:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/couplewithluggage-612b58b9b3c040b8afcb4c3d4f935c97.jpg)
STOCKSY
By now, you probably have all the details of your honeymoon planned down to the very last Mai Tai. You have your plane tickets booked, you know what sights you want to see, and at what five-star spa you’re getting those couples massages. But do you know what luggage you’re taking along? Only the best luggage will do for the trip of a lifetime, so we’re bringing you our favorite stylish suitcases destined to stand out baggage claim.
Before you start finalizing your honeymoon packing list, you’re going to want to add one (or two, or three) of these luggage pieces to your wedding registry, stat. From the top spinning roller bag that won’t slow you down on your sprint to the gate, to the best carry-on luggage that’ll fit seamlessly in that overhead bin, here is the best luggage that’ll get you through your honeymoon and all the other couples getaways in your future.
Read on for best luggage pieces for your honeymoon and beyond.
Best Overall
Away The Carry-On
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/away-the-carry-on-dfd0b20d20a042a5a5e3e03f6fc15138.jpg)
Away
You're probably already familiar with Away luggage, what with it seemingly being the choice of Instagram influencers everywhere. But Away luggage doesn't just have their stamp of approval—it has Brides' too! Take it for a spin and we promise you'll love it just as much as those bloggers on your feed. The Carry-On model is a particular fan-favorite, as it's designed to fit in the overhead bin of most major airlines, thus saving you time at the airport.
Despite the more petite size, this baby still totes plenty of bells and whistles like a durable polycarbonate shell, 360-degree spinner wheels, and an interior compression system to free up as much space as possible. But the real star of the show here is that the suitcase holds an internal, ejectable, and TSA-approved battery, allowing you to charge your phone on the go—and without battling your spouse for the last outlet in the airport.
Price at time of publish: $275
Best Budget
iFLY Hardsided Fibertech 28” Checked Luggage
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/e3264b1f-a9d7-4efd-8fd0-f89d0ec9d4df_1.628db035bb6604412546ac1575acc890-f740d3f953f84c47b76aa4ea4d5a45ad.png)
Courtesy of Walmart
Those looking for a deal as good as the one they got on that all-inclusive resort honeymoon will find it in the iFLY Hardsided Fibertech Checked Luggage. Measuring in at 28 inches (big enough for both you and your partner's belongings if you're both light-to-moderate packers), this suitcase has an ultra-resilient body, two packing compartments, an expansion zipper, four 360-degree wheels, and a 10-year warranty so you know this luggage will last.
While many might expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars for such features, this is a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank. With 16 color options, it can be tough to choose just one—but at a price like that, who says you have to?
Price at time of publish: $109
Best Style
Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Carry-On
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Terminal1Carry-OnLuggage-ada31d39740342e6af9c2c6103d3d4af.jpeg)
Set your luggage apart from the airport masses. This Mark & Graham carry-on suitcase boasts some ultra-chic leather detailing and personalization options including your initials and a whopping 14 color combos. (Bonus: You can show off your new monogram if you opted to change your last name!). If you want to go all out, because, really, is there anything more jet-set than matching monogrammed luggage?
Mark & Graham doesn't sacrifice function for style—in addition to all of these attractive attributes, this suitcase also boasts a lightweight-yet-tough polycarbonate outer casing, a TSA-approved lock, oversized 360-degree spinner wheels, and a lifetime limited warranty.
Price at time of publish: $229
Best Set
Calpak Astyll 3-Piece Luggage Set
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-02-18at3.12.27PM-85ee7b7d18c943258c22d17fc1b90a16.png)
Courtesy of Zola
No luggage wardrobe is complete without large and small checked bags, as well as an airline-approved carry-on. These staples will get you through your honeymoon and all the trips that'll come after, from holidays with the in-laws to weekend getaways to anniversary trips. You're often better off purchasing them all in a single set, as you'll likely end up paying less than you would if you were buying each bag individually. Plus, who doesn't want an elegant matching set?
Our favorite is this Calpak collection that features three luggage pieces, each of which totes a durable and flexible hard-shell body, eight 360-degree spinner wheels, and TSA-approved combination locks, and are expandable for extra packing room (so worries if you overdo it with the souvenirs). With all of those fab features, that polished black marble print is just icing on the cake.
Price at time of publish: $715
Best Underseater
AmazonBasics Underseat Luggage Suitcase With Wheels
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91qCUYYwIL._UX679_-08acbb4b4d4b49c6a8170249c469f8ea.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
It's a bit of a catch-22: With a traditional carry-on rolling suitcase, you have to stand up and go digging through the overhead bin if you forget to pull out your headphones or book before the flight takes off, thus disturbing your seatmate. Do you really want to get on each other’s nerves so soon after the wedding? Alternatively, if you bring a backpack or tote bag that you can keep at your feet during the flight, you're stuck lugging it through the airport when you land.
