Thinking about buying luggage from Traveler’s Choice? Well so were we, so we decided to tell you everything you should know about them in this detailed review!
And if you’re not sure what kind of suitcase you should get, we’ve also taken some time to give you some useful tips on how to make that decision!
At A Glance: Our Top Picks
Want to find out which Traveler’s Choice suitcase is the absolute best choice for you? Sit back and start scrolling!
![]() | Hardshell - Best Value For Money
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![]() | Hardshell- Best Overall
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![]() | Softshell- Best Overall
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![]() | Softshell - Best Value For Money
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The Wellington suitcases have a ribbed shell made from Polycarbonate. It will bend under pressure, so it is less likely to break than a plain plastic shell. In addition to that, the shell has a metallic finish with a brushed texture, that makes all scuffs and scratches less visible.
This luggage features an aluminum wheel handle that locks into multiple height stages. And the suitcases also have single spinner wheels, which make them really easy to maneuver.
These Traveler’s Choice suitcases also have a TSA lock – a must for all of you who frequently fly to the United States. The interior of these includes two packing compartments with expandable capacity. The top one has a zippered divider with two large pockets, while the bottom compartment has elastic tie-down straps and a few pockets.
There’s also something really unique in the bottom compartment of these – detachable dividers. They allow you to basically separate a packing compartment into two parts, which is amazing for the organization. The largest suitcase has two of them, while the smaller two feature just one. If this sounds like a feature you would use often, then definitely get a Wellington suitcase.
Check the links below to see the Wellington suitcases on Amazon:
The Tasmania suitcases are Polycarbonate hardshells with lots of useful features. The design of their shells is one of those – it has a diamond-cut pattern which really helps make it scratch-resistant. Plus, since it is made from a PC, you expect these suitcases to be very durable and sturdy.
Each one of these Traveler’s Choice suitcases has four double spinner wheels, which give you great maneuverability of your luggage. Plus, they have aluminum wheel handles that you can adjust to multiple height positions. And with a couple of non-slip grab handles, traveling with these suitcases should feel effortless.
They feature TSA-friendly combination locks, which give you peace of mind when you travel. And what’s really useful is that all three suitcases have an add-a-bag strap. This allows you to attach an additional bag to the top of the suitcase so that moving around with several bags is easier.
Or, if you are actually traveling with all three Tasmania suitcases, you can attach them to one another and maneuver all three with just one arm.
Their interior consists of two fully lined packing compartments with expandable capacity. The top one has a full panel divider with two zippered mesh pockets, while the bottom one features tie-down straps and a single zippered pocket. Overall, this is something you see in a lot of other suitcases, so no surprises there.
Check the links below to see the Tasmania suitcases on Amazon:
The Barcelona suitcases are a really interesting option. They’re not like the other Traveler’s Choice suitcases, since these feature a front-opening packing compartment. These are made completely from Polycarbonate, so you know that they will be really durable and impact resistant. But they don’t have corner guards, which is one thing I wish was different.
These suitcases are just amazing for the organization. You can actually use them several different ways – one way is to use them as a standard clamshell suitcase. But you also have the option of separating the bottom and the top packing compartment and using the top one as a separate compartment for your electronics.
Also, you can just turn everything into one large packing compartment, with lots of different pockets.
I really like this feature, and I think it allows everyone to choose how they want to pack and see what suits them best. It has two locks as well, but they are plain key-locks which are TSA-compliant. So, you will need to carry around the key (and hopefully not lose it).
The wheels on the Barcelona suitcases are actually Dual Cyclone wheels. They are quiet and really smooth, and Traveler’s Choice is actually trying to patent them! Additionally, the telescopic handle is also completely their design – it curves downwards so that it fits the natural position of your arms and puts less strain on them.
Overall, if you don’t mind the somewhat higher price tag, I would definitely recommend these suitcases!
The Bell Weather suitcases are a good affordable option. They are made from Polycarbonate and they have metallic ribbed shells, which do a great job at hiding all the little scuffs and scratches. Actually, they remind me a lot of the Rimowa Topas luggage – due to the colors, design, and appearance of their exterior.
