A Simple Guide to the Best International Travel Luggage

Travelling internationally is much more than visiting breathtaking vistas and experiencing immersive cultural experiences. It also includes some practical considerations, like selecting the right luggage. Choose the most appropriate travel bag that can provide you with comfort, mobility, and peace of mind while you travel through all the foreign landscapes.

In this blog, we delve into a set of options available to modern travellers. Whether you're a seasoned traveller getting ready for another round-the-world trip or a casual traveller planning your first trip abroad, knowing the differences between the different types of luggage will make your planning much easier. Continue to read and get an overview of what to consider when choosing luggage for international travel and different types of luggage that match your requirements well.       

What to Consider When Choosing Luggage for International Travel

While choosing the luggage for your trip, there are certain factors you have to consider. Here are some of them: 

Situation Equals Size

When you think about the luggage size it's also important to consider the duration and nature of your trip. If you are opting for a prolonged or diverse itinerary, a larger suitcase is essential. The larger suitcase can accommodate various clothing and gadgets and the compact carry-on bag suffices for brief, streamlined journeys.  

Air Compliance

International flight travel demands compliance with the airline's baggage requirements, which include weight and size restrictions for both checked and hand luggage. Passengers must familiarise themselves in advance with various airline limitations to avoid additional fees and to guarantee a smooth boarding process. 

Budget

When selecting the luggage for your international travel, financial considerations play a pivotal role. An optimal balance should be struck between cost efficiency and the longevity of the luggage. For regular travellers, sturdy, high-quality luggage is a long-term investment and for occasional travellers, affordability may be more important.   

Materials and Mobility

The materials of the luggage determine its resilience and weight; hardshell cases are preferred for their protective qualities in rough handling, whereas soft shell bags offer flexibility and lightness. Mobility is enhanced by selecting luggage with robust, easily manoeuvrable wheels and ergonomically designed handles, facilitating effortless movement through airports and urban landscapes.   

Top Picks for the Best Luggage for International Travel

For your international travel, packing up the right luggage is a real task. Here are some of the top 9 picks for the best suitcase for international travel. 

1. Overall Luggage 

Choosing the right luggage is essential for a hassle-free travel experience. The best overall luggage balances durability, size, mobility and style to cater to varied travel needs. This luggage ensures compliance with varied airline specifications to avoid check-in hassles.

Features such as robust, lightweight material can withstand the rigours of long-haul journeys while secure locks safeguard possessions across borders. The advancement in designs such as spinner wheels and ergonomic handles offer effortless transit through airports and cities. The efficient interiors of these overall luggage with compartments and straps will help you in keeping the belongings, organised and easily accessible.       

2. Large Carry-on Luggage 

For international travellers, large carry-on luggage is indispensable. They strike the balance between capacity and convenience. These bags offer you ample space to pack every essential and extra for extended trips without the need to check baggage, eliminating waiting times at baggage carousels and reducing the risk of lost luggage. Their design incorporates advanced storage solutions such as compartments for electronics, which facilitate quick access to items at security checks.    

3. Small Carry-on Luggage

Small carry-on luggage is the best choice to make when you need efficiency and flexibility in your travels. They are ideal for short trips or as a complement to checked luggage. These bags meet most airline cabin restrictions, allowing passengers to skip check-in queues and baggage claims. Moreover, this luggage keeps travel documents, gadgets and in-flight essentials readily available. The advantage of these small carry-ons is that you can enjoy increased mobility, streamlined security checks and the convenience of keeping your belongings close throughout their journey.   

4. Medium Checked Luggage

Medium-checked luggage is an excellent choice for those who are planning for international travel. They offer more space than a carry-on and are much easier to handle than large suitcases. This luggage size is perfect for week-long trips or travellers who pack judiciously, providing ample space for clothing, shoes and travel necessities without exceeding airline weight limits or incurring extra fees. The durability of this luggage helps you withstand the wear and tear of transit and glide smoothly through airports with its sturdy wheels.   

5. Soft Side Luggage

Among international travellers, soft-side luggage is favoured for its adaptable and versatile features. Made from flexible materials like nylon or polyester, soft side bags can compress slightly to fit in tight spaces or expand to accommodate extra purchases made during a trip. The provided exterior pockets of soft side luggage offer you convenient access to travel essentials, including passports or snacks. The lightweight nature of soft-side luggage ensures easier handling and reduces the overall weight of your travel load, potentially avoiding excess baggage fees. 

6. Trunk Luggage

With its distinctive boxy shape, trunk luggage offers a blend of style and function for modern international travellers. Its structured design allows for efficient packing and organisation of clothes, souvenirs and travel, making it an excellent choice for extended stays or families travelling together. Most trunk suitcases are equipped with dividers and compartments that help keep all your items neatly separated and easily accessible. The uniqueness in the design of this trunk luggage makes it easy to spot on baggage carousels, adding convenience and a touch of elegance to any journey.      

7. Backpacks

Backpacks are popular among international travellers for their hands-free nature, which allows travellers in airports, streets and uneven terrain to travel without the encumbrance of wheeled luggage. These backpacks have additional features such as lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets to protect sensitive information and larger straps for comfortable wear over extended periods. Many of these backpacks are made from durable, water-resistant materials to withstand diverse weather conditions. Moreover, these backpacks are ideal for those seeking adventures or a minimalist travel experience without compromising accessibility or security.    

8. Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are the preferred choice among travellers for their flexibility and ease of transport. They can fit into any tight space, such as overhead compartments or under seats. The added advantage of having duffels is that they can be carried in a variety of ways. It can either be carried with their shoulder straps or grab handles across long airport terminals or through crowded city streets. The wide opening of these bags facilitates quick packing and easy access to belongings, making them ideal for those who need to move swiftly and pack efficiently.    

9. Weekender Bags

Weekend bags are the perfect companion for short international trips or as an additional carry-on for longer journeys. Despite being smaller in size, these bags are deceptively spacious and offer ample room to keep all your clothes and essentials for days. Some of these bags have dedicated compartments for laptops and documents, making them suitable for business travel. Lightweight and easy to carry, weekend bags prioritise convenience and efficiency for the modern traveller.  

Pack Your Things With the Best Travel Luggage From Matalan

Packing up for your trip is a hectic task and if you do not have the right luggage to pack things up, then it will be a real problem. The luggage you choose for international travel is deeply personal and influenced by a variety of travel needs and style preferences. Invest in high-quality luggage that equips you to explore the globe with assurance and style. 

Remember to choose the best suitcases for travel while you are planning an international trip, as you have to take many things for the trip. Fasten your travel luggage and embrace the adventure that is coming up.