That's where the AmazonBasics Underseat Luggage Suitcase comes into play. It's designed to fit beneath the seat in front of you, so you can keep it nearby—but it also totes smooth-rolling wheels and a telescoping push-button handle, so you can easily glide through the airport. Especially with that budget-friendly price tag, it's a serious win-win.
Price at time of publish: $165
Best Spinner
Open Story Hardside 29” Checked Suitcase
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-02-18at3.21.43PM-292bbc93ee2b446b9c5f0759011c32ab.png)
Courtesy of Target
Hit traffic on the way to the airport? Security line a mile long? Then the last thing you need is bulky luggage and squeaky wheels that slow you down on your sprint to the gate. Luckily, Target's new Open Story luggage line is here to save the day (and that rebooking fee).
The recently released Target-owned line pledges to make it easier to travel, a promise that's fulfilled with products like this hard-sided carry-on. It features a 41-inch-high telescoping aluminum handle, as well as extra-quiet, 360-degree Hinomoto wheels. If you aren't familiar, those wheels are world-renowned in the travel industry and allow you to glide to your gate quickly and with ease. The best part? All these pieces sport a price point that's pretty hard to beat.
Price at time of publish: $170
Best With TSA-Approved Lock
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Samsonite-Winfield-2-Hardside-Luggage-8aa5f75274714ea38b285f6782e95d49.jpg)
Amazon
It can be a little nerve-wracking to say goodbye to your checked luggage at the airline counter. If you invest in a suitcase that features a built-in locking mechanism, you can rest assured that you'll be reunited with everything you've packed once you reach your destination.
For this, look to the Samsonite Winfield 2. Besides sporting a sturdy-yet-lightweight design that's resistant to dents and dings, four 360-degree spinner wheels, and a 10-year limited warranty, this 28-inch checked bag also boasts a side-mounted TSA-compatible lock. We especially love that it's a combination lock, so you don't have to worry about arriving at your honeymoon hotel, only to realize that you forgot the key at home!
Price at time of publish: $210
Best Rugged
Eagle Creek ORV Trunk 36
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/download-c118a7b3d0f84cd5a98b35bd596c46dc.png)
Courtesy of Eagle Creek
If you and your partner are more likely to honeymoon on the side of a mountain as opposed to a trendy resort, you need luggage that fits with your rough and tumble travels. For bags that can take a hit, look to Eagle Creek, a brand beloved by adventurers for both its durability and sustainability. One of our favorites from the line is the ORV Trunk 36.
Made for big adventures, this baby is large enough to fit both of your belongings, while still being lightweight enough to easily take along on less-than-luxurious excursions. The heavy-duty wheels can take on rocky roads with ease, there are separate compartments to keep clean clothes away from muddy boots, and it's crafted from water-repellent fabric. Oh, and did we mention that there's a built-in bottle opener?
Best Garment Bag
Briggs & Riley Baseline Compact Garment Bag
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/f8f76aa0-c95a-4b0d-b041-1f9cd05dc947-5e3a6a635e454a368408b5fdd7f3b8ac.jpg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
If you're having a destination wedding, we bet figuring out how to properly pack your wedding dress for the journey is right towards the top of your to-do list. Well, get ready to cross that item off your list. First thing's first: Never check your wedding dress! (Just imagine if the airline lost your luggage...)
Instead, pack it in a garment bag and take that precious cargo on the plane with you. Our garment bag of choice? We love the Briggs & Riley Compact Garment Bag for its slim design that’ll fit all your beachy, bohemian frocks. The durable nylon bag folds into thirds so it can easily fit into overhead compartments while keeping your dress safe and secure.
Best Expandable
Béis Travel The Carry-On Roller Luggage
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2020-02-18at3.19.30PM-8724cd22ddb242a4aaf566565f177b57.png)
Courtesy of Béis Travel
Nothing can take you out of that peaceful, post-vacation state quite like not being able to zip up your suitcase when it's time to repack. Don't force yourself to choose between shedding some souvenirs or overpaying for a second suitcase at the airport. Instead, get ahead of the problem with an expandable suitcase.
The Béis Travel Carry-On Roller takes the gold in this category. In addition to cool features like its hard-sided construction, 360-degree wheels, weight display, and retractable bag strap that can hold up to 15 pounds, it also expands an extra two inches—a staggering amount of additional space that means you can totally buy those last few souvenirs or bring along that extra pair of shoes.
