big for trip

Suitcase 101: How to Choose the Right Travel Luggage

Best Suitcases , Packing , Packing Tips

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

If you’re wondering how to choose the right travel luggage, we’ve put together a helpful guide to get you started. Get ready for Suitcase 101 on choosing luggage!

Packing cubes are the secret to traveling carry-on only. Watch this video to learn why!

Tips for Choosing Luggage

Table of contents.

Let’s be honest: as wonderful as it is, traveling can be stressful. Here at Travel Fashion Girl, we aim to make your adventures as calm and hassle-free as possible. A sure way to decrease drama while traveling is to ensure you’re using the best travel luggage for your needs.

Whether or not you choose to travel carryon only , always use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

The following guide–with handy tips from industry experts–will assist you in choosing luggage or “portable wardrobe” for your exciting adventure.

The secret to traveling light is to create a functional but minimalist capsule wardrobe. Learn more in my guide !

suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner

Why Travel with a Suitcase?

Suitcases versus backpacks is a popular debate in the passionate travel community. This article is all about suitcases, so here are a few reasons why choosing luggage rules over backpacks :

Personal convenience : Suitcases win hands down for their ease. You’ll hardly break a sweat easily maneuvering it through the airport.
Wheels: It’s all about the wheels! It’s kind of satisfying to roll your suitcase with ease, secretly (smugly) watching fellow travelers buckle under the weight of their backpack. This convenient feature gives a major edge to the suitcase.
A Sweat-Free Back: Need I say more?
Health : Not everyone is physically able to lift a suitcase or carry a backpack due to health issues. Read these tips on traveling with a bad back.
Organized Packing: Nothing’s worse for travel organization than a top-loading backpack. Having a clear view of all your belongings when you unzip your suitcase is priceless. Find out how to choose the best luggage organizers .
Safety: Hard cases have many benefits for durability and safety. Here are a few more tips on how to keep your valuables safe while traveling.
Professionalism : A suitcase offers a more professional image when traveling for business (and at luxury hotels). Here are a few business travel essentials .

Ask yourself: “ Where am I going and how am I getting there?” Olivia Hulett of Ricardo Beverly Hills suggests keeping these two questions in mind when choosing a suitcase: selecting the right case for the destination and length of your trip is essential.

To learn the pros of traveling with a backpack, please read: How to Choose a Travel Backpack !

Delsey Luggage Helium Aero 25 Inch Expandable Spinner Trolley

Factors to consider when choosing luggage

Consider the items you plan to bring. This will help you determine the ideal features for your suitcase, which will help you when choosing luggage.

Backpackers may want straps or pouches for sleeping bags, tents, hiking poles, etc. Business travelers might want a bag with an easily-accessible laptop and electronics compartment. Fashionistas might appreciate straps that hold clothes in place and reduce wrinkling.

Determine if you’ll be checking your bags, dealing with difficult terrain, or if your travel is for business purposes.

If a suitcase makes sense for your trip, these are the factors you should consider when choosing a suitcase:

Luggage Size
Luggage Features
Luggage That’s Durable
Luggage with Safety Features
Luggage Based on Price

Keep reading below as we elaborate on each of these factors for choosing luggage.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Teal Hardside

Choosing Luggage Size

Size is an important factor when choosing luggage; no one wants a suitcase that is too big for them to physically manage–what a nightmare!

Here are some general guidelines to consider:

Jacquie Whitt, co-founder of Adios Adventure Travel , notes that the overall size of the bag should be limited to what you can handle, since there may be times when no one is around to help you lift and maneuver it.
Also, be sure to check the luggage allowance of all the airlines you’ll be traveling with. Different airlines have different size requirements, so don’t get caught unprepared.
It’s key to consider the allowed weight of your luggage, too; the lighter the case the more you can pack/souvenirs you can bring home!
It’s a good idea to test your suitcase before you travel. Check that the handle is long enough for your height, that the feel of the fabric suits your needs, and that it’s robust and hard-wearing enough for your journey.
If you plan to order your case online, do it well in advance so you can return it and search for another if it doesn’t feel right.
Ideally, we recommend that your travel suitcase measures 22” x 9” x 14” or less. This is small enough to fit into the overhead compartments on most airlines. Note that US domestic carryon size is larger than European carryon sizing. Choose an “international” carryon like these to be sure.
As a general rule, opt for a carryon no larger than 45” (length + width + height) and a checked bag no larger than 62”, which is standard for most US airlines.

Here are the best carryon suitcases for traveling Europe !

Suitcase Sizing Guide

You should be able to travel carry-on only for all trips of any length. I’m a full-time traveler and I do! If I can travel in a carryon for more than four months at a time, you can, too. This is how I do it!

18 – 20” International Carryon: Considered the international carryon size, this is ideal if you’re using budget European airlines like easyJet or Ryanair. They have incredibly strict rules. Read my story! Here are the best international carryon luggage !
21 – 22” Domestic Carryon: This is the most popular size of carryon luggage and we guarantee you can travel anywhere with a suitcase this size. Find out how! Here are more carryon luggage for travel !
23 – 24” Medium Checked: The size is perfect for travelers who aren’t quite ready to travel carryon and need just a little extra room. If you’re traveling with another person, it might be a better investment to just take one 25-27″ suitcase for both of you as mentioned below.
25 – 27” Large Checked: Generally, this is the most popular size of luggage to check as it has lots of room. Ideally, you would use this suitcase size if you wanted to check one bag for two people. If you’re traveling with a family, then you can also fit everyone’s belongings into one or two of these suitcases for easy handling as opposed to the oversized suitcase below that isn’t as easy to maneuver.
28 – 32” Extra Large Checked: These are very large suitcases with a huge capacity. Due to their size, they could be too awkward and bulky for standard trips. Be warned, they might exceed size and weight restrictions. Here are the best lightweight checked luggage for your next trip!

Unless you’re planning to move abroad or will be in a single location for an extended period of time, you should never use a suitcase that’s over 27″. By carefully planning your travel wardrobe using these guidelines , you’ll always have exactly what you need.

Also, keep track of your baggage weight, especially if you’re using a suitcase over 25″ where it’s easy to pack unnecessary items because you have more space.

Many airlines limit you to 30kg / 50lb for checked luggage. Use a portable luggage scale to prevent overages before you arrive at the airport.

Read my guide on how to stop overpacking and learn how you, too, can travel carryon only.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner 24

Choosing Luggage Features

Today’s suitcases come with a wide variety of cool features that affect transportation, packing, and protection. One thing to keep in mind is that the more bells and whistles there are, the heavier the bag!

Need to pack for a 7kg baggage allowance ? A minimalist suitcase is key! If your goal is to pack light, try to choose a suitcase that weighs less than 5lb or 2kg like this Delsey Trolley or my personal favorite, the Osprey Ozone .

Here’s a quick guide to understanding various suitcase features:

Select a bag with a recognizable color or print so it can be easily spotted on the luggage carousel and not mistaken for someone else’s bag. Try and stay away from white/cream; it’s more likely to get dirty.

You can also buy luggage straps to easily identify your suitcase.

Piggy Back Clip

A looped clip on the top of the bag, known as a piggy back clip, allows you to clip a second bag to the larger one–bonus! If your suitcase doesn’t have one, you can buy an attachment like this one .

You have two choices when it comes to wheels: two or four. Suitcases with two wheels tend to be lighter but have the risk of tipping over if they’re not balanced. I find these easier to wheel if I’m running through the airport and they’re also easy to yank over a curb to maneuver uneven streets like in the scenario shown here .

On the other hand, four wheels will stand upright, plus they are easier to pull sideways on a plane without hitting all the passengers as you find your seat.

The con is that they won’t stay put unless they have a locking system like the sophisticated Chatelet by Delsey . Love that suitcase! It’s stylish and functional, too.

Telescoping Handles

A rolling suitcase is much easier to manage since you pull the weight instead of carrying it. Make sure your case’s handle is sturdy and easily retractable.

Before committing to a suitcase, walk with it to make sure it doesn’t hit you on the heels as you walk. It shouldn’t drag too far behind you, annoying other travelers. You might also appreciate a padded handle for comfort.

I prefer a single handle because it helps minimize luggage weight but some travelers prefer a double handle because they find it sturdier.

Expandability

Do you ever notice that your stuff tends to “grow” when you’re returning home from a trip? Nothing ever seems to fit. Find out why here .

An expanding suitcase is great for this, but be warned: expanding your suitcase may mean it no longer fits in the overhead bin and you could be charged to check it. However, for those of us that love to shop for souvenirs (guilty!) then this is a good option.

Alternatively, you can buy a packable bag to bring home souvenirs, too!

Compartments

Pockets and compartments are a useful feature to help organize all your belongings; for example, keep your 3-1-1 liquids bag in an external pocket so it’s easy to locate at the airport. Take a look at how I organize my suitcase . Even TSA was impressed!

Security Locks

Whether they have zippers with space for a travel lock or they have an internal locking system, never buy a suitcase you can’t lock.

Read more travel safety tips .

Waterproof Materials

One of biggest tips for choosing luggage is making sure it has water-resistant materials or has been treated with a moisture-resistant sealant on the inside to help keep your belongings dry. This works in the rain and also if baggage handlers lay your bag on dirty, wet, or sticky surfaces.

Jane Attard, CEO of BusinessKnowHow.com , suggests that you line the top and bottom of the suitcase with plastic, like a dry cleaning bag. That way, even if your suitcase does get wet, your clothing can stay dry.

Suitcase covers help keep your suitcase clean and long lasting. I highly recommend them!

Side Handles

Top and side handles make maneuvering your luggage much easier, especially when you need to lift it to place it overhead on the plane or other transportation.

Choose luggage with strong, durable handles that will withstand the weight of your belongings. This is also a good reason to pack light–you need to be able to lift your own suitcase up several flights of stairs, especially in Europe!

Tie-Down Straps

These stretchy, adjustable straps are great for helping you compress your belongings when everything’s in your suitcase. They also keep your personal belongings securely in place.

Tip: Pack your suitcase the night before your trip to allow things to settle overnight.

You don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars to have a quality suitcase. However, the suitcase should be well-made and able to withstand the roughness of travel. Depending on your activities, destination, and travel style, your needs will vary.

Productivity and health coach Marcey Rader says, “High-quality luggage is a necessity. You’ll regret buying a ‘good enough’ bag when you are running down the terminal with your suitcase flopping along and then your handle breaks!

A quality piece of luggage is important because it can last a lifetime. Travel is stressful enough without having to worry about your suitcase.”

That’s exactly what happened to me on a two-week trip to Europe. My friend took a cheap, massive 32″ suitcase to Europe and the handle broke the second day of our trip. Because she had overpacked, I had to carry it for her because she had back issues.

Packing light also helps if you have back problems! Read these tips.

I was NOT happy dragging a broken, heavy suitcase around Europe for almost two weeks. Do you know how many flights of stairs you encounter? Now imagine only spending 2-3 nights in one city then moving on to the next, trying to cram in as much sightseeing as possible. Don’t let this happen to you.

Delsey Luggage Chatelet 21″ 2.0 Carry-On Spinner

Choosing Luggage That’s Durable

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing luggage and finding one that will last you:

Soft versus Hard Shell : soft bags are great if you plan on using your luggage as a carryon, because they are easier to squeeze into overhead lockers and can be lightweight. They are also said to absorb shock better than hard shells. Here are the best soft-side luggage according to TFG readers!

The argument for hard-sided luggage is that it protects your belongings better. These are the best hard-side luggage for women !

Whichever you choose, look for quality–lousy soft luggage can tear and cheap hard cases can crack or break.

I’ve used both and like the hard shell for regular vacations whereas I use a soft shell bag for long-term travel.

A broken handle is common when luggage is being thrown around at the airport. If you’re budget conscious, choose a two-bar handle that is sturdier than a one-bar in cheap luggage.

However, if you’re investing in a quality brand, then one handle is okay. It will be lighter, too.

Jacquie Whitt, of Adios Adventure Travel , notes that four wheels glide easier than two. The wheels should be high quality, similar to skateboard wheels. Hard plastic wheels are more likely to crack or break when dropped. (I’ve had this happen while roaming the streets of Paris while hunting for my hotel!)

Zippers leave luggage susceptible to water damage from rain. Opt for hard cases with a latch system to avoid this. If you choose a suitcase with zippers, select pulls crafted from tough metal or durable plastic.

Osprey Ozone Wheeled Global Carry-on 21.5″/42L | Also available here

Choosing Luggage with Safety Features

The best way to keep your luggage safe is to have travel insurance to cover a loss. Only pack valuables in your carryon luggage if you can keep an eye on it.

Adding security features to your luggage is a good idea, too. Make your case less accessible to thieves by investing in sturdy and durable travel locks, cable ties, and shrink wrapping. Be warned, though: expensive-looking security mechanisms can scream, “VALUABLES INSIDE”!

It’s better to be safe than sorry: never pack valuables in a checked bag. Always keep them in your carryon or preferably your personal item.

Read these tips on how to choose a “personal item” !

Here are a few safety mechanisms to consider when choosing luggage:

A trusty lock is guaranteed to at least slow down a thief or put them off all together.

A cheaper alternative to locks, these theft deterrents are easy to install and come in a variety of colors, meaning your suitcase can be easy to spot. However, cable ties can be quite easily removed with a simple nail file.

Shrink Wrapping

Many airports now feature a shrink wrap station. Costing around $10 a pop, it’s a great way to deter people from slipping illegal items into your case or stealing from your bag. It’s also great for waterproofing your luggage!

Safety Tips

Invest in travel insurance that covers lost or stolen baggage.
Keep all valuables and travel documents in your hand luggage so you can keep an eye on them at all times.
Include a waterproof label on each piece of luggage with your up-to-date contact information (not your home address–this could highlight the opportunity of an empty house to thieves). If your case is lost, it has a greater chance of being returned to you quickly. And don’t forget to remove tags from previous trips!
Check your luggage as soon as you land, that way you can quickly contact the airline and your insurer if anything is missing.

Read more about safety in this post: Money Belts and the Best Anti-theft Travel Accessories .

Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds Hardside Spinner Luggage

Choosing Luggage Based on Price

Travel luggage can be expensive. If you’re a long-term traveler, keep in mind that this isn’t just an average suitcase, it’s about to become your portable wardrobe for the duration of your travels. You need luggage that will last.

Price generally reflects quality. Search around for the best reviews from experienced travelers and opt for a case that suits your style of travel. Many times, expensive bags will include a warranty of some kind.

Christina Ernst of VIP Alpine Tours/VIP Travel suggests steering clear from designer luggage, as it becomes more of a fashion statement than a quality choice for extreme traveling. You’re guaranteed to look stylish wheeling your Louis Vuitton through the airport, but not dragging it through the tropical terrain of Asia; designer cases are also more susceptible to thieves.

Suitcase Shopping Tips

Visit websites like REI, Sierra Trading Post , eBags , and Amazon to shop around and compare features/prices.
Visiting a physical store will allow you to test the bag before purchasing. This way you can determine which style, size, and brand suits you the best.
If you are online shopping, order your case well in advance so you can return it if it’s not suited to you. Look for a retailer that offers free returns, like eBags . You can order several cases to see which you prefer, returning the others free of charge. Amazon also offers free returns on some items. They’re my preferred place to buy luggage as they tend to have the best prices.
Sign up for email updates from online retailers to receive discount offers.
Shop seasonal sales to get the best bargains.

For even more tips, read this smart luggage buying guide !

Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes

Final Tips for Choosing Luggage

We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.

Also, use packing organizers such as packing cubes to help you simplify your packing process.

Watch the packing tutorial on Youtube !

In 2017, I launched Compass Rose Travel Accessories and my very first product was a 4-Piece Set of Carryon Packing Cubes . These are the only packing cubes sized to fit the exact width of a carryon suitcase and they also have a unique color-coded and numbered organization system – the only kind currently available anywhere on the market.

I put together a five-part YouTube series showing you the different methods to use packing cubes. If you use this specific packing strategy, they can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carryon only!

What are your tips when choosing the right travel luggage? Share and comment below!

Read these posts for suitcase recommendations:

Top 20 Recommended Luggage Brands
Best Carryon Suitcases
Best International Carryon Suitcase for Women
Best Lightweight Checked Luggage
The Best Luggage Sets
Weekender Bags

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

We hope you liked this suitcase post about choosing luggage for your travels! Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

44 comments.

Choosing the right travel bag is a personal decision that depends on your travel style, needs, and preferences. Like a fashionista 😀 I really prefer my travel bag to be in style too. I buy all my bags from Louenhide but my travel bag is my favorite. I bought this travel bag in color-blush Ezra https://www.louenhide.com.au/products/alexis-weekender-travel-bag

After reading this article, I purchased a new TravelPro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner in the 22″ size. I got the purple color so it would stand out in case I do end up having to check it. I love all the fashion tips too. 🙂

What about duffel bags that don’t roll? I dislike backpacks, and I worry that a wheeled bag could induce me to pack excessively. What recommendations do you have?

Hi Bobby, for duffle bags that don’t have wheels here are some recommendations from the TFG community: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-duffle-bag/

And if you’re worried about overpacking, had you considered using a lightweight backpack instead: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-ultralight-backpacks/

Hope this helps you in your search!

Thank you for this! My cheap hard sided checked suitcase broke on my last trip. Fortunately the liner prevented my things from spilling out, but I will need to replace it before my next trip!

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips. I went to London, Scotland, and Ireland this summer and used packing cubes for the first time. What a life saver.

Thanks for all the great information!

I’m starting to prepare for a trip so this article was very helpful. Both my husband and I need to buy new luggage. Thank you!

I love your travel tips! Especially the packing cube advice! Because of you I’m biting the bullet and taking a carry on or a 16 day tour of Croatia, Slovenia and Italy! I know I can do it! (thanks to all your great advice!!)

Nice article. Thanks

So glad you enjoyed it! ?

Hi, do the clothes crinkle when you pack them like that (in the how to use packing cubes…) or does it stay folded and you don’t have to iron them?

Hi Hailey, if you’re worried about your clothes becoming wrinkled in a packing cube check out this post for our readers top tips on how to avoid them: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-clothes-without-wrinkles/ Hope this helps! ?

Thanks Alex for the fast and helpful reply! 🙂

Has anyone tried putting their carry on luggage on the floor in front of their seat? Is this allowed, what sort of luggage could I use. I am a short person and find it very uncomfortable not being able to put my feet on the floor for hours at a time. Could I use my case under my feet.

Hi Yvonne, thank you for reaching out. Many of our readers like to use their luggage which fits under the seat or a backpack to lean and rest their feet on. You could use something like this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best packing advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels! ?

If I’m going on a 2 night and 3 day trip to Washington DC, what size suitcase do you recommend.

Hi Hannan, thank you for reaching out. You may find our 10 step guide to packing for a short break a good place to start: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/weekend-packing-list/ Maybe something like one of these: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-under-seat-luggage/ Also you don’t mention if you are traveling with someone else, but you may also find this video helpful for ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGH-iwFf_1U&t=13s I would highly suggest that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have there about luggage for a few nights away: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps. Have an amazing time! ?

I LOVE my Delsey hard sided suitcase. I bought it last minute for a trip and can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. It’s light, it spins so great (yes, I spend a great deal of time spinning it because it’s fun), and it comes in great colors. Don’t let the salesperson try to talk you into their choice of color, go for the one you want!

