pieces. The larger one can fit five days’ worth of clothes while the smaller one can carry four days’ worth. You will be able to travel all over with your best friend without having to check in any bags. This makes it best suited for long-distance trips. There are also several compartments to keep things organized once you arrive at your destination. So best of luck on your next trip, college students !

Final Verdict

The Rockland Fashion Softside Luggage Set is ideal for college students. With this luggage, you can be sure your things will be safe no matter what. With the various compartments and pockets, you will be able to bring all the necessary items you need to your destination. The best part is that it comes in different colors to suit your style. So, whether you are a casual traveler or the type to bring your best, this is the right choice.

Best Travel Bag for College Students

Brand: COOLIFE | Material: ABS Hard Shell | TSA Lock: Yes | Warranty: 2 Years | Weight: 4.7 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.7 out of 5

✓ The COOLIFE luggage set is one of the highest quality sets available for the price. 

✓ It has ample space; both pieces can fit clothes, makeup, shoes, and other necessities. 

✓ It comes in a variety of colors with customizable compartments.

✓ It has TSA locks 

✗ The hard-shell case does not have wheels on its bottom. This can make it difficult to roll when in an airport with rough surfaces; however, the set has a handle that makes carrying easy. 

✗ The handle does not extend very high, making it difficult for people over 6 feet tall to use this luggage set.

Through their website, COOLIFE has a lot of items and options to choose from. There are so many different colors and styles you can choose from, and they have a section specifically for college students , which includes: roller bags, backpacks, duffel bags, and totes. They also carry accessories such as passport holders, luggage locks, wallets, etc.

One of the many good products that they offer is the COOLIFE Luggage 3 Piece Set . This set consists of a 22″ upright suitcase, a 21″ upright suitcase , and a 17″ carry-on bag. All three pieces are spinner suitcases which means that it has four wheels on the bottom, which makes them easy to roll around. The wheels are 360-degree spinner wheels so that you can go in any direction with ease. The bags are all hard-shell suitcases which means that the material is firm and sturdy. This helps protect your items if you decide to check them in, while also providing some form of security since it’s not easy to break into a hard-shell suitcase if you don’t have the right tools.

The bags come in three colors: black, purple, and pink. The outside is made of 100% Polycarbonate, making it lightweight and shatterproof. This  best travel bag for college students  has many features which make them a great product to buy. They have an adjustable TSA lock, which is good if you’re planning to go through the airport with your bag or travel a lot and need extra security. They also have expandable zippers to fit more items in them; the zippers also come with locks so that if you decide to check your bags, it will be tough for someone to open them.

In summary, COOLIFE the Luggage 3 Piece Set is a very durable and versatile set of bags for college girls. They are effortless to maneuver and fold up easily. It can accommodate more items than some of the other products and has many different sizes to fit everything in. Also, this set comes with TSA locks to easily protect your valuables, and it also has expandable zippers and locks for added safety.

Best Luggage for A College Student

Brand: SwissGear | Material: 600D Polyester | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 9.5 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.6 out of 5

✓ Very affordable

✓ Great for traveling back and forth from school to home

✗ It wouldn’t fit as many clothes as other suitcases

The Swissgear is built with an expandable compartment suitable for all types of travelers. It is durable, lightweight has a sturdier grip, and most importantly, it is affordable. This luggage features 360 degrees spinning wheels that are perfect when rolling it around. 

Swissgear Sion is a great suitcase that has all the features to make it one of the best suitcases to invest in right now. It has an expandable compartment suitable for all types of travelers like students and business people because they can carry their clothes more comfortably without worrying about encumbrance of luggage space since there’s room enough for everything you want inside with an additional compression zipper on top of it. This feature makes it a great choice, especially if you love traveling around carrying your life everywhere you go. The grip on the bag is sturdier, which makes it more durable. It is also lightweight and has the feature of 360 degrees spinning wheels which makes it easy to roll around. 

These suitcases are built with antishock technology, which is excellent in protecting your valuables and fragile items that you may carry inside one. It has an ergonomic and sturdy handle that has the perfect length to fit perfectly in your hand. Overall, this is a piece of great and affordable luggage to invest in, and it can be considered one of the best luggage for a college student .

I am delighted with the Swissgear Sion Soft Side Suitcase. It is a great backpack that is compact and lightweight. With an expandable compartment, it is ideal for students looking for something with a lot of extra space for their stuff. Also, it is a perfect choice for business people because of its sturdiness and durability. The wheels on this bag are well built, and it’s easy to maneuver around. The grip and handle are also very comfortable and perfect for any person to use. The only downside is that the fabric of this backpack gets dirty very quickly.

Best Luggage for College Boy

Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Material: ABS Hard Shell | TSA Lock: Yes | Warranty: 10 Years | Weight: 6.25 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

✓ Available in three different colors 

✓ Lightweight and durable suitcases

✓ Great for travel with four wheels and a durable aluminum frame 

✓ Comes with a garment bag to use in the suitcase for packing your suits

✗ May damage when used for travel (must be handled carefully)

✗ Can get caught in conveyor belts more quickly than other suitcases

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage is a collection of luggage sized for the needs of a modern, style-conscious traveler. The  best luggage for college boys  should be lightweight, durable, and easy to handle. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage is the best choice for all these specifications.

All items are made of ABS material; trolleys are fitted with four multidirectional wheels for easy maneuverability. Every item in this line is available in three color variations: black or charcoal exterior with grey interior and all-black exterior and interior. The lightweight suitcases and trolley bags from Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage come with a lifetime warranty – free repairs for any damage or defect – for the original purchaser. 

The machine’s trolley handle is made with a sturdy and user-friendly push-button retractable trolley handle that extends to be 41 inches long that fits most overhead compartments and is designed for comfort while dragging along on its four dual-spinner wheels that offers maneuverability, two rear recessed wheels for easy lifting and an automatic system of upright locking. The push-button handle does not require any manual locking. The main compartment of the lightweight suitcases opens to a large U-shaped opening. The three front pockets offer easy access to smaller items and feature a full-length zippered mesh divider with built-in elastic straps to keep your clothes from wrinkling. A specially designed shoe compartment on one side of the bag can hold up to two pairs of shoes.

The lining features a set of one-inch webbing strap handles and sturdy side and bottom panels that protects the garment from tearing or ripping at stress points and offers additional support to the bag’s structure. Every item in this collection is backed by Kenneth Cole Reaction lifetime guarantee, free repairs for any damage or defect.

My final thoughts are that the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage Collection is an exceptional collection of durable and lightweight luggage. It comes with outstanding quality, is compatible with any modern traveler, and is designed for convenience and comfort. This luggage is easy to carry and fits any size of airline overhead bins. The luggage is also backed by Kenneth Cole Reaction lifetime guarantee, free repairs for any damage or defect.

Best Carry on Luggage for College Students

Brand: Rockland | Material: ABS Hard Shell | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 16 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.6 out of 5

✓ Inexpensive 

✓ Lightweight 

✓ Free shipping

✗ Zippers are not that great

This hard-side luggage set by Rockland is everyone’s favorite. The 20″ carry-on has a tough exterior, making it everyone’s go-to choice for traveling. Its expandable feature provides extra packing space without compromising the exterior. Its four spinner wheels allow for more free movement, less stress on your arms and shoulders. The 28″ spinner has a smooth rolling design that makes it easy to maneuver through any airport with its sleek design and sturdy construction. 

This Rockland Melbourne Luggage Set is a perfect choice for anyone going on a short vacation or college student. All in all, this two-piece luggage set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable and affordable carry-on luggage.

While the tough exterior protects your belongings inside away from sticky fingers, the set includes an interior mesh pocket, tie-down straps to keep your clothing in place, so everything is ready to go when you are. This piece of luggage will help you get around with ease. Industrial strength ABS exterior protects your belongings from being damaged during travel. Steel frame ensures that the luggage is lightweight. Interior mesh pockets and tie-down straps keep clothing organized and wrinkle-free. Suitable as  best carry on luggage for college student. 

