The Best Travel Bags and Suitcases for Women in 2026
This post is sponsored by Quince. Thanks for supporting the brands that work with AWSL
It seems like everyone I talk to lately is packing for a trip, recovering from one, or making a list for the next one. Summer has apparently turned us all into women with chargers, lip balm, and reading glasses floating loose in the bottom of a tote.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the right travel bag can make a trip feel a lot less chaotic. A lightweight tote that doesn’t dig into your shoulder, a carry-on that rolls smoothly, or a crossbody with actual organization can save you from doing that airport shuffle where you’re digging for your boarding pass while holding up the line.
I’ve been reaching for several travel bags and accessories from Quince because they have a clean, classic look without a lot of unnecessary fuss. The details are what matter to me: roomy interiors, useful pockets, leather pouches that keep small things from disappearing, and lightweight suitcases that don’t feel like a workout before the trip has even started.
Curious about more of the brand’s clothing, handbags, and wardrobe staples, be sure to read my post, Is Quince Worth It? A Guide to Their Bestsellers.
How to Choose the Best Travel Bag
The best travel bag depends on the kind of trip you’re taking. I don’t pack the same bag for a weekend getaway that I would for an overseas vacation, so I like having a few versatile options to choose from. That’s one of the reasons I like Quince’s travel collection.
When I’m shopping, I look for features that will make travel day easier, like lightweight materials, comfortable straps, plenty of pockets, and a secure zip-top closure. Those little details can make a big difference when you’re moving through an airport or spending the day sightseeing.
Best Travel Carry-On Bags
I have quite a few carry-on bags because it’s my preferred way to pack for traveling.
Quince Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase
I can’t say enough great things about this suitcase. The special Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree wheels roll so easily that there’s no struggling to get them down a narrow airplane aisle. When mine arrived, my husband took one look at it and said he needed one. It also comes in black, but he wanted silver too, so we traveled looking like twins.
It’s about 3 lbs heavier than the carry-on suitcase I mentioned below, so if you’ve packed it full, you may want a little help lifting it into the overhead bin. Once it’s on the ground, though, it glides effortlessly through the airport.
Quince Small Carry-on Suitcase
I love this small carry-on suitcase because it fits in every overhead compartment I’ve encountered, even on small aircraft with limited space. If you’re traveling between European countries, this is the size I’d recommend, since many regional airlines have stricter carry-on size limits. Quince also makes a regular carry-on, which is a great option if you’re flying domestically or want a little extra packing space, but I like having the smaller one when I don’t want to worry about whether it will fit.
Best Travel Tote
Quince Transit Quilted Duffle Bag
This Transit Quilted Duffle Bag is the lightest handheld bag I own! It’s loaded with handy compartments, like one for your laptop, and includes a sleeve for slipping over the handle of my roller bag. It’s also made from recycled water bottles and is water-resistant.
Best Travel Accessories
Eco Compression Packing Cubes
These Quince Eco Compression Packing Cubes were so handy for separating clothing by category. Because we were moving to a new location every two days on our recent trip to Singapore and Bali, I didn’t unpack my bag like I usually do. Having all my lingerie packed into the two smallest ones helped me know exactly what to reach for each morning.
Quince Italian Leather Pouch Travel Set
I love having separate pouches like this Italian Leather Pouch Set to keep everything organized instead of tossing it all into one big bag. One can hold makeup, another is perfect for skincare or charging cords and electronics, and the smallest works well for medications, lip balm, or other little essentials you want to grab quickly. They’re also great for keeping your tote or handbag organized, so you’re not digging around trying to find your keys or sunglasses. The set also nests for storage when not traveling.
Other Quince Travel Accessories Worth Shopping
Leather Jewelry Travel Case
I always pack a few pieces of jewelry when I travel, and having a dedicated case keeps everything much more organized. Instead of arriving with tangled necklaces and missing earrings, everything stays in its place, and it’s easy to slip into a carry-on or weekender.
Leather RFID-Blocking Passport Holder
If you’re traveling internationally, a passport holder is one of those little things that makes a difference. It keeps your passport protected and gives you a convenient place to keep a few cards or important travel documents, so you’re not searching through your bag every time you reach a checkpoint.
Italian Leather Phone Crossbody Case
There are plenty of days when I don’t want to carry a full handbag, especially when I’m sightseeing. This little crossbody holds just the essentials, so it’s lightweight, easy to wear, and keeps your phone close at hand while you’re out exploring.
Leather Luggage Tag (Set of 2)
A good luggage tag makes it much easier to spot your suitcase on the baggage carousel, especially if you’re traveling with a basic black bag like so many of us do. These leather tags are classic, well-made, and easy to move from one suitcase to another.
From carry-ons and weekenders to the little accessories that help keep everything organized, Quince has become one of my favorite places to shop for travel essentials.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried Quince’s travel collection before? Are you a carry-on-only traveler, or do you prefer checking a suitcase?
Before you pack, don’t miss my guides to The Best Travel Dresses for Europe, by Country, 12 Things I Always Forget to Pack (But Never Again), and Complete Packing List of Travel Toiletries.
Both my husband and I have a set of Quince luggage including the carry on. Love them so much. They have taken us on an Italian cruise and a 3 week driving tour through Scotland. The price is right and the quality is great.
