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If you’re traveling Europe and looking for ideas on the best carry-on suitcases, read on to find out what the travel experts recommend.
Best Carry-on Suitcases for Traveling Europe
Table Of Contents
There are various things to consider when choosing the best luggage for Europe including a difference in carry on size, strict weight restrictions, mobility on the cobblestone streets, and long flights of stairs. Scroll down to the end of this post for tips on choosing the best suitcase for Europe travel to suit the needs for your trip.
Below you’ll find the most popular Europe travel bag styles according to our readers along with their tried and tested reviews. Keep reading to choose the right one for you:
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry On
Delsey Hard Side Suitcase
The best suitcase to have when traveling Europe is a rigid trolley case, ideally with four castors. The trolley should be divided into two compartments (not just one big compartment) for easy packing. As Kelly Hadous, CEO and founder of Win The Room, says, “you can really pack it full.”
This Delsey trolley case features two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets allow easy access and organization for all of your items. There’s also an easily accessible front compartment with a padded sleeve for your laptop, tablet, or other items you reach for at the airport or mid-travel. If you’re looking for European luggage, this Delsey suitcase fits the bill for easy organization and travel. Buy it here!
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
Osprey Farpoint 55 Backpack
Ranked as one of the best travel bags for Europe, the Osprey Farpoint is perfect for carry-on travel, RTW trips, and backpacking. The daypack conveniently attaches to the main harness of the Farpoint pack to provide easy access to gear essentials, while the sleeping pad straps allow for quick, external gear attachment. They can be fully removed to save weight, while the adjustable sternum strap deploys quickly for any path or trail.
One reader says, “I carried the Osprey Farpoint on Ryanair with no trouble! I used the small detachable backpack as my hand luggage that went at my feet. The larger bag fit fine into the Ryanair sizing bins.” Buy it here!
Osprey Packs Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Osprey Porter Carry-on Backpack
For a European carry on size bag, a backpack is always a safe option. It’s also the perfect fit for those of us who prefer to travel hands-free.
Jackie Laulainen, travel blogger of TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com, always travels with her REI backpack, sharing, “I was able to pack ALL of my belongings into this backpack (including my purse). Not only is it comfortable, with great pockets and compartments, but it also fits perfectly into the Ryanair overhead bin. This is very important, because they pulled others out of line and made them check bags at the gate, which can cost up to 60 Euros. No thank you!”
While her beloved REI backpack is an older model, we found a similar style. The Osprey Packs Porter 30 travel backpack sets the standard for deluxe duffels. It features padded sidewalls, convenient organization, and a substantial suspension for backpack-style carry. This bag also features a dedicated zippered laptop and tablet pocket with multiple access points. This bag gets two thumbs up from us! Buy it here!
eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender
The eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible bag is the perfect carry-on size backpack. We love this for European carry on luggage because it features countless organizational details along with a laptop compartment.
The full expansion zipper adds 10% more packing space for all those souvenirs you pick up along on your European travels. We love how many zippered compartments there are, making it easy to pack and organize your gear. Buy it here!
Looking for a perfect hands-free carry-on convertible backpack? Try this eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible Junior!
Lite Gear Travel Pack
Perfect for an overnight trip or an outdoor adventure, the Lite Gear carry-on case features a convertible design that you can use as a shoulder bag or a backpack. Made from durable polyester, it features a lightweight design in an airline-friendly carry-on size that makes it perfect for all types of European travel. The bag also has a zip down front pocket, a side water bottle pocket, and a vertical front zipper pocket for easy and organized storage.
As one reader says, “I use a Lite Gear convertible backpack and love it!” Buy it here!
Samsonite Spinner
For long travels, you need a durable traveling suitcase, like the Samsonite Omni PC Spinner. One reader says, “I am happy with my Samsonite spinner! If you are the kind of person who only has a few pieces of luggage and then uses it for years, this investment is absolutely worth it.
This luggage won’t weigh you down but can also survive even the most rigorous of travel. Four, multi-directional spinner wheels offer easy mobility, and the bag rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm. Most impressive is the texture. It’s lightweight yet durable, so you don’t need to worry about tears or rips. This is the kind of luggage that will last you for years and years. Buy it here!
