How to find the right luggage for international travel (in Australia): A smart & stylish guide

Let’s face it — travel is supposed to be fun, but without the right luggage, your dream Aussie getaway or international adventure can quickly become a rolling (or not rolling) disaster.

You’re packing for an epic trip — but your old suitcase is tearing at the seams, the wheels wobble like jelly, and the zipper is holding on by a prayer. You need a new suitcase… fast. But where do you start? There are dozens of luggage shops, online stores, and options everywhere. It’s overwhelming.

International travel means long-haul flights, tough baggage handlers, security checks, multiple connections, and the occasional sprint to your gate. Choosing the wrong bag could mean paying excess baggage fees, dealing with broken handles mid-trip, or worse — your bag splitting open at the baggage carousel while your clothes do the walk of shame.

Don’t panic — here’s what you should know when finding quality luggage for international travel, understanding what features matter most, and why investing in quality carry-on or checked bags is the best thing you can do for your future travels.

Don’t let your luggage be the weakest link.

What Makes Luggage “Right” for International Travel?
Not all checked or carry-on bags are created equal. For your upcoming international trips, your luggage needs to be:

• Durable enough for baggage handlers in multiple countries
• Light enough to avoid excess baggage fees
• Secure enough to protect valuables
• Easy to manoeuvre through airports, terminals, and cobblestones

What to Look for in High-Quality Luggage
The best luggage does more than carry your stuff — it makes travelling smooth, stylish, and stress-free. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Durability

• Hard shell vs. soft shell: Both have benefits — hard cases offer protection, soft sided suitcases provide flexibility.
• Water-resistant materials: Especially useful for Aussie beach trips or tropical getaways.

2. Smooth Wheels

• 360-degree spinner wheels are a must. You want to glide, not drag.
• Test in-store — if it squeaks or sticks, it’s a no-go.

3. Sturdy Zippers and Locks

• Look for YKK zippers (yes, it’s a thing).
• TSA-approved locks for international travel = peace of mind.

4. Size Matters — But It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

For checked luggage:

• 75–100L capacity is typical for longer trips
• Choose lightweight hard-sided luggage to meet airline restrictions without sacrificing space
• Check your airline’s size and weight restrictions — they do vary

For carry-on luggage:

• 7kg is standard for Aussie airlines like Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar
• Go for a compact spinner with smart compartments and at least two zippered pockets

Bonus if it fits under-seat — less chance of gate-checking

For multi-country travel:

• Consider modular sets (carry-on + check-in) for flexibility
• Don’t forget day packs or anti-theft backpacks with more exterior pockets for sightseeing

5. Warranty

• A brand that backs their bag with 5-10 years of warranty usually means quality.

Best Types of Luggage for International Travel
Not everyone needs the same thing — your ideal soft-sided luggage depends on your travel style.

Backpack or Rolling Suitcase?
Choose a backpack if you:

• Are travelling to multiple countries or staying in hostels
• Want hands-free mobility
• Plan to hike, trek, or catch lots of public transport

Choose a rolling suitcase if you:

• Are going on a business or luxury trip
• Want better packing organisation
• Prefer not to carry weight on your back

Pro tip: Hybrid-wheeled backpacks exist, too — win-win!

Hard Case or Soft Case?

Hard case:

• Great for flights with layovers (protects fragile items)
• Weather-resistant
• Often more stylish

Soft case:

• Flexible and expandable
• Easier to stuff into tight spaces (car boots, overhead bins)
• Usually lighter – you can easily put them on the overhead compartment of the plane, no need to ask help from flight attendants

Still unsure? If you can only get one — go hard shell with spinner wheels. Durable, secure, and smooth on airport carpet floors.

Don’t Forget These Must-Have Features

• TSA-approved locks for overseas security checks
• Expandable compartments for your overseas shopping spree
• Compression straps to keep your belongings in place
• Smart compartments for laptops, laundry bag, toiletries, and power banks
• A limited lifetime warranty of at least 5–10 years is the sweet spot

Why High-Quality Luggage Matters
No one plans on their bag failing at the worst time… it just happens. But when you invest in good luggage, you’re investing in:

• Less stress: No last-minute scrambling with broken handles.
• Security: Your belongings stay protected and locked.
• Savings: Avoid costly airport purchases or replacements.
• Professionalism: First impressions matter — especially for business travellers.
• Sustainability: Buy once, buy well, and reduce landfill waste.

FAQs

Q: What size suitcase do I need for international travel?
A: A large checked suitcase (75–100L) is ideal for long-haul trips. Always check your airline’s weight limit — some are stricter than others.

Q: Is hard or soft luggage better for international flights?
A: Hard-shell luggage offers better protection and weather resistance, while soft-shell is more flexible. For international flights, hard-shell is generally preferred.

Q: Can I take a backpack instead of a suitcase?
A: Absolutely. Backpacks are great for international travel, especially if you’re on the move. Look for travel-specific backpacks with extra packing space, external pockets, lockable zippers, and padded straps.

Q: What’s the best luggage brand for Aussies travelling overseas?
A: One great choice is Zoomlite. They are your best anti-theft travel gear.
Zoomlite offers an impressive range of travel bags, including both hard-sided suitcases and softside bags, designed for short trips or longer adventures. Their hardside luggage, made with a durable polycarbonate shell, boasts sturdy construction to withstand the wear and tear of airport carpets and beyond. Featuring thoughtful details such as interior pockets, a spacious main compartment, and even a built-in garment folder, these bags are as functional as they are stylish. Zoomlite ensures that its products deliver exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

Q: Should I buy luggage online or in-store?
A: First-time buyers may prefer in-store to test the feel and size. For Zoomlite, book a showroom visit to get a feel of their anti-theft luggage and bags. If you know what you want, check their website for better deals and bundle options.

Ready to Roam the World?
Your passport’s valid, your itinerary’s set… but without the right luggage for international travel, you might be grounded by zippers, handles, or baggage fees. Make your travel smooth from check-in to touchdown with quality, durable luggage built for the long haul.

Most compact suitcases may look the same, but if you look a bit closer, you’ll find their differences. Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune on premium brands like Briggs & Riley when options like Zoomlite deliver the same outstanding quality at a much more affordable price. Buy smart, pack smart with packing cubes, and travel like the globe-trotter you were born to be.

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash

The article How to find the right luggage for international travel (in Australia): A smart & stylish guide first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.