You've meticulously planned your summer vacation abroad: the flights are imminent, the hotels are booked, transfers and rental cars are sorted, and you have finally located your passport.

The next step is to pack your bags. But, have you invested in your travel luggage?

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the need for quality travel luggage has become increasingly important. Travellers who invest in their luggage are looking for more than just a practical solution; they desire a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics — that is built to last.

For a long time, German brand, Rimowa has taken up the top spot as the ideal, aesthetically pleasing, yet entirely practical, quality travel luggage. The lifetime guarantee and hoard of celebrity fans have solidified the brand's position as a well respected, quality luggage brand.

Some would say that Rimowa's monopoly within the luxury (non-designer branded) luggage scene is being met with cooler, and more design led alternatives from other brands.

Let's take a look at six other options out there. Some are arguably better than their Rimowa counterparts.

Why invest in travel luggage when there are cheaper alternatives?

With affordable options from high-street brands like Primark, its difficult to ignore the large price discrepancy between premium luggage and high-street options.

But, it is true to say that luxury travel luggage offers superior craftsmanship, durable materials, and innovative design features that ensure both the safety and convenience of the users belongings while adding a touch of luxury aesthetic to the overall travel experience.

What do premium travel luggage brands offer that is different?

Luxury travel luggage not only serves as a functional tool for storing and organising belongings during travel but also represents a statement of style, elegance, and sophistication.

Premium luggage brands often offer warranties to protect your investment, and it is this guarantee that can lead to replacements or repairs, an option not offered by cheaper, high-street alternatives.

As we move in a world that is stepping away from fast fashion, and fast moving consumer goods, this is the opportune time to invest in sturdy and durable luggage that will be long-lasting.

Away

Beginning life as a female-funded start up, Away has become a market leader in luxury travel luggage. This New York based brand offers products that are 'built for travel'.

Offering 14 main-range suitcase options including polycarbonate and aluminium, these hard-shell suitcases are light-weight and durable. There are also various sizes available to choose from, including perfectly measured cabin carry-ons and various dimensions of larger hold-size luggage.

Other details include four-wheels that rotate 360 degrees, the availability of various colours including some limited edition collaborations, slow release handles, a TSA approved lock system and a laundry bag insert to keep dirty clothes separate.

Away also offers the option to monogram your chosen suitcase, with up to three initials in the colour of your choice, for an additional level of luxury and personalisation.

From $245, awaytravel.com

Béis

Founded in 2018, by Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell, Béis has proven to be a popular option for seasoned travellers looking for sturdy and chic premium travel luggage.

Don't let the fact that this is a celebrity-owned brand put you off: Béis has soared in popularity — for all the right (and functional) reasons.

With three different sizes of hard-sided suitcases, and a weekender bag with over 11,000 five-star reviews, you're bound to find a piece of luggage that will suit your needs. Whether you're a bright pink kind of person, or a more subtle and practical charcoal would be your choice, there are many colour options available.

Béis also offers travel accessories, and even luggage for kids and carry-on pet cases. The brand promises never to "compromise on functionality or looking selfie-ready cool", and encourages users to get the most out of their luggage as the bags are "made to look better with miles—we don’t baby our bags".

From $218, beistravel.com

Floyd

This German brand isn't the typical premium luggage brand, inspired by 1970s skateboard and surf culture in California's Venice Beach, these super durable, lightweight cases come in three sizes: cabin, check-in and trunk.

Ideal for youthful travellers looking to invest, but not willing to sacrifice style. Floyd offer a little something different to other brands on the market, and make for a welcome fresh take.

Aiming for uncomplicated, durable and in an array of 11 different colours, these Floyd hard-shell cases are nothing short of cool. Giving ultimate Cali-vibes, these cases are for the effortless

Floyd is where the worlds of street-style and premium luggage collide, resulting in ultra unique creations that you can customise based on your personal style. Swap out your skateboard wheels for different colours, including glitter and glow in the dark. Make your case your own with stickers.

From €445, floyd.one

Monos

Designed in Canada, Monos offers premium luggage options to travellers worldwide.

Aiming for simplicity, Monos work off the base idea that premium doesn't necessarily need to be flashy and the brand aims to avoid fleeting trends to ensure longevity. Although, with this being said - you can still get luggage in some cool colours!

Not only are there different shapes and sizes to choose from, including an elongated column shape, Monos offers users zipped luggage alongside a zipperless aluminium frame.

Each design is constructeed to be lightweight and resilient, these cases are timeless, classic and made to last.

From $255, monos.com

Paravel

Certified as 'climate neutral' since 2020, Paravel is committed to offering a sustainable options to the luggage industry: through up-cycled and recycled materials in 100% of their product range.

Paravel aims to give 'post-consumer plastics' (ie. plastic water bottles) a second life: the brand up-cycles to create longer lasting and sustainable nylon and canvas options and even uses recycled zippers.

Choose from a hard-shell case, or canvas accessories, there are lots of options and luggage sets available. There are options to personalise your luggage through selecting unique canvas inserts, or adding your (complimentary) initials to case.

From $395, tourparavel.com

Roam

Choose between built-to-order cases or ready-made custom-crafted premium luggage, using contrasting and bright colour combinations, Roam aims to be the stand out piece in a sea of black cases.

Every case has ultra-smooth wheels and a telescopic handle, although aesthetics is a large part of this brand, the use of quality materials to ensure a premium product for the customer is at the core of this brand.

By customising your entire build with the built-to-order option, the end result will be nothing short of everything you've dreamed of, and you'll be able to pick your suitcase out on the airport carousel without hesitation.

Roam is borne of the creators of well-known luggage brand Tumi, so similar (if not better) quality is inevitable.

Built-to-Order, from $550. Ready Made, from $495.

roamluggage.com

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