These suitcases are actually quite cheap, which is not something you can say about the Rimowa Topas. And these have zippered closures, including a TSA-friendly combination lock and an expansion zipper.
They feature double spinner wheels that roll smoothly, along with a telescopic wheel handle with adjustable height. And one thing I really like about these suitcases is that they actually have corner guards. These significantly improve their impact resistance and make the luggage more durable.
The interior of these suitcases features two fully lined packing compartments. With navy blue lining – similar to the Rimowa Topas, if I might add.
But, back to the Traveler’s Choice suitcases – they have an expandable capacity and two zippered pockets on the divider in the top compartment.
Check the links below to see the suitcases on Amazon:
The last, but definitely not the least, hardsides from Traveler’s Choice we’ll check out are the La Serena suitcases. They feature a polycarbonate shell with a diamond-cut texture that is super easy to clean, and that makes any scratches less visible. If only they had reinforced corners, right?
One interesting feature of these suitcases is the anti-theft zipper. It is a burst-resistant double coil zipper, which stands up well against thieves.
The suitcases also have a TSA-friendly lock and has double spinner wheels that allow for effortless maneuvering, especially in combination with the telescopic wheel handle. Plus, the handle locks into multiple positions, so it should be fairly easy to adjust to fit your height.
The interior consists of two packing compartments with expandable capacity, and it’s actually pretty much the same as the interior of the Bell Weather suitcases. The top compartment has a zippered divider, as well as two mesh zippered pockets on it. And the bottom divider has tie-down straps that will keep your belongings in place.
Check the links below to see the La Serena suitcases on Amazon:
The Cornwall luggage is constructed from high-density polyester. The suitcases are pretty lightweight and super durable and reliable, due to their sturdy construction. They also feature four double spinner wheels that glide smoothly and quietly. You don’t see these too often on softshell luggage, and it’s always a nice surprise when you do!
All Cornwall suitcases have add-a-bag straps, which allow you to secure additional luggage on top of your suitcase. But it also allows you to chain several of these together – this is really useful if you travel with more than one suitcase.
The interior of these Traveler’s Choice suitcases is fully lined. The packing compartment features padded tie-down straps, which actually have pockets on them. There is also a slip-pocket inside the packing compartment, as well as a suiter section on the closing flap of the suitcase.
And if you don’t think that’s enough pockets, you’ll be happy to know that this luggage also features external pockets. Two of them, to be precise, make organizing all of your stuff super easy. Oh, and the capacity of the Cornwalls is expandable – you can expand the capacity of these suitcases by an additional 30%.
Check the links below to see the Cornwall suitcases on Amazon:
The Birmingham suitcases are made from 1680D polyester – a water-repellent fabric, which is highly durable. They are also padded with EVA foam for increased durability and improved impact resistance.
The only thing that’s missing from these is spinner wheels. Instead, you have two in-line skate wheels, which means you will have to tilt the suitcase to get them rolling. That’s not really the ideal convenience of traveling, but most people are usually okay with this. And the aluminum wheel handle is ergonomically shaped, so it should feel comfortable in your hands.
You can’t lock it in different height positions though, and that is one downside. But you do get some comfortable and sturdy grab handles, so there’s that. And one thing I really like is the little plastic feet – they allow your suitcase to stand upright when fully packed, and ensure that it won’t tilt or tip over.
I think you’ll find that especially useful when you decide to expand its capacity and pack more stuff than you should.
The interior of these Traveler’s Choice suitcases is fully lined and it is actually pretty similar to the interior of the Cornwall. Both have padded-tie-down straps with mesh pockets and a slip pocket on the side of the packing compartment.
This suitcase also has a suiter section with a couple of mesh zippered pockets on the closure flap, which makes traveling organized super easy. And there are two external compartments, for all the things you accidentally forget to pack!
Check the links below to see the Birmingham suitcases on Amazon:
The Silverwood suitcases are an interesting option. They actually come in both a softshell and a hardshell version. I wanted to show you the softshell version because the hardshell one is really similar to the Barcelona luggage. These also have Dual Cyclone Spherical spinner wheels that roll quietly and smoothly, as well as the T-Cruiser ergonomic handle system for effortless maneuvering.
