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American Tourister

Briggs & riley, bric's, luggage faqs, the 11 best luggage brands of 2024, tested by experts.

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The best suitcases let you roll through the airport quickly and confidently, with assurance that your items are well-protected and sturdily organized within.

We selected our picks for the best luggage brands based on years of hands-on testing by several travel editors who regularly take up to 50 flights a year. Since the size of luggage you'll need will depend on your specific travel plans, we focused on the best brands rather than specific pieces. Our top picks are known for making sturdy and reliable luggage, with smart extras to make packing and traveling a breeze. 

Read on for our top choices for the best luggage brands at various price points to consider. If you're specifically looking for hand-luggage, check out our guide to the best carry-on bags . 

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

When it comes to value, Samsonite makes excellent luggage at some of the best prices, which is why we named it our top overall pick for the best carry-on . Samsonite offers numerous options for roller bags, including both hard-side and soft-side carry-ons and checked luggage, as well as wheeled underseat bags and even roller duffels. 

Samsonite also sells several two- and three-piece sets if you want to pair small, medium, and large roller bags together. In addition to traditional roller luggage, Samsonite also offers classic backpacks, wheeled backpacks, duffels, briefcases, wallets, dop kits, and more. There are even some cool wheeled garment bags that can fit under your seat and will fit far more than your typical folding or hanging garment bag. I've owned a Samsonite bag for over three years now and it's held up incredibly well.

You can read our full Samsonite Centric Carry-On review for more info.

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

Away has multiple options for roller luggage, including hard-sided, expandable, and aluminum. Bags are available in both neutral hues and bright, eye-catching colors.

Away's stand-out feature used to be the removable battery pack for charging your electronics on the go, which was previously available as an add-on to its carry-on bags. While the brand retired that feature, we still think its bags have thoughtful extras like in-bag compression, built-in TSA-approved locks, and a removable washable lining. 

In addition to roller bags, the brand also a range of other bags and travel accessories, including backpacks, duffels, pet carriers, totes, packing cubes, and more. I've personally owned Away luggage for years and can attest to its durability and practicality. 

Read our full Away luggage review and Away Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

Travelpro mostly makes soft-side luggage and rightfully earned its spot as our top pick for the best soft-sided carry-on . I personally love the clear attention to detail that comes with a Travelpro bag, from the whisper-quiet spinner wheels to the tear-resistant material and sturdy buckles.

In addition to rolling luggage, Travelpro has options for underseat bags (rolling and not), toiletry bags, backpacks, foldable duffels, garment bags (which often come included with a carry-on), luggage tags, laptop bags, and more.

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Monos

Monos is a newer start-up that doesn't have as many suitcase options as the other luggage brands on our list, but it's worth mentioning since it's one of the best suitcases on the market with a hard front pocket that gives you an easy place to safely store laptops and extras. Monos suitcases are durable, come in an array of colors, and are well-priced. Plus, all of the luggage comes with a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. The same brand also makes some of our favorite durable packing cubes .

Currently, Monos has two sizes of carry-on that either come with a front pocket or not depending on your preferences, plus a medium-sized roller bag and a checked luggage option. Monos also make a backpack, duffel, and folio kit.

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

Many of American Tourister's carry-ons start under $100, and while they may not last you a lifetime, they certainly won't break down anytime soon either. The hard-sided bags are made from a sturdy ABS material, and the spinner wheels aren't quite as high-end as premium options but still easily roll on most surfaces. While these suitcases don't come with tons of extras (be aware that some don't come with built-in TSA locks), the interiors are still thoughtfully designed for easy packing. 

American Tourister has numerous roller bag options in varying sizes, including both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases. There is also a line of Disney luggage that kids especially might love. While there are also some nice wheeled underseat bags, American Tourister hasn't branched out much from classic roller bags, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a duffel or weekender bag is more your aim.

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

When it comes to high-end luggage, Rimowa is a consistent standout that uses premium materials to create long-lasting and recognizable pieces. Its ribbed aluminum luggage, which comes in every color from simple silver to a cherry red, is particularly popular — though it will cost you upwards of $1,000. However, thanks to heavy-duty construction that still manages to be lightweight, the rollers might be worth it if budget isn't an issue for you.

