Spring break plans may have been cut short (or cut altogether) thanks to coronavirus hysteria, but we’re look forward the days when jet-setting is once again care-free. And we’re crossing our fingers it’ll be in time for summer vacation.

It’s about the journey, not the destination, goes the old adage, and so the last thing any trip is really about is your luggage. When a journey is on the horizon, however, the luggage is a necessary participant.

According to The Atlas, travelers clearly value luxury and durability, with Samsonite (also the owner of luxury brand TUMI) holding the largest share of the luggage market, followed by Louis Vuitton’s parent company, LVMH.

The company holds “a common desire to offer very high-quality products derived from a European tradition of craftsmanship,” LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault told the New York Times in 2016.

Whether you’re on a weekend road trip, a family getaway or the European adventure of a lifetime, make sure to arrive with worthy — and stylish — baggage in tow.

Ready for the Weekend

These satchels are tried-and-true companions for weekend travel at less than the 22-inch by 14-inch by 9-inch standard. Sturdy and spacious, each is a sophisticated weekender tote perfect for quick, one-night getaways.  

The Lululemon Out of Range Duffel has been called the “Mary Poppins” of tote bags by travel experts at Travel and Leisure who appreciate the bag’s water-repellent exterior and separately lined electronics compartment. Its roomy interior has gathered a cult following among fans of all ages.

“My grandma gave this [Lululemon] to me!” said Anya Balsamides, a senior at the University of Miami. “She has the same one, and she wanted us to match.”

Bonus: the duffel comes in an ever-neutral, gender-friendly black — perfect for every season. Its 33-liter interior makes it the perfect bag to tote along as an airplane carry-on or throw in the backseat of a car on a weekend road trip.

Lululemon Out of Range Duffel, $158

The Everlane Twill Weekender is ethically made, reasonably priced and ready for departure; its sturdy lining and modest size are perfect for a two-day staycation to the local bed and breakfast.  The weekender tote comes in classic black, as well as a neutral taupe, at a fraction of the price of other similar travel bags.

“I love my Everlane bag,” said Wanda Cassaretto, a mother of two and frequent flier with American Airlines. “It’s the perfect carry-on for just a one-night trip, and even my husband uses it just as much as I do.”

The best part? Everlane is committed to auditing each of its factories in North and South America, Europe and Asia to “evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours and environment” and ensure the ethical treatment of workers worldwide.

Everlane Twill Weekender, $98

Catch You On the Flip Side!

Every avid traveler knows the secret to a smooth flight is a trusty carry-on free of bells and whistles. Try these classics and you’re guaranteed to sail through TSA in no time.

What’s to say about this Instagram sensation of a suitcase that hasn’t already been said? Away is the latest business endeavor of two former Warby Parker executives, Steph Korey and Jen Rubio, who set out to reform yet another industry by taking a bland necessity and making it a prestige piece.

Each $200+ piece matches the quality of a luxury suitcase — think Brics, TUMI, Rimowa or Samsonite — while extending the protection of a lifetime warranty.

Away offers its traditional Carry-On, which fits most domestic and international carriers’ onboard specifications, along with the Away Bigger Carry-On for longer trips within the states. The four-wheeled, hard-sided beauty has a roomy, 46-liter interior with separately lined pockets for durable outerwear, delicates, shoes and toiletries; it even has a separate, hard-lined pouch for electronics.

The most notable feature, however, is Away’s built-in USB port and removable battery pack that saves passengers from having to crowd around the airport’s one, swarming charging station minutes before takeoff.

Away Bigger Carry-On, $245

TUMI luggage is a cult classic; its traditional International Carry-On is made of durable, 19-degree aluminum and comes in matte black, banyan leaf gold, silver and texture silver. Complete with two TSA-integrated, push-button locks, this 31-liter investment piece is sure to last, justifying the bag’s steep price tag.

“I love my TUMI suitcase, because it’s easy to move, hard on the outside and surprisingly spacious on the inside,” said Michael Crispi, a University of Miami freshman and frequent international traveler. “Traveling can be stressful, so it’s important to have a suitcase that’s reliable and durable.”

TUMI International Carry-On, $995

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Vacations

These juggernauts can endure even the most reckless treatment by baggage control. Invest in a sturdy piece of checked luggage for all future travels, both foreign and domestic.

Jet-setting through Europe during this winter break?  Make sure to scoop up the Delsey Aero before you head off. It’s been heralded as a reliable budget pick; its hard-sided exterior even survived a car being dropped on the suitcase in external durability tests, so delicate souvenirs are sure to be safe over long distance.

“I find the Delsey to be the best one, really, to take long distances,” said Garfield Clarke, a longtime pilot for Delta Airlines. “I use it when I fly internationally, since I usually don’t take big suitcases when I’m the one flying the plane, and I’d say it’s definitely the best.”

The extendable zipper makes it unlikely to snatch onto clothes when you inevitably over pack, while the helium frame makes it one of the lightest bags on the market. Snap up one of the Parisian company’s suitcases on sale to make for an even better deal.

Delsey Aero, $360

Take the Bric’s Bellagio Spinner for a spin around any domestic or international airport for an exercise in modern luxury; this Italian brand is famous for its fine leather detailing and posh herringbone design, but don’t be fooled — each case comes with four precision Hinomoto wheels and a light, durable exterior.  The high-end brand is certainly a splurge for everyday consumers, so be sure to explore the site’s sale section for occasional discounts.

Bric’s Bellagio Spinner, $695

words_lindsey bornstein photo_caroline selfors on Unsplash