The best suitcases for traveling, ranked by a travel expert (with kids!)

As someone who’s travelled to 100 countries on six continents, trust me when I say I’ve tried all sorts of suitcases and put them through the wringer.

I actually lost count of how many different pieces we have stored in the basement but it’s at least three dozen, including trekking backpacks, duffels, rolling backpacks, and both hard and soft-sided carry-on and checked luggage.

Depending on where I’m going, there are three brands I consistently reach for when it’s time to pack for the next getaway: Level8, Monos and No Reception Club.

Being a self-proclaimed carry-on queen, things like durability, weight, mechanics (like how easy the wheels glide) and of course looks are important to me– the suitcase is essentially my travelling office, after all.

But after having two kids we’ve suddenly found ourselves becoming over-packers, having to haul huge suitcases to store the seemingly endless list of random things you need to bring along when traveling with a toddler and infant. So with that in mind, believe me when I say that we’ve tried all sorts of configurations, and have got it down to a science depending on if I’m heading off on a solo work trip, a couple of days in the mountains, or a week-long international getaway for all four of us.

Here are exactly which bags I use as a full-time travel expert and the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which one is best for you.

Do I have a favourite? Read to the end to find out, keep an eye out for the exclusive discount codes!

All around best suitcases: Level 8 luggage

I have to admit I hadn’t heard of Level 8 when they first reached out to me a few years ago, but after trying out one of their luggage sets I quickly became a convert and now these are the ones we end up bringing on almost every single trip.

Level 8 focuses on streamlined, simple styling in their functional range of carry-on, check-in and soft-sided luggage, which include a lifetime warranty covering the shell, wheels, handles and zippers.

They’re built to last: we’ve taken ours to places like New Zealand, South Korea and all over Europe, and they still look as good as new despite all the planes and train rides they’ve been thrown around on.

Notable features include a durable polycarbonate hard shell, built-in TSA-approved lock to keep your gear secure, interior compartments with a compression system, and some have an extra wide aluminum alloy telescopic handle (more on that later–spoiler alert: not my fave).

The ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels are a standout: they’re smooth-like-butter which means the suitcases handle effortlessly in transit, staying in a straight line while pushing them which I hadn’t even noticed was an issue with my Monos carry-on bag until testing the Level 8 versions.

The carry-ons actually comply with most airline rules, since they don’t have an exterior pocket—an issue I’ve run into with my Monos carry-on suitcase.

Use code GLOBEGUIDE10 at checkout, and you’ll save an extra 10 per cent off anything on the LEVEL8 site

I own several pieces from their Voyageur, Luminous and Adventurer collections, so here’s a rundown of each:

The Voyageur

• 4 sizes: 20” carry-on, 26”, 28” and 30” checked
• Exterior: Masculine, squared-off lines look sleek and ideal for a business traveller, and you can tell they’d also hold up well during more rugged use like being thrown into the back of a bush plane in Africa.
• Interior: Zippered mesh topper on each side to keep belongings contained, and the one on the left side also has a couple of pockets. A divider is included in the checked sizes.
• Handle: The only thing that bugs me about this bag is the ultra-wide handle. It’s meant to help maximize interior space, but it means you can’t slide a smaller, soft-sided bag over the handle which is super annoying.

READ MORE: A (completely honest) Level8 luggage review

The Adventurer

I love this one so much, because it’s not a ‘clamshell’ configuration which is so rare with hard-sided luggage these days! This makes it so easier to pack since there’s only one deep compartment, and you don’t need to play Tetris to keep each side perfectly balanced.

This is also so much better in hotel rooms when you sometimes don’t have room to open a suitcase all the way up, since you can easily access everything by just unzipping the top. This is also a great feature for a carry-on, since you’d be able to access the interior of your bag in-flight which is impossible with a clamshell configuration.

• 3 sizes: 20” carry-on, 24” and 28” checked
• Interior: Top-opening design (love!), small and larger zippered compartments
• Expandable zipper for even more space if required
• Handle: Also has the annoying ultra-wide handle (but some people say they actually love it, so to each their own!)

The Luminous

I have the carry-on size, as well as the 28” large trunk which has narrower, taller dimensions than you usually see with a checked bag and love it!

This is the one we bring when travelling with kids and we need to throw in awkward-sized equipment.

The way I use this is I put the kids’ No Reception Club duffel bag (more on that below) on one side with a few small items packed around it, which gives us a whole other side for things like diapers, bottles, water gear and the SlumberPod. This is the ultimate combination for family travel.

• 5 sizes: 18” and 20” carry-on, 24”, 28” and 28” (large trunk) checked
• Interior: Space on both sides due to clamshell configuration, with zippered pockets
• Handle: The Luminous collection has a normal, narrow handle–hooray!

READ MORE: LEVEL8 luggage review: The Luminous Textured collection

Best for aesthetics: Monos luggage

Monos is a Canadian brand (yay!) which has the most elevated, gorgeous bags on the market.

The styling is luxe, with pleasing curved lines and range of soft hues and limited edition drops. It’s honestly impossible to pick which colour to buy no matter which of their products you’re looking at, from vegan leather backpacks, fanny packs and duffels to metallic-like luggage.

You shouldn’t have any issue with any mixups on the luggage conveyor belt as they’re so unique–though the Olive Green that I have does seem to be a popular pick.

