Best Luggage for International Travel – Top 9 Picks for 2023

If you’re gearing up for an international trip, it’s essential to choose the right luggage.

Not all suitcases are created equal – some are better suited for long-term travel, while others are perfect for quick getaways. If you’re unsure which suitcase is best for you, don’t worry!

We’ve put together a list of the best luggage for international travel in 2023. Whether you’re looking for yourself or as a gift, we’ve got you covered!

What Is the Best Luggage for International Travel?

Overall Best: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage

Overview

Samsonite luggage is known for its superior quality and not without reason. The brand has made a name for itself through its durable, stylish, and functional products. Samsonite has been around for over 100 years and is now a global leader in the industry.

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is the perfect choice for travelers who want both style and function.

The 24″ spinner luggage offers maximum packing power, while the four multi-directional wheels make maneuvering a breeze. The side-mounted TSA locks act as a deterrent against theft, and the 1.5″ expansion allows you to pack more items.

The unified brushed pattern custom design on the front and back shells hides any potential scratches, and the luggage comes with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Whether you’re taking a business trip or a family vacation, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is sure to meet your needs.

Top Features

• 360 spinner wheels
• TSA approved lock
• Light and durable push-button handle
• 10-year limited warranty
• 1,5″ expansion

Price

$206.45 at Amazon

Quick facts

Dimensions: 24.0″ x 16.5″ x 11″,

Weight: 9.3 lbs

Runner-Up: American Tourister Belle Voyage Hardside Luggage

Overview

The American Tourister Belle Voyage Hardside Luggage is designed to maximize your packing power, so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

The 28″ spinner luggage is the ideal checked bag for longer trips, and the 10-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind that your bag will stand up to the rigors of travel.

The book opening case with mesh divider and cross straps keeps everything organized, while the four multi-directional spinner wheels make maneuvering a breeze. When not in use, the push-button locking handles can be stored neatly inside the suitcase.

With its re-engineered lightweight design and durable ABS construction, the American Tourister Belle Voyage Hardside Luggage is a great choice for your next adventure.

Top Features

• Easy to maneuver 360 spinner wheels
• Book opening case with mesh divider and cross straps
• Lightweight design
• Large packing capacity

Price

$129.99 at Amazon

Quick Facts

28” Spinner 29.25 x 19.5 x 12.5, 11 lbs.

Most durable: Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Overview

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality piece of hard-shell luggage.

It complies with published checked luggage restrictions for nearly all major domestic airlines, so you can be sure it will fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat.

The PrecisionGlide System delivers precise control and effortless roll. The suitcase also has self-aligning magnetic wheels for additional ease of transportation.

The hard shell is made from sturdy and durable materials: 100% polycarbonate with aluminum corner guards to protect your belongings. It has a stylish, textured finish that helps reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratching.

The built-in lock provides extra security, and the expansion capability gives you more packing room when needed.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage is a great choice for frequent travelers who are looking for durable luggage.

Top Features

• Magnetic self-aligning spinner wheels
• Ultra-strong 100% polycarbonate shell
• Corner guards
• TSA lock
• Interior water-resistant pocket
• Divider panels

Price

$469.99 at Amazon

Quick Facts

Overall Dimensions: H: 30 in. W: 18 in. D: 13.5 in.

Case Dimensions: H: 27.5 in. W: 17.5 in. D: 13.5 in.

Weight: 12.3 lbs.

Best Style: Away Medium Flex

Overview

This modern and stylish checked luggage will make packing for your trips an Instagram-perfect experience.

The Away Medium Flex is perfect for international travel thanks to its expansion, which allows for an additional 1,75″ (4.45 cm) of space. Not to mention, this hard-side suitcase offers many thoughtful details, such as interior organization and more.

The suitcase features 360° spinner wheels with a new wheel design to ensure a smooth ride, is lightweight and durable, and comes in six different colors.

