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The Best Luggage For First Time Travelers

Feeling the urge to explore? A great bag can really help make things easier.

Person stowing luggage away on a flight The right bag can make a huge difference in how well your first big trip. | Shutterstock
By  Islands Staff Dec. 22, 2020

If you're traveling for the first time, it can be daunting in a lot of ways. Yet nothing can prepare you more than a good piece of luggage. These bags will make sure your first trip will also be your best.

Solo New York Urban Overnight Case and Laptop Bag, Black, One Size
Quick trips are even easier to plan when you have a do-it-all carryon that can fit so much. | Solo New York

Make sure your bag has room for all the stuff you want to bring, like laptops, chargers, eReaders, and, oh yeah, clothes.

NINETYGO Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, 100% Polycarbonate Geometric Suitcase with TSA Lock for Travel, Large Capacity & Stylish Sleek Design (24-inch Checked-Medium Black)
One of the keys to stress-free trips is not having to check any bags. | Domie

Check that the bag you're considering is compliant with airline rules, properly sized as a carry-on, with a TSA-approved lock.

AmazonBasics Oxford Carry-On Expandable Spinner Luggage Suitcase with TSA Lock - 21.8 Inch, Green
When you're bobbing and gliding past slowpokes in unfamiliar terminals, you don't need a ball and chain. | AmazonBasics

Check for good, comfortable hardware, such as a handle that telescopes smoothly, wheels that spin and roll easily, and handles you can grip and lift with.

SwissGear Sion Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Pewter, Carry-On 21-Inch
Name brands inspire faith in a product, so don't be afraid to pick based on reputation. | SwissGear

If you're looking at a soft bag, get one with a strong synthetic fabric such as polyester or rip-stop nylon.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner With USB Port, Jet Black, One Size
Pack what you need and don't think twice. | Samsonite

Consider useful extras once you've checked all the boxes, such as detachable laptop pockets and USB chargers built into the bag.

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