There’s nothing quite like planning a big trip away.
But while the destination, flights and itinerary are all important, so too is the luggage you use to pack your clothes and toiletries in — as you need something you can rely on time and again.
Whether you’re in the market for carry-ons, soft-shell or hard-shell cases, there are three things you always need to look for in a good suitcase: ease of use, design and functionality.
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With this in mind, Best Picks is here rounding up the 10 best suitcases for 2024, and why they’re worth your investment.
Below, from Samsonite to July, find the best luggage for every type of traveller.
1. Best stylish suitcase
July Carry on Trunk, $545, July
Top of the list if you’re looking for a suitcase that looks the part as well as walking the walk is July’s Carry On Trunk ($545).
Billed as July’s “most luxury suitcase”, this stylish case has recently released new limited edition colours including plum, fresh blue and cream to ensure you always look good when travelling.
Key features of this 55cm H x 38cm W x 22cm D suitcase include a scuff-resistant matte polycarbonate shell, twin latch locks, silent and easy-to-manoeuvre wheels and a soft leather handle that gives the case a stylish, heritage feel.
I also love the attention to detail with this case.
Every case features a hidden laundry bag that is odour-proof and compresses down to keep your worn items hidden and the rest of your clothes crisp clean.
The stylish buy is also perfect on the inside: the July Y-Strap Compression System provides a heavy-duty strap that pulls down to create more space in your case, allowing you to cram in more items.
Reviews are glowing on the July website, and the Carry On Trunk has been described as the “perfect travel companion”.
“Excellent,” one shopper wrote.
“It rolls with very little force. Its open design makes it very space efficient. The fishnet zipper area is perfect for quick access stuff like wallets and passports.”
The same shopper added: “The battery is very useful, I’ve charged my phone while moving around the airport, making it perfect for emergencies. The colour is great, doesn’t show marks much and is easy to differentiate on a baggage carousel”.
The suitcase costs $545, and you can add personalisation to make it stand out from the crowd even more for just $65.
2. Best lightweight suitcase
Samsonite C-Lite Spinner 55cm, $489.30, Samsonite
If you’re looking for something lightweight to travel from A to B, I can’t move past the Samsonite C-Lite Spinner 55cm Suitcase ($489.30; Samsonite), which has been my go-to bag for a number of months now.
Weighing in at just 1.9 kilograms, there is plenty of space to pack everything you might need for a two-plus-week trip, and the case is instantly recognisable on the baggage carousel, thanks to its distinctive design.
Key features of this C-Lite Spinner Case include double wheels and an elongated double pull handle.
The impressive Curv material from which the suitcase is made is also both impact-resistant and lightweight.
I also love how smoothly this suitcase wheels through an airport, making for the most luxurious and convenient type of travelling.
Others love the C-Lite Case on the Samsonite website, where it has many five-star reviews.
“Elegantly lightweight and beautifully designed. I feel good knowing this product uses post-consumer recycled plastic pellets in the case and lining,” one shopper wrote.
“World’s best long-haul luggage,” another added.
“We have travelled extensively long haul from Australia to Japan and Europe. Our Samsonite Cosmolite is well up to the task — strong, durable, easy to trolley, and easy to lay out at the hotel for access. Love it. Highly recommended.”
The suitcase currently costs $489.30 on the Samsonite website, but it often retails for $699.
3. Best budget suitcase
Amazon Basics Hardside Expandable Spinner, $139, Amazon
If you want a new suitcase but don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend, look no further than Amazon.
The website’s Basics Hardside Expandable Spinner retails for just $139 and features all the specs of a top-end model.
With a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and scratch-resistant finish, the suitcase features four double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction.
The case also has a sturdy telescoping handle for comfortable maneuvering and a securely mounted short handle for easy lifting.
The Amazon Basics Hardside Expandable Spinner has more than 43,000 glowing reviews online.
Shoppers have described it as “great”, “oh so hardy” and “excellent”.
“Tough and sturdy. Fits all our stuff for a weekend getaway,” one shopper wrote.
“Awesome deal and great for the price,” another added.
The Suitcase costs just $139 on Amazon.
4. Best unique suitcase
Rollio 75cm, $459, American Tourister
Make a splash with the Rollio 75cm Suitcase by American Tourister ($459).
Rollio is American Tourister’s latest award-winning suitcase that has an authentic design made for those who challenge the norm, and own their personal originality and self-expression.
With its distinctive cylinder shape, this revolutionary design aims to capture the spirit of Generation Z authenticity.
Its unique shape not only sets you apart from the crowd but also offers practicality like never before.
What sets the Rollio apart from traditional-shaped suitcases is that it can roll into tight spaces that other suitcases cannot.
It’s also made with aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate, and features US-compliant TSA lock and smooth rolling double wheels.
Those who have bought a Rollio love it.
One shopper wrote in the reviews section: “The design and colour of this luggage are truly unique, making it stand out in a sea of monotonous choices.
“One of the first aspects that caught my attention about this luggage was its exceptional design.
“The sleek and modern aesthetic combined with the unique colour choice makes it a real eye-catcher. The attention to detail in the design is evident, from the carefully chosen patterns and textures to the sturdy handles and zippers.”
