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The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Brands For International Travel, According To Pros
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Whether you're a sentimental traveler who traverses with the same luggage until it falls apart or you're looking to upgrade from your current less-than-chic set of suitcases, there's never been a better time to invest. Several newcomers have raised the bar in terms of innovation and design over the last decade, while industry icons with more than 200 years of experience under their belts are offering their most clever products yet. But while it may seem overwhelming to choose the best luggage for international travel, we tapped industry pros Emma Schroder, luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler, and Tom Marchant, co-founder and owner of Black Tomato to help us navigate the market.
"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler's best friend."
Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.
Paravel WeekenderParavel is one of Schroeder's go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her "Mary Poppins bag"), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.
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Paravel Weekender
tourparavel.Com
$295.00
Paravel Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."
A favorite of Marchant's (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa's aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. "The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style," she says. "The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life," he says.
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Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag
Rimowa
$1430.00
Rimowa Globe Trotter Safari XL TrunkThis heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you're a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.
The brand's items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter's chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.
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Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk
globe-trotter.Com
$3395.00
Globe Trotter Carl Friedrik Palissy WeekendIf you're looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.
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Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend
carlfriedrik.Com
$895.00
Carl Friedrik AWAY The Bigger Carry-OnThis Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder's, as the brand's Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.
"In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility," says Schroeder. "Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage."
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AWAY The Bigger Carry-On
AWAY
$295.00
AWAY Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner TrunkThe celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric's is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.
Bric's offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.
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Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk
bricstore.Com
$500.50
Bric's Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium JourneyIconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It's been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming's novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).
Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It's a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.
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Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey
hartmann.Com
$900.00
Hartmann Monos Check-In LargeMonos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.
They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.
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Monos Check-In Large
monos.Com
$355.00
Monos TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case"My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients," Schroder says.
The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand's portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone's belongings as best as possible.
The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.
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TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case
tumi.Com
$950.00
TUMI Royce & RocketThe youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don't miss out on the brand's catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.
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Royce & Rocket
royceandrocket.Com
$615.00
Royce & Rocket Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk SpinnerSince 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it's a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.
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Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner
delsey.Com
$399.00
Delsey BÉIS The Convertible Mini WeekenderSchroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.
"I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type," she says. "For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn't fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"
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BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender
beistravel.Com
$118.00
BÉIS Meet the ExpertsEmma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler.
Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato.
Victor Maze
Why Trust VERANDAFor more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best. (edited)
Victor Maze
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Delsey Paris Launches A Colorful Luggage Collab With Benetton
Delsey Paris's colorful new suitcase collection is a collaboration with sportswear icon, Benetton
Courtesy of Delsey ParisIf you're in the market for a pop-of-color suitcase that will set your luggage apart from all the other black cases at baggage claim, look no further than the just-launched luggage collection from Delsey Paris. Made in collaboration with Italian sportswear brand, Benetton, the three-piece collection is an explosion of springy color, with cases in Easter egg pastels like Robin's egg blue, grassy green, and peony pink, in addition to camellia red, and classic black with a distinctive preppy green Benetton stripe.
The just-launched collection includes cases in grassy green and peony pink
Courtesy of Delsey ParisLaunched just in time for spring travels, the collab is the latest from innovative French brand Delsey Paris, which has been making luggage since 1946. (In fact, the brand was the first ever to create luggage with a durable rigid shell. And in 1972, they launched the first luggage on wheels, using a telescoping handle with retractable wheels.)
A vintage Italian Benetton ad
Courtesy of BenettonBenetton, of course, is the Italian sportswear brand that made an indelible impression on the world in the 1980s with its vibrantly colored fashions, and distinctive and memorable ads that championed diversity and inclusivity through eye-catching campaigns like "All the Colors of the World," with a wider range of multicultural models than was common at the time.
Spinners are available in carry-on, medium, and large sizes
Courtesy of Delsey ParisThe new collection of spinners in three different sizes (carry-on, medium, and large) offers travelers features like scratch-resistant twill finishes, TSA-approved locks, 360° spinner wheels, and adjustable telescoping top handles as well as handles on the tops and sides. The spacious, fully-lined interior keeps clothing, shoes, toiletries, and more organized with tie-down straps, a zippered divider, and a mesh pocket.
Spinner suitcases start at $140
Courtesy of Delsey ParisThe collection includes:
The Delsey Paris x Benetton suitcase collection is now available on the Delsey Paris website.
Check out my website or some of my other work here.My Splurge-Worthy Luxury Monos Suitcase Is 25% Off Right Now
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Anyone who's packed for a big trip or trekked through an airport with luggage in tow knows that a good suitcase makes all the difference between a smooth travel experience and one that's pure chaos.
As a fairly frequent traveler, I've definitely experienced the latter — and I blame my former clumsy luggage for all my travel woes. Recently, however, I made a suitcase investment that has added a level of convenience to my trips that completely justifies the cost: the Monos suitcase, which is up to 25% off right now.
Before I get into how much I adore this worthwhile purchase, know that the entire Monos site is also up to 25% through March 24, with an automatic discount code applied at checkout. (Keep in mind that only certain colors of your selected luggage items offer the full 25% discount.) You can also save an additional $150 when purchasing a three-piece family set, also automatically applied at checkout.
