The Ultimate Guide to Travel Bags
I just got back from my birthday trip to Asia, where I traveled to Tokyo and Seoul. Before that I was in New York City shopping for clients and before that I was in my favorite place - my home in Mexico! So for the past couple of months I have been living out of suitcases, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As a result, I have the perfect fleet - pun intended - of suitcases ready for every destination.
We’re in the travel high-season, and I know we’re usually more concerned about what’s going in our luggage, than the luggage itself - so if you’re looking for packing guidance, check out this article on my “rules”. But any frequent flyer will tell you the right luggage can make traveling a piece of cake. It’s worth taking some time to make the right investments both for durability and of course for style.
Weekender bags for trips up and down the west coast and the perfect travel tote/carry-on combo to get to the other coast. Toiletry and makeup bags are musts, and if you’re type A, packing cubes as well (but personally I am not loving them). And for those of you who just need options - some checked bags that will last years of being tossed around inside airports. Let’s have a look!
Carry On
A perfect carry on can be all you need - I know it’s all I need, yep, I never check a bag - so I know what I’m talking about when it comes to the ideal carry on. It can’t be too big, it’s lean, means no pockets or anything like that so it can easily slide into every compartment. And it should be quite sturdy, just in case you have to check it. Shop my carry-on bag picks here.
Checked Bag
Now I may not be the world’s foremost expert on checked bags, as I’m not doing much of it myself but I know these things: they have to be sturdy and light. Sturdy because, well I’ve seen how they are handled within airports…And of course, as light as possible because you don’t want the suitcase to take too much of the weight limit of the checked bag. Here are my favorite suitcases for checked luggage.
Backpack
For all my business travelers, a backpack may be the perfect personal item to take on board. You’re able to carry computers, cables, and files in an organized manner. Now I know that most backpacks aren’t quite ladylike and you’re not 22 backpacking through Europe anymore, but I’ll just let the backpacks I’ve chosen do the talking for me.
Tote Travel Bag
Now for those of you truly backpack phobic, like one Mr. Hugh Grant, here is a selection of travel totes. Like backpacks, these have several compartments, but alas, they only have straps on one side. Shop totes here!
Weekender
If you feel you don’t need a weekender bag, my friend, we need to change that! I think we should plan weekend getaways about once a month. It does not have to be big. Explore small towns around you or even book yourself a weekend spa retreat if all you need is some rest. You can take with you a weekender bag that will fit all your essentials for the next couple of nights.
Toiletry Bags
Weekender or “monther”, you’ll need a toiletry bag. Requirements: leak proof and transparent - especially if you are traveling in Europe, they can be quite strict about that at the airport. I know that if you are checking a bag you don’t need it to be transparent, but I think it’s just more efficient than having a toiletry bag for every occasion. Here are some toiletry bag options I like!
Makeup Bag
Some of your makeup will go into your liquids, but your powders, brushes and lipsticks can be stored separately. If you prefer all your makeup together, I have some adorable makeup pouches for you; and on the other hand, if you prefer to have everything organized and tucked away, I have some options for you too. Click here to shop my summer makeup bag edit!
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are ideal if you are traveling to several locations in a short period of time and can’t unpack each time. This way you can easily find your tops, dresses, accessories for each specific place. Shop packing cubes here!
Just talking about suitcases gets me excited to travel, and I just got back from a trip! I’m lucky to see my suitcases often so I’m glad I invested in the right luggage for my needs. I promise you that spending a bit more money on quality suitcases will save you from having to buy them again anytime soon.
Now it’s off to choosing your next destination! I’m heading to Europe in July, what about you?
x Lili