travel bag amazon uk

'I tried the £12.99 Amazon travel bag that's perfect for Ryanair flights - it's a Mary Poppins bag'

We sent one of our writers to test out Narwey's £12.99 cabin bag, which is one of Amazon's best sellers for duffel bags and has thousands of five star reviews. It's also the perfect size to avoid those nasty little luggage fees.

• 13:24, 12 FEB 2024
• Updated 18:54, 12 FEB 2024

Baggage fees - they're a pain, and they always catch you off guard. Just when you think you've got the right bag, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and all the others decide to change the rules. So we sent one of our writers to test out one people can't stop buying: Narwey's £12.99 cabin bag.

Available in 28 colours and styles, it's one of Amazon's top sellers for duffel bags and has thousands of five-star reviews. It's also the perfect size to dodge those pesky luggage fees.

But don't just take their word for it - take ours. Our reviewer Lea took the bag on a trip abroad with none other than Ryanair. The result? Five stars, it's a Mary Poppins bag. Read on for our review...

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Narwey Travel Bag Review

I can't afford to book myself a space in the overhead locker , let alone check in a bag. Over the years, I've become a pro at packing but still sometimes get stopped by staff for a bulky-looking bag.

Ryanair is the worst for measuring bags - we've all felt the stress when the staff bring out their measuring devices. So when I flew to Italy recently, I was determined to avoid their watchful eyes.

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Amazon sells a Ryanair travel bag available in 28 colours. You can pick between a shoulder strap or no strap, and my lavender bag - complete with strap - arrived at my doorstep the next day thanks to Amazon Prime.

Upon first inspection, the bag looked like nothing more than a gym bag, albeit with a practical passport slot on the front. But when I started packing, its Mary Poppins qualities soon revealed themselves.

No matte r how many dresses I rolled up and stuffed in, the bag didn't seem to be filling up. Even the unreasonable amount of underwear I added (just in case, as always) didn't add to the bag's bulk.

Clothes all done, I was left with a good five inches of space between my stuff and the zipper. It left comfortable space for my toiletry bag, a pair of extra shoes, and a my favourite book of all time.

When I went to close the bag, I was surprised at its sorcery. Previously shapeless, the bag's straps worked with the zipper to bring the original shape back, morphing the bag into a perfectly rectangular carry-on.

Fast-forward to Stansted, and the Ryanair staff barely glanced my way. In my tiny seat, the bag slid seamlessly under the seat in front, leaving space for my feet on either side.

The bag has 4,352 other five-star reviews on Amazon, with one person writing "I was really worried about it fitting under the seat as it looks really big in real life and I measured each side about 20 times. The dimensions are as described. In the end it fit into the bag size checker with ease on both my flights. The Ryanair staff didn't even ask to check the bag size. It can hold a good amount of items. I had two tops, one jumper, PJs, a handbag, all my toiletries, hair straighteners, food/drinks and some gifts and knick-knacks and I could have fit more stuff. It's great for short trips."

A few negative reviews mentioned the bag's flimsiness. The zipper did feel slightly precarious at times when I overfilled the bag on the way home. But if you've ever owned something with a cheap zip, you know as well as I do that the trick is to not force it, and it won't be a problem.

You can buy the Ryanair travel bag from Amazon.

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The best travel bags for women in 2023

• Flora Baker

If your aim is to travel light then our pick of the best sling bags, backpacks, totes and crossbody bags will ensure you can do just that

Whether you’re planning a long-haul adventure, a stylish city getaway, a festival abroad or a rainy commute, there’s a travel bag available to suit. But how do you choose the best one?

This will largely depend on where you’re headed, and what you’re planning to pack. Those who need only a few items will prefer a compact option that’s light and easy to manoeuvre through crowds, while tech-focused travellers will be looking for bags that are both padded and waterproof. Adventurers heading off the beaten track will want a bag that’s designed to keep items safe and secure, with plenty of compartments for maximum organisation. Personal preference plays a part, too: do you want a bag that looks good, or something that’s functional?

To help you choose the right travel bag for you, we’ve looked at backpacks, totes, crossbody bags and more. Before you read our reviews of the best bags available right now, check out our handy buying guide for insights into the key considerations when choosing a new travel bag.

READ NEXT: The best backpack

Best travel bag for women: At a glance

• Best travel bag for everyday use: Ethnotek Premji Backpack | £87
• Best sling bag for women: Florrie & Bird | £33
• Best lightweight 3-in-1 travel bag: Fjallraven Weekender | £185

How to choose the best travel bag for women  

What types of travel bags are there .

Virtually any bag can constitute a travel-worthy one, but the size, shape and overall style of bag you opt for will depend on the type of trip you’re taking. A travel bag that conforms to airline cabin requirements is the most beneficial option for a city break or short international trip, so all the bags included in this roundup are carry-on friendly.

A wheeled suitcase with either a hard or soft shell will be a common choice for city breaks or a week away, since it’s easy to manoeuvre through airports and along flat surfaces. 

Backpacks are a versatile option for more adventurous travels, spreading the weight evenly across your back while keeping your hands free.

