The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Luggage for Your 2026 Travels
By the time most of us arrive at the departure terminal, whether it’s for a trip abroad or one of those Australian escapes that feel just like Europe, we’re often frazzled and not the most glamorous version of ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that—after all, we’re about to sit in the same seat for hours, next to people we’ll likely never see again, thinking more about wherever we’re headed. But just as you’ve convinced yourself it’s fine, that person walks past while you wait in line at customs. Their hair is blow-dried, their phone fully charged, and their outfit coordinates with the chic luggage gliding behind them.
There’s a certain fluency to it—pieces that move easily through terminals, settle neatly into overhead compartments, and retain their composure from departure to arrival. From compact carry-ons to full-scale check-in cases, these are designs selected with longevity in mind. Here are some of the top picks for best luggage and travel bags in Australia for 2026.
Best for World Traveler
Checked Trunk Set, July – $1155
This trunk-style luggage set pairs sleek German polycarbonate with anodised aluminium frames for a durable take on a classic design. Features include 360-degree spinner wheels, internal compression straps, a hidden laundry bag, and an ejectable USB-C battery pack for seamless travel.
Best for Those Travelling First Class
Carl Friedrik The Check-in Suitcase, FWRD – $1,223.83
Adopting a minimalist design, this suitcase combines muted two-tone leather and polycarbonate for a functional yet utterly in vogue design. It includes spinner wheels, TSA lock security, and practical internal compartments. And, is arguably the premium option for travel interstate and abroad.
Best for Travelling Interstate
Bottega Veneta Odyssey carry-on suitcase, Mytheresa – $4,760
A luxury piece that blends lightweight polycarbonate with Bottega Veneta’s signature finishing. The spinner wheels, internal organisation, and TSA lock provide practical function.
Check-in Luggage
Floyd Trunk Suitcase – $1,295 at Mytheresa
The Floyd Trunk suitcase is a retro iteration of a structured trunk-style suitcase in warm brown. Made from lightweight polycarbonate with fabric lining, it features two internal compartments, zipped pockets, a telescopic handle, and an integrated TSA lock. Dust bag included.
Checked Trunk Set – $1190 $1155 at July
This trunk-style luggage set pairs sleek German polycarbonate with anodised aluminium frames for a durable take on a classic design. Features include 360-degree spinner wheels, internal compression straps, a hidden laundry bag, and an ejectable USB-C battery pack for seamless travel.
Carl Friedrik The Check-in Suitcase – $1,223.83 at FWRD
Adopting a minimalist design, this suitcase combines muted two-tone leather and polycarbonate for a functional yet utterly in vogue design. It includes spinner wheels, TSA lock security, and practical internal compartments. And, is arguably the premium option for travel interstate and abroad.
Large Luggage – Single Stripe – $365 $219 at Antler
A simple check-in suitcase designed for everyday travel. The Large Luggage by Antler boasts a durable polycarbonate construction, smooth spinner wheels, and internal organisation make it practical without sacrificing style.
Check-in M – $2,790 at Rimowa
You can spot a Rimowa suitcase from a mile away. The signature grooved aluminium finish characterise this sleek, industrial-luxe suitcase. Lightweight yet highly durable, it features multiwheel 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and generous internal compartments.
FPM Milano Bank Spinner 76 check-in suitcase – $2,560 at Mytheresa
Sizes: 75cm x 49cm x 28cm
Colours: Grey
Key features: TSA-approved lock, telescopic handle with adjustable length, durable material, made from aluminium.
Delsey 5 Chatelet Air 2.0 Large Suitcase Brown – $799 at David Jones
A French design combining classic style with lightweight polycarbonate construction. Double spinner wheels, internal organisation, and the ‘Air system’ for reduced weight make it practical for longer trips.
Carry-on Luggage
Paul Smith + RAWROW ‘Alu’ Series R Trunk 50L – $905 at Paul Smith
An aluminium trunk with subtle leather accents, this compact 50-litre suitcase blends durability with signature Paul Smith colour detailing. Traditional trunk latches and internal organisation provide secure, stylish storage. Perfect for short-haul luxury travel.
Bottega Veneta Odyssey carry-on suitcase – $4,860 at Mytheresa
We have been dreaming of this piece for quite some time—when Jacob Elordi was caught leaving LAX to be precise. The carry-on combines lightweight polycarbonate with luxury finishing by august fashion house Bottega Veneta. The spinner wheels, internal organisation, and TSA lock provide practical function.
Heritage Medium Clipper – $2,175 at Mulberry
A capacious bag indeed, this structured tote in printed bioveg scotchgrain leather from Mulberry bag offers travel-ready functionality. The reinforced handles make it ideal as a carry-on alternative for short trips.
Globe-Trotter Centenary carry-on suitcase – $3,890 at Mytheresa
A vintage-inspired carry-on crafted from fibreboard with leather trims, offering timeless Globe-Trotter style. Lightweight yet rigid, with traditional craftsmanship and practical internal organisation. Perfect for travellers who value heritage design—or want to time travel to the 1920s.
Aleon Classic Carry-on 21″ Suitcase – $1,076.05 at FWRD
This ruby-red carry-on adopts a classic silhouette with durable polycarbonate construction. Spinner wheels, internal straps, and TSA-approved lock make it a practical, stylish choice for city or weekend travel.
How Do You Choose the Right Suitcase for Your Trip?
Can’t decide whether you need check-in baggage or if you can get away with carry-on? Well, it really depends on where you’re going and how long you’re going for! You’ll also need to take factors like size, weight, and location into consideration. “If it’s a short trip, try and do carry on only,” suggests Athan Didaskalou, Founder, July. Otherwise, “If you’re flying budget, I’d go with a July Carry On Light—it’s the lightest hardshell case in the world (only 1.8kg) so you can max out that baggage allowance.” Finally, “if you’re going for more than two weeks, I’d generally recommend a Checked suitcase so you can bring enough clothes to avoid doing laundry every few days and have space for souvenirs,” adds Athan.
What Features Should You Look Out For When Shopping for a Suitcase?
Suitcases have come a long way in recent years with many modern designs boasting built-in tech and security features that make travelling a much more seamless and safe experience. So what makes a “good” suitcase in 2024? “Definitely take note of features such as power banks, laundry bags, multi-stop handles, inbuilt compartments for organisation, TSA-approved locks for security, and lightweight yet durable materials like polycarbonate,” advises Athan. And be sure to take your suitcase of choice for a spin before buying. “When we started July we read over 4,000 reviews for luggage and the biggest pain point customers had was wheels. July wheels are trademarked and the smoothest you’ll ever experience,” promises Athan. Because no one wants a shonky suitcase slowing them down when they’re running late for a flight.