Rockland is one of the most trusted names in luggage. This makes it an ideal choice for people looking for affordable and durable luggage sets. As it has high-quality zippers, this hard side luggage set is bound to last long without developing tears or cracks. The Rockland Melbourne Luggage Set is one of the most famous pieces of luggage on Amazon, and for a good reason: It provides exceptional value at a low price and is backed by an excellent warranty.

The Rockland Speciale Hardside luggage set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for affordable and durable carry-on luggage. The rugged exterior protects your belongings from being damaged during travel. It is a perfect choice for college students. With an industrial-strength ABS exterior, this luggage set will last long without developing tears or cracks. Moreover, this piece of luggage will help you get around with ease.

Best Luggage for College Graduate

Brand: Amazon Basics | Material: ABS Hard Shell | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 7.34 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.7 out of 5

✓ Affordable

✓ Has a lifetime warranty (although this doesn’t make it better than the luggage itself)

✓ Has four double-spinner wheels that guarantee easy mobility in all directions so that you never have to lift your luggage ever again.

✗ It does not have a TSA-approved lock. But, it is the best luggage for college students as all standard locks work with it.

At Amazon Basics, they design and develop various products with core functionalities and innovative solutions. One such product is their  best luggage for college graduates. They provide performance and value bags best utilized for most trips ranging from quick weekend getaways to extended vacations. At 21 inches in length, the hard side spinner is best suited for anyone looking for luggage for college graduates. The best part of this best luggage for a college graduate is the 360-degree spinner wheels, which make it best suited to tuck into any nook or cranny on an airplane. You can even spin them around with your finger! 

This Amazon Basics Carry on Luggage is made up of 100 percent polycarbonate and is best utilized for one to two-week trips. It is being used as the best luggage for college grads because it best fits into the TSA requirements and is best used as the best luggage for college graduates because of its lightweight and durability.

It has four double-spinner wheels that guarantee easy mobility in all directions so that you never have to lift your luggage ever again. The Amazon Basics Carry on Luggage, Black has an interior mesh pocket and zipper closure on the inside for added organization, as well as lockable zippers to keep all belongings securely tucked away. It provides a fully lined 150D-polyester interior organizer with a divider suitable for business accessories, toiletries, and more. The best part of the luggage is that it comes with a standard lifetime warranty. This piece of best luggage for college graduates can be utilized for personal travels and work. So, pick up one today to make all your traveling a breeze!

The Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner is best utilized for one to two-week trips. Its spinner wheels make it best suited for traveling to and from airports. And it is lightweight and durable, making it best suited for a college graduate. It has sturdy construction with a durable fabric, and it is highly portable. So, you can utilize this luggage for your travels.

Best Luggage for College Girl

Brand: Olympia | Material: 1200D Polyester | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 5.94 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.5 out of 5

✓ Has eight total pockets

✓ Made out of high-quality 190T polyester

✓ Comes equipped with padded shoulder straps

✗ There is no internal structure to keep everything in place while being carried or rolled around.

Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag 22-Inch for a college girl is a great choice since it can be used as more than just luggage, but also has an attached garment bag that zips off to carry dresses or suits, making it more versatile. Olympia rolling duffel bag is the best for college girls of all ages. It’s made of top -of-the-line “Protecflon” Polyester, which has 1200 D. Polyester in it to make it very tough and also water-resistant, which is perfect if you go to the beach or rainy areas.

This luggage also comes with a lifetime warranty covering any damage or defects. Olympia rolling duffel bag holds up to 200 pounds, giving you the convenience of taking everything needed on your trip. It has a double telescoping handle and huge recessed wheels to make pulling a breeze. There’s an attached folding garment bag that can be detached and used as a separate handbag, with a carrying capacity of 3 pieces of A4-sized clothes.

Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag 22-Inch has four 360° rotating wheels that can be locked on static mode, making pulling easy, especially on uphills. It comes with a retractable handle and shoulder straps for ease in transportation, making it easy to carry around even when not rolled over. Its color is red, and it has an aluminum telescopic handle. The  best luggage for college girls  provides plenty of storage space while being lightweight and durable, weighing only 6.5 pounds and made out of high-quality 190T polyester. This best-rated rolling duffel bag also comes equipped with padded shoulder straps to make carrying the luggage easy, along with wheels to make pulling easier.

The Olympia 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag is the best luggage for a college girl because it has eight total pockets, including one large main compartment and six outside compartments, providing everything you need when going on a trip or even just a trip on the weekend.

Overall, Olympia Rolling Duffel Bag is perfect for a college girl. Its spacious interior and large compartments are perfect for carrying everything you need during the day. You can fit everything you need and still take it with you even when it’s not rolling. There are four 360° rotating wheels which make it easier to pull, and it also has a retractable handle for ease of carrying. This best-rated luggage is lightweight and durable, with a durable telescoping handle and shoulder straps for comfort in taking. The best-rated rolling duffel bag also comes with a sturdy aluminum telescopic handle and a protective cover.

Best Luggage Sets for College Students

Brand: U.S. Traveler | Material: 1200D Polyester | TSA Lock: No | Weight: 6.29 lbs | Amazon Ratings: 4.3 out of 5

✓ Four-year warranty against manufacturing defects

✓ Carry on approved by all major airlines

✓ Top and side carry handles for easy carrying

✗ Should not be used as an airline checked bag; it is only suitable as a carry-on, meaning students who intend to fly home on breaks or holidays will still need another luggage set just for checking into flights. Two luggage sets are necessary, which adds extra weight and money to the budget.

The best luggage sets for college students are durable but weigh as little as possible. The best fit is the U.S. Traveler Luggage Set Rio Rugged Fabric in red, weighing three pounds when empty and includes a four-year warranty against manufacturer defects on all stitching, zippers, wheels, and fabric. The best luggage sets for college students also have an interior mesh divider and exterior zipper pocket, and two wheels with ball bearings allow the luggage set to be pulled or pushed at any angle with ease.

U.S. Traveler Luggage Set Rio Rugged Fabric in red weighs three pounds when empty. It includes a four-year warranty against manufacturer defects on all stitching, zippers, wheels, and fabric. In addition, it has an interior mesh divider and exterior zipper pocket, and two wheels with ball bearings that allow the luggage to be pulled or pushed at any angle. The simple handle includes an internal deluxe retractable push-button and a self-locking mechanism for easy transportation and a lightweight ABS molded exterior, push-button double-locking telescoping handle system. The best luggage set has a total capacity of 45 liters or 1530 cubic inches and can expand an additional 2 inches when needed, making it carry-on approved by all major airlines.

The best luggage comes with a warranty because they may not be covered by standard warranties like student insurance plans due to their age, even though it is best practice to purchase new luggage before going off to school. The  best luggage set for college students  weighs as little as possible, so it does not weigh down a student’s budget when they book flights home during breaks and holidays.

My final thoughts are that the U.S. Traveler Rio Rugged Fabric Expandable Carry-On Luggage Set in red is the best luggage set for college grads because of its weight, durability, and four-year warranty. In addition, this product is made of a rugged fabric, which allows the luggage to withstand extreme weather conditions and even withstand a few trips on bumpy airplanes. It also comes with an interior mesh divider and several practical pockets, which are not standard on most other travel luggage sets. It also comes with an extra-long telescopic handle that is easy to operate and comfortable. Furthermore, it has a lightweight ABS molded exterior that helps in the luggage’s durability.

Traveling for school is an exciting opportunity to explore new places and learn about different cultures while getting a degree. With your future in mind, you must invest in the best luggage set to get you through four years of college without any worries or problems. It can be tough deciding which bag will work best because there are so many options available on the market right now. If this sounds like something you need help with, we recommend checking out our blog post “ Best Luggage for College Students ” where we break down some of the top choices currently out there today! What did you decide? Let us know below!