For a slightly more cost-effective (though still pricey) option, I particularly love the Essential Lite collection, which I named the best high-end hard-side carry-on thanks to the fact that it's incredibly durable but weighs less than five pounds. Unfortunately, if you're a fan of soft-sided suitcases, Rimowa is not the brand for you, and there aren't as many accessories available as some other brands. 

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

We named Briggs & Riley our top pick for the best high-end soft-side carry-on. I particularly like the super-smart interior features that truly elevate these suitcases, from a special CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25%, to making sure the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of the bag so no packing room is lost to the poles. These suitcases are certainly investment pieces, but they're built to last and also come with a lifetime warranty.

While I find the soft-sided bags to be some of Briggs & Riley's best options, there are also some nice hard-sided carry-ons and checked bags for those who prefer to go that route. In addition to roller bags, Briggs & Riley also makes backpacks, duffels, weekends, laptop bags, and travel accessories of all types, including packing cubes, bag ID tags, laundry bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Bric's

Bric's is probably best known for its high-end Bellagio collection of luggage, both recognizable and revered for its durable, but ultra-light polycarbonate exterior with leather trim that gives it a nostalgic trunk feel. It's the little details that set this Italian brand apart, including Hinomoto wheels, matching interior linings, and premium zippers. That's why you've likely seen a luxury travel guru wheeling this bag through the airport, or, if you're an eagle-eyed "Schitt's Creek" fan, may have caught Alexis Rose using this collection to pack up her belongings. 

However, for those not ready to spend $600 on a carry-on, Bric's also has several more affordable suitcases in both hard-sided and soft-sided options. The Capri collection features striking exterior detailing in a wide range of colors at a mid-tier price point, while B/Y Zeus will appear to soft-sided fans.

The brand also has a sale section where you can sometimes score premium collections that typically start at $650 or more for under $200. 

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

Like Rimowa, Tumi luggage pieces are an investment. But they're a worthy one since these suitcases will likely last you years, if not decades. With numerous options of all sizes for both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases, Tumi has bags to suit just about all tastes. 

Its well-thought-out suitcases include premium spinner wheels, heavy-duty zippers, scratch- and tear-resistant exteriors, and well-designed interiors that help travelers maximize every last inch of space. In addition to roller luggage, Tumi is also well known for its premium totes and briefcases, and also makes travel wallets, backpacks, duffels, care kits, travel umbrellas, and more. 

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

Victorinox luggage falls in the mid- to high-tier of pricing but its durability makes it a good value choice. The brand also frequently has luggage on sale during big shopping holidays when you can score suitcases for less. As you might expect from a Swiss Army company, the interiors of most suitcases are also thoughtfully designed to maximize packing space. 

Victorinox offers both hard-sided and soft-sided roller bags of numerous sizes including classic carry-ons, checked bags, medium-sized suitcases, and smaller wheeled underseat bags that can fit laptops and accessories. Beyond roller bags, Victorinox also offers briefcases, duffels, backpacks, totes, toiletry kits, garment bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Delsey

If you like the look of Bric's cream suitcases with leather trim, you may also want to consider Delsey's Chatelet line of hard-sided luggage. While these suitcases start around the same price as Bric's, they can be found on sale more frequently, often for half the price. Delsey's Titanium suitcases are also a fan-favorite option since they are ultra-lightweight but incredibly durable. 

Delsey has numerous options for roller bags for domestic and international travel in both hard-sided and soft-sided variations (though more hard-sided), as well as several luggage sets. It even has an eco-friendly line of laptop bags and duffels using recycled materials.  

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

There are pros and cons to each. In general, hard-sided luggage offers more protection for your belongings than soft-sided luggage.

For checked bags, you're best bet is hard-sided luggage, since it can withstand tough handling and having other items stacked on top. Soft-sided luggage may be a good option if you want more flexibility, since fabric-made suitcases have a lot more give. Soft-sided pieces are a good option for carry-ons because they can flex and compress to fit into tight overhead bins.  

