The idea of taking a trip over to Europe is quite romantic and full of exciting prospects. Whether you have the chance at boosting your career at a conference, are looking to explore a city on a weekend break, or have grander plans in mind, you need a good case.
We all have something basic in the back of the wardrobe that might do the job, but a European trip deserves something more stylish and well-designed. So, here are 10 suitcase brands we think are the best suitcase for European travel.
- DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
- CO-Z Vintage 2 Piece Retro Suitcase
- Amazon Basics Vienna Spinner Suitcase Luggage
- American Tourister – Soundbox Spinner Expandable Case
- Coolife Luggage Expandable
- LEVEL8 Lightweight Carry-on Suitcase
- DELSEY Paris Chatelet 2.0 Softside Luggage Under-Seater
- Steve Madden Designer 20 Inch Carry On Luggage
- LONDON FOG Brentwood II 25″ Expandable Spinner
- Ytonet Rolling Briefcase for Women
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
You can’t go too wrong with Delsey Paris. The style of this case has a classic fashionable feel that wouldn’t look out of place in this grand city. The faux-leather trims look great against the Champagne White and Chocolate Brown polycarbonate shell. This material is also used for strong handles on the top and side. There are also the telescoping handle, spinner wheels, and TSA-approved lock for modern conveniences. The capacity of this 21-inch carry-on case is ample and the zipper divider, shoe bag, and removable hanger make this even better for high-end functions or business trips.
Pros
- The Paris design is chic and perfect for traveling to France or other urban destinations
- The modern touches make this case even more convenient.
Cons
- It might be too small for long-term traveling.
CO-Z Vintage 2 Piece Retro Suitcase
If you like the idea of going for a retro vintage look for a European adventure, you might also like this set. Both pieces have a great look with the faux leather straps and corner protectors against the brightly colored case. On first impressions, they have that boxy old-fashioned look from old movies. However, they still have the same important telescoping handle, TSA lock, and spinner wheels. Getting a set like this is great if you want a choice between sizes or are traveling with a partner. The larger piece is 26 inches and the smaller is 12 inches, so better for weekend trips.
Pros
- You get two pieces to choose from to suit different types of trips.
- The design is retro and fun without losing those important modern features.
Cons
- You don’t get the shoe organizer or hanger like you do with the Paris model
Amazon Basics Vienna Spinner Suitcase Luggage
It is also important to point out that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really nice-looking retro-inspired case. This Amazon Basics one looks great with the bands of tan and matching zip against the dark shell. This shell is also scratch-resistant and hides a spacious interior. This 26.7-inch case has plenty of room with some nice interior pockets. The case also comes with spinner wheels, a side handle, and the telescoping handle to make it easier to get around. As the name suggests, it does the basics pretty well without going over the top in any way.
Pros
- A more affordable way to get the same sort of retro design for your travels.
- A good capacity with some good organizational features.
Cons
- It does look cheaper and might not last as long as a result.
American Tourister – Soundbox Spinner Expandable Case
Next, we have a series of more modern hardshell cases. This first one comes from American Tourister. It is a good idea to have something bold and easily recognizable when traveling abroad. They don’t get much bolder than the bright textured polypropylene on these cases. The design is more simple than the organized Paris model, with a couple of interior pockets and garment straps. However, this one has the benefit of being expandable. There are three sizes available, from the smallest 35.5L model to the massive 97L one.
Pros
- A design that will stand out against other cases when traveling between destinations.
- An expandable capacity to the interior, so you have room for purchases abroad.
Cons
- The interior features are quite simple compared to other models.
Coolife Luggage Expandable
COOLIFE is a great choice if you want a no-nonsense approach to international travel. You get a great hardshell case with a tough PC and ABS to resist damage. This one also has protective corners ad a nice texture to the colorful shell. This carry-on version is great for air travel and for transporting between the airport and hotel at your city destination. You can choose from the 20, 24, and 28-inch options depending on your needs. But, if you go for the 28-inch one you can expand this as needed. There isn’t anything special in the design, with its standard spinner wheels and telescoping handle, but it does the job.
Pros
- A strong and brightly colored case that should last.
- Plenty of size options, including an expandable larger model.
Cons
- The design is quite basic with no clever features for your trip.
LEVEL8 Lightweight Carry-on Suitcase
One downside of the COOLIFE and American Tourister models is the lack of separate storage options. That is where this LEVEL8 case can really help. There is a large front pocket that opens out to reveal a series of sleeves and secure pockets. There is room for a 15.6-inch laptop and a 9.7-inch tablet, so you can get these out to work while traveling between destinations. This is great when on the train between cities and itching to write your next blog post. The interior is nice and spacious with straps and a divider. The case is also durable with an anti-scratch coating on the ABS shell and reinforced corners.