I forgot to add, watch for sales. I got mine at Macy’s for 65% off and they do have regular sales.

Hi Sally, thank you for sharing your recommendation for the Delsey hard sided suitcase. For international and domestic travel, I like the Delsey Turenne. You may enjoy this video where I explains why I like the Delsey Turenne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbTGS6YUoE Hope you enjoy your suitcase on many fun and exciting adventures! ?

Is there a hard sided carry-on bag that is not designed with the space divided half and half? I’m looking for a bag that has one deep side ( to fit my GEARPACK) and one shallow side or just a flap. Is there such a thing? Thank you

Hi Liz, thank you for your question! Have a look at this post for some more options for a hard case suitcase: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-hardside-luggage-for-women/ To get you the most feedback, I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best recommendations to share so please keep an eye out for their replies from Friday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ Hope you find one which is suitable and that you like! 🙂

I’m very late to this thread but did you ever find a suitcase that wasn’t half and half. I like the hard shell but like you I hate the opening of the bag. They don’t fit on the hotel luggage racks and you have to put them on the floor. I’ve just returned from 5 weeks in Europe and the USA and I need a new bag. My bag is now 8 years old and has seen some rough travels.

My daughter is studying abroad for 2 1/2 months to Italy. I bought her an Osprey backpack for getaways but she needs a checked bag. And she’ll probably over pack! Any recommendations would be helpful.

Hi Laurie, to get you the best feedback I have gone ahead and posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. Our readers have the best advice so keep an eye out for their replies from Friday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ For other options for suitcases, have a look at this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/ For some help planning her packing, take a look at this 10 step guide to packing for Italy: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/ It may be a good place to start. Hope this helps! Hope you daughter has a wonderful time studying in Italy!! 🙂

Going to Cabo for a 7 day trip. What would be the ideal luggage size for 7 days?

Hi Keith, thanks for your question! We’ll share your question here so the author of the article can reply. 🙂

Hi can you recommend a suitcase for travelling for around 3/5 months.

Hi Claudette, thanks for your comment! Take a look at this article on the top luggage brands of 2018: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-recommendations-20-travel-experts-reveal-top-luggage-brands/ Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi can u plz tell me… How can I buy trolly by liters in online.. I can’t able to figure out … Plz help me… 20kg means how many liters ??

Hi Manasa, you can look for a converter online like this one: http://www.convertunits.com/from/liter/to/kilo+gram

This article is so helpful. I’m looking at purchasing luggage for an upcoming trip and was wondering if you had any thoughts regarding two wheel vs four wheel luggage?

Thanks! This article might help shed some light on this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-choose-the-best-luggage-for-travel-abroad-smart-buying-guide/

Forma 30 day trip to Europe (several cities) what size suitcase should I take? Should I take a carry on too? Thanks 🙂

Wow this sounds awesome 🙂 Personally I would do carry-on only for this trip, so a huge suitcase isn’t necessary, but it depends on what you are doing and how much you want to take. Check out these articles for more tips on how to pack for this kind of trip http://bit.ly/29ngSND & http://bit.ly/28U5J65

I like my luggage lock but people please put in a number that is hard to figure out. Most people use the number 1234 and then dont understand how people figure it out. Please dont be unintelligent about it

What about duffel bags of the non-roll kind? I don’t like backpacks and I think a wheeled suitcase might give me too much temptation to overpack. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much

For regular duffles, personally I like having the alternate option of rolling them if they feel heavy after a while. Try checking out the brands suggested as they usually have non rolled versions too: https://travelfashiongirl.com/rolling-duffle-bags-the-best-alternative-to-wheeled-backpacks/

Excellent tips shared. I particularly liked the safety measures which you mentioned in the blog. http://www.ricardobeverlyhills.com/

What is the orange back in the picture? I’ve been looking for a bag like that!

Hi Andrea, it’s just the one from the Stock photo 🙂

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search Search Please fill out this field.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards 101

How to Budget for a Trip

Plan ahead, save up, and make the most of credit card rewards

Plan for the Big Expenses

Account for the little costs of traveling, redeem rewards and bonuses, make a travel budget savings plan.

The Balance

Whether you’re planning an international vacation or a long-weekend road trip, the idea of escaping your daily life for the promise of relaxation and adventure is intoxicating. But while planning a big trip can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost.

We’ve created a simple Google spreadsheet to help you plan and budget for your next trip. The Balance’s Travel Budget Worksheet includes common expenses (large and small), plus space to enter credit card or other loyalty program rewards that defray some of the cash costs. It’s free to download and use (but you will need a Google account).

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you’re out of money. That’s why it’s important to make a travel budget that includes everything from rental car costs to seat selection fees. As part of “ Our Money’s on Travel ”—our series on getting back to travel—we’re taking a look at how to budget for a trip, whether it’s the big costs or the small, plus a few travel hacks to help you save money along the way.

Most trips involve significant expenses such as transportation and lodging. How significant they are depends on your plans—transportation could include plane tickets or gas for your car, and lodging could mean a five-star hotel or a cabin in the woods. Websites such as Budget Your Trip can help you plan for these costs, but don’t factor in any tips or tricks for saving money. So while this kind of budgeting site can be a good starting point, there’s a lot more that goes into planning your travel budget. Here are a few strategies for saving money on these major travel expenses.

If you have access to multiple airports, like New York City residents, check prices out of all of them: LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Newark (EWR).
If you only have one local airport, consider booking a separate, cheaper ticket to a major hub, which may offer cheaper flights.
Be flexible with your dates and aim to travel during off-peak times.
In pre-Covid times, there was evidence that you could get the best fares by booking 20-115 days in advance and flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. But those bets are off because airlines’ pricing formulas are in transition as they cautiously ramp up for more travel. For now, you’ll just have to look for deals and grab them when you see them.
Follow airfare deal sites such as Scott’s Cheap Flights , Secret Flying , and Dan’s Deals to find out about cheap flights as soon as they’re available.
Check multiple sources before booking hotels to find the best rates and deals. For example, Hotels.com offers a free night for every 10 nights you book. Large hotel chains often advertise best rate guarantees and will give you up to 25% off your stay if you find a better rate elsewhere.
Consider shared lodging, such as a private room or dorm in a hostel or a private room in a local’s house on Airbnb, rather than renting an entire home.
Take advantage of any deals through membership programs such as AAA and AARP.

Transportation

If you’re planning to rent a car, use sites like Autoslash to compare rental car costs across a wide variety of programs and get a quote for the cheapest rates available.
Train passes, like the Eurail Pass , offer discounted or unlimited travel for a fixed price so you’ll never be surprised by last-minute ticket costs.
Electric scooter companies such as Bird and Lime allow you to purchase daily or monthly ride passes in certain cities.

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Travel insurance protects you in case of unexpected delays, cancellations, or medical costs in covered situations. But before you buy it from your airline or another carrier, check to see whether you’re covered by the credit card you’re using to book your trip.

In addition, many airlines have eliminated change fees for flights, while many hotels have begun allowing flexible cancellations on their bookings. If you won’t face financial consequences for changing those big-ticket bookings, travel insurance may not be worth the cost.

The big costs aren’t the only ones to consider beforehand. Your travel budget should also consider expenses like tipping, entertainment, souvenirs, food, and even cellphone fees.

Plan for as many of these costs in advance as possible so you aren’t surprised during your trip—or when you return home to larger-than-expected bills.

Watch out for these costs and minimize or eliminate them with these smart strategies:

Rental car additional driver fees : If you need a second driver on your booking, book through a service that includes them for free, such as Costco Travel .
Rental car insurance : If you already have car insurance, check to see whether it extends to rental cars. If you don’t own a car, look into a non-owner car insurance policy that will cover you when you drive a rental, which generally costs far less than traditional rental car insurance policies. Also, check whether the credit card you’re using offers its own rental car insurance.
Debit card holds : Hotels and rental car companies will put a hold on your card when you arrive. If you’re paying with a debit card, the money they put on hold will not be available to you until the hold drops, which could take some time. If possible, make your bookings with a credit card instead, or include the hold in your travel budget.
Cellphone coverage : If you’re with Google Fi or T-Mobile, you’re in luck, as most locations are covered for free by your cellphone plan. Otherwise, consider purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, which can cost significantly less than the international roaming fees charged by most cellphone companies. Or plan to leave your phone on airplane mode and only use it when connected to Wi-Fi.
Entertainment costs : Many major cities offer tourist cards, which bundle tickets to a number of attractions onto a card that’s valid for a set number of days. If you plan to hit all the highlights, these cards could save you a bundle over individually purchased tickets.

After diligently earning rewards on your travel credit cards, now’s the time to cash them in for free flights and hotel stays. You can choose to redeem points directly through your card’s travel portal, or transfer them over to hotel or airline chains to book awards.

We recommend crunching the numbers to find the best way to redeem credit card points . For example, hotel chains such as Hilton and Marriott offer the fifth night free on award bookings, so it may make sense to transfer your points to your hotel rewards account. This can also be a good strategy for buying expensive flights, as airlines will sometimes charge a set amount of miles for a ticket even if the cash price is high.

Now that you’ve got a handle on how to save money on travel expenses, it’s time to do the heavy lifting: actually saving money for your trip. Consider these ways to save up for your trip:

Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account into a dedicated “travel fund” account. This strategy keeps your travel budget separate, so you’re not tempted to spend it elsewhere before your trip.
If you receive a tax refund, put as much as you can straight into your travel fund.
If you have extra cash left over from the stimulus checks, move it into your travel fund.
Work bonuses or side hustles could offer unexpected ways to boost your travel account.
If your family exchanges gifts, consider letting them know that you’re saving up for a vacation. Cash is always an option, and gift cards for hotels, airlines, and restaurants can also make a significant contribution to your travel budget. They could even give you frequent flyer points if they’d like.

CheapAir.com. " CheapAir.com’s 5th Annual Airfare Study Reveals the Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets ."

Hotels.com. " Instant Savings. Reward Nights. And more ."

Marriott. " Best Rate Guarantee Claim Form ."

Hilton Honors. " What Is an Example of How the 5th Night Free Is Calculated? "

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

What's the Tomatometer®?
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening this week
Top box office
Coming soon to theaters
Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

Fandango at Home
Netflix streaming
Prime Video
Most popular streaming movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Link to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The Fall Guy Link to The Fall Guy
I Saw the TV Glow Link to I Saw the TV Glow

New TV Tonight

Doctor Who: Season 1
Dark Matter: Season 1
The Chi: Season 6
Reginald the Vampire: Season 2
Bodkin: Season 1
Blood of Zeus: Season 2
Black Twitter: A People's History: Season 1
Pretty Little Liars: Summer School: Season 2
Hollywood Con Queen: Season 1
Love Undercover: Season 1

The Big Trip

Audience reviews.

Work with Me
Start a Blog
Yearly Roundups
101 in 1001 Goals
how to start a travel blog
tips for new bloggers
write me a guest post!
Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

A Quick Trip to Beautiful Big Sur: What to See, Do, Eat, and Enjoy

last Updated: May 15, 2023 big sur california central coast pacific coast highway

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Heading to California and can’t wait to check off all the stops on this Big Sur road trip itinerary? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, what to do in Big Sur, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Heading to California and wondering what to do in Big Sur? Read on for my favorite Big Sur activities, where to stay, and (most importantly), what and where to eat! This Big Sur road trip itinerary will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise!

Seaside cliffs. Winding turns. Miles of misty coastline. Purple sand (yup!). Just a few of the things Big Sur is well-known for. And just one reason it’s on every list of the most beautiful places in California .

Big Sur is one of my favorite places IN THE WORLD (hands down) and one of my favorite road trips from San Francisco . I mean, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS. I feel oh so lucky to only live a few hours north, which means we typically make it to Big Sur at least once a year!

Whether you’re driving down the entirety of the California coast or just making the short drive from SF, you’re in luck. And I’m jealous of you already. With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline.

This rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California is just begging to be explored. And trust me, there’s enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary!

If you’re looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway – yes, all 75 of them!

BUT FIRST, THE BASICS

Nearest City: Carmel (to the north, ~45 min drive) and San Simeon (to the south ~1.5 hour drive)
Closest International Airport: San Francisco (SFO), ~2.5 hour drive
Most Well-Known for: McWay Falls and the Bixby Bridge
When to Visit: April through October, although my favorite time of year is early Fall
How to Get Around: You’ll need (and want) your own car, 110%

Since the road to Big Sur is finally open again (after months of closure due to horrific mudslides), now’s the time to visit! Definitely don’t miss one of the most unforgettable stretches of majestic coastline in the world. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco , that’s for sure!

READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco

How to Get to Big Sur:

Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. If you’re from outta town, and by that not within driving distance, you’ll need to get yourself to SFO (San Francisco) first. From SF, Big Sur is about 2.5 hours south. You’ll most definitely wanna make a few stops along the way ( Half Moon Bay , Pescadero , Santa Cruz , and Carmel/Monterey are my favorites), so plan accordingly!

Renting a Car : Note that you’ll undoubtedly need a car for this Big Sur road trip (it is a mini road trip after all!) So if you’re visiting the area (or live in the city and don’t have access to a car), a car rental will be a necessity! I like to search via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price. They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! You’ll most likely be coming from the airport if you’re visiting, so aim to pick up your car rental from SFO.

Search for the cheapest car rentals over here !

When to Visit Big Sur:

Big Sur is most popular between April and October , when the weather is at it’s nicest. You’ll find plenty of sunny days over here! Of courseeee this is when it’s most crowded, so if you hoping to have McWay Falls all to yourself, think again. Not happening.

However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, you’ll experience less crowds and actually better weather! Not many out-of-towners know this, but coastal fog is another downside of a Big sur road trip during summertime ; it can hang around as late as midday! The fog is usually gone by early Fall, and you can even witness whales and butterflies this time of year (yes, really, if you know where to look!)

Visiting between the months of November to March? It’s important to note that many businesses have shorter opening hours during the off-peak season.

Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco

Temps are mild year round, ranging from a cool 60 degrees to a balmy 75 degrees F. It’s always wise to bring along a jacket no matter what month you’ll be frolicking around Big Sur, as it never gets particularly hot hot hot, and temperatures are always cooler on the coast than in the mountains nearby.

Where is Big Sur Exactly?

Many people don’t actually realize this, but Big Sur is not an actual city/town for that matter. It’s more of a state of mind rather than a specific point on a map, encompassing about 90 sunny Californian miles down the Pacific Coast Highway .

This mesmerizing stretch of coastline is located between Carmel (about ~45 min drive north) and San Simeon (roughly 1.5 hours drive south).

Most people are surprised at how little “civilization” is around here – no traffic lights, strip malls, or banks. It’s so nice to just be surrounded by nature and kinda forget about the rest of the world for a little while!

How Long to Stay in Big Sur:

With that being said, you can easily see oh so much in even as little as one day. If this is your first time to the area — don’t rush it! I recommend anywhere from 1-3 days in Big Sur, kinda depending if you wanna go on a few hikes or just see the typical tourist Big Sur road trip stops.

EXTRA BIG SUR ROAD TRIP TIPS

Plan ahead. As you saw above, there’s lots to do within the 90 mile drive encompassing Big Sur. Sure, you can be spontaneous, but you’ll probably miss some of the best spots. I highly suggest to map out your Big Sur road trip in advance to ensure you’re seeing the best of the best of the area.
A full day drive through can be enough time, but I don’t recommend it. You can definitely see a great deal of what the area has to offer, but to truly understand it’s captivating magic, you’ll want to stay the night. The area too expensive for ya? Try camping or make the short drive back to Carmel for less expensive accommodation options.
Note that mudslides happen quite frequently in Big Sur and nearby. Check this site for current highway conditions before your drive.
Bring binoculars to see the wildlife, especially in Point Lobos!
Things book up fast, especially in the summer and fall. It’s best to make hotel and restaurant recommendations in advance.
There is absolutely no cell phone service in Big Sur. At all. Don’t expect to be connected and/or be able to use Google Maps to get you from place to place. Download the map to your phone beforehand when you still have wifi/service, and may be able to use it for GPS purposes. You’ll find wifi at most popular restaurants, bars, and hotels — but, don’t keep your nose in your phone all day!
Grab a free map of the area. With that being said, Big Sur’s free tourist newspaper has a fantastic detailed map. Pick up a copy of the newspaper at almost any establishment in the area.
Keep a sweater or two in the car. One minute it’ll be warm and sunny, the next the fog will roll in dropping the temperature 15 degrees. Always better to be prepared! It’s also a good idea to keep some hiking and/or beach clothing accessible in the car as well. It may not be beach weather when you set out for the day, but later in day who knows!

A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS

Is driving to Big Sur dangerous? Yes and No. There are twists and turns along the cliff, with most parts of the highway being only one lane in either direction. The road is narrow, so be extra careful when pulling over for the views (my advice – only pull off in designated spots, there’s plenty of them). Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and you’ll be ok.

How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? It could take as little as 2 hours (if you don’t stop at all), or 2 days if you make all the stops for the views, foods, and hikes. Pace yourself – it’s all beautiful. There’s typically some traffic, so if you’re just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours.

Where does the Big Sur drive start? There’s no real “starting point”. Since Big Sur is located between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon, it’s best to start from either of these (and finish in the other) if you wanna experience the entire coastline of Big Sur.

Why is Big Sur famous? Have you seen the photos?! It’s known for it’s pristine scenery, full of turquoise water, beautifully-designed bridges, rustic hiking trails, and more.

Can you swim in Big Sur? Yes and No. Despite all ocean views and beaches, there’s not many safe spots for swimming. The waves are unpredictable and pretty rough. And plus, the water is chilly over here! Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim.

What to See and Do on Your Big Sur Road Trip:

Woooo – it’s finally time to get this Big Sur road trip itinerary under way!

You can drive all of these Big Sur road trip stops from either north to south (starting in Carmel) or south to north (starting in San Simeon) of course, but I prefer driving from NORTH to SOUTH. The scenic pull-offs are along the coast, and driving north to south provides the easiest access to these. And plus, I’m from San Francisco so I’m typically driving down the coast, not up. 🙂

With that being said, I’m planning out this Big Sur road trip itinerary from north to south. You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day.

From North to South:

First things first, if you’ve never been to Carmel or Monterey, I highly recommend spending at least a day discovering both. My favorites in that area include: Carmel Beach, Lover’s Point Park, Pavel’s Bakerei, the 17 mile drive, and whale watching! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well!

1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

As you start your Big Sur road trip down from San Francisco (after exploring Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea prior), you’re first official stop should be Point Lobos! There are a ton of walks and trails to choose from, with all difficulty levels. And thankfully, everything is laid out quite well with proper signage, so there’s no risk of getting lost.

While the entire reserve is beautiful, don’t miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). They’re my two favorite spots in Point Lobos, and you won’t find clearer waters.

If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the chance to go whale-watching, as this area is a haven for them! You’ll also be able to witness sea lions and harbor seals frolicking around on nearby rocks any time of year — listen and you’ll hear them no problem!

Go hiking, walking, bird watching (pelicans frequent the area), scuba diving (yes, really!), all while taking in the magnificent views! Bring your binoculars for wildlife viewing! You may even see an orca and/or dolphin off the coast!

Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park , but you can easily park on the side of the road (if you don’t mind walking a far distance to get in).

2. Garrapata State Park Bluff Trail

Okay, so we just discovered this spot off the side of the highway on our last visit to Big Sur, and I cannot believe I never noticed it before! It’s pretty secluded and kinda secret (aka not on all the typical “things to do in Big Sur” posts), so I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

A short 15 minute walk along the cliffs with beautiful views of the coast and even a waterfall! I wanna go for sunset next time!

Psst: If you’re visiting in early spring, don’t miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail).

BONUS STOP! CALLA LILY VALLEY!

If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley ! It’s such a unique spot on the coastline, and it’s only a .25 mile hike to get there!

Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur!

Calla Lily Valley Big Sur - Everything You Need to Know

3. Rocky Creek Bridge

THIS is the bridge that everyone thinks is the iconic Bixby, but it’s not! Although I can definitely see why – it’s just as beautiful and even the same style! If you’re not in a rush on your Big Sur road trip, why not make the extra stop? The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there – we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second!

4. Bixby Bridge

Any Big Sur road trip ain’t complete without a stop at iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur (which I’m sure you’ve seen alllll over instagram and pinterest).

You won’t miss it, promise, as it’s just a short 15 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Bixby Bridge is the epitome of Big Sur and it’s everything you’d expect and more (but really, it’s the surrounding scenery that really steals the show).

Top tip: pull off at a turnout from the bridge’s south end at sunset. Absolutely spectacular and downright mesmerizing. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isn’t half bad either. 🙂

Be warned, traffic can slow along this stretch (especially south bound) during the summer, so it’s best to visit Bixby in the early AM!

5. Old Coast Road

This 11 mile road is what those back in the day had to use before the famed Highway One was complete! — and not many tourists know about it just yet! You’ll be driving on private land, so you can’t stop to take tooo many photos, but since it’s usually not crowded, feel free to stop in the middle of the road if you must for some shots. Just be careful to watch out for other vehicles coming and livestock roaming around! The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lot’s of no trespassing signs. Basically, nature at it’s finest. 🙂

Tip: Driving it can be challenging, but well worth it. You’ll want an all-wheel drive for best mobility, but if all you’ve got is a regular sedan, go slow and you should be a-okay! The road is not paved. Don’t go during the rain or after it’s just rained as the road is all dirt and can get quite muddy at times.

6. Hurricane and Sea Otter Refuge Viewpoints

All the views all gorgeous on the coast, but these two have ample parking and suuuuuch great views of the coast all around!

7. Point Sur State Park and Lighthouse

Next up on this Big Sur road trip itinerary – the Point Sur Lighthouse! While the tours are quite long at three hours, the history and information is so interesting you won’t even notice the hours passing by. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. And get there early — the tours only accommodate 40 people! Take along some warmer clothes as it gets quite chilly up at the top of the lighthouse! Thankfully there’s hot chocolate, tea, and/or coffee waiting for you. Tours cost $15 per person.

There’s also some hiking in the state park, with sea lions and starfish in the tide pools nearby.

8. Big Sur River Inn

Hungry? This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! The menu’s pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! They’ve got a manicured grassy lawn which is perfect for picnics, and a whole set-up on their outdoor patio with tables and umbrellas.

Sure, the food is on the pricey side (like the rest of Big Sur), but it’s such a great place to stop and relax for a bit.

There’s a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. And plus, what’s cooler than a cone from a bus? :p

9. Pfeiffer Beach

Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. After you finally find it (the road to get to Pfeiffer Beach is a bit hidden and narrow with no signs), you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the sand is actually truly purple in some spots on the beach. Note that the color of the sand realllly comes alive right after it rains.

You could easily spend a few hours admiring the keyhole and rock formations on the beach. You don’t really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. You can always put your feet in if you’d like!

How to get here: When you’re heading southbound (recommended), take the 2nd right after you see the Big Sur Station. You’ll see a big yellow sign that says “NARROW ROAD: NO RV’s OR TRAILERS.” Go down that road! It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but it’s well worth it once you get to the beach. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow!

10. Big Sur Bakery

Small and cozy and rustic and delicious. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but it’s worth the wait.

Our favorite thing to get: almond croissant. I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. Sure, it’s the most expensive pastry I’ve ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. And it’s large enough to split, for sure.

The banana bread is great too, but now that we’ve had the almond croissant, I don’t think we’ll ever be getting anything else.

They’ve also got some wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and avocado toast if you’re still hungry after Big Sur River Inn. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts.

Oh, and the bakery has public restrooms available, which is always good to know on a road trip without much service!

11. Nepenthe

Cocktails with a view? Yes please! We love to break up our Big Sur road trip with some cocktails and appetizers from Nepenthe.

I feel the need to say this since you’ll be getting back in the car to continue on the 1: if you’re the driver, please be responsible and limit yourself to one drink at most.

If the weather’s lousy (as in thick fog drastically impeding the views), I honestly wouldn’t bother with Nepenthe. While the food and drinks are good, you’re paying for the view.

12. Henry Miller Memorial Library

Book lover? Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and you’ll be nothing less than impressed. From free coffee available and interesting and unusual titles for purchase, it’s worth spending a while here to soak up the Big Sur atmosphere.

Tranquil. Cozy. Quiet. Don’t miss it – it’s even surrounded by giant redwoods! They sometimes even host concerts, cultural events, and film nights as well.

13. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls

After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyone’s must see list during any Big Sur road trip. And there’s a reason for it — the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. In every way, shape, and form.

The Best Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary - all the best stops to make, where to eat, and where to stay

A short 10 minute walk from the parking lot will get you to a beautiful waterfall crashing directly into the Pacific Ocean’s emerald water. Psst: When people say they’re “hiking” to McWay Falls, they’re really just casually strolling down a paved path.

And if there’s still orchids and wildflowers out, you’ll think you’re in Hawaii. Absolute paradise, albeit rather crowded at times.

LOCAL TIP: Visit Julia Pfeiffer Burns in the afternoon when the sun is shining directly on the waterfall – it will be cast in shadows and difficult to see at other times of the day.

There is a $10 honor system daily charge, so bring some cash. You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (I’m not saying it’s a-okay… just letting you know that’s an option if the parking lot is full). And thankfully, the parking lot has bathrooms! Yes!

Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. In addition, since California is still somewhat in a drought, the falls may be quite dry during the summer months.

Do note there is no beach or ocean access, and it’s actually forbidden to go down there. There are plenty of other beaches to hang around, so do your part and just stay where you’re supposed to be.

14. Limekiln State Park

Haven’t had enough of the great outdoors on your Big Sur road trip just yet? Limekiln State Park may be juuust what you’re looking for. The park offers a few short hikes, each offering their own thing, to waterfalls in redwood forests and access to the beach.

And thankfully, neither are too strenuous or long (perfect if you don’t have all day). Be sure to take along a sweater as the trails are shaded and can be very cool the entire time, which makes for a spectacular break on a super hot day!

Note that parking is rather limited and costs $10, with restrooms available.

15. Sand Dollar Beach

Being Big Sur’s largest beach, as long as the tide is low, you’ll find plenty of space to lay your towel down and relax. Do take note of the tide schedule though – high tide can essentially make the sandy beach disappear, making it difficult to find a place to sit.

Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but you’ll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Stay for sunset as the rock formations on the beach make for some epic scenery!

Note that you’ll have to walk/hike about 100 steps or so to access the beach. Which means you’ll ultimately need to climb back up! Just letting you know so there are no surprises! The parking lot is large and yes, you’ll need to pay $10 (a common theme to use the beaches/parks in/near Big Sur). Again, there’s a toilet here!

Animal Observations in Big Sur

DIY Whale Watching

No matter what time of year you’re visiting Big Sur, you’ll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. Patience is the only requirement, but binoculars are nice to have as well. Three types of whales frequent the Big Sur coastline:

Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore)
Blue Whales: June to October
Humpback Whales: late April to early December

Monarch Butterflies

If you’re visiting Big Sur in the winter months between October and December, you’re in for a real treat – tons of monarch butterflies! These little beauties return to Big Sur in October, and migrate north in January. Look out for them clustered in trees in the early morning, and flying around during the day. While you’ll see monarchs all around Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is the place to be to spot the most!

Where to Eat (and Drink!) on your Big Sur Road Trip

There are numerous places to eat and drink in Big Sur, although some are definitely better than others. I’ve already put my favorites up above throughout the Big Sur road trip itinerary, but here are some more! A girl’s gotta eat, am I right?

Here are my picks and notes, either personally tested by me, or recommended by fellow travelers:

Nepenthe : drinks/appetizers right before sunset, stay for golden hour to get the best photos! An absolute must with the best ocean views!
Big Sur Lodge Ice Cream : the perfect spot when it’s even a tad warm out!
Big Sur Bakery: get an almond croissant and some banana walnut bread to share – it’s huge and heavenly. Pizza is great too if you want some “real” food!
Cafe Kevah : serving brunch & light lunch in an outdoor setting. Located on a terrace just below Nepenthe with absolutely fantastic views
Deetjens : cozy breakfast; delicious, homely food and great local wines. Be sure to make a reservation — the cozy dining room gets busy.
Big Sur Roadhouse : stop here for a coffee and donut
Sierra Mar Restaurant : Located in Post Ranch Inn serving a fine dining experience of inquisitive food creations. Pricey, but sounds worth it (I’ve never been).
The Restaurant at Ventana : inventive coastal cuisine inspired by the sustainable ingredients of California’s Central Coast. The most beautiful views as well.

Be prepared to spend some big money for dining out in Big Sur. The entire area is pricey, so expect to pay big city prices (~$15ish for a cocktail, ~$20-30ish for an entree). Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you don’t need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing.

Where to Stay in Big Sur:

Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. There’s really no way around it. If you can settle for not actually staying in Big Sur itself, consider heading up north to Carmel or Monterey for less-than-astronomical prices.

Recommended accommodation options in Monterey and Carmel that won’t break the bank:

Briarwood Inn : Quaint B&B with bright rooms & suites, plus continental breakfast & free port/sherry receptions)
Carmel Lodge : Cozy, casual rooms in a relaxed hotel offering free Wi-Fi & breakfast, plus parking)
Hofsas House : Traditionally decorated rooms in a Bavarian-style hotel with ocean views, sundecks & a heated pool)

With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your California Coast road trip , these are the best places to do it:

Post Ranch Inn : Offering 3 pools, one being an infinity hot tub, you can spend the bulk of your time here overlooking the stunning California coastline. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. Each room also boasts a private deck with those magicnicant coastline views, a wood-burning fireplace to get cozy during the chilly nights, and an indoor spa tub.

Ventana Inn & Spa : You’ll swoon the second you see this adults-only, rustically luxurious resort. Yes, it’s that impressive. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didn’t do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. 🙂 You can also opt to stay in a luxury glamping site with safari-style canvas tents under the redwoods if you feel so inclined.

Treebones Resort : Looking for something a bit different? Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if you’d like to give your wallet a bit of a break!

AirBnB : Due to the higher-than-normal cost of accommodation in Big Sur, you may want to check out AirBnB for a less expensive option, many even with those ocean views we’re all swooning over (without the super hefty price tag). Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay!

Are you planning a Big Sur road trip anytime soon? What are you most excited about?!

Loo king for more California content? Explore my other California guides here!

Did you know that …

When you purchase something through our links, we earn a small fee (but you still pay the same) ! Win-win! If you found this article useful, consider using the links within the article or below. Thanks for your support!

Book a hotel
Best place to find tours
Second favorite place for tours
Favorite travel insurance
Book a rental car
My favorite packing items on Amazon
Start your very own blog!

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO and FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

About Jessica
How to Plan a Trip
Fave Travel Companies
Shop My Faves

Destinations

World Travel
San Francisco
Northern California
Southern California
Central Coast

Hotels & Resorts
Travel Guides
Credit Cards
Airplane Seat Switch Etiquette
American Airlines Baggage Fees & Allowance
Amex Centurion Lounges
Best & Worst Days to Fly
Best & Worst Days to Fly & Travel for Christmas & New Year's 2024
Best & Worst Times to Fly
Best Days & Times to Book Flights
Best Seats On a Plane
Best Websites to Book Cheap Flights
Capital One Lounges
Chase Sapphire Lounges
Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Luggage (Steps to Take)
Delta Baggage Fees & Allowance
How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations in 2024
How to Cancel an American Airlines Flight
How to Cancel a Delta Air Lines Flight
How to Earn Delta SkyMiles
How to Earn United MileagePlus Miles
How to Find Cheap Flight Deals
How to Find Cheaper Summer Flights for 2024
How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster
How to Use Google Flights
When to Book Christmas Flights - Best Travel Days for 2024
When to Book Thanksgiving Flights - Best Travel Days for 2024
United Airlines Baggage Fees & Allowance
What to Do if Your Airline Cancels or Delays Your Flight
Worst Seats on a Plane
Best Atlanta Airport Car Rental Companies
Best Denver Airport Car Rental Companies
Best Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Car rental Companies
Best Miami Airport Car Rental Companies
Best Orlando Airport Car Rental Companies
Best Phoenix Airport Car Rental Companies
Best Websites to Book Cheap Car Rentals
How to Find Cheap Car Rentals
Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines
Can You Bring Food, Alcohol, & Snacks on a Cruise Ship?
Best Websites to Book Cheap Cruises
Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport?
What is Cruise Ship Tendering?
What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?
Best Economy & Budget-Friendly Hotel Brands
Best Mid-Tier Hotel Brands
Best Websites to Book Cheap Hotels
Choice Privileges Loyalty Program Review
Hilton Honors Loyalty Program Review
Hostel Booking Tips
Hotels.com Booking Guide
How to Find Cheap Hotel Deals
IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program Review
Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Review
World of Hyatt Loyalty Program Review
Wyndham Rewards Loyalty Program Review
Best Travel Products
Destinations
Family Travel
Beach Vacation Packing List
Best Beaches in Florida
Best Ticket Websites for Tours & Activities
Best Travel Tips
Global Entry Program Guide
How to Check Your Passport Application Status
How to Make a Travel Budget
How to Take Your Own Passport Photo at Home
Passport Processing Times - Current Wait in 2024
Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2024
Sustainable Travel Survey 2023
TSA PreCheck Program Guide
Travel Insurance Buying Guide
Ultimate Travel Packing List
Travel Credit Card Reviews
Travel Credit Card Strategies & Tips
Amex Platinum Card Benefits
Amex Gold Card Benefits
Best Starter Travel Credit Cards for Beginners
Capital One Venture Card Benefits
Capital One Venture X Card Benefits
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Benefits
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Benefits
How to Use CardMatch
Ink Business Unlimited Card Benefits

Get The Vacationer Newsletter

Get highlights of the most important news delivered to your email inbox

Advertiser Disclosure

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure : Jones-Dengler Marketing, LLC via The Vacationer is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

The Vacationer • Travel Guides • Travel Tips

49 Best Travel Tips to Save Time, Money, & Stress in 2024

Traveling locally, across the country, or to another continent is an exciting way to form memories and experience other cultures. But an awry trip can usher in unnecessary stress, expenses, and potential regrets.

These travel tips can help you have a successful trip from the initial planning stages, as you pack your bags, and once you reach your destination.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Tips While Preparing for a Trip

This collection of tips covers just about everything you should consider when traveling and before you go. You are most likely practicing some of them, making them a good reminder, and others can help prevent uncommon travel surprises.

1. Book At Least Six Weeks in Advance

Instead of carving time out of your schedule to book your trip at a specific date or time (such as Tuesdays at 3 a.m. using a private browsing session to find discounted fares), a more effective strategy is researching travel options at least four to six weeks in advance.

You can still find cheap flights and ideal flight times at least six weeks before departure. Getting on the hunt two or three months before major holidays is also good.

Last-minute travel savings are possible but you may be unable to get a desired departure time, layover window, or destination. Waiting until the final days can be worth it if you have a flexible schedule and are open-minded about where you travel to.

Learn More: Best Days and Times to Book Flights

2. Travel in the Off-Season or Shoulder Season

Avoiding the peak travel season is one of the easiest ways to pay less for flights and lodging. You also will enjoy smaller crowds and the weather can still be decent for your intended activities.

For example, visiting Spain is delightful in March and April but travel prices are elevated during Semana Santa (Holy Week) when most cities have processions that virtually shut down the city.

Another example is visiting a beach town during the shoulder season. The shoulder season is the time between the peak and the offseason. So you could take a trip to Cape May, NJ from the middle of May to the end of June instead of during the July/August peak. The weather is still good enough during the shoulder season to enjoy most peak-season activities.

3. Compare Multiple Booking Sites

Comparing prices from several travel booking sites can help you find the best rate within minutes. Airlines, hotels, and rental cars offer several slots to third-party booking sites and you can pay less than booking directly from the carrier.

It’s worth your time to check prices directly from the carrier website but also from one or more third-party booking sites (online travel agencies or OTAs) like Hotels.com , Kayak , or Google Flights .

The Vacationer Tip

Along with looking for the best flight schedule and prices, you can use our guide to help find the best seats on the plane and book them for cheap or for free.

4. Book Directly from the Travel Provider

While you can find discounted prices through online travel agencies and third-party booking sites, booking directly from the airline, hotel, or rental car agency provides more protection if you must cancel or reschedule. This is especially important for flights and the 24-hour cancellation rule .

With third-party reservations, you may be locked into a particular itinerary that could be non-refundable or non-changeable. You will need to call the booking site to determine what your alternatives are. If you’re eligible for a refund, it can take longer to receive your funds.

5. Stay at a Hostel to Save Money

Hostels are a common and safe way to secure affordable lodging in Europe and Asia. If you’re traveling solo or in a group and okay with not having as much privacy, a hostel helps keep your travel costs down.

Despite many misconceptions, most establishments are well-run with clean bathrooms and bedding. You may also be able to get a basic breakfast at some. With that said, be sure to research your options and consider paying a little more to get more luxurious accommodations.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Staying in a Hostel

6. Consider Vacation Rentals for Extended Stays

Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO have become immensely more popular since the pandemic as people yearned for privacy. While hotels are usually better for shorter stays as you avoid expensive cleaning fees and service fees, a vacation home or villa can be more cost-effective for extended stays.

At a minimum, a rental or an extended-stay hotel is more likely to offer a full kitchen suite that allows you to cook full meals instead of relying on packaged snacks or what fits inside the hotel mini-fridge.

Vacation rentals can also be cheaper per square foot if traveling as a family. Instead of squeezing into a hotel suite or booking multiple rooms, you have spacious accommodations. If you have small children, the extra space can keep you from losing your mind on rainy days.

The Vacationer’s Tip: While many people focus on spending less for flights, hotels and vacation rentals can have variable pricing. Here is how to find and book cheap hotels to enjoy clean and spacious lodging on a budget.

7. Buy Travel Insurance for Expensive or International Trips

Travel insurance is inexpensive on most itineraries and can save you thousands of dollars if your non-refundable travel is canceled or delayed for qualifying reasons.

Obtaining coverage is a good option for expensive trips. Picking up a policy can also be worth it when traveling outside the United States as you can have medical coverage and emergency evacuation benefits that your ordinary health insurance may not provide outside the country.