Travelpro Platinum Elite International Expandable Carry-on Spinner
Travelpro International Carry-On Suitcase
Expandable carry-on luggage is the perfect fit when you need to size your bag up or down. European budget airlines have stricter size regulations for carry-on luggage, which means your suitcase needs to be smaller. This Travelpro suitcase is sized right, making it among the best carry-on luggage for international travel. You can expand it incrementally up to 2 inches.
Additionally, this classic design luggage has self-aligning magnetic dual wheel spinners, which help keep it rolling in a straight line. The extension handle has three stops, so you’ll find the perfect height for personal comfort.
It is made with high-quality, durable nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating to help protect against stains and scuffs, and it features leather top and side carry handles. Travelpro designed this bag with frequent flyers in mind, for business or pleasure. You’ll find it a stylish choice when looking for the best suitcase for Europe. Buy it here!
Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack
Backpacking in Europe once meant you had to carry big, bulky packs. Now, with choices like Away’s Carry-On Travel Backpack, you’ll be able to tote your capsule wardrobe in style in the best backpack for Europe. We love that this travel backpack is convertible in style; removable padded strap so you can convert this backpack into a carry-on suitcase or duffle anytime.
It has two handles and a trolley sleeve so you can carry them easily — wherever you go — on planes, trains, buses, or even on foot. This versatile backpack has dual interior and exterior compression systems that help you pack more in and multiple pockets systems that securely stash valuables and keep them within reach. Stay hydrated with an exterior water bottle pocket that fits up to a 32 oz water bottle — making it a best travel backpack for Europe! Buy it here!
Deuter Transit 50 Carry-On Travel Backpack
Deuter Transit Backpack
The Deuter Transit 50 Travel Pack features a U-shape zip allowing you to access the main compartment on a whim, keeping you from holding up the security line and on time for your flight. This bag meets airlines’ size guidelines for carry-on baggage and conveniently fits inside overhead compartment bins so you never have to check it.
Featuring a padded removable carry strap, two sturdy grab handles, breathable padded shoulder harness, and luggage stabilizing straps for extra comfort, this backpack is easy to travel with, making airline transit a breeze. Buy it here!
IT Luggage 22″ World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner
IT Lightweight Luggage
A number of our readers rave about IT luggage for the best carry on luggage for Europe. Their collection features a wide range of colors to suit your personal sense of style. This revolutionary lightweight design features a fiberglass handle that is built into the frame, which allows for a flat packing bed for crease-free packing. Each case has two smooth wheels and a wide soft grip non-locking handle.
Mary Chong, a travel blogger of Calculated Traveller, swears by IT luggage, saying “I use the 4-wheeler carry-on by IT Luggage Brands, which weighs 4.07 lbs. I LOVE IT. I go carry-on only and sneak more on the plane by using a backpack as my laptop bag/purse.” Buy it here!
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 4-Wheel Bag
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior
When you travel to Europe, you want the lightest carry-on luggage to grab and go. The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior meets that challenge at 7 lb 15 oz. This durable carry-on bag has reinforced corners to prevent fraying and a water repellent exterior.
A top compartment would be perfect for travel liquids or anything else you need to keep handy. Eagle Creek suggests the large pocket can be used for dirty laundry or gear you want to keep separate from other items in the main compartment. Use the compression straps in the main compartment to keep your packing cubes or clothing secure.
The oversize wheels have treads for greater grip when you use the adjustable handle with the unique equipment keeper. If you travel with gear, you can use the equipment keeper to strap gear to the top of the bag — or it doubles as a bottle opener. Durable and lightweight, the Eagle Creek Warrior is among the best carry-on luggage for Europe. Buy it here!
Lipault Original Plume Spinner 55/20 Carry-On Luggage
Lipault Original Plume Spinner
This carry-on from Lipault Paris makes our list for the best lightweight luggage for Europe thanks to its ultra-light weight fabric and unique collapsible 2-wheeled trolley that comes with a matching zipped storage case. One reader raves about this bag because it’s the perfect size and weight for a week’s worth of clothing.