Pros
- A fold-down front pocket for access to your tech.
- The same durable hard shell with reinforcements.
Cons
- The colors aren’t as fun as the other hardshell cases.
DELSEY Paris Chatelet 2.0 Softside Luggage Under-Seater
Next, we need to look at some of the softside cases. These are a bit more malleable and easy to handle when dealing with different modes of transport across Europe. This first one will like familiar. That is because it is a smaller softside version of the Paris model before. So, if you thought that was a little large for your weekend break or business trip, this under-seater model might be better suited. It has the same great design features and still has convenient wheels and a telescoping handle. There is also a hidden front pocket and flap for the handle to make it sleeker. You also get a little bit of organization in the 16-inch case.
Pros
- A more compact under-seater version of that great Paris design.
- Easy to handle for a weekend away.
Cons
- Lacks storage options so you need to travel light.
Steve Madden Designer 20 Inch Carry On Luggage
Another option for softside retro suitcases for Europe is this one from Steve Madden This one is more spacious and practical for longer trips. There are many pockets throughout the design to help you organize everything while traveling between destinations. Again, there is a nice use of faux leather trim and some tassels to add visual appeal. However, you get this at a lower price. There are also lots of fun colors and prints to help the case stand out from the crowd. the 20-inch case is expandable to hold anything you might buy on your trip and has spinner wheels and a telescoping handle.
Pros
- There are lots of pockets for personal items.
- The design takes some of the fun retro ideas and adds them to a more practical case.
Cons
- The shape could get a little bulky and annoying if traveling by train.
LONDON FOG Brentwood II 25″ Expandable Spinner
An alternative option with softside cases is to embrace the destination in a contemporary style. The London Fog series offers a range of softside cases with great storage options, spinner wheels, and telescoping handles. Each has a nod to a British location, so would be fun for trips across the pond. The cappuccino plaid pattern of the Brentwood is especially stylish. It has a fog guard coating to handle any miserable weather too. Inside, there are pockets for shoes and accessories and cargo straps.
Pros
- A different type of stylish design for modern travelers.
- The addition of weatherproofing suits those heading to Britain with its unpredictable weather.
Cons
- The case might be a bit too big for shorter weekends or business trips.
Ytonet Rolling Briefcase for Women
Finally, we have this rolling briefcase. This is a bag that blends a few different styles. It looks like a carry-on duffel with a more sophisticated edge, there is the feature for laptops, and there is a rolling base and handle like a suitcase. This should make this striking bag a must-have for those traveling for business. The quilted look of the purple bag also stands out well enough not to confuse it with other laptop bags. It measures 16..5×10.2×15 inches for convenience and has separate compartments for all you need. It is fun, secure, and great for a weekend away.
Pros
- A striking design that businesswomen are sure to love for conferences on the continent.
- A great rolling design for ease of use.
Cons
- It doesn’t have the same security features as other cases for laptops.
Choosing The Best Suitcase For European Travel
There are a lot of features to consider when choosing the best case for a European trip. It will all depend on how many destinations you plan to visit and long you go away. However, you should always keep the following points in mind.
1) Make sure the capacity is big enough for your time away but small enough to suit cabin and train travel.
2) Think about the organizational features to keep everything in the right place as you travel. This includes laptop pockets for those of you that need to work or blog on your adventure.
3) Pick a color and design that stands out from standard cases. This will make it harder to lose in a foreign country.
4) Consider a chic retro design to fit in with the European vibe rather than something too garish.
5) Don’t forget about security features like TSA-approved locks.
Which Is The Best Suitcase Brand For Traveling To Europe?
There are lots of great brands out there that focus on different styles and features. The CO-Z Vintage line is one of the best for travelers in need of something with enough space and that retro look. LONDON FOG is highly recommendable for those protective softside cases. You also can’t go wrong with Level8 if you need something practical.
What Is The Best Size For European Travel Suitcases?
The ideal size will depend on the duration of your trip and the mode of transport. It is advisable to go as small as you are comfortable with. Smaller cases, such as the 20-inch models, are great for use in cabins and should fit in overhead containers on trains. Bigger expandable ones may end up unattended in baggage areas. The compact under-seat cases are really nice for short trips, but you do have to pack light to make the most of them.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are lots of different types of cases suitable for a trip to Europe. The hardside cases have those retro designs and durable shells, but you can also get some softside cases with extra pockets if you need them. Smaller stylish rolling bags are a nice comprise for short trips too.
Hopefully, one of these pieces stands out as the ideal style and design for your trip. But, don’t forget to check out our guides on backpacks and duffels if you want a more casual or hands-free approach. Either way, the ideal luggage for European travel is out there.
