The Ultimate Guide To Must-Have Luggage For Upcoming Holiday Travel

Whether you're visiting family, treating yourself to a much-needed vacation or just want a new set, now's the time to upgrade your suitcases and bags.
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CalPak, Amazon, Rimowa
From left to right: CalPak, Amazon, Rimowa

The holiday season will be here before we know it ― and with supply chain issues plaguing the globe, there’s no time like the present to stock up on goodies to get you through the winter.

One of the many industries that has been strongly affected by shortages and shipping delays is the luggage industry. So if you’re in the market for a new luggage set, don’t hold off on making a purchase. Holiday travel is harrowing enough as it is, and you don’t want to be stuck dragging around battered bags with rickety wheels and broken handles. 

So what makes a great piece of luggage? Sure, aesthetics are important. But finding suitcases or bags that are as solid, hard-working and durable as they are visually enticing is of the utmost importance. They need to be lightweight, spacious and hold up to the beating that most luggage faces as it travels through time and space.

We’ve rounded up some of the most-coveted luggage available, including weekenders, carry-ons and checked-bag options. No matter what kind of traveler you are or where you are going, there is a piece of luggage that will suit your needs. Get them while you can ― because who knows what chaos the holiday frenzy will bring. 

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

An extra-large tote with plenty of room for essentials
This lightweight bag is both practical and versatile, so you can use it for travel as well as for trips to the gym or beach — or even as a diaper bag. Best of all, it's made from sustainable, eco-friendly materials that are also durable.

Get it from Lo & Sons for $123.
An affordable, foldable weekender duffel bag
Don't miss out on this highly rated weekender bag. This spacious option includes a side shoe pocket that doubles as a dirty laundry compartment, as well as a sleeve to help it remain affixed to the top of a larger suitcase.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
A trusty, water-resistant weekender
This travel-friendly bag is made of recycled polyester that can easily be wiped clean if it gets scuffed or dirty. It features a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders and even a luggage handle pass-through that doubles as a pocket.

Get it from Everlane for $85.
An eternally chic duffel bag
This roomy option from Paravel has a boxy shape and is made of strong canvas with smooth leather handles and accents that can withstand the rough-and-tumble nature of your next getaway.

Get it from Shopbop for $365.
An expandable carry-on bag
Strict quality-control test standards mean this strong and sturdy suitcase can survive rough handling of all kinds. It has all the features we love, including spinner wheels and a hard expandable shell.

Get it on Amazon for $89.99.
An affordable hardside spinner
This hugely popular — and highly rated — Amazon Basics suitcase comes with a protective extra-thick hard shell and a scratch-resistant finish, along with double spinner wheels that ensure smooth mobility.

Get it from Amazon for $74.99.
A high-end, eye-catching carry-on suitcase
Designed to withstand the stress of international travel, this luxury suitcase is definitely an investment. It features a rugged shell and comes with practical features like a retractable handle, spinner wheels and a combination lock.

Get it from Shopbop for $750.
A cult-favorite, extra-large carry-on bag
There's a reason this carry-on suitcase is wildly popular. It's lightweight and small enough to fit in an overhead bin, but features an interior compression system that helps you make the most of the available space. It's a must for over-packers.

Get it from Away starting at $245.
An iconic investment suitcase that will withstand the test of time
Once you make the decision to splurge on this surprisingly lightweight suitcase, there's a good chance you won't need to worry about buying new luggage again for many, many years. Specifically engineered for longevity, it's an innovative, classic option made from high-end anodized aluminum. Apparently Patti Smith loves hers.

Get it on Rimowa for $1,460.
A beautiful, sustainably made suitcase
It doesn't get much better than this stylish luggage. It's made with sustainable materials, including a lining crafted from 21 recycled plastic bottles. It's perfect for someone looking for a vintage aesthetic but who also wants modern features.

Get it from Paravel for $345.
A popular large suitcase with a hidden laundry bag
This is the largest suitcase in Away's lineup, and it was made to last. Similar to the brand's other offerings, it has a hard shell, spinner wheels, an interior compression system and a laundry bag.

Get it from Away for $325.
A super-stylish celebrity collaboration
This suitcase is part of a collaboration between CalPak and Jen Atkin, who polled her massive following when designing this aluminum-frame luggage. It features strong clips instead of a zipper and is just as good-looking as it is functional.

Get it from CalPak for $327.25.
A checked-bag option with a low price point
This highly rated Amazon find comes in a variety of fun colors and has all the features we need: It's lightweight and durable, plus it has spinner wheels, an expandable mid-section and a TSA-approved lock.

Get it from Amazon for $124.99.

Before You Go

What To Buy Now If You Really Can't Wait For The Holidays
A retro classic Christmas album(01 of19)
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There's a lot of iconic holiday music, but this timeless jazz classic will sweetly advance you straight into Christmas when you put it on at home. The 2021 printing includes a silver foil jacket with embossed Peanuts characters. (And if you need a record player, too, we've got experts' picks for that.)

Get it from Amazon for $24.98 or with gold vinyl from Target for $22.99.
(credit:Amazon)
A clean-burning candle that smells like Christmas trees(02 of19)
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Of course, scent is one of the strongest nostalgia triggers, so what better to summon holiday vibes to your home than a clean-burning candle that smells like a Christmas tree, and that you can conveniently add to your cart wherever you buy everything else?