Crossbody bags again allow for your hands to remain free, and are great for keeping your belongings secure in crowded places. Sling bags can also easily make the transition from day to night, eliminating the need for packing a few different bags.

Duffel-style bags can be carried on the shoulder or via handles, and their cylindrical shape makes them a good choice for stuffing beneath seats on trains and planes.

Tote bags offer a generous capacity and are usually structureless, meaning they can be easily compressed when they’re empty or half-full.

What features should I look for in a travel bag for women? 

For travelling, you want a bag that delivers security, accessibility and pockets – lots of pockets! Pay particular attention to the following:

Material – Your main options here are soft, hard and waterproof. While most bags aren’t able to be fully submerged in water, a bag made of a water-resistant material will prove handy for inclement weather and will be durable, too. This will also be the best choice if you plan to carry tech and electronics. Canvas and cotton are lightweight and flexible but are also more absorbent, while leather is sturdiest but will be heavier when the bag is empty.

Security – There are a variety of closures available: zippers, buckles, magnets or popper fasteners . Regardless of type, you want a bag that can be closed securely (even when it’s full to capacity) while also proving tricky for sticky fingers to burrow their way in.

Pockets – Separate compartments are super handy for keeping items organised: a padded section for your laptop, an internal zip pocket for any valuables (we’re thinking phone, wallet and passport, for example), side pockets for water bottles, and an easy-access outer pocket for those items you need to keep to hand.

Handles or straps – A variety of handles will mean you can switch carrying styles, which will bring relief when one part of your body gets tired. It’s important to check whether carry straps are made from a durable material, if they’re padded and if they’re comfortable to hold for long periods of time.

READ NEXT: The best lightweight wheeled luggage

How we test travel bags for women 

At Expert Reviews, we know how important hands-on testing is when recommending products. We’ve put these bags through the wringer, checking the seams and closures for their strength and durability, then assessing the ease and security of access.

We fill each bag to its capacity with an array of clothes, shoes and electronics, and test the resulting weight and manoeuvrability, including how comfortable the bag is to carry. Finally, we use each bag for outings of various lengths to determine how well it performs overall in real-life settings.  

The best travel bags for women to buy in 2023

1. ethnotek premji pack 20: best travel backpack for daily use.

Price when reviewed: £87 | Check price at Ethnotek

The Ethnotek Premji is a slimline, lightweight backpack that offers decent capacity thanks to its myriad of zips, clips and straps. We’ve used our Premji Pack as our favourite catch-all backpack for years, and aside from a little compression of the shoulder strap’s padding, there’s no noticeable wear or tear at all to the bag’s heavy-duty ballistic nylon material.

You’ll find a padded laptop pocket inside the main section, while the front panel unzips to reveal different-sized pockets for notebooks, pens and all manner of flat objects. There’s an elasticated water bottle pocket on one side and a slip pocket on the other for quick-access items. Useful snap-lock double-sided straps let you load up either side of the bag with yoga mats, scrunched up jackets, camera tripods or any other bulky items, too.

In addition, the beautiful designs on offer are a result of Ethnotek’s partnerships with local artisan communities from Vietnam, India, Guatemala, Ghana and Bali, who design each of the patterned textiles that make the bags unique. The Raja Pack (£219) even allows for interchangeable front panels, enabling you to switch out the design in a flash.

Key spec – Dimensions: 28 x 48 x 14cm ; Capacity: 20l; Pockets : 9; Colourways : 20+; Material: 90% recycled PET, 10% cotton

2. Florrie & Bird Leather Sling Bag: Best sling bag for travel 

Sling bags are a perfect option for festivals, dog walks, plane travel or even an evening out – but they need to be comfortable, lightweight and spacious enough to hold the essentials. The Florrie & Bird sling bag is a lovely little option that wins extra points for its versatility, since its design means it can be worn over the shoulder, as a crossbody or even around the waist as a bumbag.

At first glance, the compact design doesn’t appear to offer much space inside. Nevertheless, we still managed to fit in a phone, slim wallet and a few extras such as keys, earbuds and gum without issue. An internal zip pocket is useful, the gold hardware on the outer zip eye-catching, and the bag itself is made from gorgeously butter-soft leather that sits comfortably against your side or hip, or under your armpit.

Arriving with a thin leather strap in a matching colour (which can extend to a maximum of 100cm), there are plenty of interchangeable material straps in different patterns on offer, too. If you’re in need of a little more room, the standard sling bag is also available in large.

Key spec – Dimensions: 24 x 12.5 x 3.5cm ; Pockets : 2; Colourways : 17+; Material : Leather

3. Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack: Best stylish bag for tech travellers

If you travel with tech – as many now do – you’ll probably be looking for a bag that can adequately protect your laptop, camera equipment, chargers and precious backup hard drives. Enter Mous and its “extreme” backpack that’s designed for keeping technology safe.

Thickly padded on all sides, the sturdiness of the bag is immediately apparent. It’s made with impact-absorbing AirFoam technology, meaning a dropped bag won’t result in damage to any electronics stored inside. Although the front “Fidlock” magnetised clasp did take some getting used to, it’s a satisfying, secure-feeling mechanism that brings reassurance.

