The Carry-On Edit

I have opinions about luggage.

Strong ones.

After enough trips, I’ve realized that the “best” suitcase really depends on where I’m going, how long I’ll be gone and how much flexibility I need while packing.

For international trips, my favorite is my Delsey soft-side carry-on.

Why soft-side wins for international travel

When I’m packing for two weeks in Italy, I want a little give.

A soft-sided suitcase has just enough flexibility when I’m trying to fit in one last linen shirt, tuck something into an outside pocket or rearrange everything after buying something along the way.

And let’s be realistic: I’m going to buy something in Italy.

I still stick to carry-on dimensions and weight requirements, but I love having a suitcase that works with me instead of feeling like I’m playing luggage Tetris inside a completely rigid shell.

But for shorter trips? Give me the hardshell.

For a work trip or a long weekend, I actually love a hardshell carry-on.

I’m packing fewer clothes, I don’t need as much flexibility and everything feels contained and protected. Pack it, zip it and go.

It’s also one of the reasons you’ll see multiple suitcases sitting around my house when I have several trips coming up.

They’re not all doing the same job.

The feature I refuse to compromise on: GOOD WHEELS.

This might be more important to me than almost anything else.

Give me the larger spinner wheels.

Once you’ve navigated airports, train stations, sidewalks, hotel lobbies and questionable European pavement with a suitcase that rolls beautifully, there’s no going back.

I want wheels that glide next to me instead of a suitcase I’m constantly dragging behind me.

Especially on international trips where I’m moving between cities and taking trains, maneuverability matters.

A suitcase can be beautiful. It can have the perfect interior organization. It can even hold everything I want.

But if I’m fighting with it through an airport?

We’re done.

My luggage formula

International / longer trips:
Delsey soft-side carry-on. More flexibility, a little extra give and easier to live out of for a longer trip.

Work trips + long weekends:
Hardshell carry-on. Structured, easy and perfect when I’m packing less.

Every trip:
Great spinner wheels. Non-negotiable.

I don’t think you need a closet full of luggage.

But if you travel frequently, having a couple of different suitcase styles makes sense. The bag that works beautifully for a three-night work trip isn’t necessarily the one I want when I’m hopping between five Italian cities for two weeks.

And yes, I’m still Team Carry-On.

I just happen to have a carry-on for every occasion.

Next Carry-On Edit: What I’m actually packing inside my Delsey for two weeks in Italy.