She says, “I’ve taken the Lipault 21″ two-wheel rolling carry-on bag on three big trips with me. I had to check it once because of tour, not plane, restrictions. It’s held up pretty well. The plastic part of the retracting handle cracked last year, but I fixed it with electrical tape and it made it through this year’s trip with flying colors. It’s very lightweight and fits easily in overhead bins.” Buy it here!
High Sierra Freewheel 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack
High Sierra Wheeled Backpack
Another popular Europe travel bag is the High Sierra 21″ Carry-On Wheeled Backpack. Its large, multi-compartment design features a roomy main zippered compartment, an organizer and media pocket, a zippered pocket, and several open pockets for quick access.
It also has an easy-access zippered accessory compartment with headphone port and a fully padded cushion zone laptop compartment. This carry-on wheeled backpack has a molded kick plate which gives extra protection from abrasion. Buy it here!
Samsonite Wheeled Tote
We love the versatile shape of this wheeled tote by Samsonite. You can use it as a stylish shoulder bag or tote it like a suitcase with its handle. The bag has a sleek nylon exterior and water resistant coating. The large main compartment features a laptop pouch, organizer, and zip pockets to keep all of your belongings separate and organized.
As one reader says, “what a great bag! It fits so many travel essentials, including a laptop, comfortably.” Buy it here!
Shop: Paravel
Paravel Aviator Carry On
Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that’s been getting praise from travelers for its gorgeous luggage that’s designed with sustainability at its core. The Aviator carry on is not only a stylish piece but is made from extremely durable polycarbonate, aluminum handles, and tough zippers, all of which are recycled. Travelers highlight the effortless spinner wheels, interior organization, including a laundry bag, scuff-hiding finish, and vegan leather details.
This carbon-neutral carry-on weighs 8.2 lbs, and at 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9”, it’s a compact option that’ll easily fit into the majority of overhead bins, even on international flights and smaller planes.
You can also grab a slightly bigger version called the Aviator Carry On Plus, it measures 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ and weighs 8.5 lbs.
Things to consider when shopping for the best traveling bags for Europe:
When you choose the best travel bag for Europe, remember that you might be taking a variety of transportation methods on your trip such as trains and buses.
Aside from small luggage racks and tight storage spaces, you need to be able to move quickly and easily maneuver your suitcase on and off the train. There are sometimes even wide gaps between the train platforms and the trains so it’s helpful if you can lift your own bag with ease.
Being able to carry your own luggage is a must! Forget having to lift your own suitcase on a plane, in Europe you have to be able to lift your own bag and more through train stations, steep historical streets, and also through narrow staircases to get to your hotel room.
Unless you’re staying in a major hotel, many buildings don’t have elevators, especially if you’re staying in a small guesthouse or Airbnb. Plus, when you’re in a rush.…it helps if you can move quickly without being slowed down by your bag.
Weight and Size restrictions: If you’re traveling with one of Europe’s budget airlines such as Easyjet, RyanAir, or Jet2, one of the things to consider is baggage restrictions that are different than what’s allowed on large international carriers. Choose a lightweight suitcase to maximize the amount of space for your belongings!
The key to traveling light is to create an interchangeable capsule wardrobe!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
PRO PACKING TIP:
Use luggage organizers such as packing cubes to maximize the space in your bag so you can fit in all your belongings in an organized and efficient way using minimal space.
If you’re not already traveling carry-on only, this might be the game changer you need!
Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything.
And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Unsure how to use them? Read this post to find out everything you want to know about packing cubes!
Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale
Not many people are familiar with luggage scales, but they’re incredibly helpful when you’re a frequent traveler.
We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.
With a compact luggage scale in hand, you’ll never have to worry about excess baggage fees!
What do you think are the best carry on suitcase for Europe? Share in the comments!
For more suitcase recommendations, please read:
- Suitcase Recommendations: 20 Travel Experts Reveal Top Luggage Brands
- This Packing Video will Change the Way You Travel
- How to Choose the Best Luggage Organizer
- How to Choose a Suitcase
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Well balanced article. I own the Delsey,and the Motherlode. Just bought the Bento bag v 4. Hoping I can figure a good combo with that as a personal item with one of the other bags.
