The Best Travel Bags and Luggage for Women

It seems like everyone I’ve talked to lately is traveling somewhere this summer! Whether you’re on a weekend getaway, cruise or overseas trip, having the perfect luggage(s) can make or break your trip. Gone are the days of dragging suitcases and heavy bags on two wheels. Things have changed quite a bit in the world of travel, so I’ve compiled the best travel bags and luggage for women.

Also, be sure to check it out if you’re traveling recently. my list of recommended travel toiletries to help you prepare for your trip and post on how to pack the hat. I also have a post about 8 Things I Always Take With Me When Traveling.

Luggage I Own Personally

Twenty-six years ago, my husband bought me a few pieces of Hartmann’s suitcases for our first trip abroad. I remember the year because it was my 40th birthday. I continue to use the boxed palm (similar) to this day. It’s starting to get pretty tiring to look at, so I’m looking for the perfect replacement.

• Personal Handbag: There is something very spacious and functional about this square one (similar) from Hartmann. The roller sits on my handle and the corners seem to hold up a ton and fit perfectly under the seat in front of me.

I upgraded to a four-wheeled trolley a few years ago and it felt like someone flipped a duh switch! Why was I struggling with two wheels when four spinning wheels made life so easy?

• Wheeled Transport: Last year I upgraded my handbag to this Monos bag with even better wheels! It’s ridiculously light, and its wheels help it fly with a light touch.

• checked bag: I don’t have a bag, which seems crazy, but I stopped looking at bags so many years ago that what we had became dinosaurs and we donated them. I needed one for my last blog trip to Miami so now I’m on the hunt and thinking about it I will try this in black so that the inevitable stains are not visible.

• Travel Bags: I have a few travel bags from Lo & Sons and I love them.

It comes with several straps so you can use it as a shoulder bag, a crossbody strap or a wrist strap clutch.

I have it too this Waverly bag in both ivory and pale gray. A great waist bag, crossbody or shoulder bag that doubles as a small evening clutch or a makeup bag inside a larger bag.

Best Checked Suitcases

If you need a new suitcase, it can be overwhelming as there are so many new brands on the market. Far, ParavelBeis, etc. and then you have tried-and-true brands. all, Briggs and Riley, And TravelPro. It really depends on your budget, how often you’ll be using the bag, and what features you’re looking for.

When it comes to a checked suitcase, the first thing to consider is what size you will need. They usually offer a medium suitcase or a large suitcase. Be sure to ask yourself these questions:

• Will you be traveling for a long time?
• Trying to bring home some extra goodies?
• Will you bring an additional suitcase that you need to round up?

From there, you have to decide whether you want a suitcase with a hard shell or something with a soft exterior. I’ve included some of both below, but my personal preference is to go with a hard crust.

Finally, be sure to get a bag with spinning wheels. Jumping into a spinning bag made all the difference in the world in terms of convenience and reduced my shoulder strain.

$$$ (Splurge): Monos 30 Inch Check-In Spinner

I’ve been shopping for a checked bag and this 30-inch suitcase from Monos is at the top of my list as I love to carry from this brand. I like that the handle has four height settings. It comes with laundry bags inside and has a limited lifetime warranty in case something major happens to the exterior, handle or wheels. Plus, you have a 100-day trial, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back.

$$ (Budget-Friendly): Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch

The Travelpro makes a sturdy bag that you’ll see many flight attendants and pilots use. This beautiful blue will also make it easier for you to find your luggage when it’s time to pack. The nice thing about it is that they use a coating to help make the soft case stain and water resistant. The other thing to note is that this has a two inch expansion option and a deep space inside! I love expanding bags.

$ (Earning): Coolife Suitcase Set

While this is technically a 3-Piece set, I just wanted to add in case you want to upgrade your entire trunk. For the price it comes with a 20-, 24-, and 28-inch suitcase, it’s less than $200, and it’s perfect if you don’t want to spend a lot of money or are not going to travel that often. They nest inside each other for easy and convenient storage in your closet, garage or attic.

