There’s nothing more annoying than travelling with nowhere to charge your phone or laptop — which is what makes this suitcase’s extra addition so handy.
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Travel is officially back, baby.
After two years of being put on ice (due the pandemic that shall not-be-named), Australia’s borders have been flung open, so it’s time to book your overseas getaway, stat.
This means many things (long overdue catch-ups with family and friends! Poolside cocktails in Fiji! European summer getaways!) and of course, you need a new sturdy suitcase for all the adventures you’ve got planned.
No, the one collecting dust in your garage after woeful neglect simply won’t do — here’s our round up of the best suitcases to buy for your next overseas jaunt, including the suitcase that comes with its own built-in charger (thank us later).
BEST OVERALL SUITCASES FOR TRAVELLING
Samsonite Omni Pc Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Amazon Australia, $220.27
Samsonite has to be one of the best-known travel luggage brands, and for good reason. The US company has been making suitcases for more than a century and its Omni Pc Hardside Expandable Luggage is the number one bestseller in Amazon’s suitcase category.
The suitcase comes with a 10-year guarantee against defects and is made from scratch-resistant micro-diamond polycarbonate.
Measuring H77.5cm x W54.6cm x D34.3cm and with side-mounted TSA locks, it’s an ideal sized suitcase for longer, overseas trips.
Five-star reviews praise the suitcase for being “really solid” and “lightweight” while fitting all your holiday essentials.
American Tourister Sunside Spinner 55/20, THE ICONIC, $229
Another top-rated luggage brand, this smaller suitcase measures 55cm x W40cm x D20/25cm making it a perfect size for most carry-on flight requirements.
Featuring a polycarbonate exterior, the suitcase has four 360 degree spinner wheels, TSA locks with inner packing partitions and straps.
This is no ordinary suitcase and is a great investment if you travel regularly for work. The Carry-On Pro comes with an ejectable battery with USB and fast charging USB-C, as well as a detachable SnapSleeve™ for your laptop an other essentials.
Made from a crushproof German polycarbonate shell, the suitcase has a hidden laundry bag, TSA lock, silent-moving wheels and July’s twin-strap compression system.
July’s USB charging system gets rave reviews from customers in five-star write-ups, with people labelling it the “best travel purchase you can make”.
“It’s functional, it looks good and rolls perfectly,” one person writes. “I’ve already been stopped five times in airports to ask what brand it is or ‘is your suitcase charging your phone?’”
“I’ve now taken two trips with the Carry On Pro and man has that charger come in handy,” another review reads.
“The storage and space inside easily allowed me to carry close to two weeks worth of clothing if packed correctly. This is a must have if you’re a road warrior.”
Antler Lincoln Cabin Black, Myer, $143.40 (RRP $239)
This chic black carry-on suitcase measures H56cm x W35cm x D23cm and comes with a 10 year warranty.
The carry-on has all the practical features you would want in a carry-on: A polypropylene outer shell, 360 degree turning wheels, a TSA lock as well as partitions and straps.
Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport 55cm Spinner Case, THE ICONIC, $375 (RRP $625)
This heavy duty carry-on suitcase is currently on sale at THE ICONIC for $375 — a steal for such a well-known brand.
The suitcase features include water-resistant straps, a three-digit TGA lock and wheels with a 360 degree spin.
Billabong Check In Travel Luggage Bag, THE ICONIC, $109.99
If hard-shell suitcases aren’t for you then this material suitcase from Billabong is great value — it also has a cute print perfect for your beach getaway.
Made from sturdy polyester, this wheely suitcase has a 75 litre capacity, zip pulls and a telescopic handle.
Samsonite Prodigy Large 81cm Hard Spinner Suitcase Black, Myer, $454 (RRP $649)
Measuring H81cm x W54cm x D32/36cm, this is another suitcase perfectly suited to business travel.
Featuring a recessed front pocket perfect for storing your tech essentials and important documents, while the front compartment can also be locked and unlocked separately for convenience.
tde. Ink Navy Large Suitcase, THE DAILY EDITED, $400
This is a stylish suitcase you’ll be proud to claim at luggage claim as you can personalise it with your name or initials.
Measuring H68cm x W44cm x D28.5cm, the suitcase is made from an “unbreakable” polycarbonate shell and has TSA approved locks, 360 degree spinner wheels and chic black hardware.
Flylite I-Deluxe 77cm Suitcase, Strandbags, $250
If black or silver isn’t your thing, this rose gold suitcase will help you stand out from the crowd.
Made from durable polycarbonate, the suitcase measures H78cm x W52cm x D31cm and has an expander zip that allows for an extra 11 litres of space — perfect for anyone who likes to shop big while on holidays.
U.S. Traveller Rio Rugged Fabric Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set, Amazon Australia, $92.92
This cute teal soft suitcase set will have you good to go on your next flight — it includes a carry-on suitcase (measuring H53.4cm x W34.3cm x D19cm) and a matching tote bag (H35.5cm x W25.4cm x D15.3cm).
“Well made and perfect for a carry-on bag. The matching shoulder bag is an added bonus,” one five star review says.
ECHOLAC Japan Singapore Echolac 3 Piece Set, THE ICONIC, $892.50 (RRP $1190)
This striking modern set includes a carry-on suitcase (H56cm x W40cm x D25cm), medium (H67cm x W42cm x D28cm) and large suitcase (H75cm x W50cm x D30cm).
The exterior is made from virgin polycarbonate with a dulating high gloss and matt effect and includes TSA locks, dual wheels, divider pad and straps for wrinkle-free packing.
July Carry On & Checked Set, July, $595 (RRP $640)
This set includes July’s signature Carry On and Checked suitcases with their unique eggshell design made from 100 per cent aerospace-grade German polycarbonate.
“We absolutely loved travelling with our July set recently. Packing was efficient and we were surprised at how much we could fit into each piece,” one five-star reviewer writes.
“The star is how easy it is to manoeuvre. Both carry on and checked pieces are easy to handle. The cherry on top is how amazing they look!”
WHAT TYPE OF SUITCASE IS BEST FOR OVERSEAS TRAVEL?
According to CHOICE, you want to make sure your suitcase is lightweight, the right size for your trip, a sturdy construction, has an extendible handle, is expandable, has wheels, zips, external straps, both internal and external pockets and is water resistant.
You also want to consider whether a soft or hard case would be better suited — CHOICE recommends opting for a soft suitcase if you want something more lightweight that you can squeeze lots of items in.
By contrast hard shell cases are more rigid, meaning you won’t be able to cram your suitcase with end of trip purchases as easily, however, the case will provide more protection to your items.
WHAT SIZE CAN YOUR CARRY-ON SUITCASE BE?
What size suitcase you are allowed to bring with you on an aeroplane will vary airline to airline.
According to Qantas, carry-on suitcases for both international and domestic flights must be no bigger than H56cm x W36cm x D23cm.
WHAT’S THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT FOR A CHECK-IN SUITCASE WHEN FLYING?
You should definitely double check with your airline as rules vary, but Qantas says all economy flights (excluding North and South America) must not weigh more than 30 kgs.
For North and South American flights, your checked baggage must not exceed 32 kgs.
Still want more suitcase options? Check out our round up of the best carry-on suitcases here.
To get the best price on every purchase, be sure to stop by news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll be able to score savings on top brands and Aussie favourites from Country Road to Bed Threads.
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