Thank you for all of your great advice! I recommend your site to my family and friends when they are planning a trip.
One thing to note about carry-ons in Europe: some of the airlines over there have ridiculously low limits for size and weight. One of my flights (I am with a group tour) will require a carryon no larger than 15.7″ X 7.87″ X 9.8″. I had a very hard time finding a bag that small. Word of warning to anyone traveling in Europe in 2023.
Good advice, thanks for sharing Julia. And I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you sharing TFG! ❤
Hi Alex, thank you for the reviews. Your site has changed the way I travel!
My next carry-on will likely be the Omni PC, if my current Samsonite ever bites the dust. Would love it if your packing cubes returned. Hopefully there is enough interest to bring them back.
Rebekah
Hi Alex,
Any idea when your packing cubes and other anti theft products will be available? I am interested in buying all of them.
Thank you,
Kelly
Hi Kelly, sadly we’re still recovering from 2020 and unfortunately our Compass Rose product line has been massively impacted and at this moment in time we’re not sure when or if we’ll be making our bra wallets or packing cubes again.
And sadly, apart from the giveaway, we don’t have any available at the moment.
Lots of choices and things to consider. Thank you Alex!
Thank you for such a great article. Very helpful.
We are going to Italy in May for six weeks. Part tour, part on our own. My neck and back will not allow me to carry more than a purse like backpack. I’m looking for recommendations for a carry on with as much space as possible while still conforming with the strict size and weight restrictions. Of course ease of rolling over varied surfaces is a plus. I could also use a recommendation for a secure day pack that I can use as my personal under the seat purse/extra stuff bag.
Thanks so much.
Hi Darlene, thank you for reaching out. The best advice would be to check with your airline to see what measurements they allow for their carryon luggage and then check these against the measurements of the carry-on suitcases featured in this article. This article features our readers top recommendations! For your second question, check out this post for ideas for your day pack: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-day-bag/. For an under the seat bag you may prefer something from here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps you with your question. Have an amazing trip to Italy! ?
Just back from 15 days in France. Used my AWAY Bigger Carry-on & a tote bag for all my things. The suitcase has a (removable) built in battery which allowed me to charge my I-everythings sans adaptors. Packing cubes are a must for organization and ease of
deciding what I wanted to wear on a daily basis.
The main thing to remember is how you are traveling(train, bus, car etc) and who/why you are traveling- business trip, total vacation or a combo of both.,
Hi Carole-Lee, thank you for sharing your great packing tips with us. Hope you had an amazing trip to France! ?
Alex,
I wondered if you tried luggage from Biagi? Their suitcases expand in size.
(Underseat /overhead; carryon/check, e.g.) their backpacks convert to suitcases. I didn’t know about quality, etc, but thought it was a great concept.
Hi Carrie, thank you for sharing Biagi with us! Happy travels! ?
I was curious about that luggage as well so I bought it for my river cruise on the Rhine. I bought 2 large and 1 small. The large starts out as a carry on and expands to a full size. I used the large for my clothes and checked it. The other large I used as my carry on without expanding it and the small I used as my personal item that fit under my seat. Returning home I expanded the 2nd large for all the things I purchased and checked it as well and I expanded the small to make it a full size carry on for all the things I didn’t want to check. I loved them! I was worried about the fabric getting messed up or torn so I ordered plastic covers on Amazon (the 26” fits perfectly) and my luggage still looks brand new. I definitely recommend them!!
So glad to NOT see the Tom Bihn 30 on this list. Oh sure, it allowed me to be more organized then my Porter 30 and hold more. BUT, the straps on the TB30 were improperly positioned. I backpacked for 3 weeks with my cousin this summer, we are both small framed women, tall, but small. The Tom Bihn caused so much back pain at the neck and shoulder area, even when caring the Porter 30 without using the waist strap, the pain wasn’t comparable. The Porter 30 without question or being weighed made it onto: Norwegian Air and WOW.
