Recently updated on February 1st, 2020 at 05:17 pm
Increasingly more travellers are packing smart and avoiding excessive luggage fees by jetting off with hand luggage only. Sure, it may mean compromising on a few outfits but you’ll have less to haul along, no baggage reclaim queuing and no pesky checked baggage costs. What’s not to love? To make sure your new suitcase is suitable, here’s our essential guide on how to shop for the best carry-on luggage.
Before you begin sizing up your next suitcase you must consider a few factors to be sure you get the right carry-on luggage that supports your travel needs. Hard or soft case? Wheels or straps? There’s so much to choose from. Hard cases on wheels offer greater protection for fragile items and are more waterproof so suit those travelling with tech and valuables, while a light, durable soft backpack is great for those who’ll be active and out and about at their destination.
Don’t forget carry-on luggage size restrictions vary from airline to airline so always check your carrier’s dimensions beforehand to avoid getting caught out pre-boarding. If you can, try before you buy – examine internal space, adjust handle height, give it a lift, see if it suits you.
Bluesmart Carry-On Suitcase – $449/£349.99
This is no ordinary piece of luggage, the Bluesmart is an all-singing, all-dancing suitcase with a built-in location tracker, USB device charger, self-weighing system and compatible with your smartphone. Those travelling with laptops and tech will love the Bluesmart. With a handy personal hub that syncs with your phone, you can trace your belongings every step of your journey and even control the lock remotely too. Its robust outer shell keeps things safe and the laptop compartment makes security a breeze. Agreed, it’s not cheap but is a great investment for those that are up in the air often.
Best For – Frequent fliers and techy travellers
Osprey Farpoint 40 – $160/£100
Hikers, bikers and budding explorers will want a lightweight backpack that will not just transport their belongings efficiently but will be their go-to bag once at their destination. Osprey’s Farpoint 40 rucksack fits EU-carry on dimensions and comfortably totes your worldly goods about. With a large, easy-access zip-opening to the main compartment, small stash pockets and mesh-front for water bottles, it’s a great choice for on-the-go sightseers.
Best For – Action seekers
Herschel Sutton Duffel – $69.99/£70
Casual yet elegant, Herschel’s Sutton Duffel is a great carry on for those on brief getaways and shorter trips. If you’re only taking the essentials and want a smart, fuss-free bag to get you to your destination in style it’s the perfect choice. The cylindrical shape offers plenty of storage and it stows nicely too. The outer pockets are great for passports and documents while the handles and detachable shoulder strap means you can carry it a variety of ways.
Best For – Minibreak lovers
Globe-Trotter Centenary 20” Trolley Case – $1498/£1,150
Globe-Trotter is the suitcase of choice for The Queen and the company has been making its super-stylish luggage for over 120 years. Following the same design since 1897, the hand-crafted case has vintage appeal with 21st century convenience thanks to its handle and wheels. The Centenary 20”’s elegant exterior and colourful travel-stickered interior has been reworked to be classed as hand luggage by IATA. A piece of luggage you’ll own for a lifetime, it’s the ultimate in stylish carry-on luggage.
Best For – Super-chic travellers
Got your new luggage but nowhere to go yet? Click here to discover an amazing Trafalgar trip of a lifetime.
Image Credits: Main image © iStock/stock colours. Bluesmart © Bluesmart. Globe-Trotter © Globe-Trotter. Herschel © Herschel. Osprey © Osprey.