You should also consider booking your trips using credit cards with travel insurance coverage . These benefits are sufficient for low-cost excursions and can activate before your standalone travel insurance policy can. They can also provide complimentary rental car coverage .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers the best credit card travel insurance benefits. Namely, you can be eligible for trip interruption and cancellation coverage of up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 per trip), primary auto rental collision damage waiver, up to $500 per ticket in trip delay reimbursement, and up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation Learn How to Apply Here

8. Consider Annual Travel Insurance Plans

If you travel regularly, an annual travel insurance policy covers multiple trips at a lower premium than buying a new policy for each trip. This is an excellent option for frequent leisure travelers and business travelers.

9. Review Airline and Hotel Cancellation Policies

Your travel plans may change unexpectedly for personal or work reasons. Before you book, take the time to review the cancellation and modification policies just to make sure they are reasonable.

You want to make sure you have a strong possibility of getting a refund or a travel credit to redeem later. Being locked into a non-refundable itinerary may not be worth the savings unless you’re booking right before you go or your travel insurance may issue a refund.

In addition to researching the cancellation policy, be sure to review an airline’s seating and carry-on policy to avoid add-on fees and restrictions.

10. Choose Early Flights

Early morning flights are the best time to fly for several reasons. First, these departures are less likely to be delayed as it’s a new travel day with rested crews and minimal weather-related interruptions.

Additionally, these flights can be cheaper as you need to arrive at the airport a little earlier. Routes popular with business travel can be an exception to this rule, but you can anticipate paying less than for a mid-day sortie.

Learn More: How to Avoid Flight Delays and Cancellations

11. Arrive at the Airport Early

Best Travel Tips - Arrive at the Airport Early

Photo: Pixabay

Getting to the airport at least an hour before departure for domestic flights at small airports or when you’re not checking luggage. Plan on arriving at least two hours for domestic flights at busy airports, if you’re checking a bag, or traveling with small children.

What about international flights? Plan on arriving at least three hours before departure to allow additional time for a potentially longer check-in time.

Learn More: How Early Should I Get to the Airport?

12. Qualify for Expedited Airport Security

If you fly several times a year, obtaining expedited airport security credentials can help you avoid long airport security lines.

The first step is applying for a federally-administered Trusted Traveler Program, such as:

TSA PreCheck : Enjoy expedited security at domestic airports only.
Global Entry : Get expedited processing at customs lines on international flights plus TSA PreCheck benefits.
NEXUS : Ideal for travel between the U.S. and Canada. It also includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits.

Several rewards credit cards are offering free Global Entry and TSA PreCheck application fee credits to save a few dollars.

In addition to Trusted Traveler programs, you can also shave a few minutes off security wait times with CLEAR at select major airports and stadiums. Where available, this pre-security program can help you reach the expedited TSA security lines sooner.

Getting a Redress Number can help those who frequently have boarding pass issues, are subject to additional security screenings (including having SSSS on their boarding pass ), and those who experience delayed or denied boardings.

Learn More: How to Get Through TSA Airport Security Faster

13. Relax at an Airport Lounge

If you have a long layover or arrive at the airport several hours later, visiting an airport lounge (like a Centurion Lounge ) can help you grab a complimentary meal and drink, and recharge your devices. You can also have a comfortable place to sit and the luxury lounges offer spa treatment, sleeping rooms, and shower suites to clean up.

Single-day passes are pricey but there are several credit cards with lounge access . Most lounges allow entry for the primary cardholder and up to two guests complimentary up to three hours before your next flight’s departure.

Airport lounge access is just one way to reduce air travel stress . Check out our article for additional suggestions.

14. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

Some countries and airlines won’t let you travel if your passport expires within six months. If you’re planning a trip, see if your passport is expiring soon to prevent delaying your trip.

Consider renewing your passport early if you’re approaching the six-month expiration window as the passport processing times can take up to 13 weeks to receive your new document. You can pay extra for expedited processing but the process can still take several weeks.

After submitting your renewal request, you can check your passport application status online .

Finally, use our How to Take Your Own Passport Photo guide to simplify things when applying or renewing.

15. Don’t Go Into Debt for Vacation

As much as you’re earning to get away on a dream trip, it’s probably not worth going into debt for. Whether your bank is offering a vacation loan or you intend on carrying a credit card balance (even with a 0% APR), borrowing money to travel can backfire.

Instead, look for the best options within your spending power. Consider setting aside money each month and delaying your trip if necessary.

In addition to saving up for travel in a dedicated savings account, you can use travel rewards credit cards to redeem points to defray purchases. Some cards offer annual statement credits that reimburse eligible travel bookings.

Additionally, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards also offer complimentary benefits to spend less.

Making a travel budget can help you plan for travel expenses so you’re not nervous about running out of cash while you travel or having regrets once you return home.

16. Exercise and Stretch

Once you depart for your trip, be sure to stretch and perform basic exercises as time and space permit. It can be as basic as stationary stretches while sitting in your seat to walking the airport terminal. If driving, stay outside for a few extra minutes at the gas station or rest area.

Stretching and being active once you arrive is also beneficial and can help you sleep better.

Best Travel Tips for Packing

17. only bring a carry-on.

When possible, only bring a carry-on to avoid lost or missing checked luggage. You can also avoid checked baggage fees and excessive weight charges if you overpack. Using the best carry-on can help you find the perfect soft or hard-sided luggage to fit your travel gear.

If you need to check a bag, it most likely won’t get lost but could get delayed. Here’s our helpful guide on what to do during baggage delays .

18. Pack as Light as Possible

Packing is stressful; Many people overpack to ease their anxiety, which sometimes means bringing extra suitcases or paying to check a bag. Write down everything you think you need on your packing list. After it’s complete, cut it down to the bare minimum.

Pack underwear and socks for the number of showers you expect to take; Add an emergency pair for every five or so days of your trip. Shirts and pants can usually be worn multiple days in a row. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can pack even less.

19. Carry-On Overnight Travel Essentials

You never know when a flight delay will turn into spending the night in the terminal or at a nearby hotel. While the airline may provide meal vouchers, you should pack these travel essentials to freshen up:

A change of clothes, especially extra underwear and socks
Powerbank (they cost about $20 and have several phone/tablet recharges)
Travel charger

Even if you’re not stuck somewhere overnight, these small and compact items can also help you rest while on the road:

Earplugs (great for plane rides and noisy hotels)
Noise-canceling earbuds or headphones
Travel blanket
Travel pillow (see the best travel neck pillows )

Adding these carry-on essentials to your packing list can prepare you for nearly any change of plans and to weather a long layover or flight.

20. Don’t Forget a Power Adapter

A power adapter is essential in most foreign destinations to charge your devices. Traveling to Canada or Mexico is an exception as the standard voltage is 120v and these countries have the same outlet design as the United States. Check to see the adapter requirements for the country you are visiting before leaving.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler recently visited South Africa and needed a Type M adapter. He purchased this Ceptics International Power Plug Adapter Travel Set , which includes 13 adapters for just about every foreign country.

21. Use Packing Cubes

There are a couple of ways to organize your travel luggage to squeeze everything in. Your bag may include built-in storage compartments or you might roll up clothing and put them in packing cubes or vacuum storage bags. If you’re on a budget, rubber bands or plastic bags can also do the job. I recommend the following packing cubes: Veken 6 Set of Various Colored Packing Cubes .

Packing for a vacation can feel like a fine art at times, even as a seasoned traveler. Our travel packing list can cover everything you need to bring so you don’t forget and have to buy something along the way.

22. Bring an Empty Water Bottle

For over 20 years, it’s become ingrained for air travelers to pack liquids in containers containing no more than three ounces. This security rule means you can’t bring a filled water bottle through airport security, but you can bring an empty one.

Most airports have filtered water dispensers in the post-security terminal that you can fill up your bottle with and avoid paying big bucks for bottled water. You also won’t struggle to stay hydrated during your journey.

If you’re driving, consider bringing a travel water filter or a portable filter that you can use in your hotel room to pay pennies for filtered water.

23. Dress Comfortably for the Flight

You should dress comfortably for the plane ride. Dressing in layers with a light jacket or a travel blanket can help you stay warm if the cabin is cool. Bringing travel slippers or slip-on shoes on long-haul flights is another overlooked comfort hack. Wear sweatpants instead of jeans.

24. Bring Duplicate Travel Documents

Take a few minutes to photocopy your critical travel documents such as your government-issued IDs and passport. Be sure to keep these papers separate from your originals in case one set gets lost.

Once you arrive at your destination, you may decide to go out in public with your duplicates and keep your originals plus at least one payment card in the room safe. That way, a pickpocket doesn’t run off with the more valuable set and you still have a way to make purchases.

Taking it a step further, write down your credit card numbers and the emergency contact number if you need to call and cancel if your plastic goes missing. If you don’t have a phone number, you can also look for a pay phone that should have a toll-free number to contact Visa or Mastercard to cancel your card.

25. Keep Valuables at Home and Bring a Lock

Unless it’s necessary to bring them along for a business function or a personal event, leave your valuables at home. The hassle of keeping them secure and the risk of losing them may not be worth the replacement cost.

This includes your fine jewelry, watches, and high-end electronics that are nice to use but optional for this trip. Additionally, these items can make you a target for thieves.

The Vacationer’s Phil Dengler also recommends bringing a luggage lock or a standard combination lock.

26. Install a Luggage Tracking Device

Bluetooth tracking devices like the Apple AirTag are a small and easy way to see where your carry-on and checked luggage are at all times. A single piece is about the size of a coin and costs $30 or less.

27. Bring Comfy Walking Shoes

Most of the world walks more steps than we do daily. Therefore, it’s essential to pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to stroll the streets of your destination. Comfortable footwear is also a must-have if you’re staying stateside.

28. Keep a Travel Journal

Consider packing a notebook or diary into your carry-on. Handwriting your favorite travel memories in a journal is an easy way to remember the intricacies that you may struggle to remember years later when you reflect.

For example, you can write down what you did each day along with exciting facts. Having everybody share their favorite activity for the day is another way to use this journal.

Best Travel Tips for Once You Arrive

29. learn the local customs.

Words and expressions can have different meanings where you’re traveling to. It’s also a good idea to know some of the common phrases and customs the locals practice so you can have a basic conversation.

You can research these details online or in a guidebook.

30. Dress As a Local

Blending in with the crowd can help prevent unwanted attention from panhandlers and pickpockets. For example, don’t wear revealing clothing when the culture favors pants or long dresses. Researching fashion advice for your destination is your best option.

31. Be Wary of Local Scams

Brushing up on the latest tourist scams can help you avoid bad situations. A recent travel guidebook is a reliable way to find the most common tactics for your destination. Two to look out for are unofficial taxis and fake wifi hotspots.

32. Consider Wearing a Money Belt

Long-time travelers have a love-hate relationship with money belts as they point you out as a tourist if you’re constantly reaching for it in public. Additionally, wearing the belt all day can be a nuisance as it’s an extra layer of fabric you’re not used to.

At the same time, it’s harder to steal a money belt than to grab something from your pockets or purse. They are also inexpensive to buy on Amazon and don’t take up a lot of suitcase space if you decide not to use it.

33. Download Travel Apps

Smartphones make international travel substantially easier as you can download various apps before leaving home so you can hit the ground running.

Some types of apps you may consider downloading for these purposes:

Offline Maps: Many consider Maps.me to be the best offline maps app and more user-friendly than Apple Maps or Google Maps. You may still try getting paper maps from a local tourism office or bookstore once you arrive though.
Translation: A translator app for traveling can be pre-loaded with basic phrases with offline access. It may also be able to interpret voice recordings and photographs.
Jet Lag: Flying to the other side of the world takes a toll on your body and sleep cycle. Timeshifter can help you conquer jet lag quicker while traveling and upon returning home.

Downloading apps for your airline, hotel, and travel booking sites will help you access your digital reservation information and receive itinerary updates. Some travelers also enjoy downloading tourism apps like Tripadvisor or Yelp to quickly access ratings for attractions.

34. Get an International Sim Card or Phone Plan

Your stateside phone carrier may offer an international plan that you can upgrade to while you’re out of the country. Contract carriers and prepaid providers offer this overseas coverage.

Alternatively, an international sim card can be a budget-friendly and reliable option if you visit multiple countries. Just make sure your device is unlocked and GSM-compatible.

35. Avoid Eating in Touristy Areas

You’re likely to pay more and potentially get lower-quality food when eating in touristy areas. This isn’t always the case. For example, dining within sight of Rome’s Pantheon is an exception as there are well-rated restaurants for a memorable ambiance.

However, going a few streets over or to an adjacent community can be the ticket to finding authentic food. Asking your hotel or trustworthy locals can help you find a good spot in addition to researching places to eat online.

36. Lunch Can Be Cheaper than Supper

If you’re only planning on eating out one meal per day, your mid-day meal can be more affordable than in the evening.

Depending on the restaurant, there can be separate menus for the bar and dining room. Staying in the bar can be more affordable and your meal options can be similar.

37. Use American Chains for Public Restrooms and Wifi

Finding a public bathroom can be challenging in foreign destinations. American restaurants like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Taco Bell are more likely to offer public access to restrooms and wifi, although you may need to make a small purchase.

38. Look for Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are common in popular tourist destinations both stateside and internationally. These tours can last a couple of hours and hit the cultural and historical points of interest. They can provide an idea of what you want to spend more time exploring later.

While these tours don’t have an entry fee, nothing in life is genuinely 100% free ,and leaving a tip is expected in most situations. You may decide to tip more if the guide is knowledgeable and engaging.

39. A Paid Tour Can Be Better Than a Free Tour

You should also compare the free tours to private, guided tours. A paid tour can provide more hands-on support and access to more landmarks.

In addition to researching the traditional tour providers, the experiences section in Airbnb can also provide curated opportunities to see the sights, enjoy culinary delights, or do physical activities like paddleboarding or folk dancing.

Further Reading: Best Websites for Booking Cheap Tickets, Tours, & Activities

40. Look for Discounted Sightseeing Passes

Museums and entertainment attractions offer discounted and priority admission with sightseeing pass companies. So, instead of buying tickets directly from the tourist attractions you wish to visit, purchasing a city attraction card in advance can save money and means you won’t need to wait for hours (potentially) to buy a ticket at the door.

For domestic trips, CityPASS® offers discounted packages in approximately 15 major U.S. cities. Entertainment.com can also help you save on experiences in the United States and Canada.

If you’re flying to the “Eternal City” of Rome, Italy, the Roma Tourist Card is worth the upfront cost as you can enjoy these benefits:

Skip-the-line access at the Roman Colosseum
Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
Access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Audio guides for the Pantheon and Rome
Free return transfer to or from Rome’s international airports (Ciampino and Fiumicino)
10% discount on other attractions, museums, and tours

Depending on the program, you may need to book your pass weeks in advance.

41. Get an Interrail Pass for a Eurotrip

If you’re backpacking Europe or touring several countries, an Interrail Pass from Eurail can make it easier to finalize your transportation plan using an interactive map. This platform lets you visit up to 33 countries by rail with a single pass.

42. Have a Flexible Travel Schedule

Mapping out an initial plan for each day can help you seize the day and optimize your time of playing tourist. Meanwhile, remaining flexible is pivotal as several variables can alter your itinerary such as:

A change in the weather
Accomplishing more than you originally scheduled
Making friends with other travelers and having dinner with them
Realizing a planned activity isn’t as appealing once you arrive

Another related suggestion is to get out and explore the city and the immediate area on your arrival date (time permitting) so you have a better idea of what to do the next day.

43. Wear Sunscreen Early and Often For Beach & Outdoor Trips

There is nothing worse than getting a bad sunburn at the beginning of a trip. Find a good facial sunscreen and buy a travel-sized container. Apply it to your face and neck a few times per day. For beach trips, either cover up with a hat and clothing or apply strong sunscreen to your body multiple times per day. While it may be annoying, it is much better than dealing with painful and peeling sunburn.

Sunscreen is usually marked up at typical tourist spots. If you check a bag, consider buying what you need before leaving and packing it.

44. Use an ATM Instead of a Currency Exchange Booth

Instead of heading directly to the currency exchange booth at the airport or train terminal, look for an ATM instead. Several should be in the public terminals or you can look for a local bank branch to find a secure location.

Why? ATMs provide better currency exchange ratios than the money exchange booth. Even if you pay foreign transaction fees and non-network ATM fees, you will most likely come out ahead financially speaking.

45. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees

Many travel-focused credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , and The Platinum Card from American Express do not have foreign transaction fees. Use cards like those when traveling internationally to avoid potentially expensive fees.

46. Bring at Least One Backup Credit Card

Getting stuck on vacation with no access to money (besides cash) is not something you want to experience; Your main credit card could get lost or stolen. Carry at least one backup credit card (ideally with no foreign transaction fees if overseas) on all trips.

Phil Dengler’s Favorite Travel Tips

Here are a few of Phil’s favorite travel tips.

47. Be Very Flexible – Pick Your Travel Dates Based on the Cheapest Days to Fly

Flights are usually the most costly part of a vacation. I recommend using Google Flights calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly to and from your destination. After identifying those days, book your airfare. You must be flexible, but it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars planning a vacation this way.

Further Reading: How to Find Cheap Flights and How to Use Google Flights

48. Book the Aisle and Window Seats When Traveling in Pairs

I always book the aisle and window seats when flying with my girlfriend or a friend. No one wants to sit in the middle seat, so people rarely select it. Doing this usually gives us the entire row to ourselves.

It does not work on full flights, however. The good news is people are usually willing to trade their middle seat. Simply offer them your aisle or window seat and you still get to sit next to your significant other or friend.

Further Reading: Can You (and Should You) Change Airplane Seats With Someone Else on a Flight?

49. Follow Proper Airline Etiquette

Knowing how to properly act on a plane can better your flying experience. See our following guides for more information.

Airplane Seat Reclining Etiquette
Overhead Bin Space Etiquette – Who Does it Belong To and How to Avoid Fights

The Vacationer’s Final Thoughts

Taking the time to plan for a vacation, whether it’s the annual beach trip or you’re trying some new place, lets you practice these travel tips and not stress before or during your expedition.

The best part is that you don’t need to be a travel pro to successfully implement these suggestions. If you’re a beginner, try adopting several more each time you leave home.

By Josh Patoka

Josh Patoka writes about maximizing travel rewards for The Vacationer. As well, he contributes to several personal finance sites specializing in making money, paying off debt, and investing.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Anywhere in the World in 2024

The Best Travel Insurance – Guide to the Top Companies, Cost, & Buying Tips in 2024

How to Avoid Flight Delays & Cancellations

How to Avoid Airline Flight Delays & Cancellations – 2024

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

How To Choose the Right Sized Travel Bag for Any Trip

Finding a properly sized travel bag is a key part of any successful trip, from a simple weekender to a month-long adventure.

Getting Started

There’s a travel bag out there for everyone, and we’re here to help you find it. The process can be a little overwhelming, but narrowing down what needs to fit into your pack is a great place to start. In this post, we’re going to be talking about different bag sizes and their uses. By the time we’re done, you’ll know just what size pack you need (or at least be headed in the right direction).

We’ll cover everything from 1L slings that keep your pockets free all the way up to 60L outdoor adventure packs for carrying the whole shebang. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pack for daily commutes or are ready to jump off the deep end into backpacking across Asia, we’re psyched to help you get started.

