Travel bag styles to choose from
There’s a huge range of travel bags on the market, designed for everything from quick weekend escapes to round-the-world adventures. Looking for options tailored for women? Explore the full collection here: women’s travel bags.
Hard shell suitcases
Hard shell suitcases are ideal if you want maximum protection for your belongings. Made from durable materials such as polycarbonate, they absorb impact and help keep everything inside protected, even in demanding travel conditions.
Soft shell suitcases
If flexibility matters most, soft shell suitcases are often the better choice. They offer more give and can be compressed to meet different travel requirements, especially when fitted with built-in compression straps.
Travel backpacks
A travel backpack is a smart choice for globetrotters who want complete freedom of movement. These bags are designed for comfort, with multiple pockets and, in some cases, dedicated laptop compartments.
Duffel bags
These bags stand out for their simplicity and generous capacity. They’re perfect for short stays or spontaneous weekends away. Their unstructured design makes it easy to make the most of every inch of space.
- Simple design with generous capacity
- Ideal for short breaks and weekend trips
- Easy to stow away when not in use
Essential features to look for in a travel bag
Choosing the right travel bag means paying attention to a few key features that make every journey smoother, more comfortable and better organised.
Size and capacity
The size of your travel bag should match the length of your trip and the amount you need to pack. For a weekend away, a 20 to 30-litre bag is usually enough, while longer journeys may call for a suitcase with a capacity of up to 70 litres.
Material
The material plays a major role in both durability and protection. Common choices include ballistic nylon, polyester and leather.
Compression straps
Compression straps are a great way to keep your bag compact, balanced and secure in transit. They help stabilise the contents and reduce bulk when your bag isn’t packed to the brim.
Compartments
Well-designed compartments make it much easier to keep everything organised. Some bags include dedicated sections for shoes, dirty laundry, toiletries and more, so your essentials stay easy to find throughout your trip.
How to choose the best bag for your needs
Business trips
For business travel, a hard shell suitcase with smooth-rolling spinner wheels and a dedicated space for suits can be the ideal option. A smart, professional look is often just as important.
Family holidays
If you’re travelling as a family, it’s worth choosing roomy bags with plenty of external and internal pockets. Durability is essential too, especially when carrying extra weight.
Outdoor adventures
For outdoor activities, a robust, water-resistant and adjustable backpack offers the right balance of comfort and capacity. Attachment points for extra gear, such as trekking poles, are often a real advantage.
Spontaneous weekends away
For last-minute escapes, go for a duffel bag that’s easy to pack and easy to carry. Its flexible shape adapts effortlessly to plans that change at short notice.
Tips for getting the most out of your travel bag
Using packing cubes
Packing cubes help divide the inside of your bag so everything stays neat, organised and easy to reach. These extra organisers make packing simpler and stop items getting mixed together.
Rolling your clothes
Rolling your clothes instead of folding them not only saves space, but also helps reduce creasing. It works particularly well for T-shirts, trousers and underwear.
Make the most of outer pockets
Use exterior pockets strategically for items you need to reach quickly, such as passports, boarding passes or phone chargers.
Protecting fragile items
Wrap fragile items in thicker clothing or use protective pouches designed to reduce the risk of damage in transit.
Current travel bag trends
New trends are constantly emerging in the world of travel bags. Here are some of the most popular right now:
Eco-conscious materials
More and more brands are using recycled or bio-based materials to create bags with a lighter environmental footprint. It’s an appealing choice for travellers who want to journey more responsibly.
Built-in technology
Some modern bags now feature integrated tech such as USB ports for charging your devices on the go, or GPS systems that let you track your bag at any time.
Personalisation
The option to personalise a bag, whether through colour choices or tailored features, is becoming increasingly sought-after for travellers who want something unique and better suited to their needs.
