Target just dropped a luggage sale — scoop up suitcases and travel backpacks, from $40

Funny thing about spring: No sooner do you notice the newly warm-ish temps and additional sun, no sooner do you find yourself stepping outside and detecting the smell of grass in the air, no sooner do you think, "Aaah, it's gorgeous out!"...then you suddenly think, "Uggh — I gotta get the %&#* outta here!" That's right; with longer days and shorter sleeves come thoughts of travel. And, hey, Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, is only two months away, so it's not too early to start planning your next vacay. How convenient, then, that Target has got deals on a few smart, sturdy pieces of luggage that would be perfect companions.

Target

Hardside Large Checked Spinner Suitcase

$168$210Save $42

You can't go wrong with classic, stylish black of course, but since you may find yourself waiting for this at the baggage carousel, you might want to consider the more eye-catching Champagne and Puritan Gray, which are also on sale.

$168 at Target

It's a fact of life: Nobody likes having to check (and then wait for) a big bag. Also a fact of life? You're going to need one of these if you're planning a trip of any length. A third fact? This behemoth from Open Story, now over 20% off, is the one to get. Measuring 29" x 20" x 12", it features TSA-approved locks, an indestructible polycarbonate shell, interior compartments galore and a 10-year warranty!

"Taken these back and forth multiple times from USA/Canada and Vietnam," related this globetrotter. Their verdict? "Sturdy, no damage and spacious!"

Target

Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase

$136$170Save $34

Available in the same three shades as its big brother, above, this carry on can also be scored in beautiful Denim Blue.

$136 at Target

Made of the same durable exterior as the 29" checked spinner, this carry on can be used as a companion piece for that multi-country, two-month odyssey you're planning, or as a stylish carry all for that weekend when your rich friend invites you to their seaside villa (or, you know, for that obligatory schlep out to the suburbs to see your folks). Features a built-in USB port for charging your electronics on the go and, at 21.5"x 14" x 9.75", it will, of course, fit in any plane's overhead compartment.

"Travel about once a month for the past year, primarily for work, but also a couple international vacations," said a frequent flyer. "It has held up great. At first I was weary about the hard case, but with the amount of orginizational features it is amazing. I traveled to Europe with this and it held way more than I expected. Buying a second one for my husband."

Target

Day Trip Backpack

$64$80Save $16

Here's an idea: Pack it now and be ready to bolt on that morning when you decide to call in "sick" and go out and play. You're looking at the taupe variety, but this is also available in classic black.

$64 at Target

Sometimes the best getaway you can hope for is a six-hour hike in the mountains or an afternoon on the beach. That's no reason not to treat yourself to a new bag! This one, made of water-repellent nylon, is a 22-liter model, and if you choose to get some work done on during your off-time idyll (boo!) or want to make it your new everyday pack, it'll fit a 16" laptop.

Said this gadabout: "Perfect travel backpack. I use it as my carry on on the plane. It held everything I needed it to, including laptop, Beats headphones, a book, wallet, etc."

Target

Commuter Backpack

$40$50Save $10

Officially, this color is Thistle, but because 1) Open Story's not the boss of us! and 2) We're in a springtime state of mind, we're calling it Lilac. Deal with it. (Oh yeah: available in black and taupe too.)

$40 at Target

Don't let its name mislead you: Yes, of course this can be Monday-to-Friday sidekick, and you'll look damn good together (we love the handles on top; can't you just see yourself walking down the street, swinging this to and fro, without a care in the world?), but it's also perfect for the impromptu overnight or weekend jaunt, even if you're going waaay out of town. Don't believe us? Read on....

"I bought this bag just shy of a year ago when on vacation in Arizona. I've traveled to and from again and again, and started nursing school in the Pacific Northwest six months ago...meaning, I am constantly drenched in rain and carrying ridiculously heavy books daily. I use it for school, for volunteer shifts, for clinicals... all this and it STILL looks brand-new."

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.