Price at time of publish: $198
Best Carry-On
Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 inch Softside Carry On Luggage
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/briggsandriley-2c9f68c78dfd4271b9bdb5454848f492.jpg)
Amazon
Don't let this little black bag fool you. Despite its unassuming appearance, it takes the (wedding) cake when it comes to carry-on luggage. Crafted from ballistic nylon, this bag is abrasion resistant and water repellent to keep all of your belongings extra secure. And about those belongings...You can pack more of them, thanks to the expandable, roomy interior and a next-level compression system that makes overpacking practically impossible. Simply pull upward on the two expanding handles inside the bag to increase the depth and free up some extra space.
When you're through with packing, just zip up the suitcase and gently push down to engage the compression mechanism that locks into place. We also love how the bars for the top handle are located on the outside of the bag. This allows the interior to lay flat for even more packing space. TBH though, we don't think you'll ever need it.
Best Lightweight
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin S Lightweight Suitcase
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/rimowa-cabin-910ac69f4a7642eebc051d4afc3928af.jpg)
Rimowa
Finding a hard-sided suitcase that's lightweight might be just as tough as finding the perfect venue or wedding dress. Fortunately, your search for 'the one' is over with the Essential Lite Cabin bag from Rimowa. Thanks to this suitcase, half your luggage weight allowance won't just go to the bag itself.
It's actually the brand's lightest suitcase ever, clocking in at an unbelievable 4.5 pounds. Despite its feather-like weight, this carry-on still offers plenty of stability and maneuverability, as well as some useful features like a telescopic monopole handle, TSA-approved locks, and four spinner wheels. Plus, that punchy color sure doesn't hurt, either.
Price at time of publish: $700
Best Rolling Duffle
Herschel Supply Co. Wheelie Outfitter 70-Liter Duffle Bag
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fd131e3f-7e82-4322-b7cf-c76fed555220-83b6351cbc944ec2ab14b74a6d4aa8ea.jpg)
Courtesy of Nordstrom
If you're stuck deciding between a piece of luggage that you can roll with ease or a durable duffle bag fit for casual weekend getaways, let us introduce you to this roller duffle from Herschel Supply Co.
The ultimate in travel versatility, it features a roomy duffle body with a removable, adjustable shoulder strap, plus a retractable top handle and four soft urethane wheels so you can zoom off to your next destination. Inside you'll find adjustable interior packing straps, a separate shoe compartment, and a laundry bag. And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s also lightweight, weighing in at a cool 6.6 pounds.
Price at time of publish: $250
Best Checked Bag
Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard+ Large Checked Spinner Suitcase
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/81WB3pWiQL._SL1500_-5b043ec44e22473b9f8f87a6adc13904.png)
Courtesy of Amazon
This upscale number will steal the show at the baggage claim. Delsey Paris Chatelet 28-inch spinner suitcase is crafted from 100 percent virgin polycarbonate that'll hold up to less-than-gentle airline employees, and faux leather accents that make it a super stylish accessory. Not to mention—how chic is that champagne, white, and tan color palette?
But this suitcase isn't just pretty on the outside. Its interior is also attractive to travelers, thanks to a roomy packing space that features zippered packing compartments, a removable hanger, and tie-down straps. When you're ready to jet-set, lock away all your precious cargo with the integrated TSA lock, and keep it all from rolling away with the bag's unique brake system that locks the two front wheels (there are four double spinner wheels altogether), keeping your luggage in place.
Price at time of publish: $413
What to look for in luggage
Durability
Whether you prefer hard or soft-sided luggage, you want it to hold up to being tossed around at baggage claim. For hard-sided luggage, look to polycarbonate construction and for soft-sided choose a durable fabric like nylon.
Size
You also want to take care when it comes to the size of your luggage. Pay attention to airline regulations (more on that below!), but to maximize packing space, look for features like expanding capabilities and easy-to-access compartments. You may also want to consider the weight of the luggage in order to ensure you stay under your airline’s weight limits and you aren’t struggling to pull or carry your bag along.
Wheelability
For rolling luggage, wheelability is another aspect to pay attention to. Many travelers prefer four-wheeled luggage for their 360-degree spin. If you prefer two wheels, be sure that they are easy to maneuver and roll smoothly. (You’ll be thankful for those easy-rolling wheels when you hit those cobblestone streets!)
Why Trust Brides
Brides contributor Jamie Cuccinelli has several years of experience in the wedding and lifestyle industries, first as an editor of Brides.com and then as a writer for home and lifestyle websites like MyDomaine. In her downtime, she loves to travel (and not just for bachelorette parties and destination weddings), so she knows the importance of a well-packed and sturdy suitcase that’ll stand up to airport sprints, baggage claim, and everything in between.