5 best check-in suitcases: Best Picks unveils the top models for your next vacay
It's May, and that can only mean one thing for keen travellers; Euro summer is just around the corner.
If you're ready to escape the cold Aussie winter and bask under the sun in Greece, Spain or France, you're going to need a trusty suitcase to transport all your essentials from A to B.
While I'm a big advocate for carry-on luggage, an international trip requires a larger case for all kinds of big and bulky items that are required on a two week (or longer) vacation.
Whether you're in the market for a state-of-the-art model or ready to invest in the best of the bunch, there are three things you always need to look for in a good check-in suitcase: ease of use, design and functionality.
Here at Best Picks, we've rounded up the best of the bunch that will safely transport your Euro wardrobe, shoes and all.
1. Samsonite C-Lite Suitcase 75cm, $999 at Samsonite
We've written about this best-seller before — and for good reason.
As one of Samsonite's most popular cases, the C-Lite is designed and made in Europe, with a strong hard shell from woven Curv material, its light enough to wheel through the airport, and durable to withstand a lifetime of trips.
Shoppers say the best-selling case 'delivers on durability and performance,' and is 'great for longer adventures,' thanks to the 10 year warranty giving users a peace of mind with purchase.
For a limited-time, save up to 40 per cent when you spend $299 or more, and that includes the new pearl/fuchsia colourway which can be easily be spotted on the carousel.
2. July Checked Expandable, $425 at July
Aussie-made luggage brand July has long been a name on our radar, and you can spot thousands of travellers wheeling the recognisable trunk-like cases at the airport.
Loved by the masses, the Checked Expandable can hold 80L in size, and has plenty of hidden features to make travelling days much more easier, including the expandle function for storing a few extra additions.
Inside there's a laundry bag and a heavy-duty Y strap to compress your belongings and create more space. Thanks to the telescopic handles, it's easier than ever to wheel.
'Smooth wheels, distinctive colour, and great construction, ' says one shopper. 'Love the small little details like the smoothness or the telescopic handle, and quality of zippers - impressed.'
3. Monos Check-In Large, $485 at Monos
With over 2,000 reviews, the Monos Check-In is a crowd-favourite case with nine different colourways to choose from.
Deemed as a 'must-have' for any long-haul trips, shoppers says the case ' rolled smoothly over rough terrain ' when transporting across uneven paths in Europe.
While it's on the heavier side, the Aerospace-grade, water-resistant outer shell offers high performance and extreme durability, with 360 degree wheels making it easy to roll, and gorgeous vegan leather detailing.
As an added bonus, the Monos case comes with an ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags and a stylish vegan leather luggage tag.
4. American Tourister Aerostep, $399 at American Tourister
A big player in the luggage game, American Tourister is home to hundreds of durable and functional cases from carry-on to check-in.
That includes the award-winning Aerostep, an expandable large 77cm suitcase with double wheels, mesh pockets, and a TSA combination lock.
Weighing in at 3.8kg, it leaves plenty of room (and weight) for all your holiday essentials, including heavier items like shoes, books and electronics.
Thanks to an epic offer, you can save 40 per cent when spending $250 or more on a new case for your overseas adventure.
5. Antler Large Luggage, $399 at Antler
Home to plenty of gorgeous colourways, Antler luggage comes highly-rated and recommended by thousands of shoppers across the country.
With a lifetime warranty across all cases, it's hard to look past the British brand and the stylish designs on offer, especially the Large Luggage, a 78cm travel companion.
' Bought this case to take on long haul trips. Really good build quality so will hopefully withstand some of the rough treatment it's bound to get in transit,' one shopper commented.
Thanks to the silent 360 degree wheels and bespoke comfort-grip handle, 'it's incredibly lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to maneuver through busy airports and city streets,' another agreed.