What size luggage should I buy?

We think it's best to start with a carry-on size, since it offers the most flexibility, whether you want to keep it in the cabin or check it. Most US airlines cap carry-on size at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

When it comes to buying a checked bag, you'll want something between 25 and 29 inches long. Airlines typically charge a fixed fee for checked bags up to a certain weight, so it may be tempting to think a bigger suitcase is always better. However, bigger pieces of luggage come with more weight of their own, don't protect your items well when they're underpacked, and encourage overpacking, which can lead to higher baggage fees (or the dreaded airport floor repacking). 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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The Best Carry-On Luggage and Weekender Bags for Summer Travel: Away, Samsonite, Calpak and More

The right luggage or carry-on bag for your upcoming vacation can help make any trip as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your summer travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: the right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming July 4th weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your summer trip.

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $140

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

The perfect-sized luggage that doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $314

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

$145   $100

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $144

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024 

Samsonite detour travel backpack.

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Béis Travel Tote

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

A modern classic and easy-access bag. This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles, and is perfect for gym trips or a day out!

Dagne Dover Jemi Puff Tote

Whether you're traveling to work or a weekend getaway, this lightweight tote is perfect with pockets for days to keep all your belongings organized. 

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

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Journey Confidently, Travel Light with Us!

Welcome to Lucas Luggage, the pioneering brand dedicated to crafting ultralight, durable luggage, renowned for our original lightweight expandable design and iconic black-and-yellow signature, trusted by travelers across North America.

Uncompromising Quality

At our core, we prioritize top-tier excellence, ensuring each product is meticulously crafted to surpass expectations.

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Although we have full confidence in the quality of our products, we recognize that occasional issues may arise.

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Discover the Lucas Luggage Advantage

In 2005, amidst the bustling streets of New Jersey, Lucas Luggage came into existence, driven by a vision to revolutionize the travel industry. Founded with a commitment to crafting innovative, lightweight luggage solutions, Lucas aimed to alleviate the burdens of travel and elevate the experiences of adventurers worldwide.

From its inception, Lucas set out to redefine travel essentials, placing a premium on functionality, durability, and style. The brand’s dedication to pioneering design led to the creation of the original lightweight expandable luggage, marking a pivotal moment in the luggage industry.

Embracing the distinctive black and yellow signature colors, Lucas quickly gained recognition for its quality craftsmanship and commitment to producing durable yet featherlight luggage. As travelers sought reliable companions for their journeys, Lucas Luggage emerged as a trusted name across North America, adorning major retailers’ shelves and setting new standards in the world of travel gear.

Lucas is dedicated to revolutionizing travel experiences by consistently designing and delivering ultra-lightweight, durable luggage solutions that prioritize functionality, convenience, and style. Committed to enhancing the journey for every traveler, our mission is to provide innovative, versatile, and dependable travel companions that empower individuals to explore the world with ease and confidence.

LUCAS Hard Shell Luggage

LUCAS Softside Expandable Luggage

LUCAS Carry On Luggage

Make the most out of your next trip with lucas suitcases.

• Pioneering Lightweight Design: Lucas Luggage has been a frontrunner in crafting ultralight luggage since before airline baggage fees, offering expandable options that adhere to weight restrictions, saving travelers from additional costs.
• Comfort and Maneuverability: Prioritizing traveler ease, the luggage features an ergonomic handle for effortless navigation through airports and a robust 8-spinner wheel system that guarantees smooth, 360° movement over any terrain.
• Enhanced Stability: With a focus on stability, the wide wheel positioning and specially developed case platform ensure balance and resilience, minimizing the risk of tipping over and offering a sturdy base for stress-free travel.
• Versatile Functionality: Beyond travel, Lucas suitcases serve as multipurpose companions, accommodating various needs from sports outings to hospital bags for labor, showcasing adaptability for diverse lifestyles.
• Customer Assurance: Backed by a limited 5-year manufacturer warranty and a trusted companion promise, Lucas Luggage prioritizes customer satisfaction by covering repair costs for any manufacturer defects, providing peace of mind for the long haul.

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Traveler Testimonials: Lucas Luggage reviews

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Lucas Hard Shell Suitcase: Durable Performance Across Miles

This is the one…, chic and functional: a stylish departure from traditional suitcases.

The Best Hardside Luggage for Traveling in 2024

A hardshell suitcase keeps your stuff safe and un-squished.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks

• Best overall: Freeform Hardside Expandable, Samsonite
• Best value: 28-inch Hardside Spinner, Amazon Basics
• Best carry-on: The Carry-On, Away
• Best minimalistic: Carry-On, Monos

Hardside or hardshell luggage is made of plastic or metal materials that hold their shape to encase and protect your belongings. At the Good Housekeeping Institute , we evaluate hardside luggage in the Textiles Lab, analyzing them for factors like durability, water resistance and ease of use. Plus, we share them with consumer testers who take them on their own trips and share real-world feedback. We've put together a list of picks including lightweight and durable options and hard cases with unique features that we think are worth your buying.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable

Samsonite's high-quality luggage has continued to perform well in our tests over the years , specifically in terms of durability and ease of use. The brand's Freeform hardside suitcase is a favorite of our consumer testers who agree that its wheels roll smoothly and that the bag is easy to maneuver around twists and turns. It also received perfect scores in Lab tests for being a breeze to open and close.

Inside, you'll find a zippered panel and an adjustable cross strap to keep your belongings in place, and we fit our entire packing load in the bag with room to spare. Our consumer testers did point out that the carrying handles are on the smaller side, but they still thought the bag was easy to pick up. There are three different sizes to choose from, or you can buy a set including a carry-on and a checked bag.

Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner

With more than 35,000 five-star reviews and a 4.5-star average rating, Amazon Basics' hardside luggage is a favorite of real users and GH analysts alike. When we tested this bag in our Lab, we found it to be spacious, and it received perfect scores for easy packing. Online reviewers agree, adding that they can fill the suitcase with more than enough clothing and essentials for their trips.

The suitcase is made with ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as some other hard materials, but it is lightweight and keeps the price low. Testers appreciated the luggage's wheel performance, sharing that the bag is easy to maneuver, but they found the telescopic handle to be flimsier than other models they tried. This suitcase comes in three different sizes and is available in two and three-piece sets for an even better value.

Away The Carry-On

Several of our Lab experts have been using Away luggage for years and have found them to stand the test of time. T his pick is made of polycarbonate material, which means it's lightweight yet durable. In our testing, we dropped it repeatedly from a 3-foot height, and there were no major signs of damage.

Our consumer testers thought the wheels on Away suitcases rolled smoothly and found they were easy to maneuver, but the handle isn't as sturdy as some other styles. In our packing tests, we were impressed by the compressive panels meant to keep your belongings in place and by the hidden laundry bag you can use to separate your dirty clothes. If you purchase the suitcase and decide it isn't right for you, the brand offers a 100-day return policy for unused items.

Calpak Ambeur Three-Piece Luggage Set

For luggage that's equally fashionable and functional, Calpak's Ambeur suitcases are a great option. The hardshell bags are made with a blend of ABS plastic and polycarbonate that's both lightweight and durable, but we did find the metallic colors scuffed easily. In Lab evaluations, the luggage was dubbed our "tester favorite" because consumer testers were so wowed by the design and ease of use.

The telescopic handles aced our tests, with one tester sharing that it was the "smoothest handle by far" out of all of the bags available for testing. Other testers agreed, explaining that the padded handles were comfortable to lift, pull and push. Plus, the Ambeur luggage aced our packing tests. If you don't need a set of three bags, you can opt for a two-piece set or choose from any of the five styles available.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Hardside Expandable Luggage

Travelpro designs luggage for frequent travelers and primarily offers soft fabric luggage, but the brand does have a few hardside pieces including the Maxlite Spinner. This bag has a roomy luggage compartment with two zippered panels, and it can be expanded by 2 inches, lending you extra room for all of your souvenirs on the trip home.