This Japanese-inspired travel brand has an inventory stocked withimpressive packing goods and accessories, including a sleek little line of hardshell suitcases that range from effortless carry-ons to large checked bags with beautifully organized interiors. I opted for the largest check-in model ahead of a recent trip to New York after the wheels of my old suitcase had completely given out, making it impossible to maneuver. Throughout my entire trip, I regularly thanked myself for this very worthwhile purchase.
Because of my bad wheel experience, you'd guess correctly that a suitcase with good, long-lasting wheels able to navigate nearly any terrain was my main requirement when shopping for a replacement. Based on reviews, Monos overwhelmingly ranked at the top in this category, even when up against the more trendy "household name" travel brands like Away and Béis.
I could tell right out of the box that these wheels do in fact live up to the online testimonies: they're slightly oversized, double-sided and incredibly easy to roll, with a thick coating of rubber material that feels legitimately durable. I even took it for a test run on the gravel and uneven sidewalk in front of my apartment and the operation was as smooth as ever.
Another decision-confirming factor was how thoughtfully designed the Monos suitcase is. Separating the generous interior is a two-page divider featuring dual layers of organization pockets — a welcome difference from most suitcases I've seen, which typically have only a single panel of pockets. One of these layers also offers an extra dose compression in addition to the typical X-strap you find in suitcases. This means I'm able to pack more clothes and more shoes compared to my old bag, while also staying significantly more organized. The bag even comes with two different-sized shoe sleeves!
The case's exterior is equally desirable. Made from an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell, this suitcase features an integrated TSA-approved lock and a high-grade aluminum telescoping handle that's sturdy and, in my experience, completely trouble-free.
Because I'm a sucker for aesthetics in addition to function, I splurged and grabbed the limited edition banana color in a glossy finish. However, there are 13 colors to choose from, as well as seven different models and sizes to suit everyone's needs.
Monos says in its brand statement that it aims to make luxury-level luggage accessible to more travelers by using the same materials as other high-end manufacturers. So although $355-plus for mylarge suitcase is objectively a very expensive price for most, it's certainly less than offerings from other luxury travel retailers.
This alone, along with my first-person experience, has truly helped justify my splurge purchase. To any other future travelers out there who are in the market for new luggage, I couldn't endorse it more. But, in case my word isn't convincing enough, I won't be offended if you need to take a peek at some of the promising reviews from real Monos customers that feel the same way as I do.
Promising Monos.Com reviews:
"Monos is no joke! The quality of my check in luggage is serious quality. I utilize check in luggage a lot. I have traveled around on a 6 country tour previously when my luggage wheels broke on country #2. I instantly became 'that obnoxious American' with the noisy check in bag who was lost all the time. From that experience I knew I had to get a higher and better quality luggage set. I got a check in piece from Monos and I do not regret it in the slightest! One of the best decisions I've made! I know with this new luggage I will never be put in a similar situation like that ever again. Not only is this design WAY more high end than Away and just stunning overall, it has the quality to boot! Now I will still be a lost American roaming around with gorgeous high quality luggage." — Tiffany L.
"I'm a grown man and this is the first actual piece of luggage I've ever bought for myself. My entire life I've traveled with hand-me-down suitcases, weekender bags, or various duffles... Even when flying overseas.Can I please tell you how dumb I feel for not ever investing in quality luggage before now? Can I also tell you how legitimately impressed I am with this piece that I'm about to immediately pull the trigger on a matching Carry On Pro?
"I compared a ton of other options, from Away (obviously), July, Beis, to a bunch of trendy offerings on IG, to more expensive options like Rimowa. I couldn't be more thrilled about deciding on Monos. The interior layout and design was really the deal maker for me, but I also wanted something that looked as good as it functioned. For me, Monos hit the perfect balance of everything I was looking for.
"I opted for a Stellar White Medium Check-In. The sizing was exactly where I hoped it would be. After receiving it, I feel the Large would be a little too big for my needs. The quality is great, the wheels are super smooth and quiet like all the other reviews mention, and the zippers are solidly smooth. I also picked up a set of four cubes, and a protective cover to help keep scrapes and scuffs down. The cover is frosted clear to let the color show through, but feels thick enough to not get trashed on first use. I highly recommended picking one up if you're concerned about scuffs. If you're on the fence like I was, go for it. You won't be disappointed." — Adam
"The product itself is above & beyond what I expected. I did thorough research comparing Monos to Away, & based on their extensive research into the durability of their product I went with them. Also the fact that sustainability is a part of their mission statement which I appreciate & look out for. There's no other way to describe the feel of the luggage besides 'buttery': that's how wheeling this gigantic thing feels. It's so smooth & almost shock-resistant. The inside is super spacious & has lots of pockets & fits a ton of stuff. The outside is gorgeous, I just love the color.
"The company itself is also just amazing. The customer service was outstanding; when I chatted online with someone about my fears I wouldn't receive the product that was showing as out of stock in time for my trip, she assured me that there were two in stock & that I would definitely receive once I made my order. The confirmation that my luggage was 'claimed' so to speak was really quick, I think within 3 days of when I made my order. So really great service & attention. Would recommend company & product & will be buying more from this company." — Nicole S.
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