There are tons of pockets and compartments of different sizes to help with organisation, including a zip pocket lined with microfibre up top, a hidden compact pocket behind the shoulder straps and a padded laptop sleeve that can be accessed independently from the zippered main compartment.

Price-wise, this backpack is certainly an expensive option at £250, but it’s a seriously sturdy bag that promises durability – there’s even a limited lifetime warranty of 25 years. A slightly smaller 18-litre version is priced at £220.

Key spec – Dimensions: 48 x 33 x 17cm ;  Capacity: 25l; Pockets : 12; Colourways : 1; Material : Carbonated nylon and a PU coating

4. Chrome Ruckas Tote: Best versatile tote bag for women 

Those who hoard canvas tote bags for their travels will love the Chrome Ruckas Tote, which easily converts into a backpack with just a quick pull on the handle straps, but otherwise lays neatly flat, whether against your side or packed inside a larger suitcase.

Weighing just 0.5kg when empty, the bag can hold a surprising 27 litres – although since the straps aren’t padded, that maximum capacity may feel a little heavy on the shoulders.

The interior offers three compartments of reducing size, including a padded sleeve for a laptop, while a spacious and zippable front pocket on the outside is accompanied by two side pockets.

All three colourways (white, black and pale green) come with the same bright yellow interior, making it easy to see what you’ve packed inside, and the bag is made from weather-resistant recycled poly liners to keep your possessions safe and dry.

Key spec – Dimensions: 40 x 29 x 13cm ;  Capacity: 27l; Pockets : 6; Colourways : 3; Material : Recycled poly liners

5. Fjällräven Kånken Weekender: Best lightweight 3-in-1 travel bag for women 

We love the structure-less design of the Kånken Weekender bag from Fjällräven. Despite being roomy enough to hold 30 litres, it barely weighs anything, and the oblong shape can easily be squished down when not in use – or when small spaces require it.

The Weekender bag is divided into three sections: a padded laptop pocket, a spacious central compartment and a separate zipped area, perfect for splitting up clean and dirty laundry or storing a pair of shoes. There’s also an expandable outer front pocket with a key hook, which can easily hold useful quick-access items such as your phone, wallet and passport.

Thanks to the variety of straps, you can choose to distribute the bag’s weight in three ways: via two holdall grab handles, a removable crossbody duffel-style strap, or thin shoulder straps that can be secured away with popper fasteners when not in use. It’s weather-resistant against any sudden storms and can easily be hand-washed if it gets a bit dingy (as the lighter colourways are prone to do).

As a lightweight but still hard-wearing bag, it’s certainly weekend-worthy, and it also meets Ryanair and EasyJet carry-on requirements, which is always a benefit!

Key spec – Dimensions: 44 x 30 x 20cm ;  Capacity: 30l; Pockets : 5; Colourways : 6; Material : Polyester and cotton

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Travel simply wouldn’t be possible without a solid piece of luggage that’s capable of storing essentials comfortably and effectively. We have a lot to ask of our bags, including compliance with TSA regulations, easy maneuverability and enough compartments to keep everything perfectly in order.

Amazon features a wealth of luggage options in every conceivable style and size. The site even has a luggage guide that can help you determine which of their carry-on bags are compatible with particular airlines.

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14 best packing cubes to keep your suitcase organised when travelling in 2024

These luggage lifesavers are the perfect companions for your next trip, article bookmarked.

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It’s official – we’re stuffing more into our suitcases than ever before, and the right packing cube can make this process significantly easier, which is why we’ve tracked down the ones worthy of a spot in your luggage .

Let’s face it – nobody likes packing, and, in an age when airlines are imposing increasingly strict restrictions relating to baggage, we’re all for anything that can make the process a little less daunting. This is where the best packing cubes come in.

These zippered cubes are used to segregate different items, putting you on the fast track to packing perfection. Their growing popularity has pushed manufacturers to produce versions designed with a range of requirements in mind.

Looking for a cube in which to store your favourite shirt? Consider one with an internal pocket in which you can place the jewellery you’ll wear with it. Travelling through several countries (and climates) that require everything from hiking gear to smarter outfits? Opt for cubes that have generous areas of transparent mesh, which makes accessing different items quick and easy.

If you’re a packing cube obsessive like us, you can’t go wrong with colour-coordinated sets of multiple cubes. Another factor is sustainability, as a growing number of brands are using recycled materials or ones that have Bluesign certification – a global seal of approval for environment, health and production safety.

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How we tested the best packing cubes.

As keen travellers, we put a variety of travel cubes through their paces. We considered all aspects, whether it was the construction (we’re particularly keen on double and compression-style zips), rigidity (useful when it comes to more delicate items), and internal features, such as inner pockets. Only the best of the best made the cut, thanks to a review process that focused firmly on travellers’ wants and needs.

