The journey is a key part of any trip, whether it be an international trip or a domestic one. To make the journey easier for yourself, it always helps to have the right travel gear and pieces of luggage.
If you like to travel in style, there’s nothing better than a designer travel bag to complete your look. Let's get into the best travel bags, especially for longer journeys or international travel.
What To Look For In A Cabin Bag?
The best carry-on luggage will depend on what type of trip you are going on. It is also reliant on what type of packer you are. You may prefer something light to pack just a few in-flight essentials or you might want something more heavy duty.
Take into account what you are likely to pack into your cabin bag, such as technology, pouches, or a toiletry bag.
Make sure your bag is the correct size for the airline and flight type you are going on, which may vary from domestic flights to international flights. If your bag is the wrong size you may end up having to put it in the hold and pay extra.
Key Features To Look Out For In A Cabin Bag
- Easy access
- Interior pockets
- Exterior pockets
- Size and weight
- Open top or closed top
- Shoulder straps or bag handles
When buying a bag for your flight, it is essential to consider what you already own, what is missing in your bag collection, and how often you think you will use it.
The Best Bags For International Travel
In this section, we’ll discuss our favorite travel bags for taking in the cabin.
For The Overpacker: Louis Vuitton Pégase 55 Suitcase
If you need to make the most out of your luggage allowance, a cabin suitcase is the best choice. Especially if you use packing cubes, you can really utilize the spacious nature of a suitcase. Louis Vuitton’s history is rooted in the world of luxury travel bags, which is why the Pégase 55 Suitcase is firmly on our list of best airplane bags.
A small suitcase is also great if you won't be checking in any luggage. It's a perfect travel bag for weekend trips or short vacations.
Before buying a small suitcase make sure that the size is compliant with a majority of airlines in your home country. If it does not fit into the overhead bins then you may end up having to make more to check it in.
For The Bare Minimum Flyer: Prada Nylon Bag
Not every travel bag needs to be cumbersome. Nylon is a great fabric for travel as it’s durable and scratch-proof. If you just want to take the bare minimum onboard with you, consider one of Prada’s black nylon crossbody bags. They’re minimalist and so pair perfectly with any outfit, even your best sweatsuit.
For The Low-Key Passenger: Saint Laurent Shopping Tote
The Saint Laurent Shopping Tote is ideal for travelers who prefer timeless design and subtle sophistication. With its slim silhouette, lightweight feel, and discreet branding, it’s perfect for carrying daily travel essentials without compromising on style or practicality.
For The Luxury Lover: Hermès Birkin
A symbol of ultimate luxury, the Birkin is surprisingly functional for travel—especially in larger sizes like the Birkin 35 or Birkin 40. Its secure flap closure, structured shape, and spacious interior make it ideal for stylish, organized travel.
The Birkin was in fact created with travel in mind. The iconic bag was born in 1984 after actress and singer Jane Birkin discussed her need for a stylish, practical travel bag with Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas during a flight. Together, they designed a bag that combined effortless elegance with functionality.
For The Less-Is-More Traveller: Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Once again, Louis Vuitton is the answer. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull is such a great bag option for so many of life’s needs. With a roomy interior, the trusty Neverfull has ample packing space for all of your flight essentials.
When it comes to travel, the open top makes it really useful for going through security. It also has a small pouch to store your most important items. It can also fit under the seat in front of you, so it’s an all-round winner.
The Best Bag For Travel: By Bag Type
1. Best Crossbody Bags For Travel
- Saint Laurent Jamie Crossbody Bag
- Celine Triomphe Bag
- Chanel Classic Flap Bag
2. Best Tote Bags For Travel
- Goyard Saint Louis Tote Bag
- Gucci Ophidia Tote Bag
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote Bag
- Chanel Deauville Tote Bag
3. Best Duffle Bags For Travel
- Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
- Louis Vuitton Keepall Bag
- Goyard Boston Duffle Bag
4. Best Travel Backpack
- Chanel Business Affinity Backpack
- Louis Vuitton Dean Backpack
- Chanel Urban Spirit Backpack
- Gucci Signature Day Backpack
Top Tips For Picking A Hold Bag/Checked Luggage
- Hard Shell vs Soft Shell: Typically both will offer similar protection, however, soft shells can become dented easier while soft shell bags require more cleaning. If you do choose a soft shell for a hold bag, prioritize thicker material which is preferably padded.
- Size: Check the checked bag size allowance for the majority of airlines that you use. Remember that sizes may differ by airline, especially when taking international flights.
- Organization: Whether online or in person, check the specifications of the bag. It is useful if the bag has compartments as well as compression straps.
- Backpacking: If you are going backpacking, look out for a hybrid backpack/suitcase with wheels and a retractable handle. This way you get the best of both worlds. Also, ensure the size you are buying is not too large for you, larger than a 65L can get particularly heavy when filled. Look for a bag with wide, padded shoulder straps for comfort.
- Reviews: Check reviews online for durability and sturdiness.
- Lock: Check if it has a TSA-approved lock. You don’t want to use a non-approved lock as the contents of your bag need to be accessible should it be searched.
Where To Buy Designer Bags?
At myGemma, we offer a curated collection of pre-owned luxury bags from top designers like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Goyard, Prada, and more. Every item is expertly authenticated by our in-house experts and priced up to 80% off retail.
We are proud to be part of a circular economy. The luxury resale market has an incredible selection of designer handbags in great condition ready to be given a second lease on life. It is not only better for your wallet, but it is the right choice for our planet.
Check out myGemma's reviews on Trustpilot to see what our customers think of us.
How To Sell Designer Bags Online?
If you’re upgrading your collection or want to clear space in your closet, myGemma also makes it easy to sell your designer handbags.
Our goal is to make the selling process as easy and as quick as possible. Once you have filled in the easy online form, a member of the team will be in touch with a price quote. If you are happy with the price quote and choose to accept, payment can be made in as little as 24 hours.
