To carry or to check? Whether you're escaping for a weekend trip or heading overseas for an indefinite time, your luggage is one of the most important travel items you'll bring. However, there is a wide variety of designs, sizes and categories to choose from. From duffel bags for a weekend trip to tote bags for daily expeditions, many luggage options in the market will maximize every travel experience.
Wherever your travels take you, chances are you’ll pack either an oversized suitcase or a compact backpack. (Personally, I’m team carry-on — the ease of traveling light almost always outweighs the hassle of checking a bag.) That said, luggage needs can vary depending on the trip. To narrow down the best options, we tapped several travel experts for guidance on the best materials and smart packing tips, then put their advice to the test through hands-on evaluations.
After weeks of international travel, rolling bags over train platforms and stuffing them to capacity, our editors also confidently crowned the top performers during our fourth annual Shop TODAY Travel Awards.
Best checked luggage$undefined$112.69
Best value carry-on$undefined$99.99
Features to look for in luggage and carry-ons
Our experts had opinions when recommending the best materials for luggage and carry-ons. The best ones, they say? Polycarbonate, aluminum and soft-shell. However, selecting what type of luggage to travel with depends on the number of items you're bringing and the length of your destination. According to travel expert and author Angie Orth and chief marketing officer of Virgin Voyages, Nathan Rosenberg, these are the three materials to keep in mind.
- Polycarbonate: "Polycarbonate is my go-to for most trips. It’s lightweight, flexible and survives baggage handlers better than you’d think," shares Orth.
- Aluminum: While this material is heavier, it can take a beating. "If you’re flying long-haul, cruising or carrying anything you’d grieve over, it earns its weight. [It] ages beautifully, too," quips Rosenberg.
- Soft-shell: "This one wins when you want flexibility and exterior pockets, especially for road trips or overpackers," says Orth. Plus, it's the best one for road trips, overhead bins and for those who need to overpack, minus the extra baggage fees thanks to its lesser density.
Best overall checked luggage
Delsey passed our packability, rolling and scratch tests with flying colors, making it a standout across the board. We also put it through a water test, spraying the corners and expandable sections to see how it handled rain, and were impressed to find the interior mostly dry once opened. This suitcase is also quickly becoming my go-to for checked baggage and for good reason. It easily fit two large packing cubes, three pairs of shoes, two small packing cubes, and even a curling iron, all while keeping everything secure and organized.
I can’t wait to pack this for all my Florida trips since it’s built to handle the inevitable drops and bumps that come with airline travel, thanks to its durable exterior hardware. One standout feature is the cushioned handle, which feels comfortable in hand and doesn’t cause fatigue when you’re rushing through the airport or maneuvering over uneven surfaces.
Best packing cubes
If you're really looking to maximize space in your luggage, this will save you a lot of space and empty corners. The plastic bags can easily fit an entire wardrobe, including blankets, wool items, heavy jackets and more, without the struggle of zipping them up. All you need to do is use the air pump to suction the air, and it will shrink to its minimum size. The bags are also waterproof and can easily keep air, dust and odor out. Another pro is the transparent material, which lets you visually find the items without opening the bags.
For those looking for a bold statement, these packing cubes are water-resistant, stylish and can pack a bunch. The bags feature two main compartments — the front and back. They also come with name tags to label your bags and make things easier to categorize. Overall, this bag holds up well to scratches and punctures, and the handles make it easy to move around.
"Packing cubes are so helpful. I separate by outfit/day for longer trips. It’s nice to unpack in seconds instead of living out of a suitcase and digging for things," shares Orth. Personally, I liked this one the best for its resilient material and storage capacity. During testing, the biggest cube was able to hold four pants, two sweaters, four pairs of underwear, and it was compressed all the way down.
Best carry-ons
Writer Allie Wise is taking this one back to her hometown to visit her family and says, "I loved it so much that I threw my old carry-on suitcase right in the garbage.” RIP old luggage.
"This is the best carry-on luggage I've ever owned. Firstly, the wheels are super smooth and are so easy to roll on hardwood floors. I also love its chic design and color — the green really pops. It also includes a variety of compartments inside for storing your toiletries, jewelry, intimates and more while leaving enough access space for apparel and shoes."
Senior social media editor Kate McCarthy has named this her new "favorite luggage." It's easy to maneuver and incredibly spacious, for the cost. "This carry-on is smooth, perfectly designed for packing, and at an excellent price. What more could you want in a piece of luggage? I was extremely satisfied with not only the size (I used it for a weekend trip and had ample room to spare, I'd 100% be able to take this on a week-long vacation) but the interior layout. There were compartments to store smaller items, and overall, the design felt thoughtful for all types of travelers," she says.
Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler recommends this one for its durable exterior, spacious interior and additional compartments. "Timbuk2 is like the best of all worlds. It has so many separate compartments, and even has an additional inch of space you can unzip if you (like I always do) overpack," she says. Just like the award-winning Delsey, this one also features an ergonomic handle to move around with comfort.
Best weekender bags
For a second year in a row, this duffel wins five stars for its water-resistant material, spacious interior and sturdy construction. "This is exactly what a duffel should be," says McCarthy. During our water resistance test, the liquids slid right off without interfering with the contents inside. If you're heading to a rainy and rugged location, this bag is sure to withstand all your adventurous moments.
Wise really liked this duffel bag because it can hold plenty without struggling to squeeze items inside. "It can hold a lot, is extremely sturdy and the zipper is easy to open and close. It also has a variety of compartments for storage/etc. I do wish the handles were longer, as I like a duffel that I can drape over my shoulder so it's less heavy to carry," adds Wise.
Best travel backpacks
If you need to travel light but still carry all your belongings, this backpack will give you the flexibility you need. Junior commerce insights associate Liz Iskander flew to Los Angeles with this style and was able to stuff it all the way without alarming gate agents. The additional pockets offer extra storage, and the front features shove-it pockets for easy access when passing through TSA.
Social video producer Anita Chomenko says this backpack is everything you need for work, travel and everyday commute. It encompasses great weight distribution, a sleek design and compartments to keep everything separated. "You can open up the front all the way so you can see everything inside, similar to zipping open a suitcase. The flowcloset system is great for a quick trip or for a journey to warmer weather, where the layers are lighter. The flowcloset system has straps that help you compress it down," says Chomenko.
Best travel totes
Affordable, spacious and water-repellent? Sold! This tote bag is everything you need for all your daily activities. Editor Shannon Garlin says it features pockets for all your essentials, including a "16-inch laptop, an iPad, and/or e-reader, and more open and zippered pockets. I loved that it had pockets for a big water bottle on both the inside and outside. It easily fits my 32-ounce Owala! Plus, it comes with a second little toiletry bag to stick inside, or use separately," she says.
Tired of pesky bag fees? Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson recommends keeping this one inside your main bag. "Unlike other packable bags I've tried before, this one was actually really easy to fold back up into its little pouch after use. I like to keep it in my purse for when I'm toting things to and from the office, or for when I make impromptu grocery runs on the way home. At $30, it's a little pricier than I'd like, but it actually zips closed, which is nice," she shares.
Halfday Garment Tote
This is another winner that Stewart-Jackson gave her seal of approval, due to its sturdy handles, wide size and travel-friendly design. "It's exactly the type of bag I'd bring with me while traveling. I fit a lot of stuff in there, and there was still so much room for more. I also like that there are pockets on the sides. Since it didn't arrive on time for vacation, we didn't try the actual garment holder part, but it also looks like it'd be good for a wedding weekend-type of occasion."
Other travel bags
Stewart-Jackson says she is really impressed by how much this bag fits. The bag is so spacious that you're able to fit electronics, books and other essentials. "In addition to my laptop and charger bag, it also fits my Kusshi train case, my Kindle, an umbrella, a makeup bag and many more things. I also liked that it had four outside pockets. It allowed me to keep essentials easily accessible. I used them for my passport, boarding pass, wallet, lip products, hand lotion and hand sanitizer. And I still had room to spare!"
For those who are always on the move but need quick access to their belongings, Chomenko says this is the bag to wear. With a roomy and adjustable design, the bag will keep you hands-free while storing a lot. "I took this on some errands with me and was able to fit my Kindle, which was impressive to me. Usually I'd have my purse and a tote bag," says Chomenko, advising you can also store a phone, wallet, keys, protein bar, etc. "You could fit a compact travel umbrella in this or a water bottle, possibly both. There's also a clip for your keys so you don't lose them."
Stewart-Jackson tried this purse during her honeymoon and she says it is one of the most versatile bags she's tested. "To say that I'm impressed with this bag is an understatement. I initially thought I'd only be using it for our nicer dinners and nights out, but after seeing how much we could fit in here, it became the bag that I wore everywhere with us on vacation – even the beach! We were able to fit anywhere between three to five bottles of sunscreen in there, our wallets, lip products, a Kindle, an umbrella, and even (on one occasion) a dress to change into – all at the same time! While it's definitely more of an investment, after seeing how much fits in here, it's definitely one I'll be using more."