Shopping for college students can be pretty tricky. You want to get them something that will last and come in handy for a lost textbook or picking up a pizza. When looking for the  best luggage for college students , it’s essential to consider size and durability. One of the most important aspects is knowing how much room you have! 

Keep the following luggage essentials in mind to buy the best luggage .

First of all, you will need something sturdy and of high quality. Whether it’s being tossed around by baggage handlers or being dragged through the streets of another country, our luggage has seen it all. High-quality materials such as ballistic nylon, metal hardware, and quality stitching ensure that the luggage is tough enough to handle any abuse. 

Second, luggage that is easy to maneuver and lightweight is a must. After all, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by bags as you haul your belongings from place to place. Look for anything with 360-degree spinner wheels, a telescoping handle, and a comfortable ergonomic grip.

Third, color and style are essential in small and practical items such as luggage. Many brands offer a range of colors so that your luggage isn’t just functional but fashionable too.

Finally, always pay attention to the warranty on your luggage. If you’re looking for the  best bags for college students , make sure it comes with a warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What luggage should I bring to college?

For many students, packing is the most challenging part of the college experience. To ensure that your time at college goes smoothly and you don’t find yourself burdened with too much luggage, we recommend that you pack some essentials and clothing items in your carry-on bag and check for more oversized items in your luggage.

Which luggage bag is best for international students?

Traveling abroad can be a daunting experience that requires careful planning and packing. However, the process of finding the best luggage bag can be tricky, especially if you are looking for an international student. This article will help you find the best luggage bag for your next global adventure.

Which luggage is most durable?

There are many different types of luggage, with different styles and materials. Some baggage is made from high-quality material, while others are more affordable. Due to this, it can be challenging to determine which luggage is the most durable. However, in my opinion, the most durable luggage is a hard shell suitcase with a fabric body because it is less likely to break when dropped or in a situation when the bag falls from a height. Fabric bodies will typically have more tears and holes than hard shell suitcases when it falls from a height.

Which suitcase brand is best?

Most people would disagree with me when I say that the best suitcase brands are Samsonite and Delsey. This is because these brands make some of the most durable suitcases on the market. Many companies make suitcases, but these two seem to be the most popular. This is because they offer a wide range of sizes and colors to choose from. They have a suitcase for just about everyone’s needs and preferences.

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Best Luggage for Study Abroad Students

One of the most exciting times in a student’s life is getting the opportunity to study abroad. There’s enough to worry about when it comes to leaving the country for an extended period, and you shouldn’t have to stress about all the little things like what luggage to buy. We’ve created a helpful guide to show you the best luggage for study abroad students. Yes it’s a good idea to have a large checked bag as well, but our guide is strictly for finding the best carry on suitcase for study abroad students.

*Luggage is considered “international-sized” when it is 21” or less*

Our Top 3 Carry On Picks for Study Abroad

What to look for in an international bag.

There is definitely a difference in luggage meant for international travel as opposed to luggage strictly for traveling within the country. International airlines tend to have stricter rules and regulations when it comes to carry on bag restrictions. We have an article showing the 3 best carry ons for international travel , however those may be considered too expensive for a student trying to save money, so scroll down to see more detail on our top picks for students traveling abroad.

Carry on suitcases typically range from 20” to 22” tall. This may seem like a negligible difference, however it can make a huge difference. Sometimes at the airport gate, an airline may randomly ask for everyone to bring their carry on up to place in the size checker. If you have a 22” carry on, it obviously will not fit if the minimum is set to 20” or 21”. You can plead your case all you want, but odds are that the airline will force you to check your bag at the gate, and will charge you for it. This surprise cost can be $50 or more, which is tough on anyone, especially a student studying abroad. To avoid any of these types of surprises, it’s best to go with an international carry on suitcase that is 20” tall. You may be able to get away with a 21” tall suitcase, but a 20” bag will be acceptable to most all international and domestic airlines. For specific requirements, take a look at our carry on luggage size chart .

Below are our 3 favorites. Since students usually don’t have a lot of excess money to spend on a suitcase, the top 2 bags below tend to fluctuate around the $100 price point, while the 3rd is our budget option which is around $50.

Samsonite Omni 20” International Carry On

We’ve written extensively about how much we love the Samsonite Omni luggage line, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of our readers. Students especially will love this bag because of its very reasonable price, durability, and great color selection.

Some folks won’t think it’s a big deal when choosing a luggage color, and like to go with black most times. Any frequent traveler will tell you that having a bag that looks different than all the others is helpful when picking your bag out at the baggage carousel. The Omni international bag is offered in around 10 different colors at any given time period, making it a great ‘unique’ bag if you decide to go with a more obscure color.

Students traveling abroad will also enjoy how easy this is to clean since it’s a hard-sided bag. The debate of hard vs soft luggage will forever rage on, but students might appreciate the durability and ease of cleaning that a hard shell will offer them.

Travelpro 20” Maxlite 4 International Carry On

Another suitcase line that we absolutely love is the Maxlite line from Travelpro . Maxlite is the flagship line that Travelpro offers and it’s easy to see why. Owners of this bag are obsessed with how light and durable this suitcase is. Normally, you end up sacrificing some durability with a soft-sided suitcase, but the material used in the Maxlite line is super strong, traveler-tested  and will last you a very long time.

Added benefits with this Travelpro bag include an expandable zipper area. If your airline permits, or if you’re just trying to pack as much as you possibly can into this one, the expandable zipper can be a lifesaver. Unzipping the expandable section will create an additional 2” depth of storage space.

The color options are not nearly as wide as the Omni, and the Maxlite is also priced a tad higher, but the reviews are in and travelers swear by this bag. You’ll find added detail everywhere, which for a bag less than $150, is quite a rare feat.

Rockland Melbourne 20” International Carry On

In all honesty, this one is our budget-conscious recommendation, so take this one with a grain of salt. If you absolutely need to spend as little as possible on your new luggage, you can’t go wrong with Rockland’s Melbourne 20” international bag. The Melbourne has been around for a long time, and still maintains an Amazon user review of over 4 out of 5 stars, which is kind of amazing for a bag around $50.

Students will love that this line comes in over 20 different color options – the most we’ve ever seen for a bag of any price! The hard-shell will provide good protection, which is necessary when buying a cheap carry on. Students will also love the fact that although this is a hard-sided suitcase, it still features an zippable, expansion area. If you don’t have a ton of cash to spend, the price of the Melbourne international cannot be beat.

One of the greatest trips of your life awaits! We hope that our best luggage for traveling abroad guide helps get you one step closer to an unforgettable experience.

Getting an international sized carry on is the first step, but it’s also just as important to know how to pack. We’ve written an exceptional guide on how to save space when packing carry on luggage – this will help you optimize your packing.

You can definitely spend $200+ on an international travel carry on, but you really don’t have to. There are tons of great carry ons out there for less than $150, make sure you read user-reviews and pay attention to what actual owners have to say about their purchase. Just remember to stick with a bag that’s less than 22” tall, and you should be fine. Now it’s time to travel, learn, and grow – enjoy!

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• Travel Covers

About the Product

An efficient, lightweight way to take your game on the road..

• Maximum Durability & Quality
• Water-resistant 1000 Denier nylon fabric
• Club Glove signature high impact wheelbase
• Rugged wheels for smooth and quiet transport
• Premium YKK zippers and ITW Nexus Buckles
• Stiff Arm for added club protection
• 2 external storage pockets
• Club Glove patented Train Reaction System (TRS) compatibility
• Exterior Dimensions: 51”(h) x 15”(w) x 14”(d)
• Weight: 8.0 lbs

College Traveler Travel Bag

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The best checked luggage of 2024, tested by editors.

A checked bag is just as essential as a good carry-on.