Before we get into it, there are a few essential things to consider. When we mention liters, we mean it in terms of volume, not dimensions. Two different 40L travel bags may not fit the same amount of gear. This is highly dependent on the built-in organization, available compartments, and shapes that the pack implements. We notice the most significant differences between different brands, but sometimes even two travel backpacks made by the same company will differ in packability. Ensuring all your gear will fit inside is one of many critical pieces to the intricate puzzle of picking your next travel bag.

Here at Pack Hacker, we have a ton of travel gear reviews, guides, and how-to videos that will help get you started, continue your journey, or find your magnum opus.

Okay—now let’s get into the fun stuff.

Pocket Dump Sling (1L)

Starting off on the small end of the spectrum is the 1L sling, or what we like to call the Pocket Dump Sling. It might seem tiny, but we promise, 1L is bigger than you think! It’s small enough for you to wear it all day without getting uncomfortable, but it will fit just about anything you usually store in your pockets (hence the name).

Use it to carry your daily essentials: a cell phone, keys, wallet, headphones, and even a small point-and-shoot camera or snack. We also love using these packs while traveling to store a passport, earbuds, travel wallet, and other travel documents like a boarding pass. Pocket dump slings are great at the airport because instead of removing all the items from your pockets and slowing up the line, everything is already in the sling. Just throw it on the conveyor belt and continue through the checkpoint.

From this category, we recommend the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Hip Pack . It’s pretty versatile, as you can wear it as a sling or on your waist, and it packs away nicely for compact storage when not in use.

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Hip Pack all packed up.

We’ve also found that a sling of this size is great for walks around a new town, city, or nature area while abroad. You can throw your essentials (and maybe a friend or partner’s essentials too, if you’re feeling generous), head out on the town, and keep your hands and pockets free the whole time.

Pockets Plus (2.5L)

If you love slings like we do but crave a little more space, try something around the 2.5L size. We call them Pockets Plus because they fit all the items we usually carry in our pockets, plus a few extra goodies.

This size is excellent for daily use and while traveling because it offers a little more flexibility in what you can bring along with you. Similar to a Pocket Dump Sling, you can leave your pockets empty when you head through a TSA checkpoint. You will also have additional space to bring entertainment like a Nintendo Switch or a small tablet, a couple of snacks, a battery bank, and a few cables to keep everything charged up while you’re on the move. We’ve even been able to fit a packable rain jacket and set of wet wipes, so long as they have a small enough form factor!

The Aer City Sling 2 all packed up.

We love the Aer City Sling 2 , which comes in right at 2.5L. It’s one of the more comfortable carries that we’ve tested, and it has ample space for stowing your gear. We also love its low-profile design, especially while traveling to ensure that we don’t look too touristy. While on the plane, have quick access to entertainment like a Nintendo Switch without digging around below the seat. You can even hook it onto the seat in front of you using a HeroClip for easier access. You’d better stow it during turbulence, though!

Messenger Bag (13L)

If you need to bring along more gear than a basic sling allows, we recommend you grab a messenger bag between 9L and 13L. These packs are great for when you don’t necessarily want the weight of a backpack, but your list of essential items is a little larger, like on short hikes or day trips to nearby towns abroad. If you are set on carrying a sling, there’s also a travel bag subset that's a cross between a messenger bag and a sling.

A 13L messenger bag is a good pick for commuters who want something that won’t take up much space on trains or buses. It’s also a low-profile option if you’re exploring a new city and need more space but don’t want a full travel backpack. These bags are also great for cycle commuting because they aren’t too heavy and allow access to your gear while in transit.

There are many different styles to go with, so it's essential to think about which features are important for your usage needs. A pack with a large main compartment will hold the most gear but lacks the organization that some crave. A pack with more organization may not have as much room for larger items, but each item has a home.

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger all packed up.

In the 13L range, we like the Peak Design Everyday Messenger pack, as it can fit all of our daily go-to gear inside the large main compartment. It does have some organizational capabilities with the included FlexFold dividers, but in our experience, the dividers aren’t the most durable. As we said, it all depends on your specific usage needs.

Daily Bag (15L)

Some people don’t like slings and would prefer to wear a backpack while commuting to work or exploring a new city, which is just fine by us. For a travel bag you can wear every day and carry most of your work essentials, we recommend something between 15L and 18L. This should give you enough space to bring all the gear you need, plus a little bit extra.

Although just a minor step-up from the 13L messenger, we’ve found that those two to five liters can make all the difference. Not only can a daily bag carry everything you need for work, but it will also be versatile enough for extracurriculars, too. So much room for activities!

Hit the gym after work, stop at the coffee shop for a drink and to get your side-hustle on, or even head out for a hike somewhere on the way home. The biggest draw of a daily bag over the smaller packs listed above is the ability to do an abundance of different activities without stopping home to drop off and grab more gear.

The Tom Bihn Luminary 15 all packed up.

We recommend the Tom Bihn Luminary 15 , Able Carry Thirteen Daybag , and Away Small Zip Backpack in this range. Each of these packs will be able to carry a laptop, water bottle, packable jacket, and even a few extra goodies like a tech pouch, phone, wallet, or change of clothes. They all keep a pretty low profile, so you won't feel like you're lugging around a giant travel bag.

Personal Item Backpack (20L)

Shifting from a daily bag to a personal item bag is another small jump, but we’ve found that a 20L travel backpack has just enough space for a weekend trip, or longer if you pack smart. We like this size travel bag because it will likely fit under the seat in front of you on a flight, which means no pesky carry-on fees or worrying about your bag getting lost, which is a big plus. They're great for heading straight to the airport from the office, as they can handle your work needs with your travel accessories added in, too.

It's important to note that it's ultimately up to your airline to decide whether or not a travel bag is allowed to be used as a personal item, but we’ve found that most packs around 20L will fit the bill. It's always a good idea to check the specific rules and dimensions of who you'll be flying with before you start packing, though. There isn't much worse than getting to the airport to find out that your personal item has evolved into a carry-on and that you're stuck with the bill.

After you've stowed your laptop and other travel essentials, you should have room for a packing cube or two. This is great for organization and ensuring that you have all the items that you need for the duration of your trip. If you pack minimally and strategically, you can make a personal item backpack work for week-long trips, too!

The Bellroy Tokyo Totepack all packed up.

In this range, we recommend the Bellroy Tokyo Totepack . It has an open main compartment that is great for getting the most out of the volume. Toss in a few packing cubes and a tech pouch, and you're ready to take on the weekend!

Daypack/Travel Backpack Hybrid (30L)

We love the daypack and travel backpack combo because it enables you to pivot between everyday activities and traveling with ease. We like travel bags around 30L for this purpose because anything larger will be a bit too big for daily use, and anything smaller won't have enough gusto for longer trips. Finding that happy medium is vital for a comfortable journey without sacrificing any essential gear along the way.

For us, a good daypack and travel backpack combo needs to fit a laptop, tablet, toiletry kit, several small or medium-sized packing cubes, a tech pouch, and other various odds and ends. However, your packing list may vary depending on how you like to travel.

We keep an eye out for ways to compress or expand a hybrid travel bag because this enables it to be more versatile. Compression straps and compression zippers are both great features that will allow you to adjust the size depending on your needs at the time, but not all brands include these options.

When you arrive at your destination, take out packing cubes and other items that don't need to be with you at all times. Then you can compress the pack (if it has that feature), fill it with what you need for the day, and head out into adventure mode. When it's time to head home, load the gear and cubes back up with any souvenirs you picked up along the way and go to the airport. If you've picked up too many presents for your family back home, a travel backpack with attachment points is great because you can clip additional pouches and accessories on the outside of the pack.

The Knack Pack Series 2 all packed up.

The Knack Pack Series 2 is a pack with a lot of features for more efficient travel. Uncompressed, the pack is 35L, a great size for traveling, but it sizes down to a handy 24L for daily usage. It has a ton of internal organization, ensuring that every item will have a home and nothing will get lost on the journey. Both of these features make it a great contender to get you to and from your destination stress-free, which means you will be able to enjoy your trip more.

Travel Backpack (40L to 45L)

We're now on the edge of what can be considered a carry-on bag, and we have to admit, we’re loving every minute of it. Most 40L packs are about as large as you’ll be able to bring onto the plane, but adding a few more liters is worth it if you can (and want to) check a travel bag.

These packs are the standard size for one-bag travelers who will be away from home for extended periods of time. Suppose you will be spending a few months bouncing around different countries in Europe, a year exploring what Asia has to offer, or country hopping through Central and South America. In that case, this size travel bag has your name all over it!

Now that we’ve made our way to the larger end of the size spectrum, we tend to look for a few features that add quality of life. We like clamshell packs because they give you the ability to see the entire main compartment at once, rather than digging through to make sure you have everything you need for a day's work or specific adventure. It's almost like a suitcase you can wear on your back, and we find we can be most organized and comfortable this way.

The Osprey Fairview all packed up.

One of our favorites in this category is the Osprey Farpoint. The pack comes in both men’s ( Farpoint ) and women’s ( Fairview ) styling at 40L. Our team has tested this travel bag for over a year in over a dozen different countries worldwide and found that it can hold all of our gear and remain comfortable in almost every situation. No bag is perfect, but a quality travel backpack will quite literally be by your side through it all, so ensuring that you get all the features you need is essential.

Gear Hauler (60L)

Ah, finally. The granddaddy of them all.

Have you ever heard the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” and thought, well, what if I want to bring the kitchen sink, too? Then you're in the right place. A gear hauler is a great fit for a road trip where the size of your travel bag isn't the biggest concern. This normally comes in the form of a duffel, but there are a couple of colossal travel backpacks out there if that's your preference.

In the 50 to 60 L range, gear haulers are also great for outdoor adventures and hobbies that require a lot of equipment, like camping. Another great use for such a pack is to transport coats, snow pants, boots, and skiing and snowboarding gear in the winter.

We’ve also run into on-the-move creators who find them useful when packing audio and video equipment alongside their clothes on trips where they won't be able to stop back at home between gigs. The great thing about a huge travel bag is that you don't need to worry about what you’re bringing because of the sheer volume these packs offer. Unless you quite literally bring your kitchen sink, odds are, it will fit.

The YETI Crossroads 60L all packed up.

In this range, we like the YETI Crossroads 60L Duffel . It has a monumentally large main compartment that's complete with two stowable dividers, which is great for separating different kinds of gear. You could do clothes in one, camera equipment in another, and food and snacks in the last one for an epic cross country photography road trip. Or you could fill all three sections with the Pokemon cards you've been collecting since you were a kid and stow it on the top shelf of your closet so your partner thinks you finally got rid of them after all these years. The opportunities are endless!

Wrapping Up

As you can probably tell, there are a ton of travel bags out there, and each one thrives in a different setting. Odds are, you’ll have a use for almost all of the packs we listed here, but it’s about figuring out what works best for you and your specific usage needs. Be sure to check out our gear reviews , guides , and blog for more assistance finding your perfect pack!

January 31, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Sizes: What Size Should You Get?

We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Find out more here .

Unlock the Ultimate Guide to Airline Luggage Allowances

Don’t get caught off guard by unexpected baggage fees! With this comprehensive eBook, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Did you know that choosing a suitcase (or multiple cases, for that matter) in the right size can save you some money in luggage fees and help you become a more organized traveler?

On one end, unused space in your luggage will result in wrinkled clothes and a messy suitcase. Not to mention the extra weight and possible luggage fees. And on the other – having too little space will limit your packing capacity. That’s why nailing the correct luggage size is very, very important.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about all the different luggage sizes, restrictions, and more, so you can understand what size luggage is better for you. Make sure to check out our FAQ section at the bottom if you still have any questions!

Luggage Size Chart

But before we begin this article, down below you can check out our infographic and table with the most common luggage sizes, which will offer an easier way to grasp the differences between them.

Measuring Luggage

Basically, each airline has different size and weight restrictions for hand and checked luggage. Usually, premium airlines will allow slightly larger bags, and cheaper ones will allow smaller ones with tighter weight limits. Your job as the passenger is to find out the restrictions yourself because they change all the time, and it would be impossible for us to list and update each airline individually.

There are two types of size restrictions that you need to know. The first one is dimensions – height (top to bottom), width (side to side), and depth (front to back). It will usually be applied for personal items and carry-ons and could be stated as follows: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Airlines will usually offer measuring boxes inside airports, where you can put in your bags to check if they fit.

The second measurement is linear inches. Linear inches just means the total sum of height, width, and depth, and it’s mainly used for checked luggage, which needs to be under 62 linear inches. So to get linear inches, measure the height, width and depth individually and add them all up.

To measure the dimensions of your suitcase, you can place it next to a wall and measure the height, width, and depth by placing a measuring tape next to the wall. To get a more exact measurement, you can place a book or something flat on the other end of the measuring tape. Make sure to include the wheels, handles, and anything else that’s sticking out! Another thing to keep in mind is that fabric suitcases might become a bit larger once they’re packed to the brim, so before measuring, pack your suitcase full and measure in the widest end.

Hand Luggage

Hand luggage means all the bags that you’re allowed to take with you on the plane without checking them in. Usually, it’s a carry-on, a personal item, and any other items that aren’t counted towards the allowance, such as duty-free items .

Hand luggage has to be stored under each passenger’s front seat or in the overhead compartments, which are located above each seat. You won’t be able to access it during take-off and landing because they have to be tucked away securely in case of an emergency.

When you arrive at the airport, you won’t need to go to the check-in desks if you have just hand luggage, and you’ve already printed your tickets back home. You’ll be able to go straight to security , where TSA (Transport Security Agency) will screen your hand luggage for any prohibited items. After that, you’re free to do duty-free shopping or wait at the designated gate until boarding starts.

Carry-on Luggage vs Personal Items

The main difference between carry-on luggage and personal items (other called “underseat luggage”) is that carry-ons need to be stored in the slightly-larger overhead compartments and personal items under each passenger’s front seat. Usually, most people choose smaller rolling suitcases as their carry-ons and backpacks, duffels, or tote bags as their personal items. That said, you can use any type of bag as a carry-on or a personal item, whether it’s a briefcase, rolling suitcase, duffel bag , backpack, tote, or even a regular shopping bag.

You won’t really be able to access stuff from your carry-on during the first and last 15-30 minutes of the flight, as well as any turbulence, so pack your most necessary items in your personal item, such as your laptop , headphones, e-reader , any medicine, e.t.c.

Personal Item Size and Weight Requirements

Most airlines won’t specifically mention an exact size requirement for personal items, and instead, they’ll just say that it has to fit under the front seat. On average though, it should be 6-9 inches in width, 10-14 inches in height, and 17-18.5 inches in length . They avoid stating the exact measurements because each airline has different types of aircraft in their fleet and each aircraft has a different amount of space under each seat. To get the exact personal item size requirements, you should probably ask the airline directly, or check our list where we compiled personal item restrictions for most popular airlines .

Some airlines also have individual weight restrictions for personal items. But most of them just have some kind of weight limit for the total weight of your personal item and carry-on.

Tip: Looking to purchase a personal item? Check out the Matein Travel laptop backpack , which I’ve used as my personal item on multiple flights without any issues. It always fits under the front seat and it’s surprisingly spacious.

Carry-on Size and Weight Requirements

On average, carry-ons usually have to be 8-10 inches in width, 13-15 inches in height, and 19-23 inches in length. Each airline has different carry-on size requirements, however, the most popular one is 22 x 14 x 9 inches . The restrictions are so different between airlines because the overhead compartments tend to differ in capacity across different aircraft.

In terms of weight, each airline has different weight requirements for carry-on luggage. Most airlines in America don’t have any weight requirements for hand luggage but some do, especially budget airlines. If the airline has a carry-on weight limit, it’s usually between 15-35 lbs (7-16 kg) . Some airlines will also have a specific weight limit for the total weight of carry-ons and personal items.

Tip: Looking for a new carry-on? I’ve used the Travelpro Maxlite 5 19-inch fabric carry-on for a while now and I love it. It’s spacious, lightweight, and very durable. Even though it’s slightly over the limit in width, I’ve never had any issues with that on international flights.

Domestic Carry-Ons vs International Carry-Ons

When you’ll be shopping for a new carry-on, you’ll notice that some of them will be marked as “international carry-on” and some as “domestic carry-on.” That’s because carry-on size restrictions are usually stricter for international flights and looser for domestic ones. If you’re flying domestically, you might get away with a 23-inch (longest side) carry-on, but on an international flight, you’ll probably be limited to 19-21 inches.

So essentially, domestic carry-ons will be slightly larger than international ones. If the carry-on is too large , you will be asked to check it in, and you’ll have to pay additional fees. That’s why it’s important to buy a smaller carry-on if you’re planning on flying internationally. Usually, international carry-ons will have to be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches .

Hand Luggage Fees

Almost all airlines will allow bringing one personal item completely for free. When it comes to carry-ons though, most airlines allow bringing one for free, but budget airlines might charge a fixed fee depending on your class, which could be anywhere from 10$ to 50$. For instance, Spirit airlines will charge 31-50$ for carry-on luggage and Ryanair will charge about 6-20 EUR.

Keep in mind that most of these items are usually allowed for free in addition to other hand baggage:

Assistive devices for the disabled
Other wearable clothes
Walking canes
Food in disposable containers meant to consume on the airplane
Child restraint seats
Duty-free items
Reading materials
Cameras ( some airlines consider cameras as personal items, while others don’t. )
Pet carriers ( Some airlines consider pet carriers as personal items, while others don’t. )

Read Next : 12 Best Underseat Bags Without Wheels in 2022

Hand Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Using only hand luggage and avoiding checked luggage altogether is a technique used by many, me included because it offers many benefits:

No need to wait in line at the check-in counter
Most of the time, completely for free
Less likely to be stolen or lost because it’s on you at all times
Easier to carry around, especially if you use a backpack as a personal item together with a carry-on suitcase
The best place for keeping valuables and fragile items
You can access all of your items during the flight
Less likely to break because it isn’t exposed to baggage handling

However, there are some drawbacks to using only hand luggage, such as:

Less packing space
Harder to manage for families because they usually need to bring more items
It needs to be lugged around the airport after security instead of being handed over at the check-in desks
Usually, has much stricter weight limits

Tips for Buying Hand Luggage

If you’re flying on short flights, consider using only an underseat rolling suitcase or backpack. People who fly for business often only need to fly out domestically for a quick meeting, so a lot of them travel with only a personal item. You can easily fit a spare shirt in there as well as some toiletries and a laptop, which is really all you need.
For up to two-week vacations, a carry-on and a personal item offer more than enough space. Personally, I’m a light packer, and I can travel for up to three weeks or even a month using only a carry-on and a personal item. For most people, this offers enough space.
Consider getting a backpack with a back strap as your choice of personal item. That way, you can secure it around the retractable handle on top of your carry-on, which makes it incredibly easy to lug around. Especially in crowded areas, such as public transport and airports.
If you’ll be flying internationally, get a carry-on under 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles included. On domestic flights, you’ll probably be able to use something larger, but if you want to avoid paying extra fees down the line, make sure your carry-on is under this limit.
Make sure to get lightweight hand luggage. The weight restrictions are pretty strict as it is already, so make sure to get a lightweight carry-on and personal item. Especially the carry-on, because you’ll have to stow it in the overhead compartments. So instead of going with a hardside carry-on, get a fabric one instead, which will most likely be lighter.