The best packing cubes for 2024 are:

• Best packing cube overall – Thule compression cube set: £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget packing cube – Go Travel packing cubes twin set: £14.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best compression style packing cube – Gomatic compression packing cube, medium: £25, Amazon.co.uk
• Best packing cubes for shoes – Peak Design shoe pouch: £24.99, Amazon.co.uk

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Thule compression cube set

• Best : Packing cubes overall
• Size : Small 25cm x 18cm x 3cm; medium 34cm x 23cm x 3cm (compressed)
• Classy design
• Incredibly practical

We’re not going to lie – we’re huge fans of Thule, a brand famous for roof boxes but which also does so much more. This packing cube double act didn’t disappoint – the material feels incredibly tough, and we loved the monochrome look, featuring a cream-coloured nylon with a black zip. The smaller cube was perfect for items such as socks, while the larger one is designed for items such as T-shirts, but both have a Tardis-like quantity, thanks to compression zips.

The best bit? The two zips are clearly distinguishable – the main zips are black, while the compression ones are white, which means no more fiddling around with the wrong ones. We were amazed by how much we could cram into both cubes, while added extras worth flagging include the abundance of hanging hooks and the Bluesign accreditation, which is awarded to items that embrace sustainable production techniques.

Go Travel packing cubes twin set

• Best : Budget packing cube
• Size : 40cm x 28cm x 5cm
• Large handle comes in useful
• Not the toughest material

This cheap and cheerful packing cube does exactly what it says on the tin. The use of a semi-transparent mesh on one side meant it was easy to check the contents, and the large handle at the top made it easy to wrangle the cube out of our (overpacked) suitcase. It also meant we could sling it over hooks in our hotel room. The zip is one of the longest we’ve come across – it covers three sides (and a little bit more) of the cube, making it ridiculously easy to extract the contents. The sky-blue nylon added a welcome burst of colour to our largely monochrome luggage accessories, too.

Patagonia black hole cube, medium

• Best : Packing cube for toughness
• Size : 27.9cm x 10.9cm x 17.8cm
• Great internal design

While mesh packing cubes make it easy for you to see their contents, they could pose leak-related problems when housing toiletries.

That’s where Patagonia’s black hole cube comes in. Available in three sizes (we opted for the 6l version), it’s extremely tough, made with 100 per cent recycled ripstop polyester fabric, while a recycled TPU-film laminate means it’s a great option for leak-prone items.

The exterior zip wraps around three sides of the cube, which has one of the largest carry handles we’ve seen. The interior is also one of our favourites of any travel cube – it’s clamshell-style, with two large compartments, each covered with a zippered mesh panel.

Lakeland packing cubes trio

• Best : Packing cubes for value
• Size : Large 41cm x 32cm x 13cm; medium 32cm x 21cm x 13cm; small 20cm x 16cm x 13cm

There aren’t any mesh panels on these packing cubes, but their boxy design, rugged construction and stylish appearance (the material has the look of denim) more than make up for the lack of transparency. After all, as huge fans of these cubes, we’re firm believers in having a range of styles in our arsenal.

The set contains three packing cubes – small, medium and large. The material, a waterproofed polyester, is incredibly thick, and the zips cover three sides of each cube, making access a breeze. Another aspect we loved is how the two smaller cubes are designed to fit inside the larger one – although they also perform just as well when used independently.

Gomatic compression packing cube, medium

• Best : Compression-style cube
• Size : 29cm x 19cm x 12cm
• Thoughtful design

Multiple (generously sized) hanging hooks and zips with extra-long grips meant it was love at first sight when it came to this packing cube, which has a zip covering three sides – perfect for easy access. It’s a compression-style cube, so there was plenty of space, although, it would have been great to see the zips in different colours, to make it easier to distinguish between the two sets.

Everything about this cube felt reassuringly tough, though – from the extra-thick material to the rubber seals over the zip pulls, which minimise the risk of fraying. A large area of mesh panelling on one side of the cube made it easy to see the contents, too.

Peak Design shoe pouch

• Best : Packing cube for shoes
• Size : Maximum 32cm x 17cm x 17cm
• Rugged material
• Material isn’t transparent

The world’s your oyster when it comes to Peak Design’s packing cubes – choose from a small or medium cube, a shoe pouch or a set of three, six or eight cubes. We opted for the shoe pouch, and found the size to be spot-on – it was large enough to take a pair of size nine running shoes, and had enough give to allow us to squeeze in a couple of pairs of socks, too.

The material felt ultra-tough, although, we’d love to see areas of transparent material – jet-setters who travel with multiple pairs of shoes would no doubt agree. We’re adding extra points for the multiple hanging hooks (four in total) and the leather tag bearing the brand’s name, which offered an upgrade in the style stakes.

Snugpak pakbox packing cube

• Best : Tardis-like packing cube
• Size : 27cm x 28cm x 8cm
• There’s a carry handle

Why don’t more packing cubes look (and feel) like this one? The Tardis-like pakbox (we tried the 4l version) has the features we value most – generous areas of transparent mesh make it easy to get to specific garments, while reinforced areas not only ramp up the rigidity (we used it to store a stack of delicate dresses) but offer a certain toughness.

It’s also got the holy grail – a zip that wraps around three sides of the cube. We love the addition of a carry handle, too.