Top Features

• Modern design with leather details
• Durable, lightweight shell
• Zipper expansion
• Interior compression
• Removable, washable lining
• Hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothing separate
• TSA approved lock

Price

$395 at Away

Quick Facts

Exterior measurements 26″ x 18.5″ x 11″

Interior measurements 24″ x 17.5″

Weight 10.8 lbs

Capacity 68.8 L

Capacity when expanded 75.7 L

Best Large Luggage (And Style Runner-Up): Away Large: Aluminum Edition

Overview

For those who like to travel in style and have a lot to transport, the Away Aluminum Large suitcase is a great option to consider if you are looking for luxury luggage for international travel.

Its sleek aluminum hard shell is both stylish and durable, and its 360° spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver in any type of terrain.

The interior is also well-thought-out, with multiple compartments and pockets for organizing everything from clothes to toiletries. The large size is also perfect for carrying all the essentials during long trips or for extra gear.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable travel companion or a stylish statement piece, Away’s Aluminum Large suitcase is the best luxury luggage option.

Top Features

• Twin closures with TSA-approved locks and no zipper
• Aluminum shell
• Double spinner wheels
• Interior compression and clip-in pocketed panel
• Laundry bag
• 100-day trial period

Price

$745 at Away

Quick Facts

Exterior measurements 29″ x 20.5″ x 12.5″

Interior measurements 26.3″ x 19.2″

Weight 16 lbs

Capacity 95.1L

Best Soft-Sided Luggage: SwissTech Executive Softside Luggage

Overview

The SwissTech Executive Softside Luggage is the perfect travel companion for your next 5-7 day adventure.

Made from a durable 1680 denier material, and at about half the price of a Samsonite bag, it can withstand the rigors of travel while still maintaining its good looks.

The integrated TSA lock ensures your belongings are safe and secure, while the oversized 8-wheel 360-degree spinners make it easy to maneuver through busy airports. Additionally, the 2-inch zip-around expansion provides extra packing space when needed, and the 4 multi-functional pockets are great for storing small accessories for easy access.

And for added convenience, the back panel ID holder allows you to quickly and easily identify your luggage.

Best of all, the SwissTech soft-sided luggage comes with a limited 15-year warranty, ensuring years of worry-free travel.

Top Features

• Durable 1690 denier material
• 2-inch expansion
• Lockable zippers
• 4 multi-functional exterior pockets
• Limited 15-year warranty
• Budget price

Price

$129.00 at Walmart

Quick Facts

Weight: 10.9lbs

Interior product dimensions (not including wheels): 29″H x 19″W x 10.5″D

Full exterior dimensions (with wheels): 32″H x 19.5″W x 12.5″D

Best Carry-On Luggage: Freeform 21″ Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner Suitcase

Overview

This Samsonite Freeform 21″ Hardside Spinner is the perfect international carry-on bag.

When it comes to carry-on bags, they need to be compact yet have a large capacity.

The expandable main compartment does just that by providing additional packing space.

This carry-on also features a cross ribbon and divider for easy packing and multi-pockets for managing belongings during travel.

The exterior is made from durable polypropylene with a recessed metal logo plate, and the bag also has a built-in ID tag and TSL 3-dial combination recessed lock for added security.

The 360 wheels allow for increased maneuverability, and the 10-year warranty ensures lasting use. Importantly, this carry-on meets the requirements of most major airlines, making it the perfect luggage for shorter trips.

Top Features

• Exterior: Durable polypropylene with recessed metal logo plate
• Expandable: 1″
• Built-in ID tag
• Cross ribbon and divider for easy packing
• Multiple zippered pockets on the interior
• Durable polypropylene exterior

Price

$169.99 at Macy’s

Quick Facts

Weight: 6.5 lbs.

Exterior approx. dimensions: 22.8″ x 14.8″ x 9.7″

Best 2-Piece Set: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage

Overview

No matter where your travels take you, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage set will make packing a breeze.

These bags are designed for maneuverability, with double-spinner wheels that make it easy to navigate through even the busiest airports.

The luggage also expands up to 2 inches, giving you extra space for packing souvenirs on your return journey.