Best Rolling Carry-Ons:

$$$ (Splurge): Monos 23 Inch Carry

I can say from personal experience that you can’t go wrong with this carry. Sure, I love how attractive it is, but it’s really much more than that. The wheels are super quiet and I can push it around the airport with absolute ease. The handle has four different settings; this is great if you are taller or shorter than the average person. Even though it’s full to the brim, it’s still light enough that I can put it in the overhead compartment.

$$ (Budget Friendly): Travelpro Expandable 21 Inch Rotator

The contoured grip of this lever, especially when combined with the self-aligning wheels, seems to make towing or pushing this at the airport a breeze. This carry includes a handy clothes organizer. The Travelpro brand also sells packing cubes that fit perfectly in their bags. They can help make packing for a trip so much easier.

$ (Save): Amazon Basics Hardside Carry On

I was hesitant to include an Amazon brand suitcase, but I started reading the reviews and was very impressed. It has over 39k reviews saying it’s great value and holding up well. At under $85, I think it’s worth a try. It also has four double spinning wheels for easy rolling and a handy internal organizer.

Best Travel Backpacks:

$$$ (Splurge): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Have you ever heard of the Dagne Dover brand? Their company was founded by women and I really appreciate how eco-friendly their products are. For example, this waterproof neoprene backpack is made from 23 recycled water bottles! I’m sharing the camel but Onyx looks like it would be another great option. Another cool thing I want to show you is that it has a trolley cover and fits snugly on the handle of your suitcase so you don’t have to wear it all the time.

$$ (Budget Friendly): Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack

I’ve been a big fan of Longchamp bags for years, so I’m glad I found this backpack. This can also be used as your bag, depending on where you travel. I tend to gravitate towards neutral colors that I can wear with everything, but if you prefer bright colors, this one comes in bright pink, lime green, red and even turquoise.

$ (Saving): Large Travel Backpack

This airplane-friendly travel backpack has all the bells and whistles for under $40. Not only is it waterproof, it also has padded straps, a laptop compartment, a trolley strap and an anti-theft zippered pocket for your valuables. Similar to the $140+ cost made by CalPak.

Best Travel Bags:

$$$ (Splurge): Tumi Voyageur Packable Nylon Tote

I mentioned earlier that I was looking for a new travel bag and this caught my attention. When not in use it folds into a compact zippered pouch and you can easily slip it into your bag. If you plan on shopping when you arrive at your destination, you can take it with you as a spare bag and then fill it with what you found on the trip home.

$$ (Budget Friendly): Beis The Weekender Water Repellent Tote Bag

Take this weekend bag with you on your next overnight trip, or add it to the top of your trolley to take with you on your next travel trip. Beis is a newer travel line I’ve seen and I really like how stylish their bags look. The nice thing about this bag is that you can store your shoes in a separate area at the bottom of the bag.

$ (Saving): Canvas Women’s Nightgown Tote

If you’re shopping for a new tote bag and aren’t looking for a hefty price tag, this canvas evening bag is attractive, durable, and affordable under $40. Again, it fits in the handle of your suitcase, which is nice if you’re just hand luggage. If you are not a fan of stripes, many other attractive colors and prints are available.

Best Travel Bag:

$$$ (Splurge): Lo & Sons The Pearl Crossbody

If you see me on a trip, I’m probably carrying this bag from Lo & Sons. It is not only stylish, but also functional. It has so many pockets that I can stash all my favorite on-the-go items (like emergency meds or extra sunscreen) while staying organized. Carry it as a shoulder bag or remove the strap to use it as a large clutch, which I like to do for more stylish meal plans.

$$ (Budget Friendly): Madewell Mini Leather Carabiner Crossbody

Sometimes a big bag can be annoying and burdensome when doing a lot of hiking and exploring. This small, stylish bag from Madewell is perfect for carrying essentials like your phone, a thin wallet, hand sanitizer and lipstick.

$ (Save): Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag

I always fear that I will be the target of a pickpocket when I travel, especially when traveling internationally. I love that this bag has zip locks to help keep your belongings safe and secure.

Shop More Of The Best Travel Bags And Luggage For Women:

What are your favorite travel bags? Please share… I’d love to hear what worked for you.