We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Trendy Mami may collect a share of sales or other compensations from the links on this page.
–
If you’re planning a vacation, then you’ll want to buy one of the best travel bags. That’s because the right backpack or suitcase can make your trip a whole lot easier.
However, finding a good travel bag can be a difficult task. Not only should it be comfortable to wear or carry, but it also needs to have space for all your belongings. And you may want to look for pockets or other features to keep your valuables secure and organized.
To help make shopping easier for you, we’ve curated a list of the best travel bags for every occasion. From weekend getaways to weeklong vacations, we’re confident you’ll find your next bag in this article!
What Makes a Good Travel Bag?
With so many bags on the market, you might find it difficult to find the right bag for you. And to make things even more complicated, there’s not one right answer! Rather, you need to start thinking in terms of how you travel and what you need to pack.
Below, we’re going to break down the best types of bags for various travel lengths and types of travelers. Before we do so, though, ask yourself the following questions:
- How long will you be gone?
- Where are you going?
- Are you planning on checking luggage or going carry-on only?
Best Travel Bags by Trip Length
2 Weeks – 1 Month
If you’re leaving home for a significant period of time, you will need larger sets of luggage. In addition, the luggage should be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of being on multiple planes or in cars for a long period of time.
Since these suitcases will likely often be loaded amongst other pieces of luggage, opt for a hard outer shell. To save money, you may also want to buy a bundle of suitcases so you don’t have to forego the comforts of home on the road.
1 Week
When you travel for a week, you need to pack 3-4 changes of clothes and some shoes, makeup, and accessories. So, you need enough space to travel with all your necessities but not so much that you can’t do without some of the items you regularly use.
The best travel bags for you will be medium-sized and include a lot of storage space. That way, you can keep everything neat and organized without giving in to the urge to over-pack.
1 Weekend
Weekend trips are the best getaways! If you’re going for a short period of time, you only need to pack a few items. In fact, you might want to think about saving money and going carryon only!
Most travelers on a weekend trip only find that they need a change of clothes and their regular toiletries. So, grabbing a smaller case or even a backpack might do the trick.
Best Travel Bags by Destination
Sometimes, where you’re going impacts what type of bag will be best for your purposes.
Urban Areas
Urban centers offer you the most versatility with your bag choices. For example, you’re going to want to pack a suitcase or rolling duffel, but you’ll also want something to carry around with you. This could be any type of bag! From a purse to a tote to a backpack, it’s up to your personal preference.
However, if you’re going to a city with a high crime rate, we suggest keeping your money and other valuables in a bag that can be worn on your front, potentially even under your clothes.
Your suitcases should also have rolling features so you can easily transport it to and from your hotel room.
Outdoors
Camping
If you’re going to spend a lot of time out in the wild, you need to think carefully about the types of bags you bring. After all, tents are often crammed, and you don’t want to be smashed up against a hard shell piece of luggage!
Usually, duffels work best for people who love to camp. Their more malleable exteriors make them more comfortable to fit in your tent, and many of them have ample space for all your necessities.
Backpacking
When you hike, you need to be able to carry everything you need on your back. So, you need your bag to have plenty of space while remaining lightweight and evenly distributing the weight on your shoulders.
Best Travel Bags for Checked Luggage vs. Carry-On Only
Checked Luggage
If you’re checking luggage, you need to think about protecting the items you put in them. Usually, people who load luggage into planes tend to toss them in there. So, the more protected your items are, the more likely they are to arrive intact.
So, always choose a hard shell for your checked luggage. In addition, you might want to consider buying a unique-looking suitcase. Many people traveling through airports own similar-looking bags. Sometimes, bags get mixed up and taken by the wrong people once the flight arrives. Having a unique bag leaves little doubt that you’re getting the right one and also prevents you from having baggage issues!
Carry-On Bags
Carry-on luggage needs to measure 22″ long, 14″ wide, and 9″ high. Other than that, carry-on bags can be any bag you’d like! Just make sure that it has enough storage space for everything you want to pack. So, make sure your carry-on bag has a lot of compartments.
Packing may not be the most exciting part of travel, but it’s definitely a crucial one! It doesn’t matter if you’re embarking on a road trip or flying across the world. Bringing the right travel bag will make your journey a lot more fun and enjoyable.
