Luggage Tips & Recommendations
Here are some things to consider when preparing your bags before going on vacation, shopping for luggage, and general packing tips. This is all based upon what we’ve learned through extensive traveling over the last several years.
We thought this would be worth sharing as we have gone through a lot (way too much) of luggage. Thanks to our experiences that include countless hotel changes, plus hundreds of hours dragging our luggage through airports, train stations, and cities, we’ve learned a lot. We thought we’d share some things to look for looking to buy new luggage, some good brands, some brands to avoid, and other various tidbits about luggage (specifically, carry-on luggage…you’ll read why that’s all we own).
Getting the “right” luggage is important, so let’s dig right into with our recommendations. For starters, we recommend doing only carry-on luggage for any trip that includes multiple destinations. This is not important if you’re traveling to Walt Disney World and will be staying in the same hotel the entire trip. If you’re simply moving luggage from the airport to Disney’s Magical Express to a hotel, it doesn’t really matter if you have a larger bag or a couple of bags. (If that’s the case for you, skip down to the ‘What to Buy’ section for recommendations.)
With that said, we still do a single carry-on bag for every trip, and that includes vacations to Walt Disney World. We are big time believers in only traveling with carry-on size luggage. Traveling with more or larger bags not only costs more (checked bag fees!), but is unnecessary. We’ve traveled to Europe and Asia for 14-day trips without doing checked bags, so it’s entirely possible for a trip to Florida.
When we travel to Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, or Hong Kong Disneyland, on the other hand, we are always doing more than visiting those parks. That means a lot of time on subways and in commute with our luggage. If you’ve ever been in any subway station at rush hour, you know just how stressful it would be with a bunch of bulky luggage. Travel expert Rick Steves turned us on to the idea, and we totally agree with his philosophy and rationale.
You may think taking only carry-on luggage is “impossible,” but it’s really not. This philosophy encompasses not just your carry-on roller bag, but also your personal item. As I’m big into photography, my personal item is a camera bag, and my carry-on contains a backpack camera, tripod, and other photography trinkets. So already, a lot of my space is reserved for photography equipment, and I still manage to do it. The key is not taking junk that isn’t essential. This doesn’t mean only taking one pair of underwear and wearing the same stuff over and over (I pack clothes for every day, and that usually includes dress clothes and shoes). You just need to pack efficiently and not take things that are unnecessary.
Still, some people won’t be able to do this for whatever reason, and that’s fine. It may not be practical for parents or those with special circumstances, but for most people, it is possible. It’s just a matter of willingness. Try packing this way before just assuming it isn’t possible. It’s quite liberating.
Also, it’s worth noting that this “carry it on” advice doesn’t mean carry a lot of stuff but avoid paying checked bag fees. In fact, whether you check these bags or carry them onto the plane really doesn’t make a huge difference (although we prefer carrying them on). The point is to travel light, with an amount that can easily be carried around (and the carry-on allowance is a good proxy for how much stuff this is).
We mention this because, invariably, whenever we’re going through security at the airport in Orlando, we see parents juggling strollers, their carry-on luggage and personal items, and luggage “belonging” to each of their kids (who are entitled to a carry-on allowance, but can’t carry the bags themselves). They look miserable. Checked bag fees have made people try to carry-on everything possible, inconveniencing them at the airport. The point of the above isn’t to avoid checked bag fees, it’s to avoid stress and being a sherpa while moving around places.
What to Buy?
In the past 10 years, we have gone through a lot of luggage. My first couple of suitcases as an adult were the cheapest plain models carried by Marshall’s or TJ Maxx, and after a couple years of light travel, each broke. Once we started traveling more regularly, I decided to invest in nice luggage. My first purchase was a Tumi Alpha Carry-on, which was ridiculously expensive, but I bought into the name brand hype.
After a little over a year of using this bag, I became dissatisfied with it. It wasn’t as well-built as the price would have suggested, and I highly doubted it would last years. In short, I felt ripped off. Sarah now uses the bag, and has had to have it repaired a number of times (as of 2016, the bag is on its last leg). In my opinion, Tumi is now resting on the laurels of its “luxury” name, having established a certain brand cachet. That doesn’t do a whole lot for me, so I will never purchase another Tumi bag, nor do I recommend it to even the most well-off and frequent travelers.