In our Lab tests, Travelpro bags were easy to fill with a full load of clothing and travel gear like toiletries and shoes. They also performed well and earned high durability ratings. Testers loved the cushioned telescopic handles which lock at two different heights. We did find the carrying handles to be on the tighter side, which can make the bag difficult to lift into an overhead bin.

Heys Fashion Spinner 30"

For a fun suitcase that's easy to spot on an airport luggage carousel , try one of Heys' Fashion Spinners. Choose from cute character designs, trendy animal prints, watercolor scenes and bold graphic patterns.

The brand's suitcases are made of a polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite — primarily ABS with a polycarbonate coating for protection. They weren't the most durable in our evaluations and showed some scratches in our tests, but they earned high scores for ease of use. The bag's interior is filled with organizational pockets and compression panels to easily pack all of your belongings. One GH analyst who has owned a Fashion Spinner set for over a decade said the long-lasting bags were spacious and could fit everything needed for a trip, even before using the zippered expansion system.

Rimowa Cabin S Carry-On

Rimowa only makes hardside luggage, and it's a cutting-edge brand that continues to impress our Textiles Lab experts . The Original line is made with aluminum, which is more durable than other hard materials like ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This style of suitcase features the brand's iconic grooved design and has a zipperless closure, opting for locking latches instead — TSA-approved, of course.

When you open the suitcase, you'll find two spacious packing compartments and two adjustable compression panels to keep your belongings in place. Rimowa's suitcases are much more expensive than other brands, but they are among the best in our tests with high ratings for packing space, durability and maneuverability.

Briggs & Riley Global 21" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

This innovative suitcase from Briggs & Riley is full of features to make packing for an international trip easier. On the outside of the hardside suitcase is an easy-access pocket for your phone and ID. The bag unzips into one large packing space that's fully lined and contains three zip pockets for easy organization. Plus, the bag utilizes Briggs & Riley's unique expansion system, which allows you to expand the bag for additional packing space and then compress it to its standard size once the bag has been filled — with just the push of a button. Our testers recently tried a softside bag from the brand with the same system and were blown away by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more room than expected.

When we tested Briggs & Riley's hardside suitcases in the Textiles Lab, they performed well, receiving high scores for durability, water resistance and ease of use. Testers also shared that the brand's bags were easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and said the telescopic handles were sturdy. Although we didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers have shared that the zipper pulls are prone to breaking with regular use.

Monos Carry-On

Monos' less-is-more approach to design results in a sleek, timeless look that our testers love. The durable polycarbonate luggage may have a simple appearance but doesn't skimp on quality or useful packing features. Inside, you'll find two spacious compartments: one zipper-enclosed compartment and one with an adjustable compression panel. There are also additional zipper pockets inside for even more organized storage space.

The large checked version of this bag was a GH 2023 Family Travel Awards recipient. It aced our durability tests, resisting major dents and damages after being dropped repeatedly from a 3-foot height, but it did show some signs of wear in our scratch tests. When testers tried it in our luggage obstacle course, they were impressed by how easy the bag was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled around twists and turns. The brand offers sets for an even better value and a generous 100-day return policy.

How we test luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test luggage using specialized equipment in our Textiles Lab and with consumer testers . When we review luggage, we consider these factors:

✔️ Size and weight: In the Lab, we measure the size and weight of each suitcase to ensure that all online size claims are accurate. We place carry-on bags in a 22" x 14" x 9" area to see if they meet TSA size requirements.

✔️ Extra features: We make note of any additional features or components that make the luggage stand out, like carrying handles, built-in locks and telescopic handles that adjust to different heights.

✔️ Ease of use: We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip each piece of luggage (pictured here) and consider the accessibility of any packing compartments. We also consider features like telescopic handles and wheels.

After packing each bag, we roll it over different surfaces including tile, carpet and hardwood and test the carrying handles by lifting the bag onto a countertop.

✔️ Packing: We fill each bag with a standard packing load for a two-night trip including clothing, accessories and toiletries (picture here) and then score the suitcases based on how much they're able to hold.

✔️ Drop testing: Each piece of luggage is filled with a standard weight and dropped from a 3-foot height from different angles to mimic real use (pictured here). We then analyze the luggage for signs of damage like dents or cracks.

