Why I Finally Learned to Only Buy the Best Travel Bags
Luxury travel is more than flying first class and checking into a 5-star resort. It’s also about having the gear that makes your travel easy. High quality, durable travel gear is an important part of any successful trip. Start with these five travel bags.
Quick List of the Travel Bags You Need
- Hands-free phone casefor travel days
- Crossbody bag for sightseeing
- Personal item for under seat storage
- Carry-on suitcase for shorter vacations
- Checked bag for longer adventures
The Lessons I’ve Learned the Hard Way
First, it was the roll-aboard carry-on that lost its wheel on the way to my airport gate. There I was, unpacking and repacking my underwear on the floor of O’Hare International Airport after buying a new suitcase at airport retail prices. (Moving my underwear from one suitcase to another in full view of other travelers is also why I now always use packing cubes!)
Next, it was my checked bag. The helpful Uber driver pulled it out of the trunk of his car and extended the handle so enthusiastically that it came off in his hand. I was stuck bending over to pull the bag along by its carry handle — all through my trip.
Finally, it was my hands-free phone case wallet that broke in half while I was on safari in Kenya. I spent the trip carrying the two parts and worrying I would lose one or the other.
That was when I learned that buying a few quality pieces makes a difference. I stopped being cheap and leaned into value. Quality that lasts is cheaper in the long run. And it makes for a much more relaxed trip knowing that my travel gear will see me through.
Here are the five travel bags I need for a well-rounded, reliable suite of gear that gets me through any trip.
1. A Hands-Free Phone Case
I have no idea how I ever traveled without a smartphone. It’s my boarding pass, hotel key, GPS and camera. But having it in my hand doesn’t work when I’m pulling a roller bag and drinking that all-important cup of coffee. A crossbody phone case was one of the smartest travel gear purchases I have ever made.
Bandolier is a pioneer in this space. I’m a fan of the lovely leather Hailey Crossbody Pouch set, which is on sale right now.
It features:
- Lightweight & drop-proof phone case with slim card pocket for credit cards and ID
- Pouch large enough to hold a passport and other travel essentials (4" x 7" x 1") that clips onto the strap
- Removable leather strap is strong enough to take the weight of both the phone and the pouch
Why it’s worth the investment: Once you travel hands-free, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
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2. A Crossbody Bag
Sometimes you need more than a phone wallet can hold. And, since I’m primarily a city traveler, I always think about safety, from being aware of my surroundings to foiling pickpockets. That’s when I pull out my crossbody bag. I like to keep it small, but need something big enough to hold the essentials, such as my passport, sunglasses, lip balm and the earrings I know I will buy.
Luxury tip: Choose a neutral color that works with any outfit.
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3. A Personal Item
My secret to carry-on-only travel is making the most of my personal item. That’s the travel bag that has to fit under the seat in front of you once you board the plane. I have tried many different bags for this:
- A weekender
- A backpack
- An expandable bag
They all work; I make the choice depending on the purpose of the trip. If it’s work-related, I’ll opt for the backpack because I’ll be dragging my laptop around. If it’s for fun in the sun, I’ll choose the expandable bag, which can double as my beach bag. If it’s an elegant romantic getaway, I choose the weekender to rev up the luxe factor.
Why you’ll love it: Choosing the right personal item can almost double the packing space and save you the cost of checking a bag. Use that money to invest in high-quality personal items that will take you around the world.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Whichever you choose, remember to leave space when you’re packing your personal item so you can shove your crossbody bag inside to consolidate your belongings to one carry-on and one personal item when you board your flight.
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4. A Carry-On
If I could have back all of the money I’ve spent on cheaper carry-on bags over the years, I could buy a closet full of Away bags. Since I made the switch, I have never looked back. My Away carry-on is lighter than the cheap bags and has proven to be far more durable. And, if it ever fails me, Away will replace it under the lifetime warranty.
Luxury tip: Other travelers might notice the brand, but you’ll know its real value is trusting the bag will get you through any trip.
Shop for Away Bags
5. A Checked Bag
The only time I check a bag is when we’re headed off on a cruise. Since we do that at least once a year, it made sense to buy a larger suitcase. And since I would be entrusting that suitcase to airline baggage handlers, it made sense to buy quality.
I’m a big fan of Away’s Large Flex suitcase. Features include:
- Lightweight 100% polycarbonate shell
- Zipper expansion that gives me an additional 1.75 inches of space to pack more souvenirs
- Premium 360° spinner wheels
- That all-important TSA-approved combination lock to keep things secure throughout the baggage handling process
Why it’s worth the splurge: The extra room is especially welcome on the trip home.
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FAQs
A well-rounded travel collection includes a hands-free phone case, an everyday crossbody, a weekender, a carry-on suitcase and a checked suitcase for longer trips.
Many travelers find it one of the most useful travel accessories because it keeps your phone, ID and payment cards within easy reach while leaving your hands free.
High-quality luggage is typically more durable, easier to maneuver and better organized, making travel smoother over the long term.
A weekender is ideal for overnight stays and weekend getaways, while a carry-on offers more structure and packing capacity for longer trips.
Focus on timeless, well-made accessories in neutral colors that coordinate with one another and can travel with you for years.
Read More:
- Complete Carry-On Packing List for You and the Kids
- How Not to Look Like a Tourist in Europe: The Fashion Essentials Women Actually Need
- The Ultimate Family Cruise Packing List - with Free Printable!
- Travel Accessories that Make Packing Simple
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 4:56 AM.