There's currently two offers up for grabs: spend $399 and save up to 40 per cent off, or build your own bundle with a matching carry on case for 20 per cent off.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
21 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Qatar Airways purchased massive stake in Virgin Australia to secure capacity Catherine King rejected, Ross Greenwood says
Qatar Airways took a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia to secure the additional capacity it was controversially denied by Transport Minister Catherine King in 2023, Sky News' Business Editor Ross Greenwood has declared. Join or tune in at 11am AEST to watch Greenwood's in-depth analysis of the Qatar-Virgin deal and the Aussie carrier's IPO. Labor faced heated criticism for months after it was revealed the Albanese government denied Qatar Airways additional flights following consultation with Qantas. It came at a time when travellers were plagued by sky-high airfares and limited capacity. In late 2024, it was revealed Qatar intended to purchase a 25 per cent stake off Virgin's owner Bain Capital and it was approved by the Treasurer and the Foreign Investment Review Board in 2025. Under the new make-up of the company, Virgin has begun wet-leasing aircraft from Qatar, meaning Virgin could use Qatar's planes and staff on its flights. Greenwood said this new arrangement allowed Qatar to finally secure the capacity denied to it about two years prior. 'For Qatar, the linkage with Virgin gives it political clout - to lift the number of flights it makes into Australia,' he said. 'Now - after the Virgin deal, Qatar will wet-lease aircraft to Virgin and potentially use up to 28 flight slots from Australia to Doha that are currently unused. 'The first of these Virgin flights took off two weeks ago using Qatar crew, aircraft and catering but branded as Virgin flights. 'The whole service that - for nine years - has seen Qatar named by Skytrax as the best airline in the world.' The new partnership will connect Australians through long-haul international flights from Sydney to Doha, allowing for new routes through Qatar's global network of Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Flight Centre's CEO Graham Turner said Qatar Airways backing Virgin had 'solidified' the Aussie airline as it looked to compete with Qantas and the National Carrier's partner Emirates on routes to Europe. 'The airline industry is one where you do need deep pockets and I think that Qatar really offers some serious security there,' Mr Turner told earlier this month. The expertise and massive size of Qatar's fleet, which is often ranked as one of the world's top airlines, is considered essential for Virgin's European expansion. 'Having a partner like Qatar that's obviously heavily committed to the Australian international market, particularly to Europe and the UK, is going to be a really positive thing for Virgin here,' Mr Turner said. Virgin is also expected to benefit from a massive investment by Qatar for 210 widebody Boeing aircraft. Editor in Chief of aviation website 42 Thousand Feet Geoffrey Thomas said the additional aircraft would enable Virgin to relaunch trans-Pacific and Asian routes alongside European flights. 'With Qatar Airways and their buying power … I see them as being a real rock of Gibraltar, if you like, for Virgin,' Mr Thomas told 'In the recent order for about 130 B787s, I see a number of those, possibly 20, making their way to Virgin as part of a bulk buying. 'That will help Virgin relaunch to Asia, relaunch the United States and become a true international airline in its own right.'
Daily Telegraph
2 days ago
- Daily Telegraph
How to avoid the $138m mistake Aussie travellers keep making
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Aussie travellers have forked out $138 million in avoidable international transaction fees over the last year, new research has revealed. A report by ING found holiday-makers dedicated a hefty 20 per cent of their travel budgets to food and dining purchases – an average of $1,477 per traveller. Of that, $82.28 in transaction could have been saved. 'Our new research shows Aussies are increasingly prioritising food and dining experiences when they travel,' ING's head of daily banking Dina Kotsopoulos said. A collective $12bn has been spent by Aussies on overseas dining. Picture: iStock 'We encourage Aussies to confirm with their banks what fees they might be subject to while on holiday, ahead of time, so they can fully enjoy their global foodadventures without unexpected costs.' Ms Kotsopoulos encouraged those looking to travel internationally to plan ahead, check their bank's fees on overseas purchasing and consider their options to avoid incurring avoidable charges before they leave. THE TOP FIVE CUISINES AUSSIES WANT TO MASTER AT HOME The research also found that more travellers are prioritising memorable culinary experiences when holidaying, with 88 per cent of respondents willing to cut back on other aspects of travel, such as shopping and activities, to make room for a good meal. Dina Kotsopoulos, Head of Daily Banking at ING, encouraged Aussies to check with their banks what fees they might be subject to when travelling. Picture: Supplied In March this year, Australia's number one cooking resource surveyed more than 2350 Australians from all cultural backgrounds on their food habits for their Taste the World report. It