Heading off for a weekend in Paris, a holiday in Bali or a road trip across the United States — but unsure what to pack, or even which suitcase to take? You’ve come to the right place.
Your choice of luggage depends directly on the type of trip you’re taking: the length of your stay, the destination, your transport mode and your travel style. Choose the wrong luggage and it becomes a burden. Choose the right one and it frees you.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain which luggage to take in every situation — and why lightweight, well‑designed bags truly transform your travel experience.
Suitcase for a City Break in Europe: Travel Light and Stay Mobile
- Destinations: Paris, Lisbon, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Prague…
- Typical duration: 2 to 4 days
- Transport mode: low‑cost flight or train
For a short stay in Europe, one rule applies: travel light. City breaks involve walking, taking the metro and navigating cobblestone streets. A suitcase that’s too heavy or too large quickly becomes a hassle.
Which luggage should you take for a city break?
A four‑wheel cabin suitcase is the ideal choice. It fits in the cabin on almost all European flights, often saves you from checked‑bag fees, and is easy to manoeuvre through stations and airports. Choose a lightweight model — every gram saved is extra space for your belongings.
As a complement, a compact crossbody bag for your everyday essentials (ID, phone, wallet) is a must. It’s convenient for sightseeing and fits under the seat during the flight.
For toiletries and skincare, a compact toiletry bag is more than enough for 2 to 4 days.
How can you avoid baggage fees on low‑cost flights?
Low‑cost airlines (easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling…) have varying rules and fees that can increase quickly. The solution: opt for luggage designed to fit under the seat, classified as a “personal item” — usually accepted free of charge.
💡 Lipault Tip: Always check the authorised dimensions directly on your airline’s website before travelling. Rules change regularly and vary between carriers.
Suitcase for a Sunny Holiday: Organisation and Lightness
- Destinations: Bali, Marrakech, Greece, Thailand, Canary Islands, Caribbean…
- Typical duration: 1 to 3 weeks
- Transport mode: plane
Light clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a few dresses or shorts — sunny holidays require well‑organised luggage rather than bulky luggage.
What suitcase size is ideal for a 2‑week holiday?
For a stay of 1 to 2 weeks, a medium‑sized suitcase (63 cm) is usually enough if you organise your things efficiently. For families or travellers who like extra space, a large suitcase (72 cm) offers more flexibility.
The trick to avoiding an overflowing bag: packing cubes. These organisers let you separate clothing by category (lingerie, beachwear, evening outfits), compress your items and find everything easily at each stage of your trip.
Which bag should you use for the beach?
For beach outings or days in the city, a tote bag is perfect. Lightweight and foldable, it fits in your suitcase and becomes your go‑to beach companion once you arrive. No need to bring a bulky second bag.
💡 Lipault Tip: Slip a laundry bag into your suitcase to separate worn clothes from clean ones — and return home without everything mixed together.
Suitcase for a Road Trip or Long Stay: Strength and Capacity
- Destinations: United States, Southeast Asia, South America, round‑the‑world trips…
- Typical duration: 3 weeks to several months
- Transport mode: plane, then car, bus or train
For long trips, the criteria change: you need luggage that can handle it all — different transport types, long distances and daily use over several weeks.
Large suitcase or backpack for a long trip?
It depends on your travel style.
- If you’re staying mainly in hotels and travelling by car or plane, a large soft‑sided suitcase (72 or 79 cm) is ideal: maximum capacity, organised storage and resistance to handling in the hold.
- If you’re moving between hostels, night buses and local transport, a large travel backpack will better suit your mobility.
In most cases, the best combination is: large checked suitcase + cabin backpack to keep your essentials with you.
How can you protect your suitcase in the hold during a long trip?
Checked luggage can be handled quite roughly. To protect your suitcase, a protective cover is highly recommended. It shields the surface from scratches and moisture and prevents confusion on the baggage carousel.
Soft‑sided Lipault suitcases also naturally absorb impact thanks to their technical textile materials, unlike rigid shells which may crack under pressure.
💡 Lipault Tip: For long flights, a sleep mask, earplugs and a small comfort kit in your cabin backpack make all the difference for arriving well‑rested.
Why Choose Lightweight Luggage for All Your Trips?
Whatever trip you're taking, one factor always matters: the empty weight of your suitcase determines how much you can pack.
A heavy suitcase means fewer kilos available for your clothes. A lightweight suitcase, on the other hand, gives you real flexibility — and helps avoid surprises at airport check‑in.
FAQ – Your Questions About Choosing a Suitcase
What size cabin suitcase is allowed on a plane?
The standard cabin size is generally around 55 × 35 × 25 cm, but this varies between airlines. Low‑cost carriers often have stricter rules. Always check before booking. We also have a guide to help you, although you should always check because companies often tighten their rules.
Can you take a backpack in addition to your cabin suitcase?
Yes, in most cases. Airlines allow one cabin bag + one personal item (backpack or handbag). The personal item must fit under the seat.
Soft or hard suitcase for travelling light?
Soft‑sided suitcases are almost always lighter than hard‑shell models of the same size. They’re also more flexible for fitting into tight storage spaces. For travelling light, they’re the best choice.
What suitcase should you use when travelling as a family?
For families, a luggage set is often ideal: one large suitcase for shared items, individual cabin suitcases for parents and a backpack for children. Matching sets also make it easier to spot your luggage on the carousel.