The Best Checked Luggage

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Every traveler can use a solid piece of checked luggage that can fit enough clothing, accessories and shoes for a long trip. Durability, plenty of storage and wheels that can handle rolling a full bag easily are just a few things to look for in a reputable piece of luggage.

If it's time to purchase a checked bag that can accommodate your belongings and handle the rigor of being tossed around, read on to discover your best options. All of our recommendations have top ratings and have also been personally tested and reviewed.

Best Overall: DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Best soft-sided: travelpro crew classic large check-in expandable spinner, best medium: away the medium, best large: lojel cubo large, best trunk: july checked trunk, best lightweight: lipault plume very long trip, best organization: solgaard check-in closet original – medium.

(Note: Prices and stock availability were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $209.99 or less

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 8.25 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 117 liters | Colors: Black, green or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

The soft-sided DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner is our top overall pick for the Best Checked Luggage thanks to its durability and excellent handling. This piece of checked luggage features double-spinner wheels; a collapsible handle for use on two or four wheels; a TSA-approved lock; and cushioned top, bottom and side handles. The bag has one large interior compartment with tie-down straps to keep everything in place and a medium zippered side pocket, plus a large zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the top of the bag, perfect for holding toiletries (or dirty clothes as your trip unfolds).

There are two large front pockets on the exterior of the bag for stashing last-minute or smaller items. The exterior of this checked bag is constructed of a polyester fabric with a twill pattern, and the bag expands quite a bit to fit in any additional souvenirs you may want to bring home with you.

What our editors say:

I am obsessed with this soft-sided checked bag – it fits an absurd amount of stuff. You can easily pack enough clothes, shoes, accessories and gear for a two- to three-week trip, and even when it's filled to the brim, the wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver the suitcase across many types of terrain. Mine has been checked numerous times, and the darker-colored fabric with its subtle design means any scuffs are pretty impossible to see and it hasn't scratched or dented at all. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $279.99 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 20.9 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days | Colors: Navy, white, gray, black or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a traveler favorite for good reason. This hard-sided polypropylene suitcase is impressively lightweight for its size and made to last. A built-in TSA lock protects your luggage, and it expands by 1.5 inches when you need more room. There are two main packing compartments separated by a zippered panel on one side and compression straps on the other. The double wheels will allow you to navigate any airport or destination with ease. The Freeform also comes in medium and carry-on sizes, as well as a two-piece set.

I used to only use soft-sided luggage, but I've been won over by this suitcase. I love how easy it is to maneuver and lift such a large bag during my travels. You also can't go wrong with the Samsonite Outline Pro Large Spinner , which comes in a few other colors and has a slightly different compression system inside. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $349.99 or less

Dimensions: 30.75 x 18 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 130 liters | Colors: Black, gray or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

Like many Travelpro luggage pieces, the Travelpro Crew Classic Large Check-in Expandable Spinner comes with a plethora of handy features. A TSA-approved lock keeps your belongings safe, and the self-aligning wheels make for easy rolling across a range of surfaces. Inside, you'll find a removable fold-out suiter for protecting clothes against wrinkles – so you won't need to bring an extra garment bag for a formal affair. There are also interior pockets (including a water-resistant one) and hold-down straps for keeping your belongings organized and secure.

This Travelpro spinner can hold plenty at 130 liters, but if you need something even bigger, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner is a great alternative with many of the same features and 143.5 liters of space.

I was shocked at how lightweight this suitcase was for its size. The fold-out suiter is a game-changer for business travel or travel that requires formal attire, like a cruise or destination wedding . – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $365 or less

Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 7-14 days; 68 liters | Colors: Several options, including black, sea green, olive or white gloss Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Medium by Away is surprisingly large, with enough storage for about two weeks' worth of clothing. An interior compression panel and mesh pockets help maximize space, and an included laundry bag allows you to easily separate dirty and clean clothing in your suitcase. This checked bag also comes with a color-matched luggage tag. For the inevitable scratches, you can use a magic eraser to wipe the bag clean.

The Medium is so spacious that I can't imagine using a larger checked bag. I also appreciate all of the grab handles that make it easy to load on to the airport scale or pull off the baggage claim belt. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $430 or less

Dimensions: 30.5 x 21.7 x 13.4 (14.6 when extended) inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 120 liters (130 when extended) | Colors: 9 options, including burgundy, black, yellow or navy Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year

The flat-top opening on this large suitcase really makes it stand out from the crowd. Given its size, the top opening makes it easy to pack and close the suitcase when you have limited space. Constructed with 50% recycled polycarbonate, this style has a durable and sustainable design. The interior of the expandable suitcase has a lid with two spacious mesh compartments and a third with a privacy panel. For added organization, there's a zip pocket and a compression divider with four zip pockets, which keeps small items organized and helps you compartmentalize your belongings while in transit.

If you're looking for a large checked suitcase that is sturdy, easy to wheel and can hold a lot of contents, this is it. I really like the variety of zip pockets on the interior to keep smaller items easy to find, and the flat-top opening is a real game changer in small hotel rooms or tight spaces. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Price: $545 or less

Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 13.2 pounds Packing capacity: 10-14 days; 95 liters | Colors: 11 gloss and matte options, including dark green, red or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with 100-day trial

This trunk is constructed with a rivetless anodized aluminum frame and crush-proof German polycarbonate shell. The trunk design has an 80/20 lid opening, and it closes with twin integrated TSA latch locks. On the inside, the bag has stain- and water-resistant nylon lining, a hidden laundry bag and a Y-strap compression system to keep contents secure. For easy maneuvering, it has a multi-height adjustable soft handle, top and side carry handles, and dual-spinner wheels.

From its sleek exterior to its space-maximized interior, this trunk makes packing for a long trip a breeze. The handle is extremely comfortable to pull, and the silent wheels glide effortlessly on an array of surfaces. – Rachael Hood

Price: $329 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 18.1 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds Packing capacity: 10-21 days | Colors: Maroon, navy or khaki green Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

Weighing in at less than 9 pounds, this checked bag doesn't sacrifice quality or features. Its durable nylon construction wipes off easily, so you won't be too troubled by white winter salt marks or spilled coffee. The interior features two fold-down shelves, allowing you to pack it like a trunk or a traditional suitcase. There's also a mesh separation net to keep all of your belongings in place when you open the case, as well as two large interior zippered pockets.

On the front of the bag, you can make use of a spacious front zip pocket, a coordinating luggage tag and a zippered compartment that conceals and protects the telescoping handle when not in use. The spinner wheels glide easily on any surface, and if you want a coordinating carry-on, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner – U.S. News' top soft-sided luggage pick – can be stowed inside this bag when not in use.

While I try to stick to carry-on luggage, this checked suitcase is extremely impressive and perfect for when I need more space. I absolutely love the shelves that can be folded down flat when I don't want them, but also the ability to pack so I can just use the suitcase like a rolling closet. It's really lightweight, and I love that it coordinates with one of my favorite personal item bags, the Lipault City Plume 24H 2.0 . – Rachael Hood

Sharael Kolberg

Price: $355 or less

Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 10.7 pounds Packing capacity: 10-15 days; 91 liters | Colors: 13 options, including black, red, purple or precious metals Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're the type of person that likes to transfer your clothes from your suitcase to the hotel dresser upon arrival to keep things organized, this Solgaard suitcase is for you. With its built-in shelving system, you don't have to unpack – just pack your clothes into the five shelves and, when you get to the hotel, hang the removable shelving system for easy access. The suitcase is made with a durable polycarbonate shell. It comes with a TSA-approved three-digit lock, and the frictionless wheels paired with its comfortable handle make this checked bag easy to maneuver.

