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30 Bags That Will Help You Get Through Your Next Vacation
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. If your current carry-on has a bum wheel or your backpack has a busted zipper... these are gamechangers. Whether you’re packing for a two-week international vacation or a quick weekend away, choosing the right travel bag can make alllll the difference. This roundup delivers smart options that can help you stay organized (and thus less stressed), no matter how long you’re gone. Ahead, we've got carry-ons, checked bags, totes, backpacks, toiletry bags, duffels, garment bags, and other A+ options. Promising review: "It’s difficult to find hard-shell luggage that doesn’t open up into a clamshell. Who hasn’t had to get something out of their luggage and had to open the entire thing up for everyone to see at the airport? No, thank you. I love this one. It’s sturdy, easy to open and access, the zippers are smooth, and the wheels roll like a dream. Very well designed, although I do wish the carry-on were a tad larger. However, it’s not a deal breaker. The two main compartments help organize your belongings, and the pockets on the lid are well-placed and see-through for smaller items. I love the small footprint. I love that this isn’t a clamshell. The built-in locks are so convenient. The drink holder and retractable hooks are just icing on the cake. I would buy it again in a heartbeat." —NY Get it from Amazon for $149.99+ (available in three sizes and seven colors). If you wanna talk about a ludicrously capacious bag, this right here is the winner!! I bought a basic economy ticket — with no baggage allowance other than a personal item — and managed to fit enough in here for an 8-day trip that included London, Oxford, and Edinburgh. I wore it as a backpack the whole time, but it does have adjustable straps that turn it into a duffel bag. It also has several carrying handles, a luggage trolley sleeve, a laptop pocket, an interior compression strap, a clamshell opening (so it opens just like a suitcase!), and, one of the best features — imo — a ripstop polyester shell (it's made from 27 recycled water bottles). I stuffed this sucker with not only my clothes and toiletries but a whole bunch of souvenirs on the way home, and there was no ripping of seams or weird noises that made me think my bag might explode at any moment. Oh, and the juniper color is just 😍! Promising review: "I recently used this bag for a trip to Florida and managed to pack so many outfits. It worked as a personal item, so I didn’t have to pay for luggage. Not to mention, this bag had so many pockets. Definitely purchase if you’re on the fence." —Alyssa C. Get it from Calpak for $198 (available in 11 colors). Check out a TikTok of the Case-Mate beach bag in action. Promising review: "I’ve been wanting a sturdy and cute beach bag that was not mesh and or a basic tote. This is it! It comes with a dry bag for a phone. The handles are thick. The iridescent color looks so cool in the sun, and it’s the perfect size. I fit two towels, a sunscreen bag, two changes of clothes, a speaker, goggles, and snacks. With extra room too. I love the new silver black color, but this purple was on sale, so I went for it. Matches perfectly with my black swimsuit." —Daniela G Get it from Amazon for $75.99+ (available in eight designs). Promising review: "Seriously?! Do you see how much this holds?! Full shampoo bottles, face washes, hair brushes...Everything I could need or want to bring, FITS IN THIS ONE BAG! And it’s so cute! Feels like great quality too — all the hardware came with protective wraps to keep from scratching, and the zippers feel very hardy. The hook at the top is also VERY WELL-SECURED to the bag; it’s double-stitched to the top panel and almost feels like seatbelt material. And I love the extra pockets and netting inside. I would absolutely recommend this!" —mahea_c Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). Promising review: "Great value. I've had this suitcase for at least five years, maybe more. It has traveled very well. I was in and out of airports more than I was home for a while, and the orange color was and is fabulous at the baggage carousel! After countless trips and airports, it is none the worse for wear. Tough, roomy, and dependable." —J. S. Marsh Get it from Amazon for $75.56+ (available in five colors). BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly used this on a 5-day trip to Iceland (it was the only purse she packed!) and loves it: "I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fits around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors." Promising review: "I used mine nonstop for almost a year and loved the versatility. I travel a lot for my job and wanted something easy for the airport, but I ended up using it all the time. I purchased the brown color, which is more like a mauve pink, exactly what I was looking for. I used mine until it died and am going to purchase another!" —sarah noe Get it from Amazon for $12.98 (available in 44 colors). Promising review: "I bought this as a solution to my frequent travel for work. I wanted something to store my shirts and ties, and also