Frequently asked questions
Wallace says to plan your outfits ahead of time and stick to a color palette so everything works together. "It’ll save you a lot of time and space. If your suitcase feels full before the trip even starts, you’ve already overpacked."
Orth and Gabbadon recommend the roll method when packing. "Roll and tuck underwear, swimwear, socks and belts into crevices between clothes." However, when it comes to woven and heavy materials, Gabbadon suggests folding them flat to the exact dimensions of the case.
"Roll what’s soft. Fold what’s structured. T-shirts, underwear, gym kit can be rolled. However, blazers, button-downs and anything with a collar can be folded with a dry cleaners' plastic bag tucked into the folds so the items do not wrinkle," emphasizes Rosenberg.
Rosenberg recommends packing shoes at the wheel end, in dust bags or plastic bags.
"They’re the heaviest thing you’re packing and they belong at the bottom. Stuff them with socks. Shoes are the cleverest storage in any suitcase, and almost nobody uses them," he says.
According to Orth, small items that should go inside a carry-on include medications, jewelry, makeup, contact lenses, glasses and electronics. "It also makes sense to bring a change of clothes, all chargers/cords and travel documents, just in case your checked bags don’t make it," she says.
Orth also recommends bringing some snacks and a refillable water bottle. "You never know how your travel day will unfold, and unexpected delays are more manageable when you’re not hangry," she suggests.
Orth and Wallace recommend planning what you're wearing each day instead of packing randomly. "I literally type the outfits into a note in my phone in advance and it helps me avoid bringing items I might wear just in case. I limit myself to three pairs of shoes and usually wear the heaviest ones on the plane," explains Orth.
Wallace says he prefers to stick to a color palette so everything works together. "It’ll save you a lot of time and space."
As for maximizing space, Rosenberg recommends packing cubes, one for tops and one for bottoms. "I am exploring the vacuum seal bags for clothes now, I think is a great way to bring a bit more and still use a carry on when traveling abroad," adds Wallace.
Travel Gear Awards is our annual guide spotlighting the best products across the travel category — from gear and clothing to tech, footwear and accessories. Each winning item earns Shop TODAY’s seal of approval, selected by our editors and experts after undergoing a rigorous series of tests conducted by our team of reviewers.
We evaluate a wide range of products designed to improve travel and travel‑related activities. Our list features a mix of new launches, editor‑approved favorites, trending items and reliable, time‑tested products relevant to the travel industry.
We test each product for a minimum of two weeks to assess its functionality, quality, compliance with standards and overall value. Our evaluations take place across multiple environments, including our testing site in Long Island City, Queens, on-the-road during testers’ travels, and at home, to ensure real‑world performance and reliability, using a scoring sheet to provide objective results.
How we chose the winners
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 281 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
What our badge means
Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet, give recommendations and interview expert sources to find the best products out there. Based on personal experiences and expert reccs, we aim to make shopping easier for our readers. Whether we’re flying domestically or internationally, our team is a well-traveled bunch, earning them credibility when it comes to recommending, testing and selecting products in a wide range of travel categories.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on the best travel gear, best luggage and more travel-related finds. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently, with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon is a Miami-based writer, on-air travel expert and self-described “Carivangelist,” who travels to the beach and beyond to share the culture, lifestyle and personalities of the Caribbean with the world.
- Nathan Rosenberg is chief marketing and brand experience officer at Virgin Voyages, the world's most-awarded kid-free cruise line. He has been in the travel business for over 25 years and is obsessed with travel-related experiences.
- Joan Wallace is an avid traveler and journalist who has worked with leading outlets, including People en Español and Latin Times, creating engaging content across digital and television platforms.
- Aly Smalls is a travel expert who specializes in travel hacks, popular destinations and how to maximize your packing experience with tested products.
- Angie Orth is a podcast host for Traveling with AAA and an award-winning writer covering luxury travel destinations, adventure and more. She wrote, "Flirting with Disaster: True Travel Tales of Fear, Failure and Faith".
Has your product been featured?
Shop TODAY is editorially independent and our team of editors and writers work hard to pick the best products to share with our readers and viewers. We may license our logo to brands or products that have been featured on Shop TODAY. Click here if you’re interested in licensing your inclusion in Shop TODAY content or to learn more from our licensing partner, Wrights Media.
Halfday Garment Tote
Halfday Garment Tote