What our contributors say:

Not only does this suitcase make it easier to travel, but I also love that it is designed with sustainability in mind. Each one is made from 100% recycled plastic that is collected in coastal communities, in order to prevent it from going into the ocean. The one downside is that the shelving does take up some room, so you might be trading convenience for maximum capacity. – Sharael Kolberg

How we tested

Taking into account durability, capacity and features, our team tested more than a dozen checked bags from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the maneuverability of the wheels and comfort of the handle on a range of surfaces from moving walkways to cobblestones. After taking these suitcases on a variety of journeys, we've selected these checked suitcases as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Luggage Brands
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Hard-sided Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The Luggage Resource for Savvy Travelers

The Best Luggage for College Students

Your own decision on the types of bags and number of pieces you need will depend in large part on how much clothing and accessories you’ll be taking with you, and your planned use for bags, on campus and off, throughout the year.  Below we take a look at some other key considerations and top rated picks of each type of bag that college students everywhere have found to be the most useful.

Duffel Bags and Softsided Bags For Easy Storage

If you like the duffel bag idea but are looking for something a little more economical, have a look at this Olympia Luggage 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag .  It may be the lowest cost piece of luggage on our list, but this 2-wheeled 26-inch duffel is ultra-durable and has 8 different pockets for tons of packing flexibility.  Plus this easy-to-handle size is useful for short or long trips.

Wheeled Sets for Versatile Travel Uses

Another thing to keep in mind when selecting your luggage is that you’ll likely be using your luggage not just to get to school at the beginning of the year, but for week-end and holiday outings, visits back home, and moving in and out most every year.

Matching sets of multiple pieces are great because you’ll have lots of versatility in choosing which bags to use for a given adventure.  Choose a set that’s designed to nest one inside the other, like this Samsonite 5 Piece Nested Luggage Set , for minimizing the total storage space needed when not in use.

Backpacks and Tote Bags for Everyday Use

This SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900 is a comfortable size and has tons of compartments for all your gear, plus a place for a water bottle, making it a great bag for everyday use around campus or for taking out for a day’s hike. 

Plus it features a well-padded compartment for your tablet, eBook, or up to a 15.5 inch laptop, making it great for use around campus too.   Lots of pockets and slots inside and out provide great organization options for mobile devices and personal items.  And they come in 15 stylish color options.

 When searching for the best luggage for college students, the key is to think about how you will be using it.  Be sure to have a good sturdy suitcase or two so you can carry all your stuff where and when you need it.  Choose any of the picks above and you can’t go wrong.

Best Luggage for International Travel to Make Your Trip Abroad Easy and Enjoyable

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

More Americans are traveling abroad with over “one-in-five Americans planning on vacationing in a foreign country in the near future,” according to Reuters . I myself head to Sweden for a few weeks every summer to visit my in-laws, and packing our suitcases with clothes—both sweaters and bathing suits because Swedish weather can be unpredictable—along with gifts for relatives is a days-long undertaking.

When traveling internationally, most people focus on important stuff like updating passports, understanding customs requirements, making hotel reservations, and planning exciting itineraries, but choosing the right luggage for your long-haul trip ranks up there in ensuring you and yours have a fun and hassle-free trip.

“Choosing the right luggage helps to keep your trip smooth and uncomplicated,” says Ivette Manner s, a travel and bridal writer who goes around the globe for her job several times a year. “I travel often for work and leisure and like to keep things simple. You don’t want to rush through airports, customs, taxis, and public transport being bogged down with a lot of baggage—and you don’t want to make the mistake of leaving anything crucial behind.” she says.

What to consider when choosing luggage for international travel

Situation equals size.

Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend wedding or embarking on a multi-city trip will help you decide which type of suitcase you need: carry-on, mid size, oversized, weekender, and more. Also, how many are in your party? Traveling solo or with family, friends, or loved ones?

Visiting Europe with my family for two or three weeks means we need larger, checked luggage paired with smaller carry-on backpacks and totes for the flights. When traveling for work, Manners takes “one roomy, zip-top tote bag and a medium-size suitcase.” The length of stay, and purpose of travel will help determine the size and type of luggage you need.

Airline compliance

It is zero fun to have to check your carry-on last-minute or pay extra exorbitant fees because you overstuffed your luggage and exceeded weight and size limits. “As soon as you book your flight, check the airline’s baggage allowance and restrictions policy,” cautions Manners, so you can stay within the baggage dimensions. “It’s a good idea to invest in a bag within the baggage dimensions allowed by the airline(s) you frequently travel on, so you’re not surprised at the airport with extra baggage charges,” she adds.

According to TravelPro , while most domestic airlines allow you up to 35 pounds for carry-on baggage for domestic flights and 50 pounds max for checked luggage (though you can pay extra for up to 70 pounds), international travel often caps carry-ons at 18 pounds. The exception being British Airways which allows a whopping 51 pounds for carry-on bags! Kayak says that a carry-on bag should be no longer than 21.5 inches long, though this does vary airline by airline and I have friends who swear they fly everywhere with their 22-inch long carry-on. To be safe, and avoid trouble, always check ahead to know your baggage allowance before your trip!

To stay in compliance—and if you’re someone who tends to overpack (insert raised hand emoji)—Manners recommends getting a luggage scale to keep yourself in check. “Some people also swear by packing cubes,” adds Manners, which some say allows you to pack even more while keeping clothing sorted and wrinkle-free. If you’re new to, but interested in packing cubes, Manners recommends purchasing inexpensive options on Amazon to see if they would work for you before your next big trip.

Luggage should last years and is a worthy investment, but with many high-quality and low-cost options on the market you don’t have to break the bank. Legacy names like Samsonite keep innovation and quality high while still being fairly priced. “Look at a brand’s warranty,” advises Manners, which safeguards against wear, tear, and damages that happen frequently with luggage. For instance, the premium brand, Briggs and Riley , comes with a higher price tag but a lifetime guarantee. I chose bags for this list from around $100 to several hundred dollars to meet all your price points and needs.

Materials and mobility

“People love those fancy aluminum suitcases ,” says Manners. “But while they look super chic, they’re not always practical, not to mention super expensive.” They get banged up and scratched and you have to take them to the brand to get repaired. “But polycarbonate hard shell suitcases can take more wear,” she says. Other things to consider in a suitcase are the materials: are you looking for soft or hardshell? Also, pay attention and test out zippers, locks, roomy interior compartments that can expand, and the durability and quality of wheels.

Our picks for the best luggage for international travel

Best carry-on luggage for international travel: away the carry-on.

The Carry-On in Sea Green

With its signature design, bright colors, and compact design that fits most overhead bins, this popular carry-on luggage from Away checks all the boxes. The hardside carry-on is made from a 100% polycarbonate shell that is durable and lightweight, weighing in at 7.5 pounds. Fans love the interior organization that features zipped mesh compartments, a hanging pocket, and a waterproof laundry bag great for keeping wet—or dirty—clothes separate. The 360 gliding wheels can traverse most terrains, and the sturdy handle has two adjustable heights for ideal comfort. At under $300, it’s a great deal.

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Material: 100% polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 39.8 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime
• Price on publish: $275

What we like:

• Meets carry-on requirements for most airlines
• Comes with a TSA-approved lock
• Comes with compression straps to fit more in

What we don't Like:

• It’s on the smaller side for carry-ons

The bottom line:

An accessible-priced and well-designed carry-on that fits on most airlines.

Get it here: Away The Carry-On

Best lightweight luggage for international travel: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Samsonite Proxis Spinner

I own this large Proxis Spinner from Samsonite, and it’s a piece my whole family loves. We can pack so much stuff in and it’s still incredibly lightweight luggage . My husband loves the technical aspects like the resilient outer shell made from a Samsonite-patented material called Roxkin™ (a multi-layered propylene combined to make one single sheet) that is incredibly durable and will bounce back into shape when dented. The easy-to-handle ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle and the dual 360 spinner wheels help us breeze through planes, trains, and automobiles. I like the interior fabric dividers, compression cross straps, and zipper pockets that help to keep all our clothes organized and in place. And my kids like the mod and metallic colors (like honey gold). The light Proxis line includes a carry-on, medium, large, and extra-large.