Read Next: Airport Travel Terminology 101 – The Ultimate Guide

Checked Luggage

Checked luggage is all baggage that’s too large or too heavy to be carried on the flight, and has to be checked in instead. This means that you’ll need to hand it over at the check-in counters at the airport. The baggage will then be transferred over to baggage handling and it will be loaded in the cargo hold of the airplane . When you land, you’ll have to pick up your checked luggage from the luggage conveyor belts in the baggage reclaim area.

You can use other kinds of baggage as well for checked luggage, not just suitcases. You can also use large backpacks, duffel bags, totes, musical instruments in their cases, large trunks, and other oversized items. A lot of times, you’ll have to check in specialty items, such as large musical instruments and all kinds of sporting equipment, such as bicycles, snowboards, golf clubs, e.t.c.

Read Next: What to Put in Carry-on and What in Checked Luggage (Guide)

Checked Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions

Most commonly, checked luggage will have a size restriction of 62 linear inches (height + width + length) and a weight limit of 50 or 70 lbs. These are the IATA guidelines that are enforced in the EU and US which are there to keep the baggage handlers from handling too heavy bags. Oversized and overweight baggage will be accepted, but it will be labeled as oversized/overweight and you’ll have to pay a fee for that unless it’s sporting equipment. For instance, American Airlines will accept oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm) and overweight bags up to 100 lbs (45 kg.)

Small vs Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

Checked luggage comes in different sizes, and usually, the longest dimension is 23-32 inches long. Depending on the longest side, checked luggage is usually divided into three sizes, which are small, medium, and large. Small checked suitcases usually are 23-24 inches on the longest size, medium ones 25-27 inches, and large ones in 28-32 inches. Quite often, suitcases above 30 inches will actually be oversized, because they’re over 62 linear inches with wheels and handles included.

For most people, a medium checked suitcase will be the best option, because it will be just within the checked luggage size limits and offer a large amount of space for all of their items.

Read Next: 8 Best 62-Inch Checked Suitcases in 2022

Checked Luggage Fees

On most international flights, airlines will allow you to bring one or two checked bags completely for free. On domestic flights, usually, they’ll offer either one free checked bag or none at all. This depends a lot on the airline though. Additional bags will cost on a per-bag basis, starting with cheaper rates and continuing with more expensive ones. For instance, for American Airlines on domestic flights, the first checked bag will cost 30$, the second 40$, and the third one 100$ .

If you aren’t flying alone and you’re carrying a lot of checked bags, it’s usually a better idea to split them evenly among all the passengers to save some money on the checked baggage fees. It also isn’t advisable to bring more than two checked bags because the fees start to get pretty costly after that.

The fees for overweight and oversized luggage can get very expensive, upwards of 100-200$ for each bag, so before you arrive at the airport, make sure that each bag is under the weight limit.

Checked Luggage Advantages and Disadvantages

Although there are a lot of disadvantages for flying with checked luggage, there are some advantages as well, such as:

Checked bags offer much more space
Better for families who carry a lot of items
Checked bags don’t need to be carried around the airport after checking them in
No need to worry about size and weight, as the restrictions are pretty hard to reach
You should be able to get away with a slightly oversized checked bag because they’re rarely measured

However, there’s a reason why I don’t travel with checked luggage. In my opinion, it has more disadvantages, such as:

With a personal item, carry-on, and a checked suitcase, it’s much more difficult to use public transport
Checked luggage is mostly a paid service, especially with budget airlines
There’s just too much space if you’re a light packer
Checked bags can get damaged from baggage handling
Items get lost or stolen much more frequently when packed in checked luggage
You won’t be able to access the contents of checked luggage during the whole flight
In case checked baggage gets lost, you’ll be left without a lot of items and your trip might be ruined
You’ll have to wait in the check-in line at the airport

Tips for Buying Checked Luggage

Avoid plastic checked suitcases. Hardside ABS, Polycarbonate, or Polypropylene suitcases can crack pretty easily. When they’re thrown in the baggage area under a pile of other suitcases, this can happen very easily. That’s why you should choose an aluminum checked suitcase or a fabric one, which will be much less likely to break.
Before buying a checked suitcase, double-check that it’s below 62 linear inches. Oversized checked luggage fees can get pretty expensive, usually between 100-200$. To avoid this hefty fee make sure that your suitcase is below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth) with handles and wheels included. A very large amount of large checked suitcases, in fact, about 50-80% of them are oversized, so pay close attention to the dimensions.
A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you’re looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
Get a bright or patterned checked suitcase. Checked luggage gets lost much more frequently. So when you’re shopping for a new case, make sure to get one that’s colorful and easy to recognize . It will be much easier to spot on the baggage carousel and if it gets lost, the chances of finding it will be much better because you’ll be able to describe it better. If you already own a dark checked suitcase, get a colorful patterned luggage cover .
Avoid checked luggage with spinner wheels. Rolling, inline (2 wheels) suitcases are better options for checked suitcases because they’re much less likely to break while the bag is checked in. Spinner wheels are much more likely to fall off because they’re extended out from the main shape of the suitcase. It’s actually one of the most common things that break on checked bags.
Consider getting a pelican trunk instead of a typical checked suitcase. They’re basically indestructible and they’re one of the most popular choices for climbers, camera crews, and other people who need to bring a lot of expensive checked gear.

What Size Luggage Should You Get?

There are all kinds of different factors that determine what kind of suitcase you should get. Before buying any luggage, you should understand how often and where you’ll be traveling, how many people you’ll be flying with, what are your packing traditions, and so on.

Are You an Over-Packer?

There’s nothing wrong with being an over-packer, but it will affect what kind of luggage you should choose and how much you’ll be paying in fees. Most over-packers like to travel with a checked suitcase and a personal item, such as a small backpack, skipping the carry-on entirely. You’ll be able to pack your valuables and essentials in the personal item and be left with a very large amount of space in your checked suitcase, where you can pack all of your clothing and anything else you’d need. A medium checked suitcase will usually offer about 90-100 l of space while a carry-on only 35-50 l, so the difference is pretty significant.

How Long You’ll Be Traveling?

The length of your trips/vacations also determines what kind of luggage you should get. If you’ll be traveling for months, unless you’re an extreme minimalist, you’ll need to bring some kind of checked luggage. But for two to three-week trips, it’s perfectly fine to bring only a carry-on and a personal item, unless you’re an over-packer or you need to bring other kinds of gear for your job, planned activities, e.t.c.

Where You’re Flying to and What Are Your Planned Activities?

Think about what you’ll be doing and what gear you’ll need. Do you need scuba diving or skiing gear? Are you into photography and need to bring a large tripod? Are you flying to a cold-weather country and you need to bring a lot of extra warm clothing? The kind of travel that you’ll be doing, determines what size luggage you should get.

Think about valuable and fragile gear specifically. Try to keep the most valuable items in your hand luggage. If that isn’t possible, remember to ensure your gear and invest in a durable, large enough, checked suitcase or trunk. A good option for that is the pelican trunk , which is the industry standard for professionals.

Tip: It’s Better to Buy a Smaller Suitcase, Instead of a Larger One

Many people will probably disagree but I personally think that it’s always a smarter choice to buy a smaller suitcase instead of a larger one. This will make you become a lighter packer, which could end up saving you some money in the long run on checked baggage fees.

A lot of times, people are bringing gear that they don’t really need and end up with heavier, oversized suitcases. Remember that you’ll also have to carry your luggage around the town and to the airport. You’re on a vacation to get new experiences, not buy a lot of unneeded stuff, and be exhausted from carrying an oversized suitcase. Of course, if you’re traveling for work, that may not be true, but for general leisure travel, it’s a better idea to get a slightly smaller suitcase than you think you’d need.

What Size Luggage I Use Personally

I usually travel one or two weeks at a time, so a personal item (backpack) and an international carry-on are more than enough to fit in everything that I need. I rarely use checked luggage because I’m a minimalistic packer.

My favorite has become the B06XZTZ7GB ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Matein laptop backpack’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B06XZTZ7GB ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Matein laptop backpack’>Matein laptop backpack for a personal item, which fits perfectly under the front seat and has many neat compartments for everything that I need. It’s 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches large, but I never pack it full, so it always fits under the front seat.

And for the carry-on, I use the B07BM9DFX9 ?tag=cleverjourney-general-th-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1′ title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’ target=’_blank’ rel=’nofollow noopener sponsored’ data-aawp-product-id=’ B07BM9DFX9 ‘ data-aawp-product-title=’Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on’>Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on , which is pretty light and small enough for domestic luggage restrictions. It’s 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches large with wheels and handles included, so sometimes it’s a little bit above international limits, but I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve tried squeezing it inside the measurement boxes myself, and I managed to fit it in with a tight squeeze.

My laptop backpack has a rear strap that wraps around the carry-on’s retractable handle so my backpack can be secured on top of it. It’s handy because my carry-on has spinner wheels, and it’s super easy to move around. In tight spaces, for instance, in the subway, it’s much easier to store the backpack on top of the carry-on.

If you’re a light packer like me, I’d suggest going with a backpack and a carry-on. It’ll be enough for 1-2 week trips, but if you wash some clothes midway and don’t buy too many souvenirs, you can stretch that to three weeks or even a month. If you’re traveling longer than that or you’re an over-packer, you should get a 25-27-inch medium checked suitcase instead of the carry-on.

Also check out: Airplane seat upgrades

Frequently Asked Questions About Luggage Sizes

What’s the largest luggage size for checked-in luggage ( 62-inch luggage ).

In order to comply with the 62-linear-inch checked luggage size requirement, you shouldn’t get a suitcase larger than 29-30 inches (longest side.) Almost all 31 and 32-inch suitcases will be oversized. Even a lot of 28-30-inch suitcases are oversized, so you have to double-check the product description and find out how large they really are. Count the total sum of the height, width, and depth, with wheels and handles included to get the true linear-inch measurement. The largest suitcases within the 62-linear-inch restriction are about 100-120l in volume.

To maximize the amount of space that you can have inside, choose a fabric suitcase, which will open from the top, instead of the middle, as you see on most hardside cases. This means you’ll have a larger main compartment. Also, make sure to get it with inline rolling wheels, instead of spinner ones, which results in a lot of unused space.

Tip: If you want to maximize the amount of space you get from a 62-linear-inch checked suitcase, get the Pelican 1615 travel case , which is exactly 62 linear inches in size and is virtually indestructible.

What’s the largest size for hand luggage?

When we talk about hand luggage, there are different restrictions for personal items and carry-ons. There are also different restrictions for each airline. In general, personal items should be below 17 x 10 x 7 inches in dimensions and carry-ons under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

The largest size restriction for personal items that we found was on Southwest airlines, where personal items need to be under 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The largest size restriction for carry-ons was on Alaska Air, which was 24 x 17 x 10 inches. Generally, more expensive airlines will have looser restrictions for hand luggage.

What are the 3 luggage sizes?

If we’re talking about dimensions, the three luggage sizes are height (from top to bottom), width (from side to side), and depth (from front to back).

If, however, we’re talking in terms of luggage types, what people most likely mean with the 3 luggage sizes is personal items, carry-ons, and checked luggage, which have three different size and weight restrictions.

What’s the best luggage size for 20 and 23 kg?

The most common weight restriction for checked luggage on budget airlines is 20 or 23 kg (44 or 50 lbs). The best luggage size for this weight restriction is between 25-29 inches (longest size) . That’s because 20 or 23 kg checked luggage has to be under 62 linear inches (157 cm). You can calculate the linear inches by adding up height, width, and depth. Most suitcases above 29 inches will be over this limit, which means you’ll have to pay oversized baggage fees. You should always include the wheels and handles in these measurements.

Can I use backpacks and duffel bags as hand/checked luggage?

Yes, you can use backpacks and duffel bags as checked luggage. Theoretically, you can use any type of bag as checked luggage, as long as it’s durable enough to withstand baggage handling. You could even use a cardboard box , although it may not be a wise idea.

Personally, I’ve only traveled with a large backpack as my checked luggage. That’s because I do a lot of hiking and my hiking backpack is much larger than a carry-on. It’s pretty common for people to travel only with a large backpack (not only hike) and keep their essentials in a plastic bag or a tote bag during the flight. This gives you a lot of freedom because everything you need is packed inside one large backpack.

Do I need to include wheels and handles when measuring luggage?

You always need to include wheels, handles, and other elements that are sticking out when measuring luggage. A lot of people don’t know this and they end up purchasing oversized luggage, only to regret it later. You also need to take into account that if you’re buying an expendable suitcase, it will become a few inches wider when expanded.

What size luggage should I use for a week-long trip?

For a week-long trip, everyone should be able to fit everything they’d need in a carry-on and a personal item. Some people struggle with over-packing and end up using checked luggage for week-long trips, which can be avoided with smarter packing choices. When packing for your trip, always lay everything out and re-evaluate each individual item individually. Ask yourself if you’ll be using these items on your trip. And if the answer is “Maybe” you should leave that specific item at home. Personally, I can fit everything I’d need for 2-4 weeks in a single carry-on and a personal item.

What if my checked luggage is oversized?

IATA, which is the largest worldwide airline regulator, states that checked bags can’t be over 62 linear inches in order to keep the baggage handlers from working with oversized bags. Anything over 62 linear inches will be labeled as “oversized” and will cost you an extra 100-200$, depending on the airline.

Even if you pay the hefty oversized luggage fees, there is a limit to how large checked luggage you can bring. Each airline considers this individually, and, for instance, American Airlines will allow oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm).

The rules are slightly different for sporting equipment, though. Bicycles, for instance, will almost always be allowed, even if they’re oversized, and their luggage fees won’t be as expensive.

What if my checked luggage is overweight?

Overweight checked luggage is allowed, but will be marked as overweight and will cost an additional 100-200$, depending on the airline. IATA states that checked baggage can’t weigh over 70 lbs (31 kg), to protect the baggage handlers from working with overweight items, so anything over that will be marked as overweight. Each airline has a different limit on overweight checked luggage. For instance, American Airlines will allow checked baggage up to 100 lbs (45 kg).

Do carry-on measurements need to be exact?

Unfortunately, carry-on measurements need to be exact. Most airlines have measurement boxes inside airports, which are in the exact measurements of their restrictions. If your carry-on looks oversized, they’ll ask you to put it inside the measurement box. Carry-on suitcases aren’t really flexible, so you won’t be able to get away with an oversized carry-on. If, on the other hand, you’re using a duffel bag or a backpack as your carry-on, then you might get away with a slightly oversized bag, as you’ll be able to squeeze it inside the measurement box.

Should I get hard or soft luggage ?

There are pros and cons for both, but I personally tend to lean towards fabric luggage. It’s lighter, less likely to crack or break, and you can extend it slightly outwards if you’ve over-packed. On the other hand, hardside luggage offers more protection to your items and is better-looking in my opinion. Modern hardside suitcases made from Polycarbonate are also pretty durable and don’t weigh much more than comparable fabric alternatives. So it doesn’t really matter that much whether you choose a hardside or softside bag – it’s more a matter of preference.

The only real instance where I wouldn’t use a hardside plastic suitcase is in checked luggage. They’re put under a lot more pressure from baggage handling and quite often, they get thrown around and placed at the bottom of a pile of checked suitcases. They’re much more likely to each up with cracks or dents, so using a fabric-checked suitcase would make more sense.

Should I get a rolling or spinner suitcase ?

There are advantages to both, but generally, it’s better to stick with spinner suitcases for carry-on luggage and rolling ones for checked luggage. That’s because while spinner suitcases are much easier to move around, they’re much easier to break off the suitcase. And in checked luggage, they’re much more likely to break off from luggage handling.

Rolling suitcases will usually be more spacious because the wheels are somewhat integrated within the main frame. On spinner suitcases, they’ll extend outwards of the suitcase, which results in a lot of unused space underneath the suitcase. Remember that the wheels are counted towards the total measurements.

But if you’re having back problems or in general lugging around a suitcase gives you hard time, then a suitcase with spinner wheels might make more sense. Compared to inline rolling suitcases, they’re much, much easier to move around – they practically roll by themselves.

How much luggage can I bring on international flights ?

Most airlines will allow one personal item and one carry-on for free on international flights. As for checked luggage, most airlines will allow one or even two checked bags for free for each passenger, and the rest will need to be paid for with additional fees, ranging from 30-100$. In general, the fees increase for each next checked bag and could be as follows: 30$ for the first checked bag, 40$ for the second, and 100$ for each next one.

You’ll be able to bring up to 10 checked suitcases (even though it’ll cost a small fortune!) but on some international destinations, a bit less. Airlines operate within the rules set by airline regulators, and in some countries, each passenger can have only two or three checked bags.

How many pieces and what size should a luggage set be?

Most luggage sets come in three pieces: one carry-on (19-23 inches), one medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches), and one large checked suitcase (28-32 inches). I would advise against getting a 3-piece luggage set like this because quite often, the largest piece in the set is oversized, which means that it’s above the 62 linear inch limit and you’ll have to pay oversized luggage fees.

Instead, it would be much more beneficial to get a 2-piece set containing a carry-on and a medium checked suitcase, or a 3-piece set that also contains a personal item (underseat bag). If you’re getting a 3-piece set with a large checked bag, make sure that it isn’t oversized.

Luggage sets are often cheaper to get than buying each piece individually, so it’s quite often a smarter choice to buy a whole set.

Final Words

Getting the right size luggage is really important because if it’s oversized, you might end up paying extra in fees, or just end up with a lot of unused space. For anyone new to traveling, I’d advise getting a small backpack as a personal item and a carry-on that’s within 22 x 14 x 9 inches. This is more than enough for most trips, and I’m usually able to squeeze in everything needed for 2-4 weeks in there. If you’re an over-packer, you might need to swap that carry-on with a medium checked suitcase, which would be 25-27 inches in size (longest end).

You Might Also Enjoy

How Many Bags Are Allowed on International Flights

GET CONNECTED

Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates!

SUB TO NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest travel tips, packing hacks, gear reviews, and bargain deals straight to your inbox. We hate spam, so we’ll send only the most important stuff.

Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 07:43 am

The Definitive Guide to What Size Suitcase

Do i need for 2 weeks .

When planning a trip, one of the most important packing decisions is what size suitcase do you need? If you’re traveling for two weeks or more, you’ll need to pack enough clothes and belongings to last the duration of your trip. You can’t always plan on having access to laundry facilities while you travel. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the correct-sized suitcase for your travels.

Traveling for work or pleasure? Planning a family vacation? Choosing the right suitcase can be a daunting task. Not only are there different sizes of suitcases, but each size has its own set of unique factors to consider when buying one.

The exact right suitcase is always a hot topic of debate among travelers, and even the most experienced globetrotter may not know that there is no such thing as an industry standard for cabin bag size .

With so many luggage sizes to choose from, it can be tricky to determine how big you need your suitcase to be for a 2-week trip. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to answer your question “ what size suitcase do I need for 2 Weeks ” to help you choose the perfect size case . No matter what type of travel you have in mind, this post has the information you need to pick out the perfect bag!

Table of Contents

What Size Suitcase Do I Need For 2 Weeks?