The reviewer added: “This luggage truly stands out in a crowd. Beyond its appealing design, this luggage boasts impressive durability. Constructed with high-quality materials, it feels sturdy and well-made”.
You can buy the Rollio case from the American Tourister website here.
5. Best classic suitcase
Antler Stamford 2.0, $429, Antler
If you want a classic, timeless suitcase that will not date, it’s hard to get past heritage British brand: Antler.
And this new and upgraded Stamford 2.0 suitcase is one to invest in to last a lifetime.
The case continues to feature the industry-leading Japanese wheels which promise whisper-soft gliding across the tarmac.
The Stamford’s robust yet lightweight polycarbonate shell also has a smooth, matt surface, making scratches less visible.
Other features the reviewers love include a removable packing divider with a pocket and compression-packing straps to help prevent creasing and keep your clothes flat, whether you’re flying long or short-haul.
For ease, the collection can be nested and stored inside each other if bought as a set.
Of the 108 reviews on the Antler website, many are overwhelmingly positive.
“A very solid case to hold all your luggage,” one shopper wrote.
“What more could you want? Good quality, good design, works well, and a great service. Highly recommend,” another added.
The Antler Stamford 2.0 is available from the Antler website for $429.
6. Best luxury suitcase
Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 Trunk 80cm Suitcase, $509.40, Myer
Delsey is a name that is synonymous with suitcases, and this Chatelet Air 2.0 Trunk 80cm Suitcase ($509.40; Myer) is no exception.
Featuring leather effect patches on the shell, the luggage is equipped with Delsey’s patented ultra-secure closure system.
This particular closing system is three times more resistant to intrusion than a conventional zipper, and it offers optimal security for your luggage.
While shock-absorbing corner protectors safeguard against wear and tear.
Reviewers love the case and describe it as “highly recommended”.
“Quality luggage and looks sensational — very smooth,” one shopper wrote.
“Great option for international travel. Fits well in trains and buses. Not so chunky to take around as older styles. Great quality. Easy to customise with a sticker for easy identification,” another added.
7. Best bright suitcase
Nere Stori 75cm Suitcase, $250, Strand
Also getting a point for affordability is the Nere Stori 75cm Suitcase, which retails for $250 on the Strand website.
Promising to safekeep all your essentials for two plus weeks away, the case features a quality ABS hard shell, on-trend colours and a signature matte black round logo.
The case features quiet smooth gliding dual spinner wheels, a self-repairing zipper and ergonomic soft-touch trolley handle.
The Nere Stori 75cm Suitcase sells for $250 on Strand.
8. Best kids’ suitcase
JetKids by Stokke BedBox, $279, The Memo
I’ve had my eye on one of these suitcases for my toddler-age daughter since our New Year trip up to Noosa, and I can’t get them out of my mind.
Cute and functional with a ride-on capacity, the clever little suitcases also have a built-in in-flight beg or leg-rest feature for toddlers and children — which if you fly long-haul could be an absolute game-changer.
The JetKids BedBox by Stokke describes itself as the world’s only ride-on suitcase that turns any seat into a bed and is officially approved by airlines.
It’s essentially a sleep-on suitcase, which children from 2-7 years old can rest comfortably or nap on during both long and short haul flights.
One five-star reviewer wrote of the case: “Great alternative to using a pram at the airport. Our son just sat on top and we were able to pull him around with ease.
“It has enough space to store all the travel essentials and easy to utilise while on the plane. Bonus is that it comes with stickers to personalise and our son absolutely loves it.”
The JetKids by Stokke BedBox is available for $279 on The Memo.
9. Best suitcase set
July Carry on and Checked Set, $665, July
Looking for the whole kit and caboodle to ensure you can stylishly travel from A to B?
You need July’s Carry On and Checked Set.
Currently $665 on the July website, the set of two cases features the Carry On and the Carry on Checked in hardshell German polycarbonate.
Both cases are designed to nest perfectly inside each other, so they’re easy to store while you’re planning the next holiday.
All July cases include their signature SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, which promise to be so quiet but effective enough to handle even the cobblestones of Europe.
“I purchased the checked suitcase for a month long Europe trip, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with its performance and design,” one shopper wrote.
“This suitcase was easily scratched due to careless airport staff but it still has proven to be a stylish and functional travel companion.”
10. Best sturdy suitcase
American Tourister Curio 2 Spinner 80cm, $239.40, Myer
Last but not least is this sturdy offering from American Tourister.
According to product information, Curio is the brand’s best-selling iconic design, featuring an “impactful concentric circle design that takes inspiration from retro vinyl records”.
All of the sizes of this case include expandability in order to increase your packing space and store even the most exotic souvenirs from around the world.
Other features include a premium interior organiser with mesh dividers and multiple pockets to keep your belongings organised and also double wheels to ensure smooth rolling comfort.
Reviewers love the Curio 2 Spinner 80cm, describing it as a “stunning colour, sturdy and versatile”.
“Amazing suitcase that I would recommend to any traveller,” one shopper wrote.
“Lovely and practical suitcase, my daughter is very happy with it,” another added.
The American Tourister Curio 3 Spinner Suitcase is available for $239.40 from Myer.
