All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

But with so many choices, it’s hard to know what to pick.

Young woman preparing for road trip packing suitcase

StefaNikolic via Getty Images

Below are the expert-recommended picks and tips to help you choose.

Big-ticket items like suitcases should be long-lasting and durable.

Otherwise, youd be shelling out way more to keep replacing damaged bags.

Beis The 29 Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase

She says to opt for a dark-colored suitcase to hide scuffs better.

Lighter colors will show wear and age much more quickly, she says.

You should ideally be able to manage your own bags and not rely on flight attendants.

Black Hartmann Ratio 2 Global Carry On Expandable Spinner on white background

Her pro tip: Always look up what bang out of plane youll be on.

Will you be staying in hotels or hostels?

Will you be taking shorter or longer trips?

Black Away The Carry-On Flex on white background

Will you be traveling in places with an established or developed infrastructure?

Johnson also adds, If possible, you should examine the product in-store.

However, the most innovative luggage brands typically only exist online."

Away The Bigger Carry On with Pocket

She recommends doing research and comparing various luggage brands before you make a purchase.

She adds that some brands even offer a try-before-you-buy policy, along with a lifetime warranty.

Secondhand can be a good way to save money.

Black LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22" 737 Rolling Bag on white background

You also dont need to be a pro packer or inherently organized to pack well.

All you need are pockets.

Use them for separating clean clothes from sullied ones.

Black Tumi Alpha 3 Continental Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On on white background

you’ve got the option to even separate gifts for loved ones to take home after your vacation.

Beis is owned byPretty Little LiarsalumShay Mitchelland has been a hit since its launch.

There’s a built-in weight indicator that tells you if your bag is overweight.

Black Béis The Backpack on white background

Away The Carry-On Flex

Away Travel

Frequent fliers love Aways suitcases.

It can even hold a 15-inch laptop.

It has a removable, washable lining and a hidden laundry bag.

Black Pacsafe Citysafe CS300 Anti-Theft Compact Backpack on white background

Apparently, her crew feels the same way.

Though just in case it breaks when youre on the go, Tumi offers worldwide support anytime, anywhere.

You will recognize this bag because they have been making it for well over 20 years with minimal improvements.

Dark green Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack on white background

Beis The Backpack

Beis

Another Beis favorite is The Backpack.

It is really, really spacious,Kristina Rodulfo, beauty content creator and formerElleeditor, tells SELF.

It’s designed to carry everything from your laptop to your gym stuff.

Grey and purple Osprey Daylite Daypack on white background

If you want to pair it with a trolley, use the sleeve to attach it to your luggage.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Think a shorthikewill be on your itinerary?

According to Bor, Ospreys smaller Daylite Pack is a great find for light outdoor adventures.

Multicolored Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia on white background

The lightweight backpack has compartments for a laptop and twowater bottlesfor an itinerary thats incredibly versatile.

Take it to a coffee shop, a festival, or to a mountain summit.

It even comes with a rain cover.

Dark green Herschel Seventeen Hip Pack on white background

Plus, she loves that there are some 25 colors to choose from.

Keep it on your hip during your flight if youd rather not dig through the bag under the seat.

Pages recommends using the Travelon Anti-Theft Parkview Hobo Crossbody for places where pickpocketing might be a concern.

Lululemon Clean Lines Belt Bag

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

Here’s another great crossbody bag option.

The Daily Edited Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag

Tde.

Everyone needs a crossbody purse for travel, Rodulfo insists, and her choice is TDEs mini leather bag.

Burgundy Travelon Hobo Crossbody Bag on white background

It fits daily essentials including documents, a camera, and evensunscreen.

The bags minimalist style also allows for outfit versatility.

“It works for evenings out as well as during the day, says Rodulfo.

Lululemon Easy Access Crossbody Bag

It helps not to look like a tourist all the time.

TDE items can be monogrammed, making it a greattravel gift.

The lightweight nylon material makes it easy to lug around without hurting your back.

Tde. Mini Black Saffiano Leather Cross Body Bag with gold monogram in center

Pages likes to slide her tote on top of her Tumi Carry-on when traveling.

And its compact enough to fit comfortably under the plane seat or in the overhead bin.

If you have a bigger beauty arsenal that includesmakeup brushesand otherskin-care tools, just add the attachments.

Dark turquoise Tumi Everyday Tote with leather straps on white background

You could even include attachments like the makeup brush organizer for less fuss and digging while getting ready.

Herschel Travel Kit

Another option for toiletries big and small is the Herschel Travel Kit.

Johnson laments that its surprisingly difficult to find the perfect toiletry bag.

Dark pink Travelpro Maxlite 5 Travel Tote Bag on white background

She recommends this bag because it is extremely spacious with multiple pockets and slots for easy organization.

It also comes in multiple colors, proving that toiletry kits dont need to be boring.

Makeup bag

Herschel Travel Kit