For international travel, you want to ensure your luggage can withstand a long flight, different temperatures, and the fact that several people could be handling your bag. While you can’t trust that baggage handlers will treat your luggage with the same respect and care that you do, you can worry less by purchasing the right luggage.
Using weight, durability, flexibility, style as our criteria, here are the best pieces of luggage for international travel.
Here Are Our Top 6 Luggage Picks
- Best Carry-On For Avoiding Scratches: LUGGEX Carry-On Luggage
- Best Check-In Luggage For Long Hauls: Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside
- Best For Less Than $100: COOLIFE Carry-On With Pocket Compartment
- Best For Functionality in Airport: Monos Hybrid Carry-on
- Best Carry-On To Pack A Lot: Solgaard Carry-On Closet
- Best Hands-Free Luggage: Pakt Travel Backpack
Best Carry-On For Avoiding Scratches
LUGGEX Carry-on Luggage
This is the best carry-on luggage for people who are looking for one that’s scratch-resistant. LUGGEX’s carry-on dimensions are 22x14x9, and it features aluminum corner protectors that provide top-notch protection for your things on the inside and keeps the outside clean.
A considerable benefit of this luggage is that it’s made with three layers of polycarbonate, which provides even more protection from extreme temperatures up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it’s packed with extra material, the suitcase is still lightweight, making it easy to carry on your journey.
“I’ve taken these pieces on six flights and more than ten ride-share/shuttles (and witnessed a few drivers literally throw them when they thought we weren’t watching, lol),” Amazon reviewer Oyugap Mairim said. “I must say they hold up pretty well. These trunks are durable, and there is not a single scratch on the body. They truly are scratch-resistant.”
Best Check-In Luggage For Long Haul Trips
Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside
Travelpro’s platinum elite hard-side luggage is the best on the market for travelers checking in luggage for long-haul international flights. We all know that suitcase dimension requirements vary from country to country. Travelpro’s luggage passes the check-in size restrictions for nearly all major airlines, measuring 62 linear inches.
The check-in luggage has an ultra-strong polycarbonate hard shell with aluminum corner guards to protect your luggage from baggage handlers or turbulence underneath the cabin. The polycarbonate material and textured finish also help to reduce the visibility of scratches and scuffs.
Best For Less Than $100
COOLIFE Carry-On With Pocket Compartment
For less than $100, travelers can purchase this COOLIFE carry-on that offers durability for half the price of other suitcases on the market. Don’t let its cheaper price fool you. This 20-inch carry-on suit can withstand some heavy lifting and bumps.
“The luggage absorbs impacts and shocks without issues,” Amazon reviewer Jasmine V. stated. The front pocket can hold heavy items, including a laptop and chargers. It’s also very convenient because it is an excellent place to place your important documents and identification.
Best Luggage For Functionality
Monos Hybrid Carry-on
The hybrid material from Monos is what wins travelers over. Monos took two sought-out materials, aluminum and polycarbonate, and merged them for a sleek suitcase that offers top-tier functionality. The hybrid luggage means it’s essentially unbreakable, but that’s not all.
While most suitcases are equipped with a zipper on the outside, Monos’ Hybrid Carry-on does not have outer zippers. Instead, it comes with two lock handles on the outside, and the zippers are on the inside compartments.
Best Carry-On To Pack A Lot:
Solgaard Carry-On Closet
Getting the most out of your luggage begins with organization. Salgaard’s Carry-On Closet is a gem travelers don’t know they need. The carry-on can hold up to eight days of clothing items with its built-in shelving system. Travelers should pack the shelving unit up to 70% full before compressing it into the suitcase.
Aside from being able to pack more with this suitcase, there are other benefits. It comes equipped with a polycarbonate and lightweight aluminum frame to prevent scratches. It also has a built-in charger, allowing travelers to charge on the fly.
Best Hands-Free Luggage
Pakt Travel Backpack
For travelers who like their hands free, Pakt’s travel backpack will allow you to travel easily. The padded backpack has enough space to pack for at least four days. The main compartment can be divided into two, allowing travelers to pack folded clothes on both sides. There’s a padded laptop compartment that holds devices up to 16 inches and a clip-in pouch that can be used for groceries.
As you travel abroad, you will find some countries don’t have elevators or lifts in older buildings. This backpack will also come in handy just in case you have to walk up a few flights of stairs.
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