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 or from Target for $9.99.
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Or one that smells like winter in the mountains(03 of19)
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It's too early to hit the slopes, I'm told, but it's never too early to breathe in the scent of the great outdoors in winter. This hand-poured soy and coconut candle smells like "evergreens and afterparties," according to its maker.

Get it from Nordstrom for $23.80.
(credit:Nordstrom)
Some flannel Hanukkah jammies(04 of19)
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They won't just keep you warm at night. These soft, double-brushed cotton flannel pajama pants glow in the dark, too.

Get it from Old Navy for $24.99.
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Or some onesie PJs in various holiday prints(05 of19)
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These comfy rib knit crew-neck jammies come in 7 prints and tall and petite sizing, too (a maternity version is also available). Best of all, most are available for the rest of the family as well, so you can all match together. No one will judge you if you spend your time at home from now until New Year's Eve in a giant onesie covered in Christmas trees.

Get it from Old Navy for $35.99.
(credit:Old Navy)
Some snowmen double old-fashioned glasses(06 of19)
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Your local downtown square may not be decorated yet, but that doesn't mean you can't start at home. And by start, we mean start pouring your favorite cocktail into these cute snowmen-themed cocktail glasses (they come in candy canes, trees and Santas, too).

Get it from Crate & Barrel for $9.95.
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Some cozy flannel sheets in holiday prints and plaids(07 of19)
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One big turn into the holidays you can make on your own: Swap out some bedding. "These are SO soft, wash well and are always on giant discount (only at Kohl's)," according to our colleague Kristen Aiken. They come in winter patterns from forests and foxes to snowmen and snowflakes, plus a fair isle knit and several on-theme plaids.

Get it from Kohls for $19.99+.
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Or organic cotton sheets that'll put you in the right frame of mind(08 of19)
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Who can feel grumpy while sinking into soft cotton sheets bearing words like "love," "peace," "merry" and "joy?" If osmosis between bedding and brains is possible, this set of red and white Christmas sheets should do the trick for sure.

Get a set from Pottery Barn for $79+.
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A chunky knit weighted blanket(09 of19)
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Settle in for all those heartwarming Hallmark holiday movies (that'salready started, believe it or not) with some popcorn, hot chocolate and a cozy green blanket that can also help reduce anxiety and aid sleep.

Get it from Amazon for $135+.
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The Nosh menorah(10 of19)
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This hanukkiah is so stunning, you'll want to display it before Hanukkah even begins — not just during. Made from highly polished plate metal, it's modern, substantial, beautiful and a little bit cheeky, as its design was inspired by the shape of bagels.

Get it from Meri Meri for $200 (also in chrome and rose gold).
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A modern classic Christmas album(11 of19)
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It's never too soon for Mariah! Aside from the ubiquitous, joyous "All I Want For Christmas Is You," this record's got "O Holy Night," "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," "Silent Night" and more. Crank it at home to spark joy immediately.

Get it from Target for $22.99.
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A Kringle (or three)(12 of19)
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Kringles may already be your holiday favorite if you live near a Trader Joe's, which carries them seasonally, or even a year-round treat if you have ties to Wisconsin, where they were introduced in America by Danish immigrants a few generations ago. If you're in the first category -- or new to kringles -- know you don't actually have to wait for December to eat this tasty iced pastry: You can just order 'em by mail and get the party started whenever you want.

Get an almond kringle from OH Danish Bakery for $22.49.
(credit:OH Danish Bakery)
A holiday pillow that brings you cheer(13 of19)
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Go ahead and put the spirit of the season right where you can see it every day with this cute snow-white and red lumbar pillow.

Get it from Target for $10.
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Some sweet holiday bedding for the kids(14 of19)
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Get everyone in the mood with this cute Grinch and Max-themed sheet set. Their hearts will grow three sizes, and you won't even mind laundry day because it'll involve this heartwarming little reminder of a classic holiday film.

Get it from Pottery Barn Kids for $69+.
(credit:Pottery Barn Kids)
A "happy Hanukkah" doormat(15 of19)
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It's definitely never too early to keep everyone from tracking dirt and leaves into your home.

Get it from West Elm for $47.
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A faux ivory pampas grass wreath(16 of19)
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Visitors won't even know it's there for you to get a head start on the holidays, but you will, and you'll both enjoy a gorgeous wreath.

Get it from CB2 for $79.95.
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Mulling spices for that mid-December mentality(17 of19)
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Get some of these mulling spices ASAP. The jar contains Korintje Grade-A cinnamon, Madagascar cloves, allspice berries and bits of orange peel, and will make your entire house smell like December.

Get it from Williams Sonoma for $16.95.
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A downloadable album of swingin' holiday faves(18 of19)
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Set a swanky, sophisticated seasonal mood at home with Ella Fitzgerald's amazing album "A Swinging Christmas." It's got her famous versions of "Sleigh Ride," "White Christmas," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and more.

Get it from Amazon for $9.49+ (comes in formats from mp3 to vinyl).
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And one more pajama set(19 of19)
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These Stars Above thermal pajamas are always "SO SOFT" says HuffPost's Lindsay Holmes. Become the mistletoe (or maybe it's holly?) in this PJs set, which comes in both straight and plus sizing and in multiple holiday patterns.

Get it from Target for $25.
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