found Millennials were the most domestically adventurous demographic, with 13 per cent of those aged between 29 and 44 expressing a willingness to travel to a different state or region within Australia to try a particular cuisine. In the last year, a collective $12bn has been spent on overseas culinary experiences alone. Japan remains the biggest hotspot for Aussie travellers, with a 60 per cent uptick in visitors compared to pre-Covid levels. The Asian destination is closely followed by New Zealand, with Queenstown seeing a 14 per cent increase, and Bali with a 27 per cent hike since 2019. India, China and South Korea are also rising in popularity, according to MasterCard's 2025 Travel Trends Report. Consumers are increasingly investing more in experiences, naming travel and tourism, outdoor activities and dining as their top three priorities this year. The top foodie destination was Turkey, with its median restaurant in Istanbul hosting tourists from 67 different countries. This was closely followed by France and Switzerland, each hosting a median of 64 tourist countries each. Originally published as How to avoid the $138m mistake Aussie travellers keep making
7NEWS
2 days ago
- 7NEWS
Here are the top five phone plans ideal for travelling
Let's face it, when planning a holiday, time is better spent deciding which sites to see and restaurants to dine at. No one wants to waste time finding a phone plan to use while overseas. Save yourself the hassle and make the switch to a telco that includes international allowances so you don't have to fuss around purchasing a SIM when you land. Below, we've outlined which Aussie prepaid and postpaid phone providers offer generous international perks that won't blow your budget. International roaming with felix mobile Vodafone MVNO, felix mobile, offers an international roaming pack to add onto its prepaid plans for just $20. This includes 4GB of international data, 100 texts, and 100 minutes of talk with a one-year expiry. This much data can go a long way if you take advantage of public Wi-Fi. Why we love this plan: At the time of writing, new customers who sign up online will score 50 per cent off any felix plan for the first 3 months using the code FELIX50. Here are the plans you can pair with felix' international roaming: International roaming with amaysim Each of amaysim's four roaming packs are designed to cater to different needs. Small Talk costs $20 for 100 mins, 100 texts but no data so it's great just for keeping in touch. The Works costs $55 for 50 mins, 30 texts and 2GB of data meaning it has a bit of everything. Just Gigs costs $50 for 6GB of data — no calls or texts, so aimed at those just looking to surf the net. And The Epic costs $70 for 100 mins, 60 texts and 9GB so it has a bit more of everything than the Works. Why we love this plan: amaysim's international add-on packs are super flexible in terms of inclusions and can also be stacked together to create a custom solution. They cover over 90 countries and last a huge 365-days from the date of activation. amaysim also allows its customers to add international roaming packs to any of its 28-day expiry plans, seven-day or long-expiry plans. Check out amaysim's plans which you can add its international roaming packs to: International roaming with Vodafone Vodafone is renowned for its famous $5 roaming option, which allows customers to continue using their local inclusions overseas for just $5 per day. This gives added peace of mind when travelling that a separate data allowance won't need to be monitored or topped up. One thing to note is if users do go over their primary data allowance when travelling overseas, a further charge of $5 per gigabyte will apply. Something else frequent travellers need to keep in mind is Vodafone's $5 roaming option is only available for up to 90 days of the calendar year. Why we love this plan: Vodafone's $5 roaming option means not having to pay for a separate pack of calls, texts and data — it's simply extending coverage for use in other countries. Also, it covers over 100 countries. Check out Vodafone's postpaid plans below, all with its $5 roaming option: International roaming with Optus Optus also offers a $5 per day roaming option, however, it is an add-on to an existing postpaid plan. For 24 hours users will get 5GB of data and unlimited talk and text. This add-on is limited to its 'Zone 1' countries, which covers many popular destinations such as China, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Why we love this plan: Optus 'Zone 1' destinations includes Aeromobile. This means users gain access in-flight roaming with Aeromobile's partner airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Emirates. Add Optus' $5 roaming onto any of the below postpaid plans: International roaming with Boost Mobile Boost customers can choose to add one of three international packs onto one of its prepaid plans shown above. Choose from a $20 plan with a three-day expiry and 15 mins, 15 texts and 1GB of data, a $30 plan with a seven-day expiry and 30 mins, 30 texts and 3GB of data or a $40 plan with a 14-day expiry and 60 mins, 60 texts and 5GB of data. Each of these packs covers 40 countries. Why we love this plan: Boost is the only small provider (aka MVNO) that has access to Telstra's full network, yet its plans cost at a fraction of the price. Add an international roaming pack to any of these Boost mobile plans:
