Globe-Trotter Luggage Review: Is It Worth The Investment?

Globe-Trotter is a luxury luggage company that manufactures suitcases with a vintage design. Think of what a suitcase looked like a century ago, and then add modern details and features to it – that’s in essence what a Globe-Trotter suitcase is!

It’s all about the vintage design, but the luggage also has quite a few premium features. It also sports a hefty price tag, so it’s not within the budget of the average traveler. The cases are in a similar price range as Tumi and Rimowa, and they’re definitely considered luxury luggage.

Whether they’re worth the money, and everything else you should know about Globe Trotter luggage is included in this detailed review!

Size Variety & Design

The standard Globe-Trotter luggage is available in eight sizes:

Air Cabin

• Dimensions: 18.1” x 15.7” x 6.3”
• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Capacity: 27 liters

Small Carry-On

• Dimensions: 20.9” x 15.7” x 7”
• Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Capacity: 30 liters

Carry On

• Dimensions: 16.5” x 22” x 8.3”
• Weight: 9.5 lbs
• Capacity: 40 liters

Medium Checked Case

• Dimensions: 16.5” x 26.8” x 10.2”
• Weight: 10.8 lbs
• Capacity: 60 liters

Large Checked Case

• Dimensions: 18.9” x 29.9” x 10.2”
• Weight: 13 lbs
• Capacity: 83 liters

Large Suitcase

• Dimensions: 32” x 18.9” x 7.9”
• Weight: 9.9 lbs
• Capacity: 66 liters

XL Trunk

• Dimensions: 17.3” x 28.7” x 14.4”
• Weight: 13.7 lbs
• Capacity: Not specified

XL Suitcase

• Dimensions: 34.3” x 19.7” x 10.2”
• Weight: 13.2 lbs
• Capacity: 101 liters

All the dimensions above indicate the full dimensions of the luggage (with wheels and handles).

It’s worth noting that the brand also manufactures attaches, messenger bags, and many other types of bags, but these are the main sizes that suitcases come in. In terms of color and design variety, you’ve got almost endless options. The Carry-On alone is available in 35 different versions, and that’s just for the design of the shell.

You can also choose from models that have four wheels, two wheels, or no wheels, just like the suitcases of yore. The Suitcase models are generally larger than trunks and cases because they have no wheels.

They’re not quite as convenient for travel because you have to carry them in hand, but they do offer a bigger body, more packing space, and are significantly lighter while retaining similar overall dimensions. And let’s face it, with a price point of more than $3,000, it likely won’t be the person who pays for the suitcase who ends up carrying it.

Materials & Durability

Globe-Trotter suitcases are made from Vulcanised Fibreboard. It’s their proprietary material made from 14 layers of recycled paper that are bonded together with zinc. It’s extremely tough and durable, and it performs just as well as the more expensive plastic composites used in the manufacturing of suitcases.

It also helps that all the luggage has reinforcements on the corners, for even better durability and impact resistance. Overall, you can expect the Globe-Trotter suitcases to perform well even after years of use, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re backed with a solid warranty.

The Handles

All Globe-Trotter suitcases feature grab handles on the top and side, as well as a telescopic wheel handle. The wheel handle is a standard push-button handle with two barrels, and it’s possible to lock it to several different heights for maximum comfort.

The grab handles are exceptionally sturdy and very comfortable to hold. The side handle is padded for even more comfort, so you can actually carry the luggage in one hand without being in pain.

The Wheels

I’ve already mentioned that you have three options when it comes to the wheels on these suitcases – double spinner wheels, in-line skate wheels, or no wheels at all. The spinner luggage is by far the most popular option, and it’s generally the best choice for travelers who like the vintage design, but don’t want to make compromises on modern technologies.

The wheels are smooth and silent and perfect for smooth airport and hotel lobby floors. The in-like skate wheels are generally the better option for rolling the luggage across cobblestone and other uneven terrain, but it won’t be quite as easy to move around with the suitcases.

And then there’s luggage without the wheels. They’re unpractical and twice the price of the spinner suitcases, but also significantly lighter and more spacious.