any extra shoes and items. This is perfect! It has some really thought-out pockets, clips, zippers, etc. It's great-looking, and the materials seem durable. If I were ambitious, I could probably bring my whole wardrobe in this thing, but that might be packing it pretty tight. I like extra room. This thing has plenty of room, though, so you could easily do a weekend with it without many space issues. Highly recommended!" —Al Jur Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in five colors and two styles). Here's what BuzzFeeder Heather Braga has to say: "My husband and I got Away carry-on bags as wedding gifts years ago and have been loving them ever since. I personally love that they come in so many colors (which isn't super important, but is very fun) and that they have a hard case rather than a soft one. It's lightweight and, despite filling it to the brim MANY times, I've never had an issue putting it up into the overhead cabin on my own. The wheels always glide smoothly, the lock function is easy to use, and the USB charger has saved me on more than one occasion." Promising review: "I am a flight attendant. This case is exactly what I’ve been looking for: tough and durable with a soft center. The shell gives you confidence that your belongings will be well-protected. The handles are very comfortable and provide a solid feel. The wheels are durable and easy to steer. The interior design, again, looks and feels so durable while also allowing flexibility with what you pack. The zipped upper compartment also has a handy pocket, and the straps and pad in the lower compartment are a work of genius, allowing you to secure items before closing the case. Finally, the easy glide zip and lock provide more stability. The best case I’ve ever had." —Alastair Get it from Amazon or Away for $295 (available in seven colors). Promising review: "This bag held surprisingly more than expected. I put tiny travel jars for my skincare creams and other small toiletries in it with room to spare. I definitely feel like it was easier to pack and was also easy to grab out of my bag for security. It feels sturdy with nice, thick vinyl. The double zipper moved easily, and I was pleased that it opened completely for ease of getting the items I needed out of it." —Mrs M Tate Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 11 colors). Promising review: "The Solgaard suitcase is a sleek and durable travel companion, perfect for frequent flyers. Its lightweight yet sturdy build ensures longevity, while the 360-degree spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability. The TSA-approved lock adds security, and the spacious interior, with smart compartments, keeps belongings organized. Overall, it's a reliable and stylish choice for both short trips and long journeys." —Kevin Get it from Solgaard for $365+ (available in two sizes and six colors). Promising review: "I rarely write reviews but needed to for this bag — I have taken it on a weekend trip (airplane) and on a two-week vacation abroad, and it is officially my favorite backpack. It DOES fit under the seat in front as a carry-on. This was my biggest hesitation when I purchased it, but I've flown major airlines and budget airlines, and nobody has given me a hard time. The duffel/backpack dual function works great. Easy to transition between them, and looks natural in both. Backpack straps distribute weight well; I've had no neck or back pain while using these (and for the two-week trip, it was over 20 lbs). Very functional, easy-access pockets. The laptop holder also works great. I like that my laptop is against my back and not facing outward." —The North Face Reviewer Get it from The North Face for $125+ (available in three sizes and 12 colors). Promising review: "I love this suitcase so much. I work on the road as a production coordinator for bands/concerts, so I am constantly on tour internationally. I throw it on tour buses, Ubers, airplanes, and trains. It takes a lot of wear and tear. The wheels glide so smoothly, and the case holds every item I need safely and dry. I was very hard on this case, and it lasted me three years until the wheel fell off. I was devastated. Still under warranty, I contacted Tumi support, and as the color is discontinued, they offered me the value of a completely brand-new suitcase. I am now a TUMI customer for life. Thank you so much, Tumi. I can’t wait to get my next suitcase!" —KP Get it from Tumi or Bloomingdale's for $735+ (available in seven colors). Promising review: "I love this travel bag! Just the right size for a weekend away or a carry-on for a flight! Love all the compartments. Such soft leather!" —Kim S. Get it from Quince for $240 (available in three colors). Promising review: "This is the perfect carry-on. The front pocket is a great addition to the bag for quick access to your travel essentials. It fits your laptop, cords, portable chargers, wallet, passport, and a ton more. This way, you don’t have to carry a personal item. Also, really great for tall people — I’m 5’10, and my partner is 6’2, the suitcase height is very comfortable for us." —Andrea C. Get it from Amazon for $246.99+ (available in nine colors) or Monos for $251+ (available in 12 colors). Promising