Vango mesh bag set

• Best : Mesh bags
• Size : 43l, 10l and 3l
• Squishy and malleable

Now for something completely different – albeit a concept we’re pretty impressed by. These aren’t so much cubes as mesh bags, but they offer a brilliant option for anyone keen to make the most of suitcase space. The bags’ squishiness means they can be squeezed into corners and fitted around other items, and a full mesh exterior means we were still able to quickly see (and access) the contents.

They’re also incredibly versatile – we’ve lost count of the times we’ve misplaced items of clothing after using communal washing machines in homestays and hostels. Sound familiar? Avoid the trauma of laundry loss by simply placing items in one of these quick-drying bags before putting the entire shebang in the washing machine.

Osprey ultra light packing cube, large

• Best : Packing cube for bright colours
• Size : 32cm x 20cm x 7cm
• Bright colourway
• Incorporates recycled fabrics
• Helpful handles

Colours don’t add anything to quality, but there’s something wonderful about the brightness of this packing cube, which made the whole packing process somehow more enjoyable. Colour aside, we also loved this one for its toughness, its sustainability (courtesy of Bluesign-approved fabrics) and the extra-large fabric handle.

La Pochette shoe carry

• Best : Packing cube for easy access
• Size : 25cm x 29cm x 12cm
• More malleable than other options
• There’s an interior pocket

Don’t get too bogged down by the “shoe carry” moniker – although we ended up using it to store our trainers and prevent dirt rubbing onto clothing in our suitcase, we also used it for other items.

This cube has less rigidity than some other options in this round-up, but we found this to be a huge bonus – its squishiness came in incredibly useful when squashing in extra items of clothing (we’re notorious over-packers).

We were also smitten with the interior pocket, which we found useful for storing everything from items of jewellery to paperwork.

Peak Design packing cube medium

• Best : Packing cube for organised travellers
• Size : 32cm x 32cm x 8cm
• Internal dividers
• There’s a compression zip
• Could have done with more mesh

Yes, we’d love to see more areas of mesh on this packing cube, but other features more than made up for it (call us fickle, but there’s something wonderfully stylish about its sleek, textured grey exterior).

Internal dividers proved invaluable during a longer-than-average holiday, which left us needing to separate our dirty laundry. Plus, the compression-style zip was a lifesaver when it came to cramming unexpected extras (read: holiday shopping) into our suitcase.

Exped clear cube, extra large

• Best : Packing cube for simplicity
• Size : 36cm x 24cm x 10cm
• Almost entirely transparent
• Easy to clean
• Not as robust as other options

If seeing the contents of your cube is a priority, you’ll love this offering from Exped – the only opaque bit is the zipper. It doesn’t feel as tough as cubes with larger areas of mesh or opaque material, but there are definite bonuses to using transparent plastic rather than mesh.

For starters, it meant this cube was the lightest we’ve come across, and it was also incredibly low maintenance – we could simply wipe-clean the plastic, while, with other cubes, an accidental spill (in our case, a leaking bottle of sun lotion) would have required a spin in the washing machine. Meanwhile, the bright colours will be appreciated by those with an obsession with organisation.

Briggs & Riley large travel packing cubes

• Best : Packing cube for style
• Size : Medium 21.5cm x 33cm x 7.6cm; medium double-sided 21.5cm x 33cm x 10cm; large 33cm x 43cm x 7.6 cm
• Double zips
• Super accessible

You’ll be hard-pushed to find more stylish luggage than the items produced by Briggs & Riley, and this packing cube set didn’t disappoint. But don’t assume it’s a case of style over substance – these cubes are great examples of ones packed with features that are often skipped.

The exterior’s combo of mesh sides and (surprisingly rigid) opaque areas strike the perfect balance between practicality and accessibility. We also appreciated the presence of the double zips and the fact the cubes could be unzipped on three sides, which cranked up the accessibility even more.

Packing cubes FAQs

How do packing cubes work.

Many packing cubes are simply fabric holdalls with a zip to help compartmentalise your things, while compression packing cubes work by compressing the air around your clothes to help save even more space. Exactly how they do this will depend on the cube.

For some packing cubes, you may need to remove the air manually with a vacuum cleaner. Then there are cubes that don’t require a vacuum cleaner and can instead be compressed with a very strong zip, or by rolling them out, which in turn expells the air inside.

Packing tips

It may seem like overkill, but knowing exactly what you’re taking before you start can help you stay organised. Make a list of everything you really need, too, so you’re less likely to forget something important.

To save on space, only bring full outfits for each day or activity, so you won’t bring anything you won’t actually wear. You may also find that rolling your clothes up instead of folding them saves even more space. That said, try to avoid rolling up any stiff or delicate pieces of clothing – anything made of cotton or linen would be a prime example of clothes that should be folded instead.

You may want to avoid bringing anything that will get wrinkled easily unless you’re bringing a portable iron or garment steamer. Speaking of which, your suitcase should be full enough that the contents can’t fall around and crease inside. Make sure to fill every empty space if you can.

How to organise your suitcase

Start by deciding how you would like to categorise each packing cube – will you have a different cube for tops and trousers, say, or for each day or member of the family? You may find smaller cubes more useful for weekend trips, while fewer, larger packing cubes may be better suited to longer excursions.

