The 10 Best Luggage Pieces for International Travel

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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. The last thing you'll want to encounter is finding out 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, and we've 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.

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 in (56 cm), width of 18 in (45 cm) and depth of 10 in (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, you can put your mind at ease as you prepare for takeoff.

The Bigger Carry-On Suitcase

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 of 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.

Carry-On Rolling Suitcase

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.

The Carry-On Roller Suitcase

It's been a few years since rolling suitcases first got a facelift thanks to brands like Away and July. 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.

Luka Large Duffel with Trolley Sleeve

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 so you can rest it right on top of your rolling suitcase. Did we mention the super-quick shipping for last minute trips?

Carry-On Spinner Suitcase

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.

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?

Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

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.

Baseline-Deluxe Travel Tote Bag

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.

Brief Backpack

This pack is said to be able to bring your whole office with you, and the numerous inner and outer pockets—including waterproof outer pockets to store drinks and snacks safely—mean you'll stay organized no matter how hectic your travels might be. Stash your laptop, tablet, chargers, books, and more in the bag one recent reviewer called "reliable, stylish, and well constructed" as well as "an essential for any business traveler or commuter."

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