The size of your suitcase is determined by two factors: how long you are traveling and what kind of activities you want to do while you are there. If you plan on hiking, doing a lot of sightseeing, or visiting family, you will need more clothing than if you are just staying at the hotel.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a suitcase that can hold all your essentials . Most people pack far more than they need and end up having to leave things behind (or worse, check their bag) because it’s too heavy.

The first thing to consider when deciding what size suitcase to get is how long you’ll be away. If you’re planning on traveling for two weeks or more, a 28-32 inch bag is going to be ideal. If you’ll only be gone for a week or less, a smaller 24-26 inch bag will work just fine.

A standard size suitcase is typically 22” long, 14” wide, and 9” high. This is the most common size for a 2-week trip. However, a good size suitcase is 28” or more. This will allow you to put in a change of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and any souvenirs from your trip. Anything less than that will only allow for a few days worth of clothes and not much else.

Suitcase Sizes and Dimensions

The sizes of suitcases are often given in the dimensions of length, width, and height. The dimensions of a suitcase are one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new piece of luggage. Bag sizes and their dimensions vary greatly, with small suitcases usually fitting into overhead compartments on airplanes and large cases requiring extra fees for check-in.

The smallest bags are called “carry-on” suitcases, which are about 20 inches in length. This is the size limit set by most airlines around the world for hand luggage on flights. The small cases are for those that do not need a lot of room and it is also easy to carry.

Large checked bag size is a common size for checked baggage. A large check-in bag will generally be 28 to 32 inches tall not including the wheels.

There are many different kinds of bags that can be used as a suitcase and the most common one would be the duffel bag. Duffel bags can come in all different types and sizes and can easily fit all your clothing needs along with other items.

Also Read: The Best Backpack That Opens Like a Suitcase

5 Important Factors to Consider While Choosing Right Suitcase Size

One of the most important decisions for any traveler is choosing the right suitcase size. Here are five factors to consider while choosing the right bag size:

Traveling Alone

The best bag size for traveling alone for two weeks is 28 inches. This case is appropriate since it will allow you to pack the suitcase full of clothes and it also provides enough space for other items such as personal hygiene products, electronics, or shoes.

However, a 26″ suitcase is the better choice for travelers who want to pack light. A 26″ case can hold up to three weeks’ worth of clothing when packed correctly.

Traveling With Family

The size of the luggage you choose for a family vacation is crucial, especially when you have to fit all your necessary belongings into that one piece of carry-on luggage. As with most things in life, the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

To get the best suitcase size for traveling with family, it is important to take into account what you will be doing on your vacation and how much stuff you will need.

Traveling By Plane

If you are traveling by air, then your main priority should be to keep your bag within airline weight limits . This means that you will need to avoid over-packing and only carry the necessities. Always be sure to double-check that you have not exceeded allowable dimensions or weight before choosing a suitcase.

The best size bag for air travel is one that can fit in the overhead bin. The average size of an airplane’s overhead bin is about 18 inches by 13 inches by 12 inches.

Traveling By Train

A good size for a carry-on suitcase for traveling by train is 21 inches long by 14 inches wide by 10 inches high. The dimensions are the same as those of the overhead luggage storage compartments on most trains, so there won’t be a problem fitting your bag in there. Your suitcase should also have wheels so that it will be easy for you to move.

What is Your Destination?

The size of your suitcase depends on the destination you are traveling to. When you are going somewhere tropical, it is best to pack light because there will probably be people selling things at the airport. However, if you are going somewhere cold, heavy clothing is a necessity for staying warm.

Conclusion

Choosing the right suitcase for your trip can be confusing. It’s important to take into account how much you are packing, how long you will be gone, and what the weather conditions will be like when deciding on a suitcase.

It is not easy to determine the size of bag you need for 2 weeks away. You may be faced with many different variables that will impact your decision on what size case to take. The size of your suitcase may depend on your destination or mode of travel.

If you are traveling to a hot climate, for example, you may not need as much clothing with you because of the heat. However, if you are going on holiday in the colder months, you will want more clothes and an additional pair of shoes or boots to wear when outside exploring.

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information about your question: What size suitcase do I need for 2 weeks? And we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey! Remember, if you are looking for more information on packs, be sure to check our article on Can You Carry 2 Backpacks on a Plane? .

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a suitcase do i need for 2 weeks.

The best way to figure out what size suitcase you need is to think about what you’re going to pack. Seriously, if you think about everything you’re going to bring, then put it all into a big pile, and still have room in your suitcase for the clothes that you’re already wearing, that should be a pretty good indicator of what size suitcase you need. You don’t want to be carrying around a huge bag with only half of your stuff in there. The key is to pack light and make sure that the bag is large enough.

What size suitcase is good for a 2 week trip?

When packing for a two-week trip, it is important to choose the right size suitcase. If the suitcase is too small, you may not be able to fit everything you need. If the suitcase is too large, it may be cumbersome to carry and difficult to store. The ideal size for a two-week trip is a medium-sized suitcase of 28 inches. This will give you enough room to pack everything you need, without being too large or too small. When packing your suitcase, be sure to use packing cubes or similar items to maximize space and keep everything organized.

What size suitcase do I need for 10 days?

When packing for a trip, one of the first decisions you have to make is what size suitcase to bring. This can be a tricky task, as you don’t want to bring too much and end up lugging around a heavy suitcase, but you also don’t want to bring too little and end up having to buy new clothes while on vacation. So how do you know what size suitcase to bring? For a 10-day trip, we recommend a medium-sized suitcase of at least 26 inches. This will give you enough space to pack everything you need without being too bulky or heavy. Of course, the best way to know for sure is to pack your bag and then measure it to see how much space it takes up. But if you’re looking for a general guideline, a medium-sized suitcase is a good choice for a 10-day trip.

What size suitcase is good for a week?

Depending on the length of your trip and the type of clothing you plan to bring, you will need to choose a suitcase that is the right size for your needs. For a week-long trip, we recommend a 24-inch suitcase. This will give you enough room to pack a variety of outfits, including shoes and accessories. If you are planning to pack light, you may be able to get away with a smaller suitcase. However, if you are unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly larger suitcase. This will give you the space you need to pack everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from Florida

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 8:20 AM EDT / CBS News

Like to travel light? One cruise ship soon to set sail from Florida is making sure all you need is the bare necessities – no shoes, no clothes but plenty of service.

" The Big Nude Boat " will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip offers a "stress-free, clothes-free experience" during which up to 2,300 passengers can roam the ship in the nude while out at sea.

"It's our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear," Bare Necessities Tour and Travel says.

@cbsmornings Would you dare to set sail on a nude cruise? 🚢 Cruisebare's upcoming full-ship nude cruise, departing from Miami in February next year, is making waves. Even #TonyDokoupil is down to go. 🌊 #cruises #vacation #experience #miami #sail ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

Passengers won't be allowed to be naked when the ship is docked, but can ditch their usual attire once they are anchored or out on the water. And when clothing is optional, standard nudist etiquette must be abided by, the website says. When sitting, nude passengers must either wear a thong or sit on a towel or some kind of fabric. And while the self-serve buffet on the pool deck is a clothes-free area, passengers must be dressed for all dining room meals – and no, bathrobes don't count.

Photos and videos will also not be permitted unless all individuals being documented give consent.

"The Big Nude Boat" is just one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities, which says on its website that the company has been "working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all."

"Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful," the company says. "We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success."

Cruise Ship

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

More from CBS News

1 in 24 NYC residents is a millionaire, more than any other city

Historic ship delivers Olympic flame to France for the Summer Games

Cruise ship arrives in NYC with dead whale caught on its bow

How much would a $40,000 home equity loan cost per month?

Nude cruise to set sail from Florida next year: Here are the starting costs, itinerary

The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all − yes, even at the buffet − is set to sail from Florida next year.

The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare Necessities Tour & Travel website.

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner!" the company wrote on its website.

The trip which embarks from Miami, includes "an exclusive visit to an idyllic private island" in The Bahamas as well a another exclusive stop on the way back to the Port of Miami.

"Two opportunities to enjoy a new slice of Bare-adise, coupled with a beautiful selection of Eastern Caribbean island stops, will make this a can’t miss Big Nude Boat experience," the travel company posted.

Why cruises are popular with swingers: 'What happens on the ship ... stays on the ship'

A cruise to nowhere: Royal Caribbean sailing canceled after guests boarded

Big Nude Boat cruise sailing dates and destinations:

The ship departs from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14.

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia.

How much does the Big Nude Boat cruise cost?

Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person.

They stretch as high as $33,155 for the top room on the ship: a Haven three-bedroom garden villa.

Laws of the land (and sea)

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport's new terminal: When it will be built and how big it will be

A new terminal is planned for the west side of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to prepare for increased demand for flights to and from the Valley.

Since Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced Sky Harbor will get a new terminal at her State of the City address on April 23, details about the planned terminal have been scant. But airport officials disclosed what might be on the way during a Phoenix City Council policy session on Tuesday, May 7.

They discussed why a new terminal is needed, how many gates it might have and what the timeframe for construction is expected to look like.

"We believe it's important to start this process now," said Chad Makovsky, Phoenix director of aviation services. "We can slow down our approach if we have another event (like the COVID-19 pandemic) that slows down our growth, but we can't get the time back if we don't start now."

Why Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport needs a new terminal

Airport officials point to significant growth in passenger and aircraft traffic in recent years, including a record 2023 when Sky Harbor welcomed 48.8 million passengers , surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Makovsky told city officials that Sky Harbor now serves 144 national markets, also a record for the airport.

"Phoenix Sky Harbor is busier than ever, which is why we’ll soon need a new terminal to accommodate our growth," Gallego said in a statement released after the May 7 meeting.

“To continue providing excellent customer experience at America’s Friendliest Airport, the council and I are moving forward with plans to build a cutting-edge terminal at the airport’s west end. The new expansion is years in the making and I am looking forward to the continued work to turn our shared vision into reality.”

Airport staff said the gates at Sky Harbor's two existing terminals were designed to handle crowds for smaller planes than the ones that fly today. Terminal 4, where American Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate their flights, opened in 1990; Terminal 3 opened in 1979.

They estimated demand would exceed capacity in the existing terminals around 2038.

Where will the new Phoenix airport terminal be built?

Sky Harbor intends to develop the new terminal on the west side of the airport, near where the former Terminal 1, closed in 1990, and Terminal 2, closed in 2020, were located. Both terminals were demolished after their closures.

Documents show the new terminal is referred to as the West Terminal for now. Several people at the City Council meeting on Tuesday suggested that the new terminal be named for Lincoln J. Ragsdale, a longtime Phoenix civil rights advocate and Tuskegee Airman.

How many gates will the new Phoenix airport terminal have?

Sky Harbor staff said the West Terminal could have as few as 40 and as many as 60 gates, depending on the type of aircraft it will handle and the way the terminal is configured.

Will Phoenix get more international flights?

When Gallego announced the new terminal, she said it would have a new Customs facility that will handle tourists from around the world. That would better position Sky Harbor to receive more international travelers, potentially paving the way for new transatlantic and transpacific routes.

While Sky Harbor has a robust network of flights to Canada and Mexico, there’s only a handful of long-haul flights. When Air France begins nonstop service to Paris on May 23, it will become only the third European city with a nonstop route from Phoenix. American Airlines and British Airways fly to London; Condor Airlines flies to Frankfurt, Germany.

When discussing international flights in a previous interview with The Arizona Republic , Makovsky said other new routes being considered included Amsterdam and a second city in Germany, based on market research and data evaluating where Arizonans are traveling, he said.

Landing a route to Asia, a major priority for Gallego and Makovsky, would be a big win for Phoenix. Gallego traveled to South Korea, Japan and Taiwan in summer 2023, partly to advocate for new Asian air service.

When will the new Phoenix airport terminal be built?

Airport staff expects construction on the new terminal will begin in 2032.

Before construction, airport officials must submit plans for the terminal design, which will be done this year. That will be followed by an environmental review expected to run from 2025 to 2031.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Latest News
Fact Sheets
Executive Leadership Team
Board of Directors
Introducing Amtrak Airo TM
Amtrak Connects Us
New Acela Trains
New Era of Rail
Long Distance Service Upgrades

May 9, 2024

Amtrak summer travel flash sale offers big savings across the country.

Book now through May 16 for a discount of at least 30%

WASHINGTON – Travelers planning summer business and leisure trips can save at least 30% on Flex Fare prices on most routes nationwide during the Amtrak Summer Travel Flash Sale . Customers who book Coach and Acela Business Class seats now through Thursday, May 16, can travel from Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, with no blackout dates. Visit Amtrak.com/SummerSale or the Amtrak app to book a ticket with no promo code required.

“This Summer Travel Flash Sale provides customers with a unique opportunity to book an affordable trip now that can be enjoyed during the summer months,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch . “Whether you’re a current customer or joining us for the first time, Amtrak will make your journey far more convenient and relaxing than navigating through traffic on crowded highways and busy airports.”

Sample one-way fares include:

The limited-time Summer Travel Flash Sale discount provides at least 30% off the visible Flex Fare price and can b e combined with Amtrak’s everyday discounts , including the 50% off Child’s Fare . Seats are limited, Sale Fares rules and restrictions apply. Read full terms and conditions at Amtrak.com/SummerSale .

Comments are closed.

For More Information

Kelly Just [email protected]

Art at Amtrak Presents: PHILADANCO! at Gray 30th Street Station May 8, 2024
PHOTO/VIDEO: Amtrak Executive Laura Mason Tours Harrisburg Track Renewal Project May 3, 2024
Amtrak Continues Advancing Wi-Fi Connectivity May 2, 2024

About Amtrak®

For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app . Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X , Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Service Adjustment: As of 8:23 PM CT, due to ongoing trespasser activity on Hiawatha Train 342, customers will board Hiawatha Train 341 back to Milwaukee (MKE) and transfer to buses to continue travel into Chicago (CHI). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Service Adjustment: As of 5:12 PM CT, due to the cancellation of Hiawatha Train 339, four buses will transport customers between Chicago (CHI) and Milwaukee (MKE). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

As of 3:26 PM CT, due to an earlier mechanical issue on Hiawatha Train 335, Hiawatha Train 339 is canceled. We will provide updates regarding alternate transportation options as information becomes available.

Media members should contact the Media Relations Office for their region (see the map and listings here ).

Nights, Holidays & Weekends: (800) 562-1904 . A representative is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information regarding railroad operating matters. Phone calls are preferred if the request is urgent.

If you have a FOIA request, please click here .

Anniston/Gadsden

Alabama to host Big Ten team in Birmingham with return trip to Chicago, per report

Updated: May. 08, 2024, 11:48 a.m. |
Published: May. 08, 2024, 11:35 a.m.

Alabama head coach Nate Oats reacts during the first half of a Final Four game against UConn on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Mark Heim | [email protected]

Alabama and Illinois are working on an agreement to play basketball next season in Birmingham, Jon Rothstein reports.

Multiple sources told College Hoops Today the game would be played in December, and there would be a return game during the 2025-26 season at the United Center in Chicago.

The news comes a day after it was reported the Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide squad is one of seven teams which will participate in “Players Era Festival” in Las Vegas. The event will include $1 million NIL payouts for eight participating schools.

Alabama, along with Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State and Texas A&M have all agreed to participate, per CBS Sports .

It has been a busy offseason for the Tide, coming off the program’s first Final Four appearance.

Clifford Omoruyi, a 6-foot-11 transfer from Rutgers, committed to the Crimson Tide after visiting the program last Monday. He is the fourth transfer Oats has brought in this offseason.

Meanwhile, Grant Nelson announced last week he plans to use his fifth and final year of eligibility in Tuscaloosa. Also, former Mr. Basketball in the state of Alabama, Labarron Philon , five days after requesting Kansas to release from his letter of intent, committed to the Tide .

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim . He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Be among the first to hear about exclusive offers, news and latest releases from Big Finish by signing up to our Newsletter.

0 Items / US $ 0.00

Delivery costs may vary depending on location.

Doctor Who - The Classic Series

Doctor who - the new series, the worlds of doctor who, bernice summerfield, the avengers, dark shadows, adam adamant lives, captain scarlet and the mysterons, charlotte pollard, the confessions of dorian gray, dark season, earthsearch, iris wildthyme, luther arkwright, the mervyn stone mysteries, the omega factor, pathfinder legends, the prisoner, the scarifyers, sherlock holmes, space precinct, textbook stuff, thunderbirds, big finish originals, big finish classics, big finish presents, big finish podcasts, anderson entertainment presents, eaglemoss collections, sapphire & steel, the worlds of big finish, explore big finish, sales and deals.

Big Finish App
Big Finish Shipping Rates
Big Finish Shop
Doctor Who - Interludes
Doctor Who - Subscriber Short Trips
Doctor Who - Subscriptions
Downloads via Website - Troubleshooting
End of Line Notifications
Important Information For Our Customers Overseas
Limited Format Releases
Newsletter Sign-up
Social Media
Terms & Conditions
Work For Us - Big Finish Vacancies
Delivery Information
Customer Services
Newsletter Sign Up

For The Love Of Stories Big Finish produce fantastic full-cast audio dramas for CD and download.

The Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trip Opportunity 2024 Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS 2024

By entering this competition, entrants agree to accept and be bound by these terms and conditions.

By submitting an entry to the competition address, entrants are confirming they have agreed to the full terms and conditions.

This competition is open to anyone aged 16 or over, except for the employees (and their families) of Big Finish Productions (the Publisher), and any other company connected with the competition.

Entrants must not have previously written for Big Finish.

All entries must be submitted electronically to [email protected] formatted as per the competition guidelines. Entries that arrive after the closing date will not be considered. Neither the Promoter nor the Publisher are responsible for illegible, incomplete, delayed or lost entries.

The competition closes at 23:59 BST on Friday 28 June 2024.

Entrants may submit only one (1) entry to the competition. Each entry must be original material, written by a single author. Multiple entries or authors will be disqualified.

All entries must be original, previously unpublished works of fiction. They must not have been submitted in any previous year’s competition. They must comply with the competition guidelines detailed here.

All qualifying entries will be judged by a panel comprising Big Finish and independent judges.

The Promoter and the Publisher regret that entries cannot be returned.

A longlist of valid entries will be forwarded to a judging panel. A single winner will be notified by email by 31 July 2024. The winner will be the entry which, in the sole opinion of the judging panel, is the best.

The decision of the judges is final. No correspondence will be entered into, nor will the Promoter, Publisher or the competition judges give feedback on individual entries, during the competition period or afterwards.

All unsuccessful entries will be disposed of.

The winner will be informed by the end of July, and will be officially contracted to deliver a 5,000-word Short Trips story. As with all Big Finish writers, they will be expected to agree and meet all conditions, especially with respect to meeting schedules and accepting input from producers. For guidance purposes, it is expected a first-draft would be due early in the Autumn of 2024.

Production is subject to the winner entering into a contract with Big Finish Productions. This will afford an exclusive licence to the Publisher, permitting the editing, adapting, publishing and licensing of all or part of the production in all editions, formats (including print and electronic), in all languages and territories globally. Should entrants not want to grant these rights, they should not submit materials. In the event an agreement cannot be reached, as regards the contract, within 30 days of the discussions commencing, the winning entry will be returned to the entrant and an alternative winner will be selected.

The BBC have the right to approve or veto the content of a selected story. Should there be unforeseen issues with the work, the writer will be invited to submit a new idea.