The heaviest and widest packing cubes ought to be at the bottom of the suitcase, leaving room for smaller cubes to be arranged around and on top. This will make the suitcase more stable and you won’t need to remove the biggest cube to reach items at the bottom.

Finally, make sure you set aside valuable and fragile items, which will be best kept in their own packing cube. Pop this at the top of your suitcase too, to prevent it from being damaged.

The verdict: Packing cubes

Thule’s compression cube set is stylish, practical and (almost) fits everything but the kitchen sink – we loved the stylish look, too. Meanwhile, Lowe Alpine’s packing cube is a masterclass in sleek simplicity – it’s a product with the rugged practicality for which the brand’s backpacks are famous. Then there’s Patagonia’s black hole cube , which is both rugged and stylish. Put it this way, if there was ever a packing cube that could double as a tote bag, it’s this one.

Why trust us?

Tamara Hinson is a freelance travel writer who is a keen explorer, making her the perfect candidate for testing the best packing cubes. She most recently visited the Maldives, India’s Bandhavgarh National Park, and has even explored the most exciting new train journeys in Europe, putting each packing cube to the test. While she’s busy traversing the globe, she also tests everything from the best travel pillows to cabin bags, so her research and recommendations are well worth trusting.

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15 stylish travel toiletry bags to pack for your next trip

Need the perfect pouch to organise your holiday essentials? Browse our favourite toiletry bags

Perhaps you're heading off for a romantic weekend break or flying to the Med for a family getaway - well, toiletry bags are ideal for keeping your beauty, hair and skincare essentials in one place.

We've rounded up the most stylish ones available to buy right now, including hanging toiletry bags for convenience, clear ones so you can see all your products and luxury wash bags made of the finest leather.

These travel toiletry bags for men and women range from large wash bags to fit your full-sized shampoo and conditions to toiletry bags with compartments - ideal for the super-organised traveller. Some make excellent travel gifts , too. And if you've purchased a stylish weekender or one of the best suitcases , the perfect travel toiletry bag should fit nicely inside your luggage.

Whatever you have in mind for a travel toiletry bag this summer, you'll want to scroll through our chic selection...

Antler Brompton leather wash bag in black

A quality travel toiletry bag made from full-grain leather and a compact size to fit in your essentials, Antler's wash bag has a zipped pocket on the outside and provides internal pockets to keep your toiletries in place. The side handle makes it easy to carry, wherever you're staying, and it's a breeze to wipe clean.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag for Travel

A stylish travel toiletry bag with a chic striped design, this hanging wash bag from Bagsmart has a host of handy features. The large swivelling hanger helps you hang it up with ease, while the waterproof interiors means you don't have to fear spills. It's generously sized, with four separate compartments, and elastic inner straps that keep bottles upright. It's an excellent all-rounder.

Narwey Travel Hanging Toiletry Wash Bag

"This toiletry bag holds many toiletries, some are full-size bottles," says one frequent flyer, who uses this bag. Whether it's toothbrushes, SPF or your favourite night cream, you'll find the space for it in Narwey's pretty purple wash bag. There's a metal hook to hang it, separate sections for brushes and side pockets to pack more in.

H&M Wash Bag

Perfect for keeping all your beauty essentials in one place, this transparent travel toiletry bag has two large compartments with double zips for easy access. The clear case allows you to see everything in the wash bag and you can divide them by product type, such as your hair must-haves in one and skin favourites in the other. The travel toiletry bag is available in pretty pink or chic black.

OneNine5 Eco-Friendly Travel Wash Bag

You can care for the environment in style with OneNine5's Eco-Friendly Travel Wash Bag that's made with a 100% recycled plastic lining. The chic travel toiletry bag features a reusable and detachable clear bag which is handy for popping in your liquids at the airport. We love the various compartments and pockets for storing everything, from hairbands and ear plugs to mini bottles of shampoo and toothpaste. Plus, its thoughtful waterproof design with water-resistant zippers makes it a breeze to clean.

Aspinal of London Large Essential Cosmetic Case

Want something that allows you to add your initials for a more personal touch. Aspinal of London's stunning travel toiletry bag is a beautiful one you'll love forever. It's made from Italian full-grain leather and has one compartment for storing all your toiletries in one place.

H&M Transparent Wash Bag

Spacious, transparent and looking more expensive than its price tag, one of our favourite travel toiletry bags can be found at H&M. It's practical, with a clear case that contains two smaller canvas wash bags, and we love that you can use them as one or three separate bags.

Oliver Bonas Carrie Blue Fold Out Make Up Bag Large

This large wash bag in a fun and fresh shade has a gorgeous quilted stitch for a premium design. There are green zips and interior candy stripes for a travel toiletry bag that looks pretty inside and out. It comes with a hanging hook so you can display all your essentials and the zipped pockets keeps them organised. Make it a collection by matching it with the more compact pink bag - it's perfectly sized for popping in your handbag, when you're out and about exploring.

