I used to travel with whatever carry-on luggage and suitcases my parents had. And for some reason, my dad kept buying new luggage every couple of years so I didn’t feel the need to get my own. There was one carry-on luggage I always used because it fit so much. Plus it was within the carry-on baggage size restrictions. It was a taller, soft-case luggage so it easily allowed for expansion. I also never had any issues with it being too large. But the only down side to this carry-on was that it only had 2 wheels and flipped over a lot when I was in a hurry.
One time, I used a brand new Heys Velocity Spinner carry-on when traveling. When my luggage fell over because my duffel bag was too heavy, it ripped off the entire handle and cut me. I literally just checked in so I had to get through security and to my gate with broken luggage before boarding my flight. Needless to say, it was a very inconvenient experience. But even just comparing the smoothness of the wheels between It Luggage and Heys, It Luggage was the winner.
Carry-On Luggage And Suitcases I Use
After more than 10 years of use with my carry-on around 40+ countries, it started to really wear down in 2019. I considered getting Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 55 in the classic print, but then again, do I really want to spend that much money on luggage that will get thrown around or stolen?
So when I was in Miami, I saw this adorable carry-on luggage with a beautiful blue color and full-on vacation vibes when I was at Ross (US version of Winners in Canada). My friend who was with me also told me it was a good brand of luggage so I definitely had to get it. She was not wrong. It’s the smoothest luggage I’ve ever used. You can see my post on How To Pack For A Week’s Vacation To Fit In A Carry-On for more details on this luggage!
In the past several years, I started loving to travel with stylish carry-on luggage and suitcases that are easily discernable as well as affordable. Why? Because with the amount of traveling I do, it’s easier to spot my luggage or suitcase. I also won’t have to be too worried if it gets damaged or lost in the event I have to check it in. Since I moved out, and my family wanted to keep the suitcases they had, I had to get my own. Once I got the It Luggage carry-on, I got a cute Bebe check-in size luggage that has a blue marble design. They’re both lightweight, fashionable, and super affordable.
In addition to my carry-on or check-in luggage, I take a smaller duffel bag and backpack or purse with me as a personal item.
Where To Get Stylish And Affordable Carry-On Luggage and Suitcases
I wish I could share with you a link, but some of the best shopping deals I’ve had are actually in person.
For luggage in Canada, I usually visit Winners or Marshalls – they tend to carry a variety of different brands and styles across different store locations. From my experience, I’ve seen spinner carry-ons that range from around $40-$70 CAD and check-in size suitcases from $70-100 CAD. I’ve seen brands such as Nautica, Bebe, Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, and many more that I can’t remember at the top of my head. They are of good quality, come in soft or hard shell options, and have really fun, unique designs. They’re also super affordable considering the brands.
In The US, I visit Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Burlington – they carry similar brands and sometimes even better ones for a better price than Canada has. Depending on when you go, you can find some gems and higher end items than you would expect. I find prices range from $30-50 USD for spinner carry-ons, and $60-90 USD for check-in size suitcases.
2 Tips To Secure A Good Deal For Stylish Carry-On Luggage And Suitcases
- These stores usually have new inventory every week. Ask a sales associate at the particular store you’re visiting about when new arrivals will be coming. Certain days will have a certain type of delivery coming in. So keep this in mind even if you aren’t purchasing luggage. You want to be able to be the first one to grab the hottest items.
- Even though I have my spinner carry-on and a check-in sized luggage, I still get tempted to buy another when I see a good price at these stores since the designs are so unique. They normally only have a couple of the same design in their inventory and once sold out, you probably won’t find them again. There was a Betsey Johnson spinner carry-on in black with red kisses all over it with gold hardware for $50 USD that I had my eye on in the US at Burlington. I almost purchased it but didn’t because I knew I didn’t need it. But when I went back 3 days later it was already gone. So don’t hesitate if you find a design you really like. A lot of the times, it’s usually one of a kind. If anything, you can purchase it and return it at a later date if you decide you don’t like it. Their return policies are pretty good.
A reason why the prices are so low and affordable is because these stores usually buy at the end of the season. Another reason is that these brands and manufacturers go to them and sell their inventory at a cheaper price since they either over-made, couldn’t sell them all in that season, or have changed their packaging and design. When I worked at the chocolate factory (you can read About Me for my work experience), Winners (owned by T.J. Maxx) was one of our buyers who purchased our old packaging that we no longer used, but we would make fresh chocolate for the old packaging. This is how they are able to sell their products at a much cheaper price than at other stores.