The Best Luggage Sets for New Travelers, Families, and Overpackers

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one large check-in suitcase, one backpack, one toiletry case

If you’re building your luggage arsenal from the ground up, this is the set you need. It covers all the bases—carry-on-only travel, longer trips that require a checked bag, a personal item, and a toiletry bag. While the $945 price tag is a hefty investment, consider the fact that, when purchased individually, the luggage would be $150 more. Not to mention, the water-resistant backpack is incredibly versatile. When you’re not on the road, you can use it as a work bag; It has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and is a great size for commuters. The compact toiletry bag is also a piece you’ll use on every single trip, from short weekend getaways to European adventures.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

If asked to picture a vintage suitcase, chances are you’d envision something similar to the luggage featured in Delsey Paris’s Chatelet Air 2.0 set. But despite their nostalgic look—complete with contrasting stripes that evoke the leather straps on older models—these carry-on and check-in suitcases are still outfitted with plenty of modern touches. The zip pockets, removable pouches, and compression straps will help keep you organized, and the 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and anti-theft zippers ensure you can haul your bags through airports and cities around the world with confidence.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

Throughout my last seven-or-more years of travel, I’ve regularly turned to two of my Away suitcases: the Bigger Carry-On and the Large. And while I don’t regret my purchases—far from it, in fact—I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t get them at the same time. If I’d bought this set, I’d have saved $50. Still, they’re worth every penny. Whenever I’m asked for luggage recommendations, my answer always includes both of these bags. The Bigger Carry-On, which holds 47.9 liters, is the most spacious of any carry-on bag I’ve tested, and I’ve never been let down by the Large suitcase either. It’s bumped up and down hundreds of sets of stairs with me, and I’ve never once been concerned about wear and tear.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one medium check-in suitcase

Some travelers swear by soft-sided luggage, preferring the durability and flexibility as well as the extra space the top-loading design typically provides. If you’re just dipping your toe in the world of soft-sided bags, consider going with this set from Travelpro. It comes with a carry-on and a medium check-in suitcase, both of which are super lightweight and can be expanded by two inches. Each bag is also designed with a handy front pocket, perfect for holding anything you want easy access to (like a bathing suit, a portable charger, or an extra layer). Worried about stains? Go for the darker colorways, like blue or black.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one check-in suitcase, one backpack

A Traveler editor–approved brand, Solgaard offers a few different luggage sets—but the Global Citizen, marketed as “all you need for the long haul,” is our pick for those who are in the air on a regular basis. Made up of the carry-on (in medium or large), the check-in suitcase (in medium or large), and the Venture Backpack (also available in medium or large), the combo will set you up for many trips to come. The suitcase’s polycarbonate shells are designed to handle plenty of bumps from airport security. Each suitcase also comes outfitted with a removable closet system—a nifty feature of five compressible shelves. To use the shelves, you’ll simply lift them out of the bag, hang them from the suitcase handle, and pack (and unpack) as needed. Although the luggage set is on the pricier side, it does come with a lifetime warranty, which covers any issues with the wheels, zippers, locks, handles, and clasps.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one medium check-in suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

With an under $150 price tag and thousands of five-star reviews, the Amazon Basics three-piece luggage set wins for both affordability and quality. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has had the Amazon Basics carry-on included in this set for over three years and still uses it for short trips when she needs a little extra packing room. “This carry-on is half the price of other more popular carry-ons I’ve tested and it’s equally, if not more, durable,” says Kenny. “I love that it’s expandable and can hold a lot more than you’d expect from a small suitcase.” Each hard-shell suitcase is also expandable—providing between 15 and 25% more packing space. Inside, you’ll find a divider and three zippered pockets that give support on the organizational front.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one large check-in suitcase, a five-piece packing cube set, luggage tag

The Calpak Evry Starter Bundle is all about function—each item in the set has a purpose. The carry-on and large check-in suitcases aren’t the fanciest pieces on the market, but they’re lightweight, durable, come with built-in TSA-approved locks and an expandable zipper. To the unfamiliar, the five-piece packing cube set may seem like an unnecessary addition, but it’s a game-changer for staying organized while traveling. And the luggage tag is the unsung hero of the set; it’ll help you quickly and easily identify your bag as it comes down the carousel.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one medium check-in suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

If you’re a self-described overpacker, you might want to consider the Samsonite Pivot set. It comes with three different-sized suitcases: a carry-on, a medium checked bag, and a large checked bag. It is important to note that the large check-in suitcase measures in at 64 inches when you add up the length, width, and height, putting it into the “oversized” category for airlines like Delta and American.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one medium check-in suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

Antler has no shortage of luggage sets in varying in colors, materials, and design styles. The Stamford 2.0 set, specifically, gets our nod of approval for a couple of reasons, including color-matched components, expandability, and whisper-quiet wheels. The polycarbonate shell also has a matte surface, making inevitable scratches and scuff marks a little less visible.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one check-in suitcase

When it comes to timeless luggage brands, Carl Friedrik often comes out on top. Case in point: the Hybrid Luggage Set. Travelers can choose either the carry-on or the carry-on X and then add either the check-in or large check-in model to their cart; no matter which combination you go with, your bags will be outfitted with TSA-approved locks, Hinomoto silent spinner wheels, and two sets of compression straps and a compression pad within each suitcase.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one check-in suitcase, one extra-large check-in suitcase

Traveling light isn’t an option for everyone. Families, in particular, may be toting around a heavier load than a solo traveler, and may benefit from having the July Classic expandable family set in their luggage rotation. Made with a German polycarbonate shell, each suitcase in the three-piece set is designed with 360-degree double-spinner wheels, a 20-height multi-stop telescopic handle, and a Y-strap compression system. They’re also super sleek and stylish, and can nest within one another when not in use.

What’s included: One carry-on suitcase, one large check-in suitcase

Bigger isn’t always better—even when it comes to suitcases. I’ve found that it’s easier to go over the luggage weight limit if I’m using one of my roomier suitcases, so I’ll occasionally turn to my Roam Long Weekend set. The carry-on and check-in are both slightly smaller than average in capacity, providing additional guardrails for my packing process so I only bring exactly what I need. The interior compression system and ball-bearing wheels are also helpful for efficient, hassle-free travel.