Lavievert Toiletry Bag

If you're looking for a travel toiletry bag that has multiple pockets, this one from Lavievert's got you covered. There is one main compartment, smaller interior mesh pockets, two-way zipped pockets for easy access and more. You can fit in all your essentials for a trip away, from toothbrushes to hairspray and make-up to full-size moisturisers. You can also use the hook to hang it up in the bathroom.

Bellroy Dopp Kit

This travel toiletry bag has an excellent feature we love: a magnetic sleeve that holds your razor or toothbrush separately from everything else. It also has interior mesh pockets for organisation and the water-resistant lining makes it ideal for wiping away any spills. A compact wash bag for just a few essentials, this design from Bellroy is just the thing for no-fuss packing.

Away The Large Toiletry Bag

For a travel toiletry bag with a simple design that's practical and stylish, look no further than this blue option from Away. It's designed to fit in all your essentials, from your toothbrush to deodorant. There's an exterior zip pocket for cotton buds, disinfectant wipes or makeup remover pads, while the interior has multiple interior compartments to help you keep everything organised.

Horizn Kōenji Wash Bag

Engineered by industry specialists and made from the same material as bulletproof vests, this travel toiletry bag is ideal for frequent travellers. Horizn's Koenji wash bag is water-resistant, durable and designed to withstand wear and tear.

marks M&S 3 Piece Printed Toiletry Bags

Need more than one travel toiletry bag? We love this set of three from M&S, which gives you a large, medium and small wash bag that you can carry as a set or separately if you're travelling light. They're made from recycled material and feature fun plain and abstract designs in gorgeous colours for a stylish holiday option.

M&S Recycled Polyester Pro-Tect™ Washbag

Made from recycled material that's scuff-resistant and made to last, this men's travel toiletry bag is just the thing to keep all his bathroom essentials in one place. Fans say it's "solid" and offers "plenty of room," and we like the practical water-resistant lining, plus the two compartments for separating items.

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Money latest: Hopes of interest rate cut grow as inflation eases to 3.2%

The latest official data on inflation has been released - read all the reaction and analysis on what the numbers could mean for interest rates in the Money blog. Listen to the Ian King Business podcast as you scroll.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 09:08, UK

• Inflation falls to lowest level since 2021
• Ian King analysis: The really important figure will come next month
• Basically... What is inflation - and how can it affect interest rates?
• Bank seeing 'very encouraging signs' for economy, governor says

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We've been taking a closer look at some of the ONS inflation data... 

It shows inflation for food and non-alcoholic drinks dipped to 4% for the month, from 5% in February. 

This is its lowest level since November 2021.

The increased slowdown was partly driven by a fall in meat prices and lower rises for bread and cereals, the ONS said.

Furniture and household goods prices also contributed to the fall, with prices in the sector falling by 0.9% in March compared with the same month last year.

Elsewhere in retail, clothing and footwear inflation also slowed to 4% for the month, from 5% in February, after women's clothing stores increased prices by less than normal for this time of year.

The largest upwards pressure came from motor fuels, after the average price of petrol rose by 2.6p per litre between February and March 2024 to stand at 144.8 pence per litre, according to the ONS.

After the lower-than-expected fall in inflation, Coventry Building Society has announced it is increasing all its fixed rate deals. 

Although it hasn't said how much the offers will rise by, it has said it will affect new and existing residential and buy-to-let customers. 

The higher rates will be introduced at 8am on Friday, it said. 

The announcement has been met with disappointment by brokers, who say it is "another major ripple of increases". 

"This is disappointing news. Swap rate increases continue to hammer mortgage borrowers, and lenders have no choice but to pass on those higher costs," Justin Moy, the managing director at EHF Mortgages, said. 

"The 48-hour notice Coventry Building Society provides is always appreciated by brokers and borrowers, but this is just the start of another major ripple of increases that will only disappoint those coming off cheaper deals and looking to buy," he told Newspage. 

Lewis Shaw, owner and mortgage expert at Shaw Financial Services, warned: "There may be more mortgage misery on the cards after the latest CPI print shows the economy is still running hotter than expected." 

Michelle Lawson, director at Lawson Financial, said: "No surprises here following this morning's inflation decrease as it wasn't as low as markets expected. 

"More than anything we need stability but the mixed messages being sent out to borrowers remain. This appears to be the new norm for now." 

Andrew Bailey has signalled the UK is still on course for an interest rate cut as official figures show a further easing in the pace of price growth in the economy.

Our business reporter James Sillars   looks closely at the governor's comments here : 

While we have seen inflation fall slightly, the UK's figure still remains one of the highest in the G7. 

Our headline rate of 3.2% is nearly 1% more than Germany, which as recorded a 2.3% rate.

The US is still sitting above the UK, with an expected rise from 3.2% in February to 3.5% in March.

Rishi Sunak has celebrated the new inflation data, despite it falling by less than expected. 

The prime minister says inflation is now at the lowest it's been for more than two and a half years...

It's important to say that although the figure is moving in the right direction, it is still a way off the government's 2% target.

Our  business presenter Ian King has given his first reaction to the newly released inflation data.

He says "on the face of it" the latest figure is "good news", but the bad news is the market was probably looking for a "slightly bigger fall". 