I agree!
LOVE Quince – will have to try the travel accessories also!
Thanks for the timely and great post today
Your blog has stopped appearing in my inbox. I have missed it.
I checked and you or someone your forwarded my email to marked it as spam on Aprl 24. You should be able to resubscribe here. Let me know of you have a problem and I’ll se what I can do.
Hi Jennifer, a couple of years ago you wrote about your Quark expedition to Svalbard. My husband and I just returned from the same expedition and had a fabulous experience. Thank you for sharing. It’s not the trip for everyone, but was amazing for us!
I have such fond memories of that trip. It was amazing!! I’m so glad you liked it.
The limit on the depth of a personal item for Canadian airlines is 6″, not 9″ as I believe it is the USA. Airlines are getting very strict and sometimes check now. Have you found any personal item that is as large as possible but fits our size restrictions?
I fly Air Canada all the time and have never had a problem with my small Quince bag or my Monos Carry-on pro.
Hello , I found the best backpack for traveling. It’s a Portland brand, made in Portland Oregon. It opens from the top and is very convenient. If you’re looking to try one , check this brand out.
Thank you for featuring these travel items from Quince. I’m retired and being mindful of how I spend our money, so when I need clothing that is good quality and affordable, I often turn to Quince. Your suggestions make this so much easier and are trustworthy. I’m a happy subscriber!
I have the Quince duffle bag and am very happy with it. You can stuff a lot into it!
Agreed, and it’s so lightweight!
This is a great and timely post. I’ve been researching underseat bags and didn”t realize Quince had this entire collection. I’m going to check it out. Thank you!
Me, too! I’ve only looked to Quince for clothing, and this is a pleasant, much-needed post.
I only travel with a rolling carry-on, plus a backpack as my personal item. For other women like me whose appearance is more sporty/athletic, I highly recommend Osprey bags. They’ve been my favorite for almost 20 years now (wow). I recently had to test their lifetime warranty when an airline demolished my bag — and it could not have been easier. Bag was promptly replaced by Osprey, at no cost to me. It was actually kind of shocking since it was the airline’s fault.
Wow, that’s a great testimonial to their service.
Hi Jennifer, I love the look of the Quince duffle bag, but it’s just a bit too big as a personal item on Air Canada. So instead, for a trip to Japan next year, I have the Baggallini Everywhere bag – it’s much, much smaller, but I’m going to have to downsize from my usual ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ style anyway for Japan! I’ll also be taking a small soft-sided backpack carry on suitcase from Amazon, plus a medium suitcase. I’ve had a hard-sided Samsonite for years, but I just got a soft-sided suitcase from Swiss Gear – instead of both sides of the case being equal, the top just has a large zipped flat pocket, so I don’t need to open the case out wide in those cramped hotel rooms. Plus it has a couple of pockets on the front for extras. I’m looking forward to using it.
I haven’t yet bought anything from Quince, but glad they are now shipping to Canada, so it’s only a matter of time!
Sounds like an amazing trip. We loved Japan and I’d go back in a second.
How odd about Quince shipping to Canada. I just bought their king duvet insert and it’s made in Canada. I couldn’t be happier with the quality and the price.
I have several pieces of their bedding and love it!!
I used to use a carry-on exclusively until I could no longer lift it up over my head and hated being dependent on a stranger for help. I use a lightweight tote that fits under the seat in front of me and check my bag, but I still travel light.
That’s increasingly an issue. My shoulders aren’t what they used to be that’s for sure.
Thank you for the packing ideas. I don’t always do carryon but am going to for our trip to New York next week.
Because you prefer to do carryon only, how do you handle the liquids that must go into a plastic bag for security screening? I like the leather makeup bags, but I am guessing that they won’t work through security.
I buy travel sizes of everything or decant to travel containers. I have lots or creams which don’t count, only true liquid which I don’t carry much of.
Good morning,
I love the navy blue dress you are wearing! Do you have a link?
MJR
That photo was taken in Bali last month wearing one of the local purchases I made at a little shop when I realized I needed more loose clothes.
traveling in Australia you get your carry-on bag weighed. 7 kilos only is allowed in Economy. Also I find large cases that are clam shell opening take up double space in hotel rooms . Goodness those European hotel rooms are a little squeezy. So have returned to normal front opening .
Yes to Quince. I have the 24” check through and I can’t really tell the difference between it and our Monos suitcases. I may try the transit bag next in a lighter color. I have a Cal Pak Luka, which I love except they all have black interiors, ie black hole, and no dedicated laptop area (though it’s also padded so I can just throw the laptop in). At Quince’s prices you can have several different bags. I like differently combos of bags depending on whether or not I’m checking a bag (if checking then I want a backpack to shlep around the airport, not something on my shoulder) and whether or not I’m bringing a laptop.
I’m not generally a backpack wearer but it occurred to me on this last trip that one would be very handy.
I always wear a backpack when traveling. It’s hands free and saves my shoulder by distributing the weight. It fits nicely under the seat in front so I have everything I need at hand and I’m not scrambling to pack things away once we’ve landed. Oh, and I’m in the check luggage. I don’t want to have to drag a suitcase around airportS. It does take longer at your destination but I’m used to that.
I’m already investigating a few 😊
Happy traveling and enjoying life!