• Dimensions: 30.7 x 21.5 x 11.4 inches
• Material: Roxkin™ outer shell
• Capacity: 98 liters
• Warranty: Limited 10-year Global Warranty
• Price on publish: $600
• Incredibly lightweight but durable
• Dual rubber wheels for fluid and quiet travel
• On the pricier side for Samsonite

A surprisingly lightweight and durable suitcase with dual wheels that can zip through the airport and beyond.

Get it here: Samsonite Proxis Spinner

Best large luggage for international travel: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

My Australian friend turned me on to the premium brand, Briggs & Riley, and this expandable suitcase might have one of the largest capacities of any suitcase on the market. The softside suitcase features a patented CX® expansion release hinge that allows you to expand the bag for up to 34% more packing capability and then compress it back down to its original size when needed.

Everything about this suitcase is quality from its self-repairing zippers, 360 spinning wheels, and genius interior design that features a built-in garment folder to keep clothes wrinkle-free. Plus, all Briggs & Riley bags are backed by their unconditional lifetime guarantee , which doesn’t ask for a proof of purchase or a lengthy explanation.

• Dimensions: 31 x 22 x 13.8-16.8 inches
• Weight: 15.6 pounds
• Material: Ballistic nylon
• Capacity: 141-167 liters
• Warranty: Unconditional lifetime guarantee
• Price on publish: $949
• One suitcase can accommodate multiple travelers
• No-questions-asked lifetime of repairs
• Optional monogram
• You might go over weight limits if you fill it to capacity

A high-quality suitcase that can hold tons with a lifetime guarantee.

Get it here: Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

Best medium size luggage for international travel: Away Medium Flex

The Medium Flex in Sorbet Orange

For those that need more room than a carry-on, but still need something maneuverable, the Away Medium Flex is for you. The newer flex model can expand for an extra 1.75” of space, which can make all the difference when traveling for weeks and allows for the fun souvenirs and duty-free goodies you’ll bring home. The Flex comes with all the details. Away is known for great interior organization that includes zippered compartments, snap-in-place straps, a laundry bag, and quiet 360 wheels that smoothly glide over tough terrains like cobblestones.

• Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches
• Weight: 10.8 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 68.8-75.7 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $395
• Nine fun colors
• Expandability
• TSA-approved combination lock
• Reviewers say the lighter colors scuff easily

A pretty and expandable suitcase ideal for longer travel.

Get it here: Away Medium Flex

Best affordable luggage for international travel: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange

With over 34,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this 24-inch spinner features many of the qualities of other suitcases on this list, but is priced at under $100. Available in carry-on, medium, large, and a luggage set, the budget spinner has an extra-tough thermoplastic exterior that can handle the bumps that come with travel. It has double wheels for easy gliding, a telescoping handle, and can expand up to 15% to hold more clothing—or souvenirs.

• Dimensions: 24.7 x 11.4 x 18.3 inches
• Weight: 9.63 pounds
• Material: ABS Thermoplastic
• Capacity: 69 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited, but you can add a three to four-year protection plan at an extra cost
• Price on publish: $78.35
• Limited warranty

A durable and highly-rated suitcase that won’t break the bank.

Get it here: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner

Best soft luggage for international travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

“In my opinion, TravelPro makes great softside suitcases and they last for years.” says Manners. “I like to use these best for international travel because I don’t have to worry about them getting banged up or scratched. They’re economical and lightweight.”

Travelpro is used by many flight crews around the globe, so they know the qualities that you want in a bag. This medium size spinner is the ideal size with 97 liters of capacity and a two-inch expansion capability to last you for days (and weeks) of travel. The Travelpro comes in nine pretty colors, is lightweight at under 10 pounds, and easily glides with magnetically-locking wheels that can rotate a full 360 degrees for smooth transport through airports and city streets.

• Dimensions: 28 x 18.5 x 11.75 inches
• Weight: 9.8 pounds
• Material: High-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating
• Capacity: 97 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime coverage, but must register it first
• Price on publish: $365.49
• Bin tested to be compliant with most airlines
• Built-in suiter to reduce wrinkles
• 100-day money-back guarantee
• Haven’t found it yet

Affordable, high-quality suitcase favored by frequent fliers that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Get it here: Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-In Spinner

Best hardside luggage for international travel: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Garnering thousands of reviews, this Samsonite Freeform spinner line is a perennial hardside luggage favorite because it can handle major wear and tear. The hard shell is made from polypropylene (a thermoplastic) known to handle high stress. The double wheels add extra durability, even when other luggage is placed on top and 360 mobility, so there’s less strain on your body when traversing through airports and destinations. It has an expanding capability of 1.5 inches for packing on longer trips and the interior features lots of dividers and zippers to store accessories and keep everything neat and organized. Coming in at under $200 with a 10-year warranty, this is a solid suitcase for your travels and it’s available in carry-on and large versions.

• Dimensions: 27.9 x 19.6 x 13.4 inches
• Weight: 8.5 pounds
• Material: Polypropylene
• Capacity: N/A
• Price on publish: $179.99
• Lots of color choices
• TSA-approved lock
• Would like a more expansive warranty
• Height on the Medium Spinner makes it too big for carry-on

Affordable and resilient luggage with high packing capacity from a name brand you can trust.

Get it here: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner

Best luggage set for international travel: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Béis, the luggage line founded by actor Shay Mitchell, allows you to mix and match two or three of your favorite rollers, creating your own personalized luggage set —and you get a discount. You can choose from any of their cases: from their best-selling 21-inch Front-Pocket Carry-On to their Medium, Large, and kid-friendly Mini Roller. I love that the Front-Pocket Carry-On and Mini Roller meet most international airline requirements, and all the hard cases are made from sturdy polycarbonate with vegan-leather details. Choose two suitcases and save 10% and pick three pieces for 15% off.

• Dimensions: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 21.5 x 3.5" x 9 inches, Carry-On: 22.8 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches, Medium Check-In Roller: 28.3 x 17.7 x 11 inches, Large Check-In Roller: 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches, and the Mini Roller: 17 x 9 x 16.5 inches
• Weight: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 8.6 pounds, Carry-On: 8.36 pound, Medium Check-In Roller: 10.2 pounds, Large Check-In Roller: 11.84 pounds, Mini Roller: 7 pounds
• Material: Polycarbonate, vegan leather trim
• Capacity: Front-Pocket Carry-On: 47 liters, Carry-On: 49-61 liters, Medium Check-In Roller: 78-94 liters, Large Check-In Roller: 112 liters
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty when purchased from Béis or authorized Béis retailer
• Price on publish: Two rollers 10% discount, three rollers 15% discount
• Female-founded
• Calming color options
• Cute kid rollers
• Limited warranty (though it is lifetime)

A fun and flexible mix-and-match luggage set that allows you to choose the cases that best suit your travel needs.

Get it here: Béis Create Your Perfect Luggage Set

Best trunk for international travel: July Checked Trunk

July Checked Trunk

“I love using a trunk suitcase when I am traveling for an extended time or when I’m going to a cold-weather place and need to pack lots of bulky coats and sweaters,” says Manners. Traveling with a trunk suitcase has a fun, sophisticated feeling, and the old-world trunks of the past have now made way for lightweight and playful options like this one from July. Available in 11 pleasing colors and with personalization options, this chic trunk with 360 spin wheels, comfy rubber handles, and roomy 80/20 split compartments might be your new favorite travel go-to.

• Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Material: Glazed polycarbonate shell
• Capacity: 95 liters
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on manufacturing faults
• Price on publish: $595
• Lightweight
• Can be personalized
• Reviewers suggest going with matte finish, as scratches on shiny colors are more noticeable

This sturdy and sleek trunk is extra roomy for bulky items.