When it came time for me to purchase a replacement bag for the Tumi, I did a ton of research, and spent inordinate amounts of time on FlyerTalk, which is a great forum for getting opinions of other regular travelers on a range of topics. The brand that kept coming up in discussions of luggage was TravelPro, which is the top brand of luggage used by flight crews. (Next time you’re at the airport, look at the bags they are pulling behind; guarantee you’ll see the little Eiffel Tower logo on at least 50% of the suitcases.) After a lot of reading, I realized TravelPro was the brand of choice for many serious travelers who wanted something high quality, but didn’t want to pay exorbitant prices for a flashy logo.
I took the plunge and purchased the TravelPro Flight Crew 22-Inch Rollaboard. It cost around $175 (currently, it’s $150 on Amazon), which I felt wasn’t too bad of a price by something that would last a long time. That was 3 years ago. It’s now 2016, and I’ve traveled 200+ days with that suitcase since buying it, and it’s still in near-perfect condition. It’ll easy last me another decade, which I’d say is pretty impressive given how much we travel and how hard I am on luggage. The thing is built like a nylon tank, and all at less than one-third the cost of the inferior Tumi. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about luggage and travels a decent amount. There’s a good chance it’ll be the last suitcase you ever buy.
If you care more about brand names and want something that looks “classier”, this Briggs & Riley carry-on has come highly recommended to me. Personally, that seems like a waste of money (and honestly, I don’t think it looks any nicer than my TravelPro luggage). If you do care about brand names, though, go for that. (For what it’s worth, no one is impressed by Louis Vuitton luggage–to the contrary, LV owners are considered tacky jokes among seasoned travelers.)
A lot of these frequent fliers also recommended the $99 Kirkland carry-on roller at Costco. I didn’t see either of these bags in person, just throwing them out there as they receive a lot of online praise. LL Bean, Victorinox, and Samsonsite also came up from time to time in discussions of best options.
Even if you travel once or twice a year, you’ll find yourself replacing cheap-o luggage more often than if you just spent a little more and got a nicer bag. I realize everyone’s needs and budget are different, and not everyone needs something built like a tank. Marshall’s and TJ Maxx do have great options from time to time, and even something like a Samsonite bag is going to last most people a very long time, and it won’t break the bank. I would not recommend American Tourister (based on both personal experience and widespread reports of low quality) or other “cutesy” luggage found in many stores.
Luggage serves a critical purpose, and isn’t a place to make a fashion statement or show your personality with some type of ‘rad’ design in a non-functional bag. That’s not to say that there’s anything wrong with colorful designs, but when your luggage breaks on vacation, you might be wishing you got something practical instead of pretty.
Beyond these specific recommendations, here are some general tips regarding carry-on bags:
- Carry-on luggage should have wheels…unless you’re backpacking through Europe
- We highly recommend packing cubes and compression bags to save space and organize your suitcase.
- Unless you have a specific need for it, don’t get a spinner (two wheel in-line rollers are best)
- Unless you have a specific need for it, get soft-side luggage, not hard shell
- Don’t get what you don’t need–extra pockets, suiters, etc., all take up valuable internal volume, and if you don’t need these things, they are a waste of space
- Use luggage tags that stand out; black luggage tends to be accidentally “stolen” due to people confusing luggage.
- Look for ballistic nylon and some type of water resistance
- “Materials and defects” warranties are virtually worthless
As far as personal items go, I don’t really have any useful recommendations. I typically carry a camera bag as my personal item (if you plan on using a camera bag, here are my recommendations for those). For non-photographers, I think going with a small backpack is the best option if you will be on the move, as it’s easier than balancing another bag on top of your roller. If you want a tote, my recommendation would be to get whatever one goes with the suitcase you purchase. In the case of the Travelpro suitcases recommended above, that’s the Travelpro Crew Tote.
In terms of what else you might consider packing, we have a lot of ideas for travel essentials and things that will improve your vacation in our Unique Packing List. Some of these things will save space, while others will take up more space (but ultimately improve the quality of your trip). Pack accordingly.
