Luggage Buying Guide: What is the Best Luggage For International Travel & Domestic Flight?

When you hear the word "luggage" or "suitcase", the first image that comes to your mind is likely a regular carry-on bag. Surveys say that over half of people who fly use a carry-on to do so. And it makes sense: carry-on suitcases help users to depart directly from the airport without needing to wait for larger bags to exit on the baggage carousel. Just grab your bag, call your cab and head out the door. Choose a model with rolling or spinning wheels for ultimate comfort and speed. Thanks to their speed, these bags are often considered the best luggage for international travel. And while this works out well for weekend vacations and short work trips, there's one (massive) limitation: space.

The TSA has specific guidelines that are there to keep domestic and international fliers safe, but several airlines have their own carry-on bag size limits in place too. Many airlines even have weight limits, but that's rarer within the United States. Be sure to check with your airline's website before investing in long-lasting pieces if you'll be flying out of the country often. As a general rule, many US carriers use 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is all so that your bag will be able to fit in the overhead bin above your seat instead of below in the luggage bay. Opt for high-quality brands like TUMI for luggage you know can hold up to the challange of travel for years.

If it's your first time flying in a while, you might see the term "personal item" used often and be confused. That refers to a small backpack, messenger bag or purse that can fit beneath your seat during takeoff and upon landing. Just like with carry-on bags, these personal items have a size and weight limit. Check with your airline to be sure you're allowed to bring one aboard—some don't even specify a size—then consider what you'll be traveling for. If you're heading abroad for work, you'll want to bring your laptop in a case (and maybe even a small briefcase with important files you don't want to leave your sight.) If you're traveling for pleasure, stashing essentials that didn't fit in your carry-on is a great idea. No matter what, it's the best place to have your passport holder or your wallet. You'll be able to pull it out at a moment's notice. Other essentials to keep in here include headphones and a phone charger. Make sure your tote or mid-size backpack/briefcase is the right size for your airline before overpacking.

While the carry-on might be the instant solution that comes to mind, international (and even domestic) travel often demands that you bring more with you than just a pair of jeans and two shirts. If you'll be away for a while or are traveling with children, you are definitely going to need more than a few square inches of space can provide. Multiple pairs of shoes, casual clothing and even formal wear takes up space—especially if you'll be away from home for a while. That's where large duffels, checked luggage and garment bags come in. Duffels are the classic luggage: large, durable and ready to go on ony journey. Toss yours in the back of the trunk or send a large wheeled model to the storage bay of your plane. It'll be waiting for you at your destination no matter where you go.

However, keeping these big bags organized can be a challenge. While travel websites might recommend rolling clothes vs folding or the polar opposite to get more out of your space, true organization comes from separation. That's where dividers and packing cubes come in. Look for a bag with built in compartments and supplement with these easy-to-use packing cubes that keep different clothes seperate and compress at the same time, allowing for extra storage. Even seperate your clean gear from gently used clothing with these. No matter how you pack them, your duffel will serve you well for years to come. Thanks to their high carrying capacity and flexibility, many consider these bags the best luggage for international travel and camping trips alike.

If you're traveling for work, weddings, galas and other formal events, a garment bag is certainly your best bet for keeping black-tie clothing wrinkle-free and looking amazing. Tri-fold bags with the ability to hang dresses, blouses, pressed shirts and trousers are ideal for traveling via plane, and many are carry-on sized as well. Extra compartments allow for accessories like shoes and purses. For faster deplaning and extra mobility, look for versions with two (or even four) wheels. Still worried about wrinkles? Keep in mind that many hotels do advertise ironing boards and irons for simple shirts and pants. When you're trying to keep formal apparel looking it's best, these bags are undoubtedly the best luggage for international travel.

There are some things that you should take with you whatever bag you choose and wherever you go, whether that's across the state, the country or the world: things like proper ID, passport and prescription medications are a must. If you're going somewhere scenic and sunny, a refillable water bottle and sunglasses are must-haves to keep harmful UV-rays out of your eyes (and prevent cataracts in the furture). Travel-sized toiletries can be nice but are things you can definitely purchase along the way and at airports when you land. Make sure everyone brings their phone and their charger (unless you want to spend the trip lending yours to your significant other). Maybe even bring an extra pair of headphones for the plane. And if you're heading on an international trip, make sure you bring the correct charging adapter for the voltage if it's different from those used in your home.

There are definitely some items that can't be brought through TSA gates (or international borders) as well, and they'll just be disposed of if you try. Check the TSA's website for final decisions on whether specific things can be taken through in either checked or carried-on containers. But things like small knives, sharp objects, alcohol, some sports equipment and more won't pass muster. Flying internationally? You won't be able to bring produce, meats and plants to and from many destinations either. That's to preserve native populations and keep invasive species away. When all else fails, use common sense— should I bring this to another country? If not, a border agent will make you take it out of your stylish luggage and leave it behind (that is, in the garbage). Still not sure what the best luggage for international travel and local road trips looks like to you? Give our experts a call at 800-860-3577 we'll be happy to help you find the right gear for your next trip.