Life

10 Stylish & Roomy Carry-Ons For Your Next Getaway

by Taylor Fuller

I travel a lot. This year alone I have been on a plane more than 15 times, and I still have at least six flights left. Finding a good carry-on suitcase that's roomy and stylish enough for a trip longer than a weekend is one of my biggest issues, though. Your choice in the best carry-on luggage can definitely make (or break) the getting there part of the trip, which, as they say, is half the fun.

It turns out I just wasn't looking hard enough for the right lightweight carry-on luggage. There are so many great suitcases and bags out there that could fit enough clothes for me to pack for a whole month in Europe (obviously you need to know some packing tricks to achieve this, too). You can find a place to do your laundry almost anywhere, so there is no reason not to pack a carry-on. It cuts costs and travel time, and think of it this way: You can check in online and avoid lines at the check-in counter, and when you arrive at your destination, you don't have to wait for your bag to come out on the luggage belt (I swear my bag is always the last one). So, join me in becoming a more efficient traveler with one of these awesome carry-on bags.

Save Weight For More Clothes With A Lightweight Luggage

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner Trolley, $88, Amazon

Since some airlines now weigh your carry-on pieces, finding a carry-on that is made out of a lightweight material like polycarbonate is important. It means that your bag weighs less, so you can pack more inside of it. It's not only a lightweight material, but its also extremely durable, so that even if the person who is handling your luggage is throwing it around, it won't crack or break. The silver finish leaves the bag and you looking sleek while walking through the airport terminal, too.

Stay Organized With Different Pockets

Rockland Luggage 20 In Carry On, $60, Amazon

One of the best ways to get the most use out of your carry-on luggage is to utilize the many pockets you can find inside of it. Organizing your belongings can make the packing process much easier, which means that you can pack less. I've found that the less organized I am, the more things end up in my packing pile. This bag allows you to pack on two sides, which means you can separate your belongings by type of clothing. Plus, it has a mesh pocket perfect for toiletries or accessories.

Fill Up A Roomy Overnight Bag

21 in Print Duffel, Overnight/Carry On Bag, $17, Amazon

Sometimes, you don't need a rolling suitcase. Depending on where I'm going, I prefer a duffel bag. But, sometimes you end up purchasing a duffel that looks big from the outside, but when you open it, you find yourself wondering where all the space is. This bag is great, as it's a bit bigger than your standard overnight bag, but it's still small enough to be a carry-on. One buyer said, "The bags are bright, cute and we could always identify our luggage. They are very roomy. Even packed full of clothes, they are carry-on size."

Duffel Too Heavy To Carry? Who Cares, It Has Wheels.

World Traveler Pink Damask Rolling Wheeled Duffle Bag 21-In, $37, Amazon

Get a hybrid bag for the best of both worlds. If you decide to not pack a lot, you can use this as a duffel bag, but if you utilize the space and don't want to lug it around, it has wheels that make your walk through the airport effortless. This stylish bag will stand out in a sea of the usual black luggage that everyone seems to go for. The U-top zipper is also great if you need to get something out of your bag quickly. It also features a side zipper pocket, perfect for storing your plane ticket.

If You're A Backpacker, You Can Still Carry-On

Pac safe Venturesome 55L GII Anti-Theft Travel Pack, $270, Amazon

When I purchased my own travel backpack, I overshot a bit and ended up buying a bag that was way too big for me because I thought that's what you needed. But I was very wrong. Throughout my travels I always saw people with travel backpacks that can be carried on the plane and still have all of the necessities that a long trip demands. This bag is awesome. It has a ton of great features to keep your belongings safe like anti-slash material, a puncture resistant zipper and a built-in lock system. My favorite feature of this pack? The ability to unzip it all the way, allowing you to utilize all of the 55L of space in the bag.

Don't Sacrifice Space For Style

Rockland Stage Coach 20 In Rolling Trunk, $74-$100, Amazon

I am in love with the way that old suitcases look. I find the retro trunk design to be charming, but they aren't really functional. But, now you can get one that is influenced by the past and have your very own stage coach rolling suitcase. The bag is perfect for the seasoned traveler as it has full-rotation wheels, and mesh pockets for easy and organized packing. It's also made out of a lightweight but durable material, meaning you can fit a ton of things inside this bag and still be able to lift it into the overhead compartment on the plane.

Use a Backpack To Make Packing and Traveling Easier

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack Bag, $130, Amazon

When you find a backpack that has a zipper that goes all the way around the bag, hold on to it. Seriously, they make packing and unpacking so much easier than using a regular "backpacking backpack." This bag is great because it features several organizational pockets for your laptop, pens, and tickets in the front pocket and then it also offers mesh pockets inside the main compartment, making it easier to separate your clothing. Osprey makes a great pack that is lightweight, holds a lot, and looks good on. Some backpacks look bulky, but Osprey packs are created to make traveling easier while still looking cool.

Optimize Space With A Soft But Durable Carry-On Luggage

Eagle Creek No Matter What Flatbed AWD 22 Carry-On Luggage, $210-$230, Amazon

Some people worry that a soft suitcase isn't the best option because they can tear easily. That's not the case with this Eagle Creek luggage. It's made with Bi-tech material, which is not only waterproof, but is tear-resistant. The soft material makes it incredibly lightweight, so get packing and see how much you can fit inside. The bag also features compression straps on the front, which will help flatten out the case if you do end up stuffing it full. Plus, it comes in three different colors (black, purple and blue) so you'll look super stylish in the TSA line.

Super Lightweight Collapsable Duffel Bag

Kipling Discover Small Carry-On Wehheld Duffel, $180, Amazon

A collapsable duffel bag is a great option when shopping for a carry-on bag. They are only as big as what you put inside, which makes traveling a breeze. Fill this bag up halfway and it fits as a carry-on. Fill it all the way up, and it still fits as a carry-on. It has a carrying strap, too, in case you need to pick it up and carry it on your shoulder. It also comes in a number of different colors (blue, black, pink, etc.).

Roll In Style With A Printed Carry-On

Darien Women's Carry On Roller Bag, $116, Amazon

This bag almost zips open completely, which means that packing is made easy, so you can pack more (seriously, when packing is manageable, its easier to take the time out to organize your bag). This bag is very roomy, with two front zipper pockets, perfect for toiletries or shoes. The bag comes in four different patterns, making you the most stylish person on the airplane.

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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (10)