This Roomy Carry-on Is My Secret to Fitting 2 Months of Clothes in 1 Bag — and It’s on Sale

As a professional travel writer, I am always on the go. I usually stick to a carry-on bag for simplicity and comfort, saving larger luggage for trips that last over three months or for international moves. Carry-ons are simply more practical when you’re hopping between different destinations, whether it’s switching buses, boarding a boat, or walking a few blocks to a train station. However, I struggled for years to find a carry-on that could keep up with my busy lifestyle. Eventually, I came to terms with the fact that buying a new suitcase almost every year was just an annoying aspect of my job.

The final straw for me was when my carry-on, which I had only used once on a domestic flight, broke on the very first day of my two-month journey in Costa Rica. Since I spent a lot of time in remote areas, I couldn’t buy a new suitcase. Instead, I had to run after buses and climb steep streets with a bag that was missing a wheel for the entire two months. As soon as I got back home, I knew I had to put an end to this cycle. I finally decided to invest in a suitcase that could handle the challenges of travel: Travelpro’s Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on

Praised for its impressive durability, this suitcase has racked up 1,400 five-star reviews at Amazon. I was reluctant to give it a shot because it regularly costs $170, but I managed to snag it for $50 less during Black Friday. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially since you can buy complete luggage sets for the price of this one bag. However, the memory of that broken wheel and the countless bags that didn’t last even a year kept me from falling for lower-priced alternatives. Ultimately, I realized I would have saved more in the long run if I had invested in this bag years ago.

Over the last two years, I’ve taken the Travelpro Maxlite Air to over 20 cities in 12 countries. It has been my trusty companion on adventures to places like the remote Caribbean island of St. Eustatius and during a week-long cruise to Seychelles. Last summer, it even endured a two-month journey through Europe. While wandering the cobblestone streets of Bordeaux and climbing the hills of Lisbon, I often worried that the bag might not make it. To my surprise, it held up remarkably well, showing little wear after countless bus and train rides and numerous flights.

What’s even more impressive is that the bag has hardly any scratches at all, even though I live part-time in a small Colombian town with mostly cobblestone and unpaved streets. The road from the terminal to my house is short but rough, and I often find myself running to catch the bus. Still, the Travelpro Maxlite Air has proven to be up to the task, handling all the challenges I’ve thrown its way.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on

There are many features I love about the Travelpro Maxlite Air, aside from its durability. For one, its sleek and sophisticated design makes it a great option for business trips to luxury hotels. No matter how tough the journey, I can trust that my suitcase will remain pristine and presentable.

The bag is also incredibly roomy. I managed to fit everything I needed for a two-month trip that took me from the chilly Scottish Highlands to the sunny Portuguese Azores. On top of that, I was able to include a bridesmaid dress and fancy outfits for a wedding in France, along with clothes for a bachelorette party in Nashville right after my trip to Europe. I even had enough space to bring back souvenirs for my friends and family.

With a large interior pocket on one side and two smaller pockets on the other, this bag makes it easy to keep your smaller items organized and accessible. Its expansion feature, which adds an extra two inches to the 21-inch carry-on, is a game-changer for fitting in all your souvenirs at the end of your trip. Plus, the Travelpro Maxlite Air is lightweight at just 6.3 pounds when empty, so you won’t struggle to lift it into the overhead bin. Its four wheels glide effortlessly, allowing you to maneuver across different surfaces. While my bag doesn’t come with a TSA lock, I’ve heard that the latest model includes this handy feature.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Carry-on

I love my Travelpro carry-on so much that I recently bought the 25-inch medium checked bag. Although I probably won’t need to replace my carry-on anytime soon, I always suggest the Maxlite Air to my friends and family. Even if you don’t travel often, it’s worth spending a little extra for luggage that will stand the test of time.

If you’re interested in exploring more options, take a look at these other highly-rated carry-on bags that offer plenty of space, style, and durability.

More Carry-on Luggage to Shop at Amazon: 

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-on

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-on

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Carry-on

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on

London Fog Newcastle Softside Expandable Carry-on 

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