I currently have:

• Carry-On Pro in Black
• Carry-On Pro Plus in Olive Green and Blush Pink
• Carry-On in Desert Taupe
• Metro Backpack and Metro Duffel in Saddle Tan
• Metro Carry-On Duffel in Black vegan leather
• Hybrid Check-In Medium in Champagne

Monos packing cubes are also terrific, and these are the ones I consistently use (trust me, I’ve also tested a LOT of packing cubes).

As pretty as the Monos bags are, the exterior of the Level 8 ones feel more durable, don’t mark and scratch as easily, and make it back from international trips absolutely spotless. I find the Monos ones are fine for carry-on trips, but as soon as you check it they get dinged up really easily which is a bummer.

Each purchase includes what looks like a magic eraser to help buff out scuffs, but it’s pretty annoying to have to do that. Monos also sells plastic luggage covers that you can put over your suitcase to protect it–but that kind of defeats the purpose of having a beautiful bag when you cover it up. I have used a cover on my Hybrid Check-In, and the plastic was absolutely battered and even torn after just one trip.

Another pain point I’ve had with my Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is that it technically doesn’t fit into the standard baggage sizers at the airport due to the external laptop pocket.

Because of that I bought my mom the regular Carry-On with no external pocket, but she also had that taken away at the boarding gate on a recent international trip because the wheels stuck out. So not sure if it’s just bad luck, or overzealous gate agents?

If you’re torn between Monos vs Level 8, I’d say the Monos carry-on bags win when it comes to looks while Level 8 is better for longevity.

I still bring my Monos on certain trips when I’m going for a more aesthetic look (like a girl’s getaway to Napa for example) or a road trip when sizing isn’t an issue, but reach for my Level8 carryon luggage for more adventurous trips since I know it will make it on the plane and come home without looking battered.

Best suitcases for family travel: No Reception Club

If you’re a parent you may have heard of No Reception Club bags, and trust me they absolutely live up to the hype.

I’m borderline obsessed with how innovative these are, thanks to the clever designs of a couple of globetrotting parents who understand the need for efficiency and staying organized when packing for little ones.

And these aren’t just a one trick pony: we regularly use the Getaway Bag for outings at home or to take on hikes, the Sidekick as our diaper bag, and I’ve packed my own belongings in the Hideaway Duffel for overnight trips. So let’s get into it:

The Getaway Bag

Your travel bestie for staying organized on the go, and an absolute game changer for making plane rides with kids *slightly* more manageable thanks to the built-in organization.

• This backpack meets the ‘personal item’ size requirements for airlines and fits under the seat
• Two customizable interior shelves, with removable dividers to easily store things like clothing, toys and food and find them when you need them
• A separate ’emergency compartment’ on the bottom for soiled or wet items.
• Numerous external pockets (including a hidden one in the back panel I just discovered despite using it for more than a year!)
• Has detachable stroller clips, multiple zippers for easy access
• Laptop sleeve, slip-through pocket to slide it over a suitcase handle
• Option to add an insulated lunch bag, Sidekick diaper bag (more below) and changing pad

RELATED: Essentials for travelling with a baby: The best tried and tested gear

The Hideaway Carry-On Duffel

This carry-on only approved soft-sided duffel bag is so handy for packing all of the kids clothes, and thanks to built-in organizers (called ‘The Cubby’).

• Adjustable dividers create up to five different compartments. I’m a huge fan of packing cubes, but believe me when I say this is actually an even better set-up since you can see and access everything at a quick glance
• The Cubby is removable, to transfer everything straight into a drawer without having to unpack. There are also straps to hang it in a closet.
• Additional interior zippered pocket, and several exterior ones
• Includes a separate bag for dirty clothes, which can be stored in the separate laundry compartment.
• Can be used as either a backpack or duffel bag thanks to all the different strap options, and has a luggage sleeve to slide on a rolling suitcase.
• Options to upgrade to the Adventure Bundle which includes two hanging straps and a Dopp Kit for toiletries.

Sidekick bag

• Like a fanny pack for diaper changes, so you can be hands-free and way easier for on-the-go cleanups in small spaces like airplane bathrooms
• Designed to fit perfectly in the side compartment of the Getaway Bag (can be purchased as an add-on with this at checkout)
• Fits a changing pad, a few diapers, and has a brilliant magnetic closure on the back to create a built-in wipe dispenser

Use code GLOBEGUIDE20 at checkout to save on your No Reception Club purchase!

In summary: The best suitcases I actually use and recommend

So all that being said, which are the best suitcases I actually reach for depending on the trip type?

Best suitcases for solo travel

• Monos Carry-On Pro or Level 8 Adventure Carry-On
• Monos Metro Duffel or Metro Backpack as my personal item
• If checking a bag, the Level 8 Adventure 24” or Voyageur 28”

Best suitcases for family travel

• No Reception Club Getaway Bag for necessities the car/day trips/airplane
• No Reception Club Hideaway Carry-On Duffel to pack the kids’ clothes
• Level 8 Luminous 28” trunk to hold kids’ duffel back + extras
• Level 8 or Monos carry-ons for parents

Remember, Globe Guide readers have exclusive discount codes: use GLOBEGUIDE10 at checkout for Level 8, and GLOBEGUIDE20 for No Reception Club.

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