When picking a bag for travel (especially air travel), there are many factors you should consider. These include the more practical areas of size, external dimensions and weight for those TSA security screenings. Other important factors are ease of use to you. You want a bag to be easy to handle, not waste space, and possibly have expandable storage that you might end at the end of your trip. Quality and cost are other factors that could ultimately determine which bag you buy. Here are a few of the best options to put your mind at ease during your travels.
1. An affordable two-piece luggage set
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The Travel Select Two Piece Carry-On Luggage Set ($47+) includes a 21-inch bag and a smaller 15-inch one. If you absolutely don't want to check any bags, this might be the best option for you. You can have one bag as your main carry on and the smaller one as your personal bag. The large bag also has two special pockets just for shoes and a big interior zippered mesh lid pocket. The set comes in four different colors.
2. A duffel bag with a special compartment for shoes
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Shacke's Travel Duffel Express Weekender Bag ($30) has a hardboard at the bottom to provide structure. It has a special slot for your shoes on the side so you don't have to squeeze your clothes around them. It also has three other compartments for smaller items. The bag has a water-resistant lining and an adjustable shoulder strap. If you already have trolley luggage, you can easily slide this bag onto your trolley handle for easier transport.
3. A small, yet roomy rolling tote endorsed by a flight attendant
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The Travelpro Luggage Maxlite3 Rolling Tote ($81+) may look tiny, but it can hold more than you think. One Amazon reviewer, who is actually a flight attendant, swears by this bag. She says it's perfect for a weekender or a week-long trip. "It fits so much that I hardly use a full size suit case. Really, people always ask where all my different outfits are coming from when I bring this bag--it's seemingly bottomless," she says. The bag's small size also allows it to fit in tight spaces quite easily.
4. A backpack with a place for just about everything
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The Incase EO Travel Backpack ($180) is the peak of organization. It includes a special compartment for your laptop up to 17 inches as well as a place for your tablet. It is also checkpoint friendly, meaning you won't have to remove your tech from your bag to get through security. The backpack has padded back panels and shoulder straps for comfort and expands 35 percent for a little extra room when needed.
5. Finally, a smart carry-on that weighs itself and charges your devices
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Bluesmart One ($289) is definitely a high-end bag, but you'll be getting a lot of bang for your buck. This bag is designed to meet international travel standards and is ideal for 2-3 day trips. The water-resistant polycarbonate exterior keeps your items safe even for long periods. The built-in battery allows you to charge two devices at once through USB and track your luggage with GPS. The handle has a built-in scale that will make sure you don't go over the weight limit. The bag also has a digital remote lock you can activate with your phone.