Made from 100% polycarbonate, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero is also extremely lightweight and durable, meaning it can withstand the rigors of travel without breaking or cracking.

This versatile set is guaranteed to serve you many years of active traveling.

Top Features

• Lightweight and durable
• Delux interior with lined dividers
• Padded laptop compartment
• Carry-on fits in overhead bins
• 10-year warranty
• Interior compression straps and packing compartments

Price

$314.49 at Amazon

Quick Facts

19″ Spinner: 19x13x9.5; 8.2 lbs

29″ Spinner: 29×19.5×12.5; 12.5lbs

Best 3-Piece Set: Samsonite Omni PC 

Overview

If you’re in the market for a new 3-piece luggage set, the Samsonite Omni PC is a great option to consider.

This set includes a 20″ carry-on and 24″/28″ spinners, so it’s perfect for longer trips.

The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is extremely scratch-resistant, and the side-mounted TSA locks help to deter theft while you’re on the go.

The book opening case with mesh divider and cross straps is great for organizing your belongings, and the expansion and compression features help to keep everything neatly packed.

The push-button locking handles provide easy maneuverability, and the whole set can be stored neatly away when not in use.

With a 10-year limited warranty, the Samsonite Omni PC is a great choice for anyone looking for a new luggage set.

Top Features

• 3 luggage pieces: 20″ carry-on and 24″/28″ spinners
• 10-year limited warranty
• Micro-diamond polycarbonate shell
• TSA locks on every bag
• Book opening case with mesh dividers
• Push-button locking handles
• Stackable and easy to store when not in use

Price

$500.12 at Amazon

Quick Facts

20” Spinner* 19 x 14.5 x 9.75, 6.81 lbs.

24” Spinner 24 x 17.5 x 11.5, 8.34 lbs.

28” Spinner 28.5 x 20.5 x 13.5, 11.68 lbs.

Is It Better To Travel With Soft or Hard Luggage?

Undeniably, there are pros and cons to both types of luggage.

Soft luggage, like a duffel bag, is usually lighter and can be more easily squeezed into tight spaces. It’s also more flexible, so it can be shoved under a seat on an airplane or in the trunk of a car.

Hard luggage offers more protection for fragile items, and it’s less likely to be damaged in transit. However, it can be heavy and can be harder to store away when not in use.

When it comes to international travel, the best luggage is typically a hard-sided suitcase. This is because hard-sided suitcases offer more protection for your belongings, and they are less likely to be damaged during long flights or car rides.

What Type of Luggage Is Most Durable?

When it comes to durability, hard-sided suitcases are typically the best option. This is because they are hard-shell luggage is less likely to be damaged in transit, and it offers more protection for your belongings. Polycarbonate is the most popular material, because, in addition to being durable it is also lightweight.

Wrapping up and My Experience With Luggage for International Travel

When considering the best luggage for international travel, there are a few factors to consider.

First, you need to decide whether you want a soft or hard-shell suitcase. Soft-sided luggage is typically lighter and more flexible, while hard-sided luggage is more durable and offers more protection.

Second, consider your budget. Luggage can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you choose a set that fits your needs and budget. But a high-quality luggage set can be a great investment. Many have a 10 or 15-year warranty and are sure to serve the test of time.

My personal preference is hard-sided luggage because it is more durable and offers more protection for my belongings. I also find it easier to pack. Built-in dividers in addition to some compression packing cubes make it a breeze!

I like polycarbonate because it is lightweight and scratch-resistant. In all cases, I prefer a rolling bag, preferably a four-wheeled suitcase for easy transportation.

I have had great experiences with Samsonite luggage, one of the most trusted luggage brands, and I would recommend their Omni PC set to anyone looking for a new luggage set. This set is durable, lightweight, and comes with a great warranty. I’ve had my current set for 4 years and it still looks new, even with regular international travel!

Remember, the best luggage is the luggage that suits your unique needs. Knowing which features are a priority for you will help make the decision easier.

Happy travels!