A Dreamy Trip Starts with These Must Have Carry-On Bags
Carry on Bags for the frequent and infrequent traveler
A carry on roller bag for $49!
Don’t you love it when you find a, “Did I read that right?” deal?
Before you take that bargain up to check-out, picture this airport adventure…
You’re rolling up the tin-plank jet bridge for a 45-minute shuttle-flight from Seattle to Walla Walla.
{Yes, it’s an outdoors boarding process that involves a zig-zag walk-up plank, instead of down a warm enclosed jet-bridge. It’s a thang in the Northwest😊.}
UNLESS…
That bargain roller suitcase loses wheel #1 in the middle of the plank, wheel #2 starts wibbly-wobbly-spinning down the plane aisle, and by the end of that trip your new cool 4-wheel stand-up bargain bag is now a 2-wheel tug-along bag {wah-wah-wah}.
Some bargain bags do last more than 2.5 trips. Before buying that carry-on roller, ask yourself what kind of traveler you are {or wanna be😉}.
What kind of traveler am I?
A 1 or 2 trip per year traveler
A gallivanting 5+ tripper a year OR
You walk through the TSA check point at your home airport and Bob has your favorite cinnamon bagel with homemade cream cheese wrapped and ready for you, kind of traveler
This week I traveled down the rabbit-hole of carry on bags since I’m in the market for new ones after 10+ years.
If you’re tired of walking {dragging} the plank with that self-made 2-wheeler bag, then scroll on down this jet bridge of bag goodness with me…
First up – Shoulder Carry On Bags
Travel a little – travel a bunch – having good carry on bags give your travel days a touch more joy as you glide through the airport, long alleyways in London, or shopping in the Rome streets.
Perfect Weekender Carry-on::
A quick trip needs just one bag. The PERFECT Mini-Weekender BAG.
All the right pockets with the all-precious shoe compartment on the bottom. Comes in mini {mine} and larger version where the bottom compartment zips completely off if you want to travel EXTRA-LITE.
BIG PLUS for me is the bottom storage for shoes, book, headphones…The inside laptop compartment and the POP-OPEN top zipper that makes it easy to pack and get to everything inside.
Tumi Shoulder Bag::
Long-lasting, stylish, nylon-y wipeable {in case you’re a spiller 🙋🏻♀️} If you like everything in it’s exact compartment then upgrade to THIS TUMI for organizational bliss. Priced between $110-425
TravelPro Weekender::
“Oh so pretty” matched with “Perfectly practical” is what travel dreams are made of. Quick front phone pocket availability, detachable shoe compartment, and slide-over slip pocket for the roller board. Price $375
Baggallini Fans::
A long-time travel standard, Baggallini bags are known for being the Zipper-Pocket Queen of carry on bags. This one works for the plane + around the city.
Favorites on this one ☞ water-resistant and comes with a RIFD wristlet when you want to go light around town. Price $130
Roller Carry On Bags
Whatever roller bag you buy should have AT THE VERY LEAST these 4 features to help it last you through 6,245 days of travel…
NO LONGER than 22” so they fit in the overhead plane storage
Hard shell outside {water-resistant is a plus}
360º-spinning wheels {avoid the 2-wheel pull-behind - 4 wheels give the option to push vs only drag behind you} Be sure wheels are STURDY
Multiple compartments to keep packable’s separate {at least one zipper-close side}
Carry-on Roller Bag::
I recently upgraded to this Pretty in Pink Carry-on Bag💖
The inside details sells it for me –
21” instead of most 20” size rollers {If you travel international a lot triple-check airline size restrictions}
compression compartment
zip-able side with 2 laundry bags to keep the ‘dirties’ from the "‘didn’t wears’
water-resistant hard shell {drizzling Seattle weather + plank boarding friends}
weight-limit indicator {my fellow over-packers}
TSA approved lock
Don’t you love travel gear with some humor😆
The “NOT BÉISIC” + “DIRT BAG” included in the suitcase is a fun-spirited bonus. Along with the plastic zipper pocket for wet swimsuits.
If Pink isn’t your color they have a full rainbow of colors for your travel palette.
Two others highly rated on the carry-on suitcase list…
Snow White Reputation Has it’s Pull::
There is a strong pull to buy from reputation and this bag packs into that category for this traveler. What I love about this carry on roller bag…
21” instead of 20”
double-360º spinning wheels
durable and strong with 10-year warranty to back it up
2 zip-able organizational pockets
Pretty + Less Scuffs Roller Bag::
My favorite features on this bag, besides the pretty factor {🙈can’t help myself}
double-360º spinning wheels
TSA approved lock
organizational pockets and tear-resistant lining
Packing Cubes
Bonus points for adding packing cubes inside your new carry-on bag of goodness. No idea how the new packing math works, but somehow I get more in my suitcase when I use my packing cubes than when I don’t. 🤷🏻♀️
{The laundry bag included in my set is credited in saving all of the plastic dry cleaning bags I’ve permanently borrowed from the hotel room closet}
And the COMPRESSION PACKING CUBES will have you stopping everyone in the airport to tell them HOW MUCH you packed for a 10-day trip! 👏🏼
Your Over-Packers Anonymous Group will thank you for sharing this travel tip with them too.
There’ya have it!
My top list of carry-on travel bags for your travels in 2025 {and decades to come}.
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pin it for Finding Your Carry On Bag later
“I have this” – “I love this” – “It’s changed my travel life for.ever”…And wanted to share the travel goodness. You’re welcome.
Traveling MidLife
Travel Well · Travel Light · Travel in Style
Former teacher + pilot’s wife sharing all things travel!
Filling the second act sharing all the travel, lifestyle, & safety tips that will make your next trip better than the last!
💖Andrea
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