Whether you’re a sentimental traveler who traverses with the same luggage until it falls apart or you’re looking to upgrade from your current less-than-chic set of suitcases, there’s never been a better time to invest. Several newcomers have raised the bar in terms of innovation and design over the last decade, while industry icons with more than 200 years of experience under their belts are offering their most clever products yet. But while it may seem overwhelming to choose the best luggage for international travel, we tapped industry pros Emma Schroder, luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler, and Tom Marchant, co-founder and owner of Black Tomato to help us navigate the market.
"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler’s best friend."
Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.
Best Weekender Bag for International Travel
Paravel Weekender
Best Weekender Bag for International Travel
Paravel Weekender
Pros
- Monogrammable
- Durable, spill-proof canvas
- Strap slips over luggage handle for hands-free carrying
Cons
- Not large enough for long trips
Paravel is one of Schroeder’s go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her “Mary Poppins bag”), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.
Best Luxury Luggage for International Travel
Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag
Best Luxury Luggage for International Travel
Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag
Pros
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Pricey
"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."
A favorite of Marchant’s (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. “The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style,” she says. “The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life,” he says.
Best Trunk for International Travel
Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk
Best Trunk for International Travel
Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk
Pros
- Comes with a two-year warranty and repair service
- Spacious enough for long trips
- Cool vintage look (and easy to ID at baggage claim)
Cons
- Weighs over 13 pounds
- Not expandable
This heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.
The brand’s items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter’s chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.
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Best Work Bag for International Travel
Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend
Best Work Bag for International Travel
Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend
Pros
- 100-day trial and lifetime warranty
- Comes in five handsome colors
Cons
- Pricey
- Not suitable for long trips
If you’re looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.
Best Carry-on Luggage for International Travel
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On
Best Carry-on Luggage for International Travel
AWAY The Bigger Carry-On
Pros
- 360-degree wheels
- 100-day trial
Cons
- Not compatible for carrying on all airlines
This Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder’s, as the brand’s Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.
“In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility,” says Schroeder. “Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage.”
Best Luxury Carry-on Bag for International Travel
Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk
Best Luxury Carry-on Bag for International Travel
Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk
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Pros
- Variety of chic styles
- Convenient pocket for laptop and document storage
Cons
- May be too small for your carry-on needs
- High price point for the size
The celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric’s is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.
Bric’s offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.
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Best Soft Luggage for International Travel
Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey
Best Soft Luggage for International Travel
Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey
Pros
- Ergonomic pull handles for a customizable grip
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- May be difficult to clean
Iconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It’s been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming’s novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).
Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It’s a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.
Best Large Check-in Luggage for International Travel
Monos Check-In Large
Best Large Check-in Luggage for International Travel
Monos Check-In Large
Pros
- Variety of color options
- Virtually unbreakable
Cons
- Limited silhouettes to choose from
Monos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.
They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.
Best International Luggage for Overpackers
TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case
Best International Luggage for Overpackers
TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case
Pros
- Hanger bracket minimizes the need for more bags
- Anti-microbial treated shell, zippers, grab handles, and interior lining
Cons
- Pricey
“My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients,” Schroder says.
The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand’s portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone’s belongings as best as possible.
The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.
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Best International Luggage with Dividers
Royce & Rocket
Best International Luggage with Dividers
Royce & Rocket
Pros
- Built-in organizational tools
- Hidden pocket for ultimate privacy
Cons
- No other matching luggage pieces to pair with
The youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the brand’s catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.
Best International Luggage for Short Trips
Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner
Best International Luggage for Short Trips
Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner
Pros
- 30/70 split opening is ideal for longer trips
- Double spinner wheels for easy maneuvering
Cons
- Doesn't fall under the brand's limited lifetime warranty
Since 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it’s a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.
Best Convertible Luggage for International Travel
BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender
Best Convertible Luggage for International Travel
BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender
Pros
- Bottom zips off to act as a purse
- Trolley pass-through pocket slides onto luggage handle
Cons
- May be a bit small for international travel needs
Schroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.
“I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type,” she says. “For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn’t fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"
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Meet the Experts
Emma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler.
Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato.
Why Trust VERANDA
For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best. (edited)
Lauren Wicks
Freelance Writer
Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light, and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.