Get it here: July Checked Trunk

Best backpack for international travel: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack in Indigo

I own this colorful and lightweight backpack from Cotopaxi that can fit the packing needs of an overhead-compliant carry-on with the ease of a backpack. It zips open to reveal a suitcase-like interior with mesh, zippered pockets and compartments to keep everything organized. It comes with a waist belt, in addition to adjustable straps for better weight distribution, and it comes with four grab handles so you can carry it from every angle. I especially like the laptop space and compartment at the top for quick access to essentials like money, your passport, and sunglasses. For additional backpack options, read our guide on travel backpacks .

• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches
• Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Material: TPU-coated 1000D polyester, 840D ballistic nylon paneling
• Capacity: 35 liters
• Warranty: Guaranteed for Good limited lifetime warranty
• Price on publish: $200
• Carry-on compliant with most airlines 
• Comes in so many fun colors
• Certified B-Corp company 
• Made from 94% recycled materials
• Included rain cover
• Straps can be loose on smaller shoulder frames

On the pricier side of backpacks, but it has a lot of wonderful features and organization.

Get it here: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Best duffel bag for international travel: CALPAK Luka Duffel

CALPAK Luka Duffel in Copper

This best-selling Luka duffel from CALPAK can pack everything you need for a weekend—and still counts as a personal item, fitting comfortably under your seat. It has a trolley sleeve that slides through suitcase handles so it can rest comfortably on your luggage as you zip through the airport. It has nine pockets, including one for your shoes, and it’s made of water resistant polyester, so like most duffel bags it looks good and lasts for years to come.

• Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Material: Polyester
• Capacity: 25 liters
• Warranty: One-year limited
• Price on publish: $128
• Comes in 19 eye-catching colors
• Has both handle and strap options
• Can fit under airline seat
• Some colors are final sale, so check the fine print

Lightweight and roomy personal bag that can still fit under your seat.

Get it here: CALPAK Luka Duffel

Best weekender bag for international travel: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

“I highly recommend the shortyLOVE Friday Weekender bag” says Manners.“ It’s super roomy and streamlined, not bulky at all, and the straps are super comfortable, you hardly feel it’s on your shoulder.” Though it has a sleek design, it can fit all of your important documents, jewelry, and clothes for any quick trip. The water-resistant nylon bag comes in five colorways and is easy to clean.

• Dimensions: 15 x 27.5 x 9 inches
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Material: Water-resistant nylon twill
• Warranty: None
• Price on publish: $298
• Roomy yet streamlined
• No warranty

Roomy and stylish weekender that is sturdy and comfy.

Get it here: shortyLOVE Friday Weekender Travel Bag

Best size luggage for international travel

“I like medium-size check-in suitcases,” says Manners.” It helps keep you from overpacking, but allows you to take what you need for a week of travel. And you’ll be able to move around easier in transit.” If traveling alone or sharing a suitcase, we find medium size suitcases (usually around 26-28 inches in length) to be ideal. Look for suitcases that can expand and compress for extra packing needs. Weighing around 10 pounds empty, you can pack a lot, but make sure you don’t go over the airline weight limits.

Tips for buying a suitcase for international travel

Online retailers and outlet stores are both great places to buy luggage , especially during major shopping days. But you should first check the baggage requirements of the airline you intend to fly, including restrictions, and extra charges, so you’re not met with any surprises.

Once you’ve determined your right size, Manners suggest “finding one with well-made spinning wheels and a comfortable, sturdy retractable handle.” Another thing to consider is the material, like soft side, hard side, waterproof, etc. And don’t forget important details, like durable zippers, solid locks, and lots of room and interior compartments to pack everything you need. Many brands offer 60-100-day free trials and money-back guarantees, so utilize these policies to try out the luggage before you invest.

How we selected the best luggage for international travel

As a former travel writer and editor myself, I have zig-zagged continents for work and leisure. I also tapped jet-setting friends, colleagues, and experts who weighed in on their favorite luggage. I tested different brands, read through customer reviews and looked at certain criteria.

Luggage size and type

Whether you’re jetting off for a swanky girls weekend or a longer trip abroad, the type of trip you’re taking will help determine which luggage to choose, so I rated them all (weekender, duffel, backpack, carry-on, larger checked suitcases, and trunks), examining their storage capacity, expandability, organizational features, weight, and construction.

Features and materials

Luggage these days offer so many high-tech features, like charging ports and nearly-indestructible thermoplastic exteriors, as well as fun extras including laundry bags, TSA-approved locks, multiple storage capabilities, along with lifetime guarantees that will help your luggage last a lifetime.

International airline compliance

I found international baggage allowance to differ slightly from American domestic, so be sure and check your airline baggage requirements first before travel. That said, for carry-ons, the general rule of thumb is for an international carry-on to be no bigger than 21.5-21.7 inches long and weigh 18 pounds. Again, while rules (and adherence) vary from airline to airline, to be safe, I chose carry-ons that meet these requirements.

I chose luggage at every price point and chose the best in class across the board from budget to luxe in all types of luggage.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which luggage brand is best for international travel.

Well-known luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro have earned reputations for both quality and affordability, so they made my list. “I really recommend Away and TravelPro suitcases,” adds Manners. I also included more expensive options like Briggs & Riley, because their no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee on all of their luggage is unmatched industry wide.

Is hard luggage better than soft for international travel?

“Some people love hard case bags, but I find that you can pack more things in a softside suitcase.” says Manners. Hardside versus softside is really a preference. Softside seems to scuff less because of the treated materials, while hardside suitcases can also handle wear and tear and seem to be more trendy these days.

What is the best material for checked luggage?

“That depends on preference, but a nylon with coating to prevent scuffs and scratches for softside luggage, and polycarbonate-shell or thermoplastic are incredibly durable If you like hard case suitcases,” says Manners.

How many suitcases can you take on an international flight?

This often depends on the type of airplane ticket you purchase. Some tickets include your first checked bag for free, then you have to pay a fee for additional bags. Other tickets don’t include baggage, so you’ll have to pay a certain fee for the first checked-in bag, plus fees for additional bags. Look into bag allowances before you buy your tickets, warns Manners, so you can factor the cost of your checked bags into your flight—and avoid surprises at the airport.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

Carry-On Luggage Essentials to Pack for Smooth Spring Travel, According to TikTok

Save yourself from the headache of checked luggage by following these TikTok travel hacks.

Everyone can use some good rest and relaxation, and we're more than looking forward to getting away for a stress-free spring vacay this year.

But between airlines losing luggage , long waits for picking up checked baggage and  general travel woes plaguing our airlines, it might be time to simplify your travel this season by packing all of your belongings in a carry-on bag. Not sure how you'll fit a week's worth or more of essentials into a TSA-approved 22x14-inch suitcase? TikTok is here to help. 

The video-sharing app is chock full of travel hacks for condensing your clothing and other must-haves into your carry-on luggage . Convenient and affordable products such as packing cubes, refillable toiletry bottles and shoe bags make it easier than ever to pack small. We've also found plenty of little luxuries for making even the longest flights bearable: compact neck pillows, noise-canceling headphones and packable footrests, to name a few. Of course, smooth spring travel starts with a great suitcase, so we've included our favorite carry-ons to shop.

Below, we've rounded up the best TikTok-approved travel products to shop on Amazon and from around the web to help you skip the dreaded check-in line and avoid bag fees, from vacuum-sealed travel bags to the internet's favorite carry-on suitcases. 

The Best Packing Essentials for 2024

It's not really about the luggage, it's about how you pack your luggage that makes the difference. We've found all kinds of nifty packing gear that will make you more organized and more streamlined than ever. 

OlarHike 6 Set Packing Cubes for Travel

These packing cubes are a best seller on Amazon for keeping all your essentials organized, especially for carry-on luggage. 

Vonpri Leak Proof Squeezable Refillable Travel Bottles

Bring your favorite products on board with you using these carry-on-approved silicone bottles.

Yamiu Travel Shoe Bags Set of 2 Waterproof Nylon with Zipper

These zippered bags keep your dirty shoes from touching the rest of your luggage.