The Traveler’s Choice patented handle system is designed to maximize the space inside the suitcase, while still allowing you to carry a second bag on top of your luggage. Plus, the handle itself can be locked in several height positions, so you can easily adjust it to fit you right.
These are also some of the lightest softside suitcases we check out in this review, which gives them a big advantage. And they also have rubberized corner guards, which improve their overall durability. I would definitely recommend these suitcases if you’re looking for some high-quality softshells!
Their packing compartment is pretty spacious and it has expandable capacity. There is one pocket inside the actual compartment, and several zippered ones on the closing cover. Oh, and a bunch of external pockets and compartments, that really make it easy to organize all of your stuff.
Check the links below to see the Silverwood suitcases on Amazon:
The Amsterdam suitcases are a great choice if you want to get a set. For about $100 you can get an 8-piece luggage set, which includes three suitcases, packing cubes, and a rolling under-seater. I think that’s excellent value for money, especially considering all the rave reviews this luggage has.
The suitcases are made from 1200D two-tone Polyester, which is a pretty sturdy material. And they have EVA foam padded front panels, for improved protection and impact resistance. The overall exterior of the luggage is actually pretty durable – apart from the in-line skate wheels, that is. They are generally less durable than spinner wheels but are luckily really easy to fix.
One thing that’s really useful about this luggage, especially if you actually decide to get the set, is that all three suitcases have an add-a-bag strap. This makes traveling with multiple bugs much more convenient and frees up your hands. You can maneuver your luggage with just one telescopic wheel handle that locks into the extended position.
The capacity of these Traveler’s Choice suitcases is expandable. They have a single packing compartment with tie-down straps, which is pretty normal for softside luggage. Plus, they have multiple pockets. Two slip internal pockets and a large zippered one, and then also at least three external pockets, depending on the size you get.
Check the links below to see the Amsterdam suitcases on Amazon:
The Conventional II suitcases are a good option if you want to get some professional-looking luggage. These are simple, sleek, and yet really practical. They are made from 1200D Polyester, so they are actually pretty durable. Also, the hardware on this luggage is industrial strength, which tells you a lot about how sturdy they are.
They feature in-line skate wheels, which is a bummer. But at least they are quiet and roll smoothly. However, that still means you will need to tilt the suitcases to get them rolling and your arms might not like that.
But at least you have a sturdy telescopic wheel handle that locks into position when extended, for smooth maneuvering. And all suitcases have add-a-bag straps, that make traveling with several pieces of luggage feel no different than traveling with a single suitcase.
There are two external pockets on these Traveler’s Choice suitcases, which are medium-sized. Perfect for any last-minute items you forgot to pack. Also, their capacity is expandable by an additional 30%, so you won’t have any issues with bringing back more items than you originally left fit!
What’s going on inside the suitcases? Well, they have one large packing compartment with tie-down straps to keep your things in place. There is also a large mesh pocket on the top cover of the suitcase, but that’s pretty much it, in terms of internal pockets.
Check the links below to see the Conventional II suitcases on Amazon:
This is usually the hardest decision. On the one hand, hardsides are more durable than softsides and they last longer. But they are also more expensive. But then again, softsides are better for organization and they are usually lighter. So how do you choose?
Simple. If you frequently check your suitcase at an airport, then you need to get a hardside. No doubt about that. Hardshell luggage handles being thrown around by baggage handlers are a lot better than softshell luggage, and it will last you longer.
For any other use, it comes down to your personal preferences. And I would recommend you consider which features you really want to have – is it an external compartment? Expandable capacity? Multiple dividers and pockets? If you manage to find a suitcase that has everything you want and you don’t intend to check it at an airport, then it doesn’t really matter if it is a softshell or a hard shell.
Depends on a few things. First, it depends on the length of your trips – if you don’t go really go away for longer than a week at a time, you’ll be fine with a carry-on. But if you are planning a longer trip soon, or need to share the suitcase with someone, then you should definitely check out the larger luggage.
It also depends on how you travel. If you usually fly places, then there are all those rules and regulations to consider. A carry-on is the easiest option – you won’t have to pay any extra fees and you never have to worry about the safety of your luggage, since it’s right next to you in the cabin.
