The Best Luggage for International Travel, According to Our Testing

Listed dimensions: 27" x 18.5" x 12" | Weight: 8.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Colors: 12 | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: This top-performing suitcase from our best overall luggage brand Samsonite has repeatedly stood out in the Textiles Lab's and our consumers' tests and is priced around $200 — an incredible value.

I was impressed by how easy it was to lift and roll the bag around, even when filled with our standard packing load. This carry-on is spacious with a butterfly-opening, unfolding into two primary compartments for easy packing, and there's an additional inch of expandable storage with the pull of a zipper.

During our Lab evaluations, we liked how easy it was to pull the bag through our luggage obstacle course. The material was more prone to scratching than some others we evaluated, but the suitcase proved to be durable overall in our drop tests, resisting major damage.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: While some testers said the telescopic handle felt a bit loose, the suitcase earned high scores for maneuverability, with testers sharing feedback including "very smooth rolling" and "the wheels moved really well."

RELATED: The Best Samsonite Luggage Pieces

Listed dimensions: 21.7" x 14.8" x 10" | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Colors: 5 | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: With more than 9,000 five-star ratings, this Amazon's Choice suitcase is loved by both real users and our consumer testers who said it's worth every penny. Made of lightweight ABS plastic, the hardside suitcase isn't quite as durable as those made of polycarbonate, but the material helps to keep the cost low — under $100 — so I recommend it for someone shopping on a budget.

During our Textiles Lab evaluations for durability, there were some noticeable markings in our scratch tests, but we were impressed by how well the bag maintained its shape after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. Amazon reviewers who regularly use the suitcases said they hold up over time as well.

We gave the carry-on high scores for packability, as we were able to pack our standard load of belongings (clothing, accessories and toiletries) for a short trip inside with room to spare. Plus, there are interior zippered mesh pockets for easy organization, and the bag expands up to one extra inch for additional packing space.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: When our consumer testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how smooth the wheels were, with one describing the bag as "very easy to move."

RELATED: The Best Luggage on Amazon

Listed dimensions: 21.7" x 14.4" x 9" | Weight: 7.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Colors: 11 | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the most popular suitcases on the market, Away's standard carry-on is definitely worth the hype. Not only is the suitcase simple and stylish from the outside, it's also full of functional features inside to make packing for your next international trip a breeze.

The bag unfolds into two separate primary compartments to fit all of your things: one fully zippered side and one with adjustable compression straps, and there are mesh pockets to stash smaller items. In terms of durability, the bag looked great after our drop and scratch tests, showing no major signs of damage or dents.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Consumer testers and GH analysts alike love to travel with the Away carry-on, including one who shared, "It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin."

Testers said the telescopic handle felt flimsier than others they tried, but they were impressed with the bag overall, saying that it was easy to maneuver and roll over different types of flooring, including wood, carpet and tile.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Away Carry-On

Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 12.68" | Weight: 15.6 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Colors: 4 | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: The innovative design details of this softside checked bag from Briggs & Riley help to simplify packing for extended trips abroad. The bag features a unique push-button expansion system unlike any other we've evaluated, which allows you to easily expand the bag, fill it with everything you'll need and then compress it back down to its standard size.

And this checked bag offers more than double the packing capacity. Other innovative features include a built-in trifold garment folder for formal attire and reinforced corners for added protection.

Although the suitcase weighs more than other models we've evaluated, it's made with a nylon material that resisted wear and tear when I tested it in our abrasion machine. It also earned top marks in our latest round of drop testing and received high scores for maneuverability, with smooth wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One tester who was impressed with the amount of space in the carry-on version of the bag shared, "It fit clothing and accessories for two people for a seven-day summer vacation." Another tester who brought the collection's 22-inch version on a two-week trip to Japan described it as "super sleek and stylish" and said they would be using it more often.

Listed dimensions: 26" x 18.75" x 11" | Weight: 8.3 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate with aluminum corners | Colors: 11 | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: Rolling a bag through the airport has never been easier than it is with July's classic luggage, including this spacious checked suitcase and its popular carry-on bags.

Made with a polycarbonate shell, the suitcase is lightweight and durable, and the corners are reinforced with aluminum bumpers for an added level of protection. The bag held up well after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but testers noted marks and scuffs on the surface after taking the bag on just one trip.

It boasts 80 liters of packing space and features one fully zippered compartment and one open compartment with a compression panel and Y-strap for security. The telescopic handle technically locks at 20 different heights to prevent it from falling down on its own, and most testers appreciated the slanted grip on the handle, sharing that it was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One GH analyst who took the checked bag on a vacation abroad said, "I've never used a suitcase with wheels this smooth." I've personally traveled with luggage from the brand and was blown away by how effortless it was to roll the suitcases, even over carpet and concrete sidewalks.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: July Luggage

Listed dimensions: 25" x 18" x 11.25" | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Colors: 9 | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: Travelpro luggage was created by a pilot who wanted to make bags specifically for other pilots and airline crewmembers who were always on the go. The result is a collection of highly durable, quality suitcases including the popular Platinum Elite medium checked suitcase.