Carbon Steel Locks

Globe-Trotter suitcases are all zipperless and equipped with one of two types of locks. Some luggage has TSA-friendly locks and other has standard carbon steel locks. All the TSA-friendly luggage has the small red TSA logo on the locks, so it’s easy to tell the difference between the two.

However, it’s important to note that the locks are not the classic combination locks that you’re used to seeing in other luggage. Instead, these can be (un)locked with keys, or by twisting the mechanism around the lock.

Globe-Trotter even offers instructions on how to unlock the luggage without a key, so are the locks just for show? Sure, they will deter thieves, but it doesn’t make the luggage ultra-secure if it can be so easily unlocked without a key or combination.

It’s worth noting that all the Globe-Trotter luggage features belts that can further secure the main compartment of the suitcases, and allow you to leave your luggage unlocked if you want.

Inside The Globe-Trotter Luggage

Every Globe-Trotter suitcase is fully lined and features at least two compression straps inside. The carry-ons usually have one main packing compartment in the bottom, and some will also include compression straps in the shallow top compartment for extra storage space. It’s usually the luggage with no wheels that doesn’t include any compression straps in the top compartment.

The larger checked cases allow you to utilize both sides of the luggage when packing. You get two compression straps in either compartment, and you can fit quite a lot inside the suitcases. However, it’s worth noting that Globe-Trotter luggage lacks internal pockets, so it doesn’t have the best organizational capabilities.

One thing to note is that you can purchase sets of packing cubes from the brand, which can help you keep the contents of the case somewhat organized. But it’s far from ideal, especially at the prices this luggage retails for.

Additional Features

The exterior belts are pretty much the only additional feature you get on the Globe-Trotter suitcases. Every suitcase from this brand has them, whether it’s a massive trunk or a tiny carry-on.

The belt buckles are aligned with the wheel handles, and allow you to secure the contents of your suitcase even better. This is super useful for closing a fully packed suitcase; sometimes you’ll struggle to close the locks when the luggage is packed to the brim, and compressing it with the belts will really help.

Also, the belts are absolutely great in case the locks malfunction. I’ve owned a similar suitcase from a different brand, and one of the locks just broke off. If this were to happen with the Globe-Trotter luggage, you could still continue to use it even before you get the lock repaired, thanks to the convenient belts.

Warranty

All Globe-Trotter luggage comes with a five-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. The warranty will not cover any damage caused by misuse, airlines, or regular wear and tear.

To be perfectly honest, I’m not at all impressed with this warranty considering the price point of the luggage. Rimowa offers a lifetime warranty, while Briggs & Riley offers free repairs for damage caused by an airline, and both those brands are more affordable than Globe-Trotter.

Globe-Trotter Luggage: Is It Worth Investing in This Suitcase?

Globe-Trotter luggage is expensive, so it’s valid to wonder whether or not it’s worth so much money. I would say that it depends on what you’re looking for in a suitcase, how often you travel, and what your budget for luggage is.

If you can afford this luggage without really feeling its cost, then, by all means, get yourself a Globe-Trotter suitcase. I would recommend the Aston Martin F1 edition while it’s still available – there are only 50 such cases in the world so you’re getting unique luggage, plus it’s Formula 1 themed!

On the other hand, if you can’t really afford this luggage but you’re thinking of stretching your budget, I would advise against it. At this price point, you can also consider brands like Rimow, Tumi, and even Briggs & Riley, which offer better warranties, more features, and just overall luggage that is more easily manageable.

But if you’re all about that vintage design and you want a luxury suitcase that looks like it belongs to a different era, there’s hardly a better option than Globe-Trotter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Globe-Trotter luggage made?

Globe-Trotter luggage is manufactured by hand in Great Britain, and it’s been that way since 1897.

Who uses Globe-Trotter luggage?

Globe-Trotter has had some very notable customers throughout the years, but their most famous customer would have to be Queen Elizabeth II. The late monarch (and other members of the royal family) were all spotted with Globe-Trotter luggage, as well as Winston Churchill, David Beckham, James Bond, and many others.

How long does the Globe-Trotter luggage last?

Globe-Trotter luggage can last for decades if taken care of properly. With regular servicing and necessary repairs, the suitcase might just last you a lifetime.

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