review: "I have owned and used my Allpa 35L pack for over three years now, and it’s my favorite go-to travel pack. Keeps everything organized. Perfect for carry-on. Well built, well crafted to stand the test of travel. Customer service has been responsive, helpful, and customer service-oriented. I have turned many coworkers and family members on to this pack, and everyone I know loves it as much as I do." —Jaime F. Get it from Amazon (available in six colors) or Cotopaxi for $225+ (available in eight colors). Promising review: "Love the size of this bag! The mini weekender is the perfect size for weekend trips! When packing, I always reach for it as it fits everything that I could possibly need. I love the functionality of this." —Caitlin S. Get it from Béis for $98 (available in five colors; also available in a regular size). I grew up in New Hampshire, where literally everyone and their mother owns an L.L. Bean Boat and Tote (and duck boots, obvs), but last year, when I replaced an old one, I went with the zip-top version for travel purposes. I have the medium size, and it sits perfectly on top of my suitcase so I can zip around the airport at maximum speed. I love that the canvas is super sturdy, and even the cream color can withstand being kicked under airplane seats or shoved into overhead train compartments without picking up too many stains. It's also the perfect vessel for all of the iron-on patches that I collect during my travels! Promising review: "I needed a tote that zipped up for an airline trip. The medium was perfect. It held SO MUCH, zipped so nothing spilled out, and slipped under the seat in front of me on the plane. The quality is top-notch. Exactly what I needed. Thanks, L.L.Bean!" —Cosmosmom Get it from L.L. Bean for $44.95+ (available in sizes S–XL, two strap lengths, and six accent colors). Bumkins is a small business that has been designing responsibly made baby products for over 30 years. Promising review: "I bought this to hold wet bathing suits and towels while traveling. It really got tested when I had a mishap getting on a catamaran from a beach, and I had to swim back to shore with my bag of stuff. The clothing and phone that were inside this wet bag stayed dry! I just wish I'd had my towel packed inside it, too." —PCreative Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in dozens of designs). Promising review: "I got this suitcase as I'd planned an international travel with my 3-year-old toddler alone, which was making me super nervous. And thankfully this worked out ahmazzzzzzingggggly well. I used it as a carry-on on Emirates, Singapore, and Indigo (domestic) airlines, which made long waits at immigration counters, security lines, and long walks at transit airports so easy and manageable. My son was so excited to drive this suitcase when he was awake, and so eager to sit on it when he was tired of all the waiting and long walks. It fit in the overhead bin, and my son didn't ask me to carry him once during the trip, which was a big relief. Overall... I would recommend this for long international flights, especially to moms traveling with a heavier toddler." —romit banerjee Get it from Amazon for $249 (available in five designs). Promising review: "I have purchased every gimmicky travel accessory that is supposed to make traveling with small children easier, and this is probably the best one I've seen. The kids love riding on it, and it moves easily with a passenger. My 5-year-old is a little big for it and prefers to walk anyway, but when my 3-year-old has had it with a travel day, it's a lifesaver." —Katy W. Get it from Amazon or MiaMily for $359 (available in six colors). Promising review: "I bought this bag in July 2017, and it is my favorite and go-to adventure bag. I bought it because I was moving abroad and needed something that was packable for the trips I would be taking. This thing has been with me to many countries and on dozens of other trips. I also use it as a river and beach bag. My husband loves it too, as we often share bag duties. It fits easily as a personal item on a plane (under the seat). It fits in the lockers at all of the theme parks. It is extremely easy to clean by hand or throw into the washing machine, and it air-dries quickly (and we wash it relatively frequently/when we travel). It is durable and water-resistant. After three years of pretty intense use, it is showing very few signs of wear. I came back to it as I'm considering getting a larger one from the same company and realized I should leave a review for the original one I love." —Christi Malone Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 12 colors). PS: Their spinners also feature a patented handle attached to the *outside* of the bag, creating a roomier interior and ensuring wrinkle-free flat packing. Promising review: "Great suitcase for traveling. I have had one for 6 years now, and it is still in good shape. All the zippers work, the wheels roll and spin like the day I got it. I purchased this one for my wife, who liked my suitcase and wanted one like it. She saw how it took the abuse of traveling." —Manfred D. Get it from Amazon or Briggs & Riley for $929 (available in four colors). I bought this bag for a