The best travel suitcase (2021): find the ideal size whatever the trip

As seasoned travellers know, the best way to take the stress out of flying, cruising or road trips is to be organised - and the best travel suitcase will help you to that.

With the world they way it is, travel has been the last thing any of us can do but now that flights are restarting and countries are opening up, it's essential you head to your destination of choice with the ultimate travel suitcase for you.

Having the right travel suitcase is essential - especially on shorter trips when maximising space or protecting the contents from emerging creased or damaged is paramount. It can be the difference between a relaxing break and a breakdown.

It pays to choose a case that’s right for the job. Slim and lightweight enough to zip past bag-drop? Or small enough to squeeze into the boot of a compact hire car, while still having space for all your stuff?

Airplane cabin-friendly cases should be high on your wishlist. Well-positioned straps, zipped compartments and pockets can be the difference between packing nightmare and packing nirvana.

The final feature to look for is the wheels – double spinners can make pulling a case along infinitely easier so don’t forget to test-drive your favourite from the below picks to see how well they glide.

Best travel suitcase

Samsonite Darts Spinner: £189 at bit.lyThe Darts Spinner is designed for that person who is always stopping to take things in and out of their suitcase. Thanks to this case’s flexible front panel, you can easily get your essentials out of the front compartment without having to fully open the case.Other features include an integrated 3-digit TSA combi lock, four wheels and weighs only 2.6kg. Available in blue and white.

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American Tourister Alumo Spinner: £343.58 at AmazonTired of scuffed and faded ABS shells? Discover American Tourister's first aluminium collection. This nimble number comes in at 4.3kg and combines gorgeous metallic colours such as Rose.There are zipped pockets galore inside, so you can separate and stash to your heart's content. Add to that double wheels so not even the bumpiest of pavements will phase you, and the only real question is, where will you take it first?

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AmazonBasics Hardside: £32 at AmazonAmazon's Basics Hardside comes in a burnt orange for those who want to spot their stuff in seconds, or black for the more demure. Its hard-shelled style is great for protecting your belongings from bumps and bangs while en-route.The AmazonBasics Hardside is a smidge too large for carry-on, but makes an ideal checked-in case. Its expandable capabilities are handy when you splurge on souvenirs. Zipped pockets inside also let you separate laundry from the rest of your stuff.

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Tripp Cherry Ultra Lite 2 wheel: £119.99 at eBayTripp Cherry Ultra Lite is light at just 2.2kg, stylish and skinny enough to scoot past the eagle eyes of both Ryanair and Easyjet attendants. This two-wheeled beauty is made for those travelling light.Sure, there's only 26 litres of space inside but for overnighters that could be plenty. Twin elasticated straps inside mean you can strap down all your things. Dipping in and out of it should be calamity-free, plus as it's so dinky. It makes avoiding padding ankles a cinch.

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HOF Kevlar Discovery: £250 at bit.lyKevlar – not just for bulletproof vests, but luggage too. This is the kind of suitcase you could imagine Jason Bourne using – durable, with a high impact resistance, it's a dream for packing.There's a laptop compartment, the wheels are rubber-coated. And the ergonomic handle is made for smooth rolling, even over thick carpet. At 55cm and 2.9kg, it's perfect for air travel, plus there's a side pocket for quick access to your boarding pass, water or umbrella. With 32 litres of space, you can find a place for everything.

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Antler Clifton: £179 at antler.co.ukThere are packing straps, a D-zip pocket, plus a waterproof and mesh pocketI. It's strong, too, and has wheels!

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North Face Rolling Thunder: £165 at MilletsIt's not just the Vietnam vet-inspired name, camo-style colours or bright red self-cleaning wheels that give Rolling Thunder its charm, but the versatility that comes from its design.While it's a soft bag on top, underneath it's a hard case, meaning you can both squash in clothes and protect delicate items from knocks. Zipped and inner mesh pockets help to simplify your packing, plus a generous 40 litres of space is a great pay-off given its 3.3kg weight.

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EastPak Tranzshell S: £134 at Amazon

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Ted Baker Beau: £151 at houseoffraser.co.ukIf it's pretty you're after, Ted Baker has you covered. Its Beau collection features a moulded bow motif as part of its polycarbonate shell, complete with a rose gold bow plate.Inside this 2.6kg beauty there's no less attention to detail, with a patterned lining, pockets and mesh section that can accommodate up to 37 litres. An aluminium handle in rose gold plus four double wheels (with Ted Baker hubcaps) make for easy steering as you leave all the boring suitcases in your wake.

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