Built to last, the luggage is made of heavyweight nylon material that performed well when I tested it for abrasion resistance. When I released the bag repeatedly from our drop tester, it showed no signs of damage or dents. To prevent the suitcase from tipping over when it's full, it's also designed with a unique tapered expansion system, so the bag is narrower at the top and broader at the bottom.

Full of thoughtful and functional features, the suitcase makes packing and traveling a breeze. The bag can be unzipped to reveal one large packing compartment with compression panels that secure your belongings in place, a removable wet bag for toiletries, a large mesh zippered pocket in the lid for breathable storage and a built-in suiter to help keep more formal clothes in tip-top shape.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Our testers also gave the suitcase high scores for ease of use and appreciated the sturdy feel of the telescopic handle. The suitcase does have a more traditional look, though, which some testers described as "old-fashioned," sharing that they wished it were sleeker.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Travelpro Platinum Elite Collection

Listed dimensions: 28" x 17.75" x 12" | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Colors: 2 | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: While some softside luggage is bulky and pricey, this Helium DLX carry-on from Delsey is lightweight, as the name implies, and it's available at an affordable price. The polyester material isn't quite as durable or substantial as nylon styles we've tested, but the brand's polyester fabric has performed well overall in our abrasion tests without major wear.

Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials like your phone and ID, so you won't have to hold up the TSA line while scouring through your bag. While the bag unzips to expose only one main compartment for packing, it's equipped with a removable bi-fold organizer and expands by 2 inches for additional room. Plus, the inner lining can be fully unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: I personally carry luggage from Delsey and love the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle, and our testers who tried Delsey's luggage found the handle to be comfortable to grip and use. However, they said the bags were more difficult to maneuver through our obstacle course than others they tested.

RELATED: The Best Lightweight Luggage Pieces

Listed dimensions: 13.25" x 29.5" x 15.25" | Weight: 8.2 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Colors: 7 | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 1 year

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: A rolling duffel like this one from L.L.Bean is ideal for longer adventures abroad or for overpackers like me. The duffel isn't as structured as standard suitcases, meaning you can compress it and slide it under your bed or in a closet if you're pressed for storage space — and on the other hand, you can really fill it to the brim when you're packing. Just be careful that you're not stuffing it too much because it can be easy to exceed an airline's weight restrictions.

The bag has a wide opening for easy access to everything you need inside, and outer compression straps keep everything in place. Made of durable polyester material with a reinforced base, the duffel lasts for years and years without signs of wear, according to one analyst.

Plus, it's water-resistant inside and out — perfect for inevitable leaks or wet weather. If you're looking for something smaller, the brand carries a variety of sizes to meet your travel needs.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One GH analyst who loves to travel with the XX-Large version of this duffel (currently low in stock) said that it's one of her go-to picks for family vacations. With just two wheels, our analyst said it's a little more cumbersome to maneuver than a spinner suitcase, but you also have the option to carry the bag with the padded strap.

Listed dimensions: 22" x 12" x 10" | Weight: 2 lbs 15 oz | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Colors: 5 | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: When we evaluated this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were amazed by just how much we could fit inside during our packing tests. Not only did it beat out other travel backpacks we tested, it also outperformed some of our carry-ons because of its spacious interior.

The backpack has a suitcase-style opening and fully unzips to expose a highly organized interior jam-packed with zippered mesh pockets for all of your belongings. It also features a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch computer.

Made of recycled nylon and polyester, the bag is durable and water-resistant. Details like a sternum strap, waist belt and padded mesh provide comfort and support. With backpack straps that tuck neatly inside the back of the bag and carrying straps on all sides, you can easily grab it to lift into an overhead bin.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: When I tested it for abrasion resistance in the Lab, there were no visible signs of wear. Some online reviewers wished it was equipped with a water bottle holder and said the zippers can be finicky, but we didn't have issues with them in the Lab.

RELATED: The Best Travel Backpacks

Listed dimensions: 9" x 12.5" x 22" | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Colors: 4 | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

✔️ WHY WE LIKE IT: This convertible duffel from Eagle Creek is the perfect adventure travel companion. The bag is durable, combining polyester and nylon for a water-resistant material that also held up well when tested for abrasion resistance.

It's structured and maintains its shape for easy packing, but the duffel can be compressed to put inside of your suitcase as an extra bag or for compact storage at home. The duffel features a reinforced top handle and grab handles along the sides for carrying, and there are adjustable backpack straps for hands-free use that can be connected for an additional carrying strap or tucked inside the bag.

✔️ WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: According to our testers and one GH analyst, the zippers have large pull tabs that are easy to use, and, according to the brand, they're covered in water-resistant strips for the ultimate protection in wet weather. A GH analyst who travels with this duffel said that it still looks great after years of regular rough and tough use.

Some online reviewers said the backpack straps are on the thinner side and weren't as comfortable as other traditional travel backpacks, but they appreciated the convenient option.