Calpak Terra Hanging Toiletry Bag

This travel bag can hold all of your essentials in one place, helping you save space in your luggage. Plus, it's water-resistant and can hang on the wall using the hanging hook for easy access to your toiletries. 

Travel Sunglasses Organizer

There is finally a solution to keeping your sunglasses from breaking in your travel bags. This sunglasses organizer can store up to five pairs for your next trip.

Shappy 2-Piece Large Travel Laundry Bags

Separate your dirty laundry from your clean clothes with this two-pack of waterproof laundry bags.

Apple AirTag

Keep an AirTag in your carry-on for security just in case you become separated from your luggage. 

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more safe and secure with this jewelry travel case from Dagne Dover.

Best Travel Accessories for 2024

Now that you've packed your carry-on, here's everything you'll want nearby to make your day of travel go as smoothly as possible.

Perilogics Universal in Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount

For planes without a built-in screen in the seats, enjoy your entertainment without straining your neck using this versatile phone holder and mount.

Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder

In for a long layover? TikTok users love this foldable pouch that can be pulled onto luggage to work as a drink carrier (and it has extra pockets on the back for your phone or boarding passes).

Perfuny Silicone Makeup Brush Holder

Don't worry about damaging your makeup brushes while traveling with this silicone holder. It also grooves inside to work as a brush cleaner.

With Coupon

Tessan Universal Power Adaptor With 4 USB Ports

Don't worry about losing charging power during international travel with this adapter that works in 150 different countries.

Toovren 2-in-1 Luggage Straps

Jealous of travelers who can hook their bags on top of their suitcases? Now you can do it with any type of tote bag that fits on top of your luggage with this highly-rated strap.

Highwind Cruise Luggage Tags for Suitcases

TikTok Cruise travelers love these durable and waterproof luggage tags that will secure your paper luggage tags provided by the cruise line to better ensure your bag makes it to your cabin.

Travel Inspira Digital Hanging Baggage Scale

Never worry about overpacking again. Unlike standing on the scale with your luggage and doing math to figure out the weight, simply loop this around your bag handle and lift it off the floor to see how much your bag weighs.

Saucemoto Dip Clip (Pack of 2)

Dipping fries in ketchup when you're driving can seem impossible, but these sauce holders, seen on Shark Tank , are here to save the day. They attach to the air vent and can hold ketchup in the removable white tray, or the tray comes out to hold bigger sauces that already come in a container with a peel off top.

Beautural Mini Travel Steam Iron With Dual Voltage

If you've been thinking of a travel iron, just read this customer's review: "I originally bought this to use for traveling as I was getting sick and tired of using the irons that come in hotels that are cheap and spill water everywhere. This little iron was such a good buy, very small, easy to travel with, not heavy at all. Heats up pretty quickly and easy to use. I have also started using this for day to day use. Because it is so small, it stores well as well."

Miroposs Rechargeable Slim Makeup Mirror

Airbnbs and hotels are notorious for having dark lit rooms where getting ready can be tricky. This makeup mirror that unfolds to stand up while offering a backlight will stop the dreaded fight for the single bathroom mirror. 

Body Glide Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm

Those prone to blisters know that all the extra walking during your trip can lead to some painful sores, but Body Glide's Anti-Blister Balm can cut down on friction and help prevent blisters from forming. You can also bundle this product with their anti-chafing skin cream.

LokiStashed Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies (3 Pack)

These work just like your average scrunchie, except they have a hidden zipper so you can hide away cash, lip balm or a single key. You can also choose from a variety of colors. 

Twelve South AirFly SE: Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter for AirPods

Whether traveling for work or play, many flyers use wireless headphones these days — meaning there's no way to plug in to listen when they want to watch the in-flight entertainment on the built-in screen. The AirFly connects via Bluetooth with preferred wireless headphones, including the popular AirPods, and plugs into the screen for seamless listening.

iWALK Ultra-Compact Power Bank

Keep phones alive throughout the day with the help of this compact and portable phone charger.

MZOO Sleep Eye Mask

Get some shut-eye in style with a classic sleeping mask complete with cozy contoured cushions.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Footrest

This ergonomic memory foam footrest hangs from the tray table for a much more comfortable flight.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Apple's premium headphones offer crystal-clear clarity with a lightweight rubber headband, spacious and comfortable earcups, and excellent noise cancellation.

$549   $519

Jergens Cloud Creme Hand Cream for Dry Hands

Dry skin can happen anywhere, including in the air. Appropriately named Cloud Creme, this hydrating lotion from Jergens is the perfect size for airplane travel.

lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

This TikTok-approved belt bag is perfect for anyone on the go. It keeps essentials such as keys, wallet, passport, plane ticket and phone handy.

Trtl Travel Pillow

Avoid waking up with dreaded neck pain when you use this top-rated travel pillow that's easy to slip into your personal item.

Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Eye Masks

These foil patches from Wander Beauty give tired eyes a refresh with hydrating ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of dark circles.

COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel Eye Patch

Fight those dark circles and fine lines with these COSRX Advanced Snail Hydrogel eye patches with its hydrating, plumping and brightening formula.

Best Travel Entertainment for 2024

If you're in for a long flight or cross-country drive, you'll need some on-board entertainment. Here are our top choices.

ProCase iPad 10.2 Anti-Spy Tempered Screen Film Guard

Before we suggest awesome shows and films for your trip, we recommend securing this iPad protector on your tablet that will black out your screen to those sitting next to you. 

Disney+ Subscription

There are a lot of streaming services you could watch during your travels, but Disney+'s offerings of Marvel, Star Wars and classic movies and shows means you'll have countless hours of content to keep you occupied. Plus, you can bundle it with Hulu for even more hit shows and movies.

Plans start at $8/month

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

A Reese's Book Club Pick, First Lie Wins  is a thriller that centers around Evie Porter, who is actually someone else and was given her identity by the mysterious Mr. Smith. Evie wants a new life, but one slip-up will change her future forever.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet

For a smooth flight, keep your kids entertained with the Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet. This product includes a year subscription to Amazon Kids+, so your little ones can stay engaged with the content they love.

$190   $150

Winning Moves Games Scrabble to Go Board Game

The classic board game Scrabble has been miniaturized and modified to be the ideal trip companion. All you need is a travel buddy or some kiddos to play along with you. 

The Fun and Relaxing Adult Activity Book

Sudoku, crosswords, trivia and more will keep you entertained for hours with this adult activity book. 

Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024 

Now that you have all your other essentials, it's time to get a carry-on suitcase that's ideal for your specific needs. Here are some of the best carry-on luggage options from around the web.

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage Carry-On

With over 6,000 positive reviews, this lightweight carry-on will ease your overpacking worries.

$139   $128

VGCUB Carry on Backpack

This carry-on backpack is loved by TikTok travelers for its many compartments and ability to fit everything you need. Best feature? You can take it on board as your personal item.

Beis The Weekender

The Beis Weekender Bag features a dedicated lower compartment designed for shoe storage, alongside a generous main compartment and a convenient trolley strap that allows you to easily attach it to your carry-on luggage, making it the perfect travel accessory for weekend getaways or longer vacations.

iFLY Hardside Luggage Fibertech 20"

The internet-famous suitcase features 360-degree rotating wheels, an inner lining pocket and elastic straps for keeping clothes in place.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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Explore russia’s capital city.

Moscow is a vibrant mix of old and new: Mother Russia meets Modern Russia. Visitors can enjoy cultural artefacts like the treasures found in the Armoury or the varied delights of the Kremlin Museums. High-brow, low-brow, any-brow will be raised in amazement at one of the performances at the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre. The six-tier auditorium is the perfect place to take in an evening of dance and music. To really get in touch with the modern Russia, there is a thriving nightlife that has something for everyone. On a warm summer day a trip to the city’s green lung, Gorky Park, is truly essential.

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