Whether you're traveling for work or for play, there are endless checklists to worry about before crossing international borders, from making sure your passport isn't expired to concerns about travel delays and other unexpected bumps in the road along the way. Once you've taken the time to pack your toiletries, throw in Oprah's favorite compact iron, and set aside your favorite long-haul pants and useful travel accessories, the last thing you'll want to discover is that your suitcase isn't going to cut it for your journey abroad.
Thankfully, there's no shortage of durable and attractive pieces of luggage out there. We tested the best of the best to ensure that you won't get caught in a luggage letdown when you're already at the airport.
Our Top Picks
1
Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
While size guidelines vary based on airline, destination, and even frequent flyer status and seat location, a good rule of thumb to abide by is keeping your carry-on luggage less than a length of 22 inches (56 cm), width of 18 inches (45 cm) and depth of 10 inches (25 cm), according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These dimensions include wheels, handles, and side pockets. A standard domestic carry-on can typically be slightly longer, so you'll want to be prepared well before wheels up.
Check out our top picks for the best options at every price point and luggage type, from tote and duffle bags with trolley sleeves to rolling luggage and everything in between. Whether you're checking your bag or stowing it in the overhead bins, the best luggage for international travel will put your mind at ease as you prepare for takeoff.
1
Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
1
Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
When you're taking the whole family across international waters, you're going to need luggage that can store everything you need – with plenty of room for souvenirs, of course. That's where this sleek suitcase comes into play. It offers double-spinner wheels for easy maneuvering (a major bonus for clumsy kiddos who insist on toting their own bags!), a double-locking system with a TSA-approved lock, two large fully lined compartments with multiple pockets, an ergonomic handle, and the ability to expand an extra two inches to ensure no must-have gets left behind. What else could you need?
2
Best Carry-On for Luggage for International Travel
Away The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase
2
Best Carry-On for Luggage for International Travel
Trust us: Any luggage from Away is an investment worthy of a spot in your travel essential arsenal. While it may seem a little pricey up front, our Away suitcases have never had any issues and last through city streets and long travel days for years.
Along with a 100-day trial period and free shipping, this impressive polycarbonate hard-shell suitcase is ideal for transporting all your necessities. It's also solid for staying organized on multi-destination itineraries, thanks to a water-resistant inner laundry bag and multiple storage compartments.
3
Most Stylish Carry-On Suitcase for International Travel
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Suitcase
3
Most Stylish Carry-On Suitcase for International Travel
If you're looking for stylish travel bags for your fabulous holiday abroad, Paravel makes some of the best—from Oprah's favorite fold-up travel backpack to this super-chic rolling suitcase. Its Aviator carry-on suitcase comes in five gorgeous colorways and has an option for personalization. Plus, Paravel offers an impressive 10-year limited warranty.
Not sold yet? While the luggage is made from recycled materials, the brand also offsets the carbon emissions that are generated creating and shipping the bag to you.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage with Spinners
4
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside Luggage with Spinners
When it comes to a sturdy, solid suitcase that doesn't take up too much room, this Samsonite 20-inch carry-on checks the boxes. Scratch-resistant polycarbonate construction means it'll look brand-new for years to come, and side-mounted TSA-approved locks ensure your belongings are safe and secure. Multiple color options let you fly in style, and its lightweight design will take you from cab to plane to train, boat, car, and street with ease and flexibility.
Aside from the fact that it comes in a dozen bold, beautiful hues, the July carry-on makes for the ideal travel companion thanks to its minimalist look, manageable size, and impressive added features like a hidden TSA-approved lock, ejectable USB-C battery, and 20-height handle. For an added fee, you can customize your carry-on by adding your initials, making it a solid gift option for any jet-setter in your life.
It's been a few years since rolling suitcases first got a facelift thanks to modernizing brands like Away and Monos. Now the stylish travel brand Béis is in the mix, and we're loving everything from the tough but still sleek design to roomy interiors and organizational pockets.
Traveling in style has never been easier than with this beauty, which is designed for optimal comfort no matter where your journeys may take you. Included is a sturdy polycarbonate shell, comfy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock, whisper-quiet wheels, and vegan leather detailing—and each carry-on is designed to fit inside the brand's larger check-in sizes, making storage simple and seamless. Did we mention that each luggage piece has a lifetime warranty?
Calpak's puffer tote bag perfectly stores an extra pair of shoes, your laptop or iPad, and other essentials, thanks to tons of interior and exterior pockets. It's made from a high-quality, lightweight, and scratch-resistant fabric. The icing on the cake? The luggage trolley sleeve that lets you rest it right on top of your rolling suitcase. Did we mention the super-quick shipping for last minute trips?
Along with being frequent-flyer- and flight-attendant-approved, this travel tote includes an inner toiletry kit for easy access, a roomy main compartment, and an interior pocket to hold everything you need readily available, including tickets, magazines, device chargers, and more. If your travels are taking you directly from boarding gate to the boardroom, you won't worry about this classic carry-on taking up too much space...just grab it, and you're good to go.
Thanks to a lightweight, waterproof-finish neoprene, you won't have to worry when toting your travel essentials internationally. Dagne Dover's backpacks are roomy enough to carry all your gear while tons of interior and exterior pockets keep you organized. Plus, you can use the handy trolley sleeve when you want to give your back a rest.