The prize is otherwise non-transferable, and no cash alternative or other substitute is available.

Notwithstanding anything set forth above, the Publisher reserves the right to choose the most appropriate format for the production.

By entering this competition each entrant confirms that:

Their entry is their wholly-owned creation and makes no use of any third-party materials or intellectual property rights (other than those explicitly allowed by the competition guidelines);

No deliberate attempt has been made to base any fictional characters in the production upon any real individual, living or dead; and no real individual, living or dead, is a character in the story;

The submitted materials contain nothing that is illegal, obscene or of a defamatory nature. Entrants will keep the Promoter and the Publisher harmless from any claims that the entry infringes the personal or proprietary right of any other person.

Events may occur that render the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter or the Publisher, and the Publisher may, at its absolute discretion, vary, amend, suspend or withdraw the prize with or without notice. No correspondence will be entered into.

The winning entrant agrees to the Promoter’s and Publisher’s use of their name, country of residence and photograph in relation to related publicity material and activities.

The Promoter or the Publisher may disqualify any entrant whose entry does not comply with these terms or whose actions, in the Promoter’s or the Publisher’s determination, are fraudulent, dishonest, criminal or unjust to other entrants.

The Publisher will use the personal details of entrants only for the purposes of administering the competition. Entrants consent to the use of their personal data for this purpose. Personal details will not be kept on file by the Promoter.

These terms are governed by the laws of England.

Promoter: Big Finish Productions, Ground Floor, Arena Court, Crown Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 8QZ.

The Publisher is responsible for all elements of the prize.

Last updated: 08 May 2024.

What’s new from Big Finish…

Torchwood: Torchwood One: I Hate Mondays

Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman Gareth David-Lloyd

From US $23.70

Big Finish Podcast 2024-05-05 Torchwood Mondays

Dark Gallifrey: Morbius Part 2

Starring Samuel West

From US $11.22

Torchwood One: By Royal Appointment (excerpt)

Your basket.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

Change Region

Central coast.

News & Resources
Recent Checklists
Trip Reports
Illustrated Checklist
Hotspot Map
Rare Bird Alerts
Printable Checklist

Global Big Day—11 May 2024

Available languages.

Macaulay Library

Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you. No matter where you are, join us virtually on 11 May, help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day , and share the birds you find with eBird.

Participating is easy—you can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app . If you have more time, submit several checklists of birds throughout the day. You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science.

Last year, Global Big Day collected more data about birds on a single day than ever before. More than 58,000 people gathered 3.2 million bird observations on 148,000 checklists, setting new world records for a single day of birding. Will you help us make this the year we surpass 150,000 checklists on a single day?

A total of 401 species were recorded and 15,137 checklists were submitted by an incredible 9,533 eBirders in Canada – the second highest number of eBirders and checklists submitted in the world! You can explore all of the Canadian 2023 Global Big Day stats here .

How to participate

Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by millions of birders. It’s what allows us to compile everyone’s reports into a single massive Global Big Day list—while at the same time collecting data to help scientists better understand birds. Sign up here. It’s 100% free from start to finish.
Enjoy birds on 11 May: It’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long, even 10 minutes of birding from home counts. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report what you find from anywhere in the world.
Enter what you see and hear in eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or download the free eBird Mobile app to make submitting lists even easier. Please enter your checklists before 14 May to be included in our initial results announcement.
Watch the results roll in: During the day, follow along with bird observations from more than 200 countries in real-time on our Global Big Day page .

eBird Trip Reports on Global Big Day

eBird Trip Reports are a great way to share where you went and the birds you found on Global Big Day. Simply create an eBird Trip Report for 11 May 2024. As you submit lists and upload media throughout the big day, they’ll be added to your report automatically. Send the trip report link to friends and family so they can follow along. ( Learn more about eBird Trip Reports )

Global Big Day Pro Tips

The Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app can help you to identify the birds you see and hear on Global Big Day.
Use eBird Mobile Explore to find recently reported species or new places to go birding nearby.
Take photos and sound recordings and add them to your checklist —they might end up on the Global Big Day page!
Make your sightings more valuable: submit complete checklists , keep counts of the birds that you see, and keep multiple checklists throughout the day.
Share what you’re seeing on social media with #GlobalBigDay !

On 11 May, we hope you’ll be a part of our global birding team. Have fun, enjoy the birds you find, stay safe, and share your sightings on eBird. Because in our world, every bird counts.

SI SWIMSUIT
SI SPORTSBOOK
SI SHOWCASE

Quick Thoughts on Purdue's Schedule of Big Ten Opponents for the 2024-25 Basketball Season

Dustin schutte | may 1, 2024.

Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) defends Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3)

Purdue Boilermakers

The Big Ten didn't force basketball fans to wait long to get excited about next year. On Tuesday, the conference released the list of league opponents each team will face during the 2024-25 season. With the schedule being released, it gives us a chance to take an early look at what is on Purdue's plate from a conference standpoint.

Purdue is losing a lot from last year's Final Four squad. Zach Edey, Mason Gillis, Lance Jones and Ethan Morton are all departing from last year's team, which finished 34-5 and won a second consecutive Big Ten regular season title.

Matt Painter does return star guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, as well as big man Trey Kaufman-Renn. Myles Colvin and Caleb Furst are likely to see more playing time, and there's a good chance that highly-touted recruits Kanon Catchings and Gicarri Harris make quick impacts.

So, while the schedule has a lot to do with Purdue's pursuit of a third straight Big Ten title, it's worth reminding everyone that the roster will look vastly different in the 2024-25 season. Now that we've addressed that, here's a quick look at the Big Ten opponents, as well as a few quick thoughts.

Purdue's 2024-25 Big Ten opponents

Home-only opponents.

Maryland Terrapins
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Northwestern Wildcats
Ohio State Buckeyes
UCLA Bruins
USC Trojans
Wisconsin Badgers

Away-only opponents

Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa Hawkeyes
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Michigan State Spartans
Oregon Ducks
Penn State Nittany Lions
Washington Huskies

Home-and-away opponents

Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan Wolverines
Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Thoughts on Purdue's 2024-25 schedule

Revenge for the boilermakers.

A quick look at the schedule and the first thing that stands out is that Purdue will have a chance to get some revenge on Nebraska, Northwestern and Ohio State. Last season, those were the only three teams to defeat the Boilermakers in the regular season. All of those were away games.

This season, Purdue will play Nebraska, Northwestern and Ohio State in home-only matchups. It gives the Boilermakers a shot at redemption — although they did defeat the Wildcats at Mackey Arena in the return game last season.

All three venues have proven to be tough places to play over the years for Purdue. So, avoiding Pinnacle Bank Arena, Welsh-Ryan Arena and Value City Arena seems like a win for the Boilers.

Toughest road game

It was tempting to mention Michigan State or Illinois, but Indiana is the answer to this question — at least for right now. Not only is Assembly Hall one of the top venues in college basketball, Mike Woodson has done some excellent roster construction through the transfer portal this offseason.

Indiana may have made the biggest splash in the transfer portal this offseason, adding Arizona's Oumar Ballo, who averaged 12.1 points and 10.1 rebounds per game last season. They also added Washington State's Myles Rice and Stanford's Kanaan Carlyle — both averaged double-digits in scoring a season ago. Plus, Illinois' Luke Goode is also heading to Bloomington.

Rarely is it easy to get wins at Assembly Hall. And by the look of Indiana's roster next season, Purdue probably won't cruise to a win like it did last year.

Scariest home game

Keep an eye on Nebraska whenever it makes the journey to Mackey Arena. Like Woodson at Indiana, Fred Hoiberg has added a lot of talented pieces to his team via the transfer portal.

The Huskers added 7-footer Braxton Meah, as well as Wisconsin sharp-shooter Connor Essegian. They've also picked up a guard in Rollie Worster (Utah) and Rutgers wing Gavin Griffiths.

Nebraska is coming off a 23-11 season and will be looking to build off that success. The Huskers had some serious struggles outside of Pinnacle Bank Arena last year, but it will still be a team with the weapons to give Purdue a game, even at Mackey Arena.

Purdue and Indiana appear to be travel partners

It's not quite clear yet if the Big Ten will utilize travel partners for the men's college basketball season, but it sure looks that way. And, if that is the case, it appears as though Purdue and Indiana would be paired together, which ... makes perfect sense.

Both Purdue and Indiana have home-only games with UCLA and USC. The Boilers and Hoosiers both have away-only contests against Oregon and Washington. It only makes sense that, when the dates of the games are released, Purdue and Indiana will travel to the West Coast together for those two games.

Biggest bummer

Unfortunately, Purdue and Illinois will only meet once and the game is played in Champaign. The Boilers playing at State Farm Center isn't the disappointing part, it's that the two teams only play once.

While no team will ever trump Indiana as Purdue's biggest nemesis, Illinois has turned into a bit of a rivalry clash for both schools. Both the Boilermakers and Fighitng Illini have been near the top of the league each of the last four seasons, with Purdue winning two regular season crowns and Illinois claiming one.

Although both rosters will look different next season, this has been a fun matchup to see played in both arenas. It's unfortunate we won't see a home-and-home series between the two next year.

Drake Posts Cryptic Death Quote As Kendrick Lamar Beef Hangs in Balance

Ryan Garcia Disses Errol Spence Jr. Using Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Beat

Ayra Starr Says Cardi B Forgetting Designer Is No Big Deal, 'It Happens!!!'

Filmmaker Randall Emmett Says Quavo Can Make Acting His Main Career

Action Bronson Says Jalen Brunson, Current Knicks Better than '90s Legends

Druski and rubi rose say relationship 100% real, bonded on trip to dr, druski and rubi rose relationship 100% real, no lol ... bonded on trip to dr 💓.

Druski 's crushing the dreams of many men by going public with his romance with Rubi Rose , and doing so with a serious tongue kiss -- and while some think it's giving skit, we're hearing it's the real deal.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ Hip Hop ... Druski and Rubi are still in the budding stages of their new romance ... and they're taking things slow, but all the stars seem to be in alignment!!!

They recently hit it off during a trip to the Dominican Republic for a mutual friend's birthday, realized they had a bond and wanted to take their relationship to the next level.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

We're told things escalated in the past few days ... they solidified the deal with a low-key date weekend for the F1 World Championship.

Rubi has guys spending thousands on her OnlyFans ... a big catch for Druski but he's racked up over 30 million views for his reality show "Coulda Been House" ... so you could say the same for her!!!

Remember, we released the footage of Birdman pressing Druski over alleged copyright infringement ... and the end game recently played out on YouTube.

Maybe Rubi will make an appearance too? 👀

Share on Facebook

Druski Tenses Up When Asked If Birdman Beef Was Real and Popping

Rubi Rose Shows Off Flexibility With Full Split On The Wall

Old news is old news be first.

IMAGES

Best Big Suitcases for Long Trips
Cartoon Pictures for Big Trip (2019)
THE BIG TRIP Trailer (2020)
The Big Trip
Big Adventure
Preparing For The Big Trip

VIDEO

Small Groups, Big Adventures
Bryan's Big Trip Week 13
Big Trip U Cant Hide
The big trip to Brazil🥳🥳🍞🥑#yutubeshorts
The big trip- official trailer
Big Adventure Trip to Europe 3 Collector's Edition Full Gameplay Walkthrough Part 3

COMMENTS

THE BIG TRIP Trailer (2020)
Watch the official trailer for the animation movie The Big Trip. Available on Digital, Blu-Ray & DVD January 14, 2020.Once, the Clueless Stork from the child...
Suitcase 101: How to Choose the Right Travel Luggage
Ideally, we recommend that your travel suitcase measures 22" x 9" x 14" or less. This is small enough to fit into the overhead compartments on most airlines. Note that US domestic carryon size is larger than European carryon sizing. Choose an "international" carryon like these to be sure.
How to save money for a big trip
Carrying your money in a few forms and in a few different places is always good idea. Diversify your money so you hold a little cash, a credit card and an ATM card. Although there are good ATM locators for Visa, Mastercard and other major credit card providers, you'll find that they can break down, run out of cash or otherwise fail just when ...
How to Budget for a Trip
How to Budget for a Trip. Plan ahead, save up, and make the most of credit card rewards. By Carissa Rawson. Updated on December 31, 2021. Reviewed by. Khadija Khartit. In This Article. Plan for the Big Expenses. Account for the Little Costs of Traveling.
How to Save Money for Travel (& How We Saved $30,000 for a Year-Long Trip)
A long term travel calculation might look like this: My trip will cost: $30,000. Each month I can save: $500. 30,000 ÷ 500 = 60, which divided by 12 is 5. So if I need to save up $30,000 and I'm able to set aside $500 each month, it will take me 60 months/5 years to save up for my trip.
How to plan a big trip whether you have 2 months or 2 years
Divide your trip into quarters or seasons, and choose a theme for each, a bit like Eat, Pray, Love. You could let loose and party hard for a few months, spend another few volunteering on an organic farm, and a few more acquiring a new skill. Having achievable, fun goals helps to avoid feeling as if you've "wasted" a year.
The Big Trip
The Big Trip (Russian: Большое путешествие; also released as The Big Trip 3D and Mission: Panda) is a 2019 Russian animated adventure comedy film directed by Vasily Rovensky (who also acted as a writer and producer) and Natalya Nilova. The plot concerns a bear and a hare who must return a baby panda to its rightful parents after a stork mistakenly delivers it to them instead.
Big Trip 2: Special Delivery
Watch the official trailer for Big Trip 2: Special Delivery! Available on Digital December 13, 2022.It has been a year since Mic Mic and Oscar returned from ...
How to Prepare For a Big Trip And Have a Great Time
Youtube Videos Are Very Helpful for Trip Planning. Prepare by Buying All The Trip Excursions / Tickets in Advance. Print all the Tickets, and Bring Along A Hard Copy. Whether its cruising or taking a land tour, I always want to get the most out of my trip. Here is how do I get prepared for a big trip, so I'm sure not to miss anything out.
The Big Trip
The Big Trip (2019) The Big Trip (2019) The Big Trip (2019) The Big Trip (2019) The Big Trip (2019) See all photos. Movie Info. A stork mistakenly delivers a baby panda to the wrong home.
BIG SUR ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: The Ultimate Guide to Big Sur
Read on for the most perfect Big Sur road trip itinerary! If you're looking to take a much longer trip down the PCH, check out all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway - yes, all 75 of them! BUT FIRST, THE BASICS. Nearest City: Carmel (to the north, ~45 min drive) and San Simeon (to the south ~1.5 hour drive)
49 Best Travel Tips to Save Time, Money, & Stress in 2024
1. Book At Least Six Weeks in Advance. Instead of carving time out of your schedule to book your trip at a specific date or time (such as Tuesdays at 3 a.m. using a private browsing session to find discounted fares), a more effective strategy is researching travel options at least four to six weeks in advance.
The Big Trip
From a writer of MADAGASCAR comes this outrageously hilarious family adventure. After a dizzy stork mistakenly delivers a baby panda to a grumpy bear, the be...
How To Choose the Right Sized Travel Bag for Any Trip
The Knack Pack Series 2 is a pack with a lot of features for more efficient travel. Uncompressed, the pack is 35L, a great size for traveling, but it sizes down to a handy 24L for daily usage. It has a ton of internal organization, ensuring that every item will have a home and nothing will get lost on the journey.
The Ultimate Guide to Luggage Sizes
It will usually be applied for personal items and carry-ons and could be stated as follows: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Airlines will usually offer measuring boxes inside airports, where you can put in your bags to check if they fit. The second measurement is linear inches.
The 15 Best Road Trip Cars 2024
The 2022 Kia Stinger is gorgeous and one of the best road trip cars for 2022 and beyond. With the Sun and Sound package, this sports sedan is outfitted with 720-watt Harman Kardon QuantumLogic ...
Boerne, Texas Unveils Its Charm as the Next Big Road Trip Destination
Boerne, Texas is gearing up to become the go-to spot for those looking to break free from the typical road trip tedium. If the thought of quirky boutiques, lush state parks, and a bevy of dining ...
Big Trip 2: Special Delivery Movie Review
Similar to its predecessor, Big Trip 2: Special Delivery is an unoriginal tale involving lots of animated animals, goofy villains, and cartoon peril. Even the plot of a baby bear getting delivered to the wrong house follows the same outline as the first. One thing that did change is that the bear Mic Mic's voice was recast from Drake Bell to Pauly Shore, who voiced Oscar the hare in the first ...
50+ Easy Camping Meals For Large Groups: Best Food Ideas For Crowds
Make sure you bulk them up by adding some meat and/or veggies if you are serving camping salads as a main meal. This one uses pepperoncini and red peppers, tomatoes, green onions, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. Serves: 6, scales easily for massive crowds. 17. Basil And Prosciutto Sandwich.
Guide to Suitcase & Luggage Sizes
Capacity: Usually around 60 to 75 liters. Large Suitcase: Dimensions: From 27 to 32 inches (68 to 81 cm) in height, 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) in width, and 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) in depth. Capacity: Usually around 80 to 120 liters. Data is based on best-selling stats from Amazon UK and Amazon USA.
The Definitive Guide to What Size Suitcase
If you're planning on traveling for two weeks or more, a 28-32 inch bag is going to be ideal. If you'll only be gone for a week or less, a smaller 24-26 inch bag will work just fine. A standard size suitcase is typically 22" long, 14" wide, and 9" high. This is the most common size for a 2-week trip. However, a good size suitcase is ...
"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from
"The Big Nude Boat" will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip ...
Big Nude Boat cruise set for February 2025
The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all − yes, even at the buffet − is set to sail from Florida next year. The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first ...
New Phoenix airport terminal: What it means for passengers
Landing a route to Asia, a major priority for Gallego and Makovsky, would be a big win for Phoenix. Gallego traveled to South Korea, Japan and Taiwan in summer 2023, partly to advocate for new ...
Amtrak Summer Travel Flash Sale Offers Big Savings Across the Country
Amtrak Summer Travel Flash Sale Offers Big Savings Across the Country. ... For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers with an experience that sets a new ...
Alabama, Illinois to play basketball in Birmingham with return trip to
Alabama and Illinois are working on an agreement to play basketball next season in Birmingham, Jon Rothstein reports. Multiple sources told College Hoops Today the game would be played in December ...
The Paul Spragg Memorial Short Trip Opportunity 2024 Terms & Conditions
As with all Big Finish writers, they will be expected to agree and meet all conditions, especially with respect to meeting schedules and accepting input from producers. For guidance purposes, it is expected a first-draft would be due early in the Autumn of 2024. Production is subject to the winner entering into a contract with Big Finish ...
Global Big Day—11 May 2024
eBird Trip Reports are a great way to share where you went and the birds you found on Global Big Day. Simply create an eBird Trip Report for 11 May 2024. As you submit lists and upload media throughout the big day, they'll be added to your report automatically. Send the trip report link to friends and family so they can follow along.
Quick Thoughts on Purdue's Schedule of Big Ten Opponents for the 2024
The Big Ten didn't force basketball fans to wait long to get excited about next year. On Tuesday, the conference released the list of league opponents each team will face during the 2024-25 season.
Druski and Rubi Rose Say Relationship 100% Real, Bonded On Trip to DR
Druski's crushing the dreams of many men by going public with his romance with Rubi Rose, and doing so with a serious tongue kiss -- and while some think it's giving skit, we're hearing it's the ...