How to Find the Best Travel Bag for Every Trip

Choose the perfect luggage for your getaway, whether you're planning a weekend jaunt or a dream vacation.

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best for Kids

Children will love pulling these supercute rollies—other featured animals include a ladybug, owl, and bear.

16" x 13" x 6.5", $94; BeatrixNY.com

Best Pockets

Stay organized in transit with a tote featuring useful compartments, inside and out.

15" x 22" x 11", $325; JMcLaughlin.com

Best Print

A fashionable weekender you'll be able to spot instantly at baggage claim.

17" x 25" x 12", $275; LoquitaNYC.com

Best Hard Case

A sturdy suitcase, part of a three-piece set.

31" x 19" x 12", $450 for set; HeysUSA.com

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Lightweight Carry-On*

Weighing in at just over four pounds, this zippy carry-on won't add much to your baggage allowance.

20" x 14" x 9", $450; Shop.Samsonite.com

*The domestic carry-on size limit is 45" total. Contact your carrier for international size requirements.

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Soft Wheelie

Tote this orange number like a gym bag at small airports; break out the wheels if you face an interminable terminal walk.

27" x 15" x 12", $209; Lipault-US.com

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Carry-On

Soft and expandable? Check. Not boring black? Ditto. The carry-on you'll use most often? Definitely.

21.5" x 15" x 8", $395; Tumi.com

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Price

Perfect for a trip that's longer than a weekend, shorter than a week.

American Eagle Outfitters, 27" x 15" x 11", $79; AE.com for stores

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Value

With four sizes, from compact to extralarge, these durable striped suitcases meet all your needs.

Lulu Castagnette, $429 includes lunch box: 10" x 14" x 5", small: 19" x 13" x 9", medium: 24" x 17" x 13", large: 28" x 20" x 13"; MurvalParis.com

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Retro

Go ahead, stuff it! Bag check was created for oversize suitcases like this one.

30" x 17" x 10", $1,475; GlobeTrotter1897.com

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Best Interior

Our favorite all-around travel piece. Zippered compartments keep shoes, clothing, accessories, and toiletries separate. The cheery lining features butterflies and flowers. Exterior pockets make the bag more expandable.

30" x 14" x 13", $185; Zappos.com

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Weekend Bag

This supersoft tote is made from recycled army surplus bags.

Environment By Heather Heron, 17" x 22" x 11", $695; 866-981-3976

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best Tote

Hand-carry or sling it over your shoulder: Longer handles accommodate both options.

21" x 13.75" x 8.75", $598; Coach.com for stores

Photo: Christopher Coppola

Best for Stashing Under the Seat

Quilting makes it as chic as a purse; a zipper closure keeps contents from falling out if it tips over.

20" x 12" x 6", $180; Clava.com

From the January 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine