Choosing the right luggage for international travel can make your trip more organized, efficient and enjoyable. With so many options, from durable hard-shell suitcases to flexible soft-sided bags, finding the perfect luggage can be challenging.
The best luggage should fit your belongings, comply with airline luggage rules, withstand travel wear and tear and match your personal style.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our top carry-on and checked luggage options for international travelers and highlight their features and benefits.
Best backpacks for international travel
For international travel, the right travel backpack is a must. The best travel backpacks are versatile, comfortable and spacious enough for all your essentials yet compact enough to meet carry-on requirements.
With more than 22,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, this backpack has tons of international traveler-friendly features, including hidden zippers, RFID-blocking pockets and a cut-resistant strap for security. It has spacious compartments for laptops up to 17 inches and other essentials.
I loved checking out The Adventurist Backpack Co. Classic Backpack earlier this year. It's perfect for international travel with a super-lightweight 1-pound design and a 16-liter capacity. Made from durable, water-resistant 1000D polyester, it features a padded laptop sleeve, multiple pockets and a comfortable fit. For every backpack sold, 25 meals are donated to families in need.
The Samsonite Modern Utility Double Shot Backpack is another ideal option for international travel with its padded laptop compartment for devices up to 15 inches, multiple zippered pockets for easy access and SmartSleeve for sliding over luggage handles. It's water-resistant and perfect for navigating airports or exploring new cities.
The backpack used in "I packed for a 3-week European vacation in just a backpack" is an excellent choice for international travel. With a 35-liter capacity, suitcase-style opening, multiple compartments and a padded laptop sleeve, it offers ample space and organization.
Best soft-sided luggage for international travel
The best soft-sided bags are made from durable, water-resistant materials, feature multiple compartments for organized packing and have expandable designs for extra items. Our top picks feature smooth-rolling wheels and telescoping handles for easy maneuverability, and their sizes comply with most airline carry-on restrictions.
My go-to carry-on is top of the list for soft-sided international bags. Its CX expansion-compression system boosts packing capacity and compresses easily for storage. Durable construction, smooth 360-degree wheels and a trifold garment folder keep clothes wrinkle-free. It also comes as a two-wheel bag.
This bag is very similar to the carry-on version just discussed, but it's Briggs and Riley's smallest checked bag at 26 inches. It has the same durable ballistic nylon with smooth-rolling wheels and lifetime warranty. If you require a larger checked bag, it's also available in 29 inches and 31 inches.
This bag was a top pick in our soft-sided carry-on tests. Weighing just 6.5 pounds, it features a spacious interior, multiple pockets and a removable toiletry organizer. The patented Securitech zip offers extra security, and its expandable design allows for additional packing space. Dual-density wheels provide smooth maneuverability through busy airports.
Away's new soft-sided luggage offers expandable capacity, high-quality nylon and smooth-rolling wheels. The smart interior layout and ergonomic handle add convenience, while the expandable feature provides extra space. However, the zippers feel delicate and the exterior pockets are difficult to access. Overall, the collection combines sleek design with functionality but could use some refinements.
Best hard-shell luggage for international travel
For international travel, hard-shell luggage offers excellent protection. As with the soft-sided bags, our top picks also include smooth-rolling wheels and telescoping handles for easy maneuverability. These bags are designed to withstand the rigors of long journeys to keep your valuables secure.
We're big fans of Away's popular carry-on bag for international travel. Its polycarbonate shell offers strong protection for your belongings, while the well-organized interior and compact size make it perfect for navigating various airline restrictions. Despite minor drawbacks, like less smooth wheels and a less sturdy trolley handle, it's hard to beat its value and strong build.
An Away fan looking for a checked bag? Look no further. This 26-inch checked bag offers a spacious, well-organized interior that includes compression straps and a TSA-approved lock for added security. It has the same 360-degree wheels Away fans love.
It's no-frills, but it's also one of the best deals out there. The Samsonite Freeform Spinner offers a durable polycarbonate exterior and expandable design, which provides extra packing space for souvenirs. We're also big fans of the bag's built-in TSA locks.
If you're looking for a budget checked bag, this 24-inch Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner has the same lightweight polypropylene construction and practical design as the carry-on. It offers a spacious interior with cross ribbons and multiple pockets for organized packing, along with a 1.5-inch expansion capability to accommodate extra items. If you need more space, there's also a 28-inch bag available.
What senior travel and money editor Andrew Kunesh describes as the best carry-on bag he's ever come across, the Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Case may be beyond the reach of most travelers. But it's truly the pinnacle of luxury in carry-on luggage. With its robust 5000-series aluminum body and steel rivets, this bag is virtually indestructible. Its vintage design, spring-loaded latches and full-grain leather handles offer a touch of elegance and a lifetime warranty.