But with the larger suitcases, overpacking is always a concern. And then you have to weigh your suitcase and make sure that you are within the airline’s weight limit for checked bags. Otherwise, you’re out another $50.
So, if you usually go on shorter trips and don’t really bring a lot of stuff with you, then definitely get a carry-on. You’ll get more use out of it, and also better value for money. Just keep in mind that the dimensions I’ve listed in the mini-reviews refer to the dimensions of the entire suitcase, including the wheels and the handle. The actual packing compartments are slightly smaller.
Most of this doesn’t apply to you if you don’t really spend a lot of time on airlines. If you tend to drive places or travel by bus and train, then the one thing you should consider is the convenience of travel. To clarify – I made the mistake of traveling alone by train with a 30” suitcase once in my life. And my arms were sore for the next week.
Obviously, you want a suitcase that you can use for years. But you don’t always need an ultra-durable suitcase. And if you are aware of just how durable your suitcase needs to be, then you’ll easily get the best value for money.
If you’re planning on flying somewhere and you will need to check your suitcase, then a Polycarbonate hardside is your best option. Their shells are flexible and impact-resistant, which is exactly what you want out of a checked bag. You will pay more for it now, but it will last you longer than any other type of suitcase would.
On the other hand, if you want to get a carry-on or you don’t really fly that often, then you can settle for a less sturdy suitcase. And ultimately save some money.
The reason why checked baggage needs to be exceptionally durable is that baggage handlers often throw it around. A softshell suitcase is not made to endure that – it will get squished and probably ripped super easily. The same goes for ABS suitcases – even though they are more durable than softsides, they don’t have the best impact resistance.
So, definitely check the materials that the luggage you are eyeing is made from. If you need super durability, go for a hardside that’s pure Polycarbonate or at least an ABS/PC mixture. But if your suitcase won’t be thrown around ruthlessly, then you’re fine with a plain ABS hardshell, or just some classic Polyester softshells.
They usually are. If you need to buy more than one suitcase, then I would definitely recommend a set.
Sometimes you’ll see that buying a set of three suitcases is actually cheaper than getting two individual suitcases. And I think that’s great value for money, even if you don’t really need that third suitcase. You can always gift it to someone, or just sell it and earn some money back!
Take a look at the Wellington luggage – for $130 you can get two individual suitcases. But for an additional $10 you can get a set of all three. And if that’s not really good value for money, I don’t know what is!
Sets are also the better option if you’re traveling with a friend or a partner and you both need new suitcases.
Still not sure what your best options are? Well, let me tell you about my four top choices.
Let’s start with the hardshells. My overall favorite suitcase was definitely the Traveler’s Choice Barcelona. It has some really unique features that make it stand out, and that actually seem really interesting.
I love how you can transform the interior of the suitcase however you please – it can be two regular packing compartments, a giant one, or a small packing compartment and multiple additional ones. Plus, it has innovative wheels and a handle that make it effortless to move around the airport with it, which is exactly what you want!
And if you are looking to get the best value for your money, I would definitely recommend the Traveler’s Choice Wellington set. It includes three suitcases, and it is actually really cheap.
Also, the suitcases themselves are really interesting – they have detachable dividers, which allow you to divide the main packing compartment into smaller sections. So, if you like traveling organized, these are the top suitcases to pick up!
And now about the softshells – overall, my favorite suitcase was the Silverwood. It has the same Traveler’s Choice patented features as the Barcelona hardshell, which is pretty amazing.
Plus, its corners are rubberized, and that significantly improves its durability and impact resistance – perhaps what you worry about the most with softside luggage. These have lots of different pockets and compartments, so they are also really good for traveling organized.
But in terms of value for money, the Amsterdam 8-piece set is without a doubt the winner here. You get three suitcases, a travel bag, and four packing cubes for a little over $100 – how cool is that? Also, the Amsterdam suitcases are actually the lightest softshells by Traveler’s Choice, and that’s pretty amazing. They have several different pockets and compartments and a convenient add-a-bag strap.
Head over to Amazon to see more photos of these suitcases and check out their prices! And if you don’t think this is the right luggage for you, be sure to check out some of our other reviews – your ideal suitcase might be waiting in one of them!
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