Between bachelorette parties, weddings, work trips, family obligations, and summer vacations, peak travel season is almost upon us, and it’s going to be busy. If you’re anything like me, prepping for upcoming trips also comes with the realization that your travel bags have seen better days. Whether you’re jetting off on a quick weekend trip or crossing timezones for a weeklong vacation, you’re going to need bags that can handle everything from airport security to hotel checkout and back again. So if you’re still rocking your L.L.Bean duffle from 2010, it’s time for an upgrade.
Our editors do a lot of traveling, so we know a thing or two about what makes a travel bag great. Basically, your carry-on suitcase, checked luggage, personal item, and accessory bags need to stand up to whatever you (or TSA agents) throw at them. That means the inevitable airline-induced wear and tear, inclement weather, and even your tendency to overpack (been there). We’ve found that some options are up to the challenge, while others won’t survive a weekend trip. So if you’re wondering which ones are worth your money, let us help. We’ve rounded up the best travel bags on the internet—no matter what kind of trip you’re taking.
Checked Bags
For trips overseas or vacations that last more than a week, you’ll definitely appreciate the extra packing room and less-strict TSA rules that come with checking a bag. These are the best checked bags for those big bucket-list trips:
AWAY
This hardside suitcase from Away features spinner wheels, an interior compression system, and a hidden laundry bag. What’s not to love?
7 colors available
CALPAK
CALPAK is a favorite brand among our editors for good reason. This large suitcase features a TSA-approved lock, an interior divider, and several zippered pockets to fit all your accessories.
6 colors available
Open Story
The internet is obsessed with this hardside suitcase from Open Story, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it look super sleek, but it also has several useful compartments and a combination lock. Plus, it comes with a removable compression pad, solving the problem of last minute purging to make all your clothes fit.
4 colors available
Amazon | Rockland
This spinner wheel luggage from Amazon has more than 12,000 reviews and a near-perfect rating. Travelers love it because it’s light yet durable, featuring a telescoping handle and straps to secure clothing on the interior.
10+ colors available
Carry-On Bags
Traveling with just a carry-on requires some strategic packing, but it’s worth it to save time, money, and hassle at the airport. These carry-on suitcases will hold everything you need and fit seamlessly in the overhead bin:
Quince
This carry-on suitcase from Quince packs all the features of more expensive luggage brands, including interior compression panels and a removable laundry bag, but at a super affordable price. It’s no wonder this product sells out almost constantly.
9 colors available
AWAY
As a companion to the large suitcase from Away, this hardside carry-on bag has everything from a laundry bag to an ejectable USB charger.
10+ colors available
CALPAK
If you’re looking for luggage with a vintage vibe, this carry-on is a modern spin on a classic trunk style—plus it expands up to 2 inches!
3 colors available
Open Story
With similar features as the checked luggage version, this carry-on from Open Story is beloved by customers and rounds out a travel set flawlessly.
4 colors available
Amazon | Kenneth Cole Reaction
This chevron carry-on from Amazon is perfect for a spontaneous trip, with a durable exterior and shoe pockets on the inside!
4 colors available
Weekender Travel Bags
For road trips and long weekends away, a weekender bag is the way to go. These editor-approved weekenders are perfect for short trips where you’re only staying a few nights:
Béis
This tote from Béis is basically the gold standard for weekender bags. It’s made from durable, water-resistant canvas, and it has a clip-on shoulder strap that makes transportation even easier. Plus, the bottom zippered compartment is perfect for keeping your shoes and toiletries separate.
8 colors available
CUYANA
Cuyana is known for their high-quality canvas and leather bags, and this weekender made from recycled plastic is no different. This spacious tote features three compartments, so staying organized on the go is no problem.
2 colors available
Open Story
For a stylish and durable weekender bag that won’t break the bank, you can’t beat this under-$100 option from Open Story. Packed with tons of pockets and compartments, it has dedicated spots for your laptop, water bottle, sunglasses, keys, and more.
2 colors available
Amazon | Bluboon
This weekender bag is incredibly spacious, with a separate bottom compartment for shoes and a slide sleeve on the back so it can easily slip onto luggage. And at less than $40, it’s an absolute steal.
PARAVEL
This ingenious bag can be folded up and zippered into a compact pouch when empty—perfect for when a weekend vacation transforms into an I-never-want-to-leave situation. The monogrammed detail is an added plus to this classic weekender-style bag.
6 colors available
Travel Backpacks
You can’t beat the convenience of traveling hands-free. Stash everything you need in one of these travel backpacks to make going through security and navigating a new city so much easier:
Béis
If you’re looking for a backpack that can literally do it all, your search is over. Because the main compartment zips all the way open, you can fit so much into this little bag. Whether you’re heading out on an overnight trip or a longer vacay, this serves as the perfect personal item with its dedicated laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, and front compartment.
8 colors available
Dagne Dover
Made from super-durable, water-resistant fabric, this backpack is perfect for frequent travelers. It has tons of interior pockets to streamline organization and comes in multiple sizes to suit your needs.
10+ colors available
Open Story
If there’s one thing we love around here, it’s pockets. And this backpack from Target has tons of them. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, this backpack is the only personal item you need.
3 colors available
CALPAK
This chic yet durable backpack is ideal for anyone on the go—from students to moms to commuters—and it works perfectly for travel as well. The zippered back compartment can fit a 15-inch laptop, while the many interior pockets help you stash everything else.
10+ colors available
Toiletry Bags
Sure, you could rely on whatever basic toiletry items your hotel room stocks, or you could invest in one of these toiletry bags to easily take all your favorite products with you.
Caraa
This cosmetic bag from Caraa has a classic yet trendy look, with a waterproof interior that simply wipes clean. A separate zippered pocket inside lets you safely store jewelry and protect it from any potential product spills.
Fawn Design
Beauty lovers: this one’s for you. This toiletry bag features interior elastic bands that allow you to store products upright and in place—which means no spills or leaks mid-flight. Not to mention the faux leather material will look gorgeous on your hotel bathroom counter.
3 colors available
Amazon | Bagsmart
This makeup bag is water-resistant and even has a separate waterproof pocket to hold damp items. Plus, it has elastic bands on the inside to hold bottles upright to prevent spills and keep small items like your toothbrush or makeup brushes in place.
4 colors available
Amazon | BAGSMART
Let’s be honest—hanging toiletry bags have been coming in clutch since our summer camp days. This sleek, grown-up version from Amazon is perfect for storing any and all travel essentials. With elastic straps to keep items in place and four large zippered compartments, it’ll easily hold your entire skincare routine and more.
6 colors available
Accessory Bags
It’s the little things that will take your packing game to the next level. Our editors swear by these extras to take the stress out of packing:
Amazon
Keeping your belongings organized while traveling is absolutely essential. These packing cubes from Amazon are the perfect addition to any luggage.
6 colors available
Amazon | Hibag
I know I’m not alone in my frankly impressive ability to overpack. These compression bags from Amazon are lifesavers for those whose suitcases are constantly bulging.
AWAY
Gone are the days of untangling countless cords and wires while unpacking. Away’s tech case organizer comes with a mesh pocket for laptop chargers, plus elastic loops for earbuds and charging blocks.
2 colors available