Hi Natalie, thank you for sharing your review of the Tom Bihn suitcase with us! I am sorry to hear about your terrible experience with the bag 🙁
I love my Tom Bihn Tristar. It only holds about 15 pounds so doesn’t exceed my ability to carry on my back.
most of the european airlines (not only the low cost lines) only allow carry ons with a max weight of 8 kgs (they often check the weight before boarding ), so better invest in a jacket with lots of pockets 🙂
Hi Gudrun, great advice, thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Try Scottevest travel jackets, vests, and more for good-looking travel clothing with LOTS of pockets. I have no connection to the company, just a happy customer.
I love my Eagle Creek 20 inch Load Warrior (International carry-on size). I just returned from a three week trip to Amsterdam and Italy (Milan, lake Como, Verona, Venice, Florence, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. I needed a bag that would meet the strict carry on size and weight limits of the international regional airlines (Vueling) and would also make getting on and off trains, going up stairs and navigating cobble stones as effortless as possible. The Load Warrior was durable, lightweight, easily navigated the cobblestones and held an amazing amount of stuff. I didn’t even need to use the expander. So I would also consider it as a great option.
Hi Erynn, thank you so much for taking the time to share your interesting review of the Eagle Creek bag, so happy it worked so well for you!! Hope you had a fantastic trip, your itinerary sounds amazing!! 🙂
I did two weeks in Italy out of a duffel bag! I wanted something lightweight and easy to carry. I just carried it like a big backpack!
Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing this with us! Hope you had an amazing trip to Italy! 🙂
I love the Osprey Porter 30L.
I keep looking for a new roller since mine is 24 in and not many airlines allow it. But the link for the IT 20 inch goes to the bigger size (32.4). You might want to update the link.
Thanks Dawn!
Love my 22″ Lipault Spinner in Duck Blue. It is SO LIGHT! Simple yet sturdy and does its job perfectly. Retail is $199 usd but I found mine for 50% off at $99usd! The bag fit wheels straight into the overhead bin on a SW plane. Several men tried to help me with my bag, but I insisted on grabbing it because it was very easy to lift. This was my first time carrying-on (post 9/11 restrictions) and will never go back to checking bags. I packed my daughter and I for a weekend trip using packing cubes and an ebags small hanging toiletry bag. We attended a symphony concert, so both of us needed dressy clothes and shoes. She wore heels, I wore tieks (foldable leather flats). I brought the ebags Savvy laptop tote as my *personal* item and as long as you don’t completely cram it full, it fits beautifully under the seat in front of you. We needed an umbrella for rain during our trip, snacks for the plane (3hr flight + 30min flight) a water bottle, novel, tablet, 3/1/1 bag, and phone, wallet, bag of chargers for our carryon. The spinner glided along the floor in any direction we needed it to go and the ebags tote fit perfectly on the top, hooked over the handle. The bag was full, but not crammed to the point of stressing the seams. The belts inside really help squeeze your items down to compress everything. I LOVE this combo: 22″ Lipault Spinner + Ebags Savvy Laptop Tote for travel
One of our airlines, Jetstar, has very strict carry-on baggage weight restrictions. It stipulates a total combined weight of 7kg.
Unfortunately, that will probably be even more common soon so we’ll have to come up with even more packing hacks 😉
I was really hoping to see some 2 wheel carry on bags – for all those cobblestones! Spinners just won’t do it, and I hate to admit, but I’m getting too old to lug a backpack. Any suggestions?
Hi Alison, the wheels of a regular suitcase brand are a bit too flimsy for cobblestones so I use one from an outdoor brand like Osprey: https://travelfashiongirl.com/wheeled-backpacks-osprey-meridian-review/ I just bought their lightweight Ozone and I LOVE IT! http://amzn.to/1BXpJPm I can’t use a backpack either so a rugged wheeled option is my choice for all terrain 🙂
I love my Red Oxx Sky Train in Amethyst! Extremely durable, made in the USA (Montana), lifetime warranty, and multiple ways to carry. And did I mention that Amethyst is a gorgeous shade of purple?
Thanks for sharing!