five-day cross-country road trip, and it came in sooo clutch. First, I flew with it and was able to stow it under my seat, so not only did I not have to check a bag, but I didn't even have to deal with overhead storage. Then, it traveled through 10+ states and various hotels with me. My absolute favorite parts of the bag are the compression straps and the fact that it fully unzips. This makes it *SO* easy to pack, unpack, and go through airport security. I was able to fit ~four pairs of leggings, four T-shirts, two sets of pajamas, two pairs of shorts, two bathing suits, a sweatshirt, a week's worth of undergarments, travel toiletries, an iPad, my wallet, and more odds and ends. Promising review: "So much better than I thought it would be! Beis is always top quality, but they think of everything when it comes to travel. Spacious, comfortable, solid, and a must-have!! Absolutely love!! Maple is their best color yet!" —Kristin Get it from Béis for $118+ (available in four colors). Promising review: "I love this bag so much. It was a splurge for me, but totally worth every penny. It is my go-to weekend bag and always fits what I need. And much to my husband’s surprise, it does work under your airplane seat as a personal item for travel. Also love the convertible travel sleeve that can be an extra pocket for weekends or slide over your suitcase handle for airplane travel. No hesitation recommending this bag!" —Jordan Get it from MZ Wallace (available in 11 colors) or Nordstrom (available in four colors) for $295. Promising review: "I have had several Travelpros, and this is my third carry-on. Travelpro is my go-to luggage. My last carry-on went halfway around the world over several years, but it had started having steering problems. Ordered this one to arrive during a 24-hour layover at home between trips. And I love it. Anytime anyone asks which luggage I prefer, the answer is always Travelpro." —Suzanne D. Get it from Amazon or Travelpro for $157.24 (available in five colors). Promising review: "Let me preface first by saying that I am super particular. A friend of mine recommended this brand after going on her book tour, and it withstood all kinds of weather. I purchased this while on a trip because my very expensive name-brand bag broke, and I am obsessed with this bag! It’s roomier than it looks, the material makes it waterproof, and the style has an elevated look. I’d highly recommend purchasing this duffel, and I’m excited to explore more of their products." —Keems Get it from Rains (available in 13 colors) or Nordstrom (available in eight colors) for $125. Get it from Baggu for $78+ (available with two or five exterior pockets and in eight designs). Promising review: "Love the quality and thought that went into the design. I was able to pack for a week away without any issues — shout-out to the compression system for helping out here. I especially loved the laundry bag and, of course, the power bank. Can’t wait to purchase the larger sizes. Thanks, July!" —Liv Get it from Amazon (available in three colors) or July (available in 10 colors and with or without personalization) for $275+. Here's what former BuzzFeeder Abby Kass has to say: "I've had this duffel bag for years now, and it's one of my favorite things I own. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is the PERFECT carry-on bag. The neoprene fabric makes it fit so much and slides perfectly under the seat in front of you. The pockets inside make sure everything has a place and stays organized. And one of the coolest features is the small outside pocket that fits your phone perfectly. It's also a great bag for a weekend trip as a duffel bag. I let my mom borrow mine when she traveled across Europe last fall, and she loved it so much I had to get her own for Christmas last year. Now we're both part of the Dagne Dover travel team." Promising review: "I want to hug this bag, I love it so. I pondered for a very long time before biting the bullet. You really do get what you pay for. The size is soo good — I got an XL. It stretches and expands when you need it most. Compartments are wonderful, large, and make me feel spoiled when packing. I had to stop myself from becoming obsessed with this brand, so I don’t spend all my money!!" —Kristin C. Get it from Dagne Dover for $140+ (available in sizes S–XL and in nine colors). Promising review: "A 55-liter Black Hole duffel bag has been my sole piece of luggage for about 10 years now. Somehow, it manages to be equally up to the task of hauling gear up to the mountain for a single ski day as it is for a two-week vacation abroad. Our crowning achievement together was three weeks in Antarctica, carry-on. I don't even really understand it — I've just learned not to question its powers. All these years together and all this travel, and the only upkeep required has been a couple of new zipper pulls. The best." —Kristin Get it from Patagonia for $165+ (available in four sizes and six colors). BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Chelsea Stuart is a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (her favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products under her belt. Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.