"The forecast had been for the headline rate of inflation had been down to 3.1%, so the number has come in ahead of expectations but nonetheless it does mark a continue decline in inflation," he says. 

The important figure, however, will be released next month. 

"The number we are looking out for - to be perfectly honest with you - is what happens for the month of April because at the beginning of the month the energy price cap came down and that is expected to feed through," he says. 

"On the whole, it's pretty good news, but perhaps not as good as we had expected. 

"It just reiterates the fact that inflation does not always come down in the way that people expect it to." 

Inflation has eased to 3.2% down from 3.4%, official figures from the Office for National Statistics show, the lowest level since 2021.

Economists had predicted the figure, which covers the month of March, would fall to 3.1%. 

While the news will be welcomed by many, it is important to remember that this doesn't mean prices are coming down - they are just rising slower. 

All eyes will now turn to decision-makers at the Bank of England as they prepare to consider cutting interests rates next month. 

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: "Inflation eased slightly in March to its lowest annual rate for two and a half years.

"Once again, food prices were the main reason for the fall, with prices rising by less than we saw a year ago.

"Similarly to last month, we saw a partial offset from rising fuel prices."

Some economists have said a cool-down in inflation could influence the Bank to start cutting interest rates from 5.25% in June. 

Oxford Economics' Edward Allenby said inflation is expected to hit the Bank's target rate of 2% later this year. 

But, he warned, the benefit of falling energy prices could prove temporary and cause inflation to tip higher again.

"Further declines in wholesale gas prices mean the energy component should continue to drag heavily on headline inflation throughout 2024," he said.

"Meanwhile, the food and core categories will benefit from strong base effects and the indirect effects of lower energy costs.

"Therefore, our latest forecast shows inflation dropping well below 2% in the second half of 2024."

In the next few minutes, the ONS will release the latest inflation data.

Many economists believe it will ease from 3.4% to 3.1%, while others have predicted it could fall to 3%. 

Chief executive of Blonde Money Helen Thomas has aligned herself with the first group, and said the figure will still be way above the Bank of England's 2% target.

"Some progress, but we're not all the way there yet," she said. 

Explaining why inflation is remaining so sticky for the UK, she said some of it has to do with the pandemic and how people have changed the way they live. 

She also said there was "inefficiency" within supply chains, particularly in terms of energy, that tends to keep inflation higher. 

Tensions in the Middle East are also playing a part, she added, saying the situation has caused oil prices to climb, and it looks like they are likely to stay high. 

"Inflation has tarted to come down, but there are new factors which are causing it to really accelerate. So that's another reason why we could expect inflation to remain sticky," she added. 

The Bank of England has seen "very encouraging signs" for the economy, its governor has said. 

Andrew Bailey told the International Monetary Fund in Washington last night that he had witnessed "strong evidence" that the process to reduce inflation was "working its way through". 

"We are seeing activity and resilience in the world economy, but we are seeing disinflation," he said. 

"In the UK, we are disinflating at what I would say is full employment. But I see strong evidence now that the process is working its way through.

"Our judgment with interest rates is how much do we need to see now to be confident of the process."

His comments come as UK interest rates remain at a 16-year-high of 5.25%. 

Some economists have predicted a cut to the rate could come in June, while others have suggested we might have to wait until August or the autumn.

The IMF unveiled new forecasts yesterday predicting the UK will eke out slower growth this year than previously thought and remain the second-worst performer in the G7 group of advanced economies.

The UN financial agency also cautioned that the escalation of conflict in the Middle East risks pushing up food and energy prices across the world. 

Basically, inflation is the rate at which prices are rising.

It directly affects our overall cost of living and, if wages are not increasing at the same pace, the value of your money decreases.

It is affected by lots of different factors, including global conflicts - with the Ukraine war having a huge impact on food and gas prices in recent years. Some argue Brexit also had a negative impact.

In the UK, inflation is measured monthly - comparing how much prices are going up with the same time a year previous.

The headline inflation figure, which you'll see a lot in the news, measures price rises across a range of products that we need in our daily lives.

The most commonly used inflation index is the Consumer Price Index (this is the update at 7am today) - and the target for many Western governments is 2%.

One thing to note is that falling inflation doesn't mean prices are coming down - just that they're rising less quickly. You'd need a minus figure, or negative inflation, to see prices fall overall.

Why does inflation impact interest rates?

The Bank of England raises interest rates to try to slow spending and encourage saving - when this happens, prices/inflation tend to come down.

When inflation falls, interest rates tend to.

Potential winners and losers from high inflation

Overall, a high and volatile rate of inflation is widely considered to be damaging for the economy – but there are some people who could benefit from it.

Workers with wage bargaining power (perhaps those who belong to strong trade unions) can come off better as they can protect their incomes by bidding for higher wages.

Producers could end up benefitting if their prices rise quicker than their costs.

People with stocks or property could also see the value of their assets rise if there is a sustained period of price inflation.

However, retired people on fixed incomes are likely to be worse off as inflation cuts the real value of their pensions and other savings.

The poorest members of the population will also feel the pinch more as costs of borrowing, food and domestic utilities are high.

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