Overall, everyone is going to have different needs, preferences, and all of that. The two big takeaways from this article should be: 1) don’t overpack–try to take as little luggage as possible, especially for multi-stop trips, and; 2) spending a little more on quality luggage that will stand the test of time will save you money in the long run! There are some other tips in there, as well, but those are the big ones that we think will benefit anyone taking a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and beyond!
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Your Thoughts…
Do you have a specific brand or piece of luggage that you recommend? Any brands you don’t recommend? Any other tips regarding luggage? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share any of your thoughts in the comments!
Searched out this old post as I’m in the market for replacing the cheap rolling carry-ons my teens have been using since pre-school. I wholeheartedly ascribe to the “carry-on only” packing philosophy, but have had a couple of regular professional conferences for the past 25-years that required a larger rolling garment bag. I had no frame of reference when, at 24-years of age, a colleague noted my travel-heavy role and offered me the chance to be a luggage tester for new Briggs and Riley designs. Her husband worked for the company and offered me bags at cost in exchange for a year’s worth of feedback. 23-years later, I am only starting to see the need for repairs or replacements. I have used the prototype Briggs & Riley large backpack with laptop sleeve HEAVILY for the past two decades and cannot say enough great things about the comfort, flexibility or durability of that bag. I have used it as my only bag for easily 150+ 1-2 night professional trips, as well as for years as a briefcase on NYC public transit commutes, and the only thing that’s truly worn is a single woven nylon handle at the top – the backpack straps are in great condition. Unfortunately, I have accelerated the decline of the rolling garment bag by storing it in an attic that has had some exposure issues. Even so, that bag is only just showing heavy wear. I have been squeamish about replacing these bags with like for like counterparts, simply because the initial cost is so large; but, now that I’m in my late 40’s and traveling less for work, and assuming I’d get the same mile-count out of replacements, they may be the last bags I’ll ever have to purchase!
Just to put it out there, it’s almost hard for a larger individual to pack enough clothes for seven days in a carryon. Any journey that lasts more than seven days includes a carryon and a regular size luggage. I hope this won’t last forever as I’m shrinking.
Hi! Any recommendations for the last day of your trip when you have luggage but still want to do things? We are staying at Reunion and the day we check out we want to go and do things before going back to the airport. We there are three adults and one child and obviously we don’t want to bring our luggage around with us. Any trusted services that will pick up our luggage and bring it to the hotel at the airport where we will sleep before our early flight the next morning ? Bonus points if it will also transport us to a Disney park first.
Tom, followed your advice and purchased the TravelPro carry-on size luggage at our local BJs wholesale club. With coupons, got us each one for about $55! Finally hit WDW last month for our first week-long trip using packing cubes, backpacks as our personal item, and just the carry-on TravelPro luggage. Worked out so great — and I STILL overpacked! We did laundry halfway through our stay and had more than enough clothing. My goal is to cut it down by 40% to fit more souvenirs on the way home.
Great tips, as always!
what kind of coupons
Hi Tom, do you think it is better to bring a suitcase to WDW or a large duffel bag?
Hi Jolie,
It depends on if you are flying or driving. If driving, just tossing the duffel into the car then dragging it out at the hotel doesn’t seem too strenuous. If flying, it depends on if you’re planning to check-in luggage or doing carry-on.
I found a suitcase with rollers easier to manage in the airport instead of lugging around a duffel bag, but I usually carry on my luggage.
Hope this helps and enjoy your WDW trip!
I’m a big fan of Red Oxx. Built to last and using bundle packing you can get a week or more of clothes in.
They are not rollers which saves weight and opens up space for gear instead of mechanicals. Plus being soft-sided the can smash into overheads. I’ve gotten my Air Boss packed with a week of clothes and pair of shoes in the overhead on a regional jet. While others waited on their “carry-on” to be dropped on the Tarmac I was off to a cab.
Air Boss is preferred by business travelers while the Sky Train backpack option is more casual.
Sure the gear is expensive but you get geese built to the demanding standards of former paratroopers and a lifetime guarantee. I doubt you’ll need repairs. I’m 7-8 years and many plane and car trips in without a mark on the bag, it looks brand new.
If you don’t get the luggage, get the Red Oxx travel trays. They pack flat but pop up to provide storage so you always know where your wallet, room keys, etc are. It’s a must have. I’ve used one for years and am thinking of ordering more for our Didney trip this year so each family member can keep their magic bands, room keys and phones organized.
