The 5 Best Luggage for Long-Haul Solo Travel 

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I’ve always been someone who has grown up around lots of suitcases. I recall my mum always buying luggage for long-haul solo travel to go back home to Nigeria or other work trips, and having so many at home before I ever took my first trip by myself as an adult. It took me a while before I went out to buy my very own suitcases because I was always able to get one from my mum.

When I started buying my own luggage for long-haul travel. I was purchasing cheap suitcases because I didn’t think I quite understood the value of investing in a good, durable suitcase.

Even when I did my first move, I bought my long-haul suitcases from TK Maxx (TJ Maxx) and places like Primark. This meant years of dragging cheap suitcases in airports, with broken wheels or handles (very embrassing I know), and trying to squeeze everything into bags that were never designed for long-haul travel.

Last year I decided enough was enough and finally decided to make a purchase and made a grown-woman luggage purchase.

Travelling and moving around the world has taught me one thing. And that is that your luggage can either make or break your trip.

After working with TOG24, and finally investing in an Away suitcase, I can now say that I totally understand the value of getting luggage for long-haul solo travel that is durable and just makes sense, and I will explain why. After countless long-haul flights across Europe, Africa, Asia and the South America, if you are going to travel a lot, you might as well choose the right luggage for long-haul travel.

If you’re planning a long trip and wondering what luggage is actually worth your money, this guide shares the suitcases I’ve personally used, loved, and learned from, with some of the best travel bags for international travel that I have seen other trusted frequent travellers swear by.

If you want ideas for destinations for your solo trips read: 16 Best Countries for Black Women to Solo Travel (Safe & Real Experiences)

Why Good Luggage for Long-Haul Solo Travel Matters

Luggage for long-haul travel is very different from your everyday short weekend trips. When you’re travelling for 10+ hours, changing terminals, navigating multiple airports, and sometimes arriving exhausted in unfamiliar countries, your luggage needs to work with you, and not against you.

After years of travelling and moving abroad, these are the features I now never compromise on for the suitcases I purchase:

• Durable wheels – that glide with ease. I have to have four smooth spinner wheels, which for me are non-negotiable. It just makes it easier for me to move my suitcase around.
• Lightweight – The luggage/suitcase also needs to be lightweight, as airline weight limits are strict, and I am not trying to get caught out on this.
• Strong handles – I have been caught out while travelling where my handle has suddenly snapped on me, can you imagine the way I had to move my luggage? Not comfortable. So now my luggage must have strong handles
• Hard shell protection – I haven’t always liked hardshell suitcases, but after my hairspray leaked in my suitcase and my whole suitcase was soaked, I have learnt that hardshell suitcases/luggage is the way forward. It is also brilliant for when you are carrying fragile items, too.
• Expandable space – We are girls ok. There is makeup, bikinis, extra outfits needed for our trips, for when packing, our luggage for long-haul travel, we need space, and for my travellers that bring back more than what they left with, this is highly necessary.
• Security – And for my Americans, I now understand that TSA-approved locks give your luggage for long-haul travel peace of mind

What I have seen in my years of travelling is that cheap luggage might seem fine at first, and sometimes makes sense when you’ve already spent money on travel and everything in between. However, what I have also seen is that luggage for long-haul flights quickly exposes weak wheels, broken zips and cracked shells, and that is just not fun. Trust me, I have seen and experienced it so many times.

The Suitcase I Currently Use: Away

I mentioned earlier that I purchased my first official “grown woman” luggage. And I love it for myself!! Even today, I can see that it was easily one of the best investments I’ve made for my travel. I also did a review of this, so watch it here.

I chose Away because I was tired of using broken suitcases. And partly being judged for it, and I just wanted my suitcases to make sense. The away luggage is durable for long-haul flights, very stylish, and also practical, easy to manoeuvre through big airports and built to last for a lifetime for many trips. You can buy it and get 15% off your first purchase here.

What I love about Away luggage:

• Smooth 360° spinner wheels (glides easily through airports)
• Strong, hard shell that protects belongings well
• Thoughtful interior compartments
• Expandable space for longer trips
• Sleek, timeless design
• A pocket for my MacBook
• A sponge to clean the suitcase
• Hidden laundry bag.

While the suitcase does come at a premium price, I knew that I wanted something that was durable and had a lifetime warranty guaranteed. And a lifetime warranty means that I have coverage for any functional damages like the shell, zipper, handles or wheels that are broken. Perfect for anyone who travels a lot, like myself, and only wants to invest once rather than frequently with lower-quality suitcases.

Other Great Luggage Brands for Long-Haul Travel

When I decided I wanted to invest in a suitcase after years of trauma, I did a lot of research to find the best luggage for long-haul travel. And I came across quite a few others. These are some of the other brands that I was also considering and have seen many frequent travellers recommend and trust:

BEIS

I was between BEIS, Monos and Away when I purchased my suitcases. The reasons I liked BEIS luggage was because it is stylish, modern and was sold to me as a great suitcase for organised packers.

JULY

I think the next purchase I make for suitcases will have to be a JULY suitcase because wooow. The lugguage is timeless with lifetime guarantee.

Monos

I have heard good things about Monos and if I’m honest I would say that this was the second of the list for me to purchase on this because I know the suitcases are premium minimalist design and also lifetime warranty.

Samsonite

I have seen a few people with the Samsonite suitcase. The prices seemed more attractive to me, but it wasn’t clear if they had life-time warranty so I gave it a miss. However, I have heard very good things about the this from many frequent flyers and might actually get one suitcase in the future.

Antler (UK favourite)

The Antler is a British fave and to be honest as a British babe I should have know to purchase this. The luggage is lightweight and is great for long-haul flights.

How to Choose the Best Luggage for Long-Haul Travel

Now, if you have made it this far, you also want to know how to shop for luggage for long-haul travel. Here are the most important things to consider before you buy, because I know it can be a little overwhelming:

1. Size

• Carry-on: best for light packers and short trips
• Medium: ideal for 1-2 week trips
• Large: best for long trips or winter travel for winter wear and big boots etc.

2. Hard Shell vs Soft Shell

• Hard shell: better protection, more durable, more secure
• Soft shell: lighter, more flexible, often has external pockets

For long-haul travel, I personally prefer hard shell luggage.

3. Weight

Airlines are strict with weight limits.

Always check:

• Empty suitcase weight before packing your clothes tip- roll your clothes to have more space.
• Fully packed airline allowance

4. Wheels

Look for:

• Four spinner wheels because it is so much more easier to move.
• Smooth rotation and silent rolling.

This makes airport travel significantly easier.

5. Warranty & Durability

Good luggage brands offer:

• 5-10 year warranties is ideal
• Lifetime warranties (premium brands hence the purchase from Away).

Final Recommendations

Did you enjoy my long-haul luggage for solo travellers suggestions? I hope you found it useful. And If you’re choosing luggage today I would highly advise:

• Best premium option: Away
• Best mid-range option: TOG24 or Antler
• Best stylish option: BEIS
• Best classic brand and affordable: Samsonite
• Best minimalist premium: Monos

My biggest advice?

If you need long-haul luggage and you are someone that travels often, investing in good luggage once is far cheaper than constantly replacing broken suitcases every year. It slowly adds up and trust me it’s not worth it.

What do you think? Are there any suitcases you have that I have mentioned or what are your face long-haul luggage for solo traveller suggestions?

Let’s meet in the comments,

Speak soon,

MBV

FAQs on long-haul luggage for solo travellers