That’s get gear built to high standards. Autocorrect has a sense of humor.
I’m all about the carry-on only philosophy, but I prefer a carry-on that an be worn as a backpack like my beloved Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45. There are other similar ones out there from Red Oxx, eBags, etc. Roll-aboards are nowhere near as convenient as a backpack in a crowded subway car or on the streets of Hong Kong, or inside T’s Tantan at Tokyo Station (best ramen ever!).
The best luggage for me, especially if you want embrace convenience when exploring the world are backpacks. These kind of luggage are perfect for those who would love to travel out of the country since some of these backpacks available in the market now are covered with anti-theft proof materials. Wheeled luggages are good especially if you are travelling for at most a week, but it could be very stressful to bring especially if you will do a lot of walking and you will be staying in budget friendly places such as Bnbs.
Love my Patagonia Black Hole 60L bag carry-on. This bag is collapsable and expands like a Tardis. It has both a top handle and backpack straps. It’s made of extremely durable water resistant material. Mine’s been on rugged trips as well as – jungles, mountains etc. yet still looks brand new. Easy to clean. So many people I’ve traveled with have purchased this bag. Caveat: only one pocket. If you’re a compartments person (which I actually am) this might not be for you. I use packing cubes to make up for it.
I agree with sticking with carry on, but it can get tricky passing TSA restrictions. I guess just do travel size everything or send yourself amazon
Two-wheeled, pull behind bags can cause rotator cuff strain or injury. I used one for 18 months and had that happen. The strain was bad enough that I couldn’t raise my pulling arm above my head without pain. I got a spinner, pushed my bag, and the pain was gone in < 30 days.
I completely agree with all of your recommendations! We switched to traveling this way about five years ago and I can’t imagine ever checking a larger bag again. It’s liberating! Packing cubes are a must in my opinion. Costco now sells a TravelPro 22-inch suitcase which I recently purchased. Hope it lasts as long as yours!
Hi – Have you any tips on Luggage if you intend to buy Merch? – I have a feeling I might want to treat myself to a few things – but this is a big unknown – i.e. i could end up returning with double the load – potentially! would you recommend taking a half empty bigger case? or an expandable case, or just have Merch in a separate carry on bag? i.e. pack an empty rucksack than you could put merch into? What are policies like at airports if you return with extra stuff? Thanks
Briggs and Riley luggage although expensive has a lifetime warranty on all moving parts and zippers
I just stumbled upon this. I’ve been thinking of switching to 4-wheeled luggage. What’s your reasoning for staying with 2-wheeled?
Your blog is really helpful. I will surely follow your tips while travelling. I agree with your point that we should carry the right luggage bag when we are travelling somewhere. You can get the best quality luggage bags online from Al Burhan Luggage.
Hi Tom and Sarah!
Thank you so much for sharing your Disney wisdom through this blog…my family is planning a July 2017 trip and I have been in planning mode since summer 2016! I have been reading your tips and suggestions because, although this is not my first Disney trip, this time will be a bit different as I will have a 1 year old and 4 year old!
Anyway, I know you highly recommend Travel Pro luggage and I have been looking around (I have time!) Plus with Black Friday just around the corner, I am determined to get a great deal!
I wanted to ask your opinion on any of the following brands because I have seen deals for them…the original prices of these brands are all pretty high, and the sales I am seeing are ridiculous. Please share any insights you may have or if you would suggest/recommend any of these brands for my family of 4 and/or the max amount you would suggest paying for any of them if you feel they are usually too expensive.
Olympia
Cia Trekker
RivoLite
Traveler’s Choice
Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience!
Our four person family took a three week trip to UK and Paris in 2004 based on Rick Steve’s planning wisdom. We even bought four pieces of his carry on luggage and other odds and ends from his site. We each had one carry on to use (Myself, DH, DS 11, and DS 8) and did laundry twice. Worked out perfectly! In fact, we still use the same four pieces of luggage, so many plane trips, so many cross country to Disney World, and that luggage is STILL perfectly fine. Wheels are smooth, handle is intact, zippers are as good as ever, no rips or holes, etc. Best purchase EVER! Appreciate the love to Rick Steves! And to you, Tom Bricker, for an excellent article.