✔️ Consumer testing: Consumer testers take part in our obstacle course that involves rolling the bags over different surfaces like carpet, tile and wood flooring (pictured here), lifting the bags, maneuvering the bags around cones and more. They also share their thoughts on properties like ease of use, sturdiness of the handles and wheel performance.

We share suitcases with testers who are able to take the bags on their own trips and provide us with real-world feedback about their experiences.

What to look for when shopping for the best hardside luggage

When shopping for a hardside suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Material: Not all hardside suitcases are made from the same hard material, and the material can impact performance, weight and price. These are the most common:

• Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive.
• Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, but it can scratch easily.
• ABS is a plastic material that is more affordable and even more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it is a bit less durable.
• Polypropylene is another type of plastic that is even lighter than and slightly stronger than ABS plastic. It's fairly durable and affordable, as well.
• A composite or mixture of polycarbonate, ABS and/or polypropylene combines aspects of each material. Most composite suitcases are made with an ABS base coated in polycarbonate material. This adds extra durability, but it still isn't quite as durable as a suitcase made of 100% polycarbonate.

✔️ Wheels: Wheels with 360° spin receive the best maneuverability scores in our Lab tests and with consumer testers. These wheels allow the luggage to rotate fully and move side to side in addition to moving straight ahead.

✔️ Handles: There are two types of handles you should consider: telescopic handles and carrying handles. Telescopic handles extend from the suitcase so you can push and pull the bag around. Check to see if the handle is easy to open and close, whether or not it can be adjusted and if it's padded for comfort. If you're going to be lifting and lowering your bag often, make sure the side and top carrying handles are large enough for you to easily grip them.

✔️ Compartments: Internal compartments aren't necessary, but they can be helpful when it comes to packing and securing your belongings. Interior pockets are often made with mesh panels to allow your belongings to breathe and to help you see what's inside. There are zip pockets to hold extra belongings and zip panels to keep clothing separated inside the suitcase – so you can keep your running shoes away from your nice dress. Some hardside suitcases also come with removable compartments like a laundry bag to contain dirty clothes or a garment bag to hang clothing.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Luggage warranties tend to only cover manufacturer defects, which can often be difficult to prove. If you're worried about spending money on luggage you won't love, opt for a brand that offers a trial period or generous return policy so that you can test the bag before committing, especially if you're shopping online without seeing it in person first.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She's tested luggage in the Textiles Lab, including carry-ons, duffels and travel backpacks and has shared suitcases with dozens of consumer testers for real-user feedback. She has also covered the best luggage on Amazon , hardside luggage , checked luggage and kids' luggage .

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Protect Your Trip »

The best checked luggage of 2024, tested by editors.

A checked bag is just as essential as a good carry-on.

The Best Checked Luggage

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Every traveler can use a solid piece of checked luggage that can fit enough clothing, accessories and shoes for a long trip. Durability, plenty of storage and wheels that can handle rolling a full bag easily are just a few things to look for in a reputable piece of luggage.

If it's time to purchase a checked bag that can accommodate your belongings and handle the rigor of being tossed around, read on to discover your best options. All of our recommendations have top ratings and have also been personally tested and reviewed.

Best Overall: DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Best soft-sided: travelpro crew classic large check-in expandable spinner, best medium: away the medium, best large: lojel cubo large, best trunk: july checked trunk, best lightweight: lipault plume very long trip, best organization: solgaard check-in closet original – medium.

(Note: Prices and stock availability were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $209.99 or less

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 8.25 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 117 liters | Colors: Black, green or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

The soft-sided DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner is our top overall pick for the Best Checked Luggage thanks to its durability and excellent handling. This piece of checked luggage features double-spinner wheels; a collapsible handle for use on two or four wheels; a TSA-approved lock; and cushioned top, bottom and side handles. The bag has one large interior compartment with tie-down straps to keep everything in place and a medium zippered side pocket, plus a large zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the top of the bag, perfect for holding toiletries (or dirty clothes as your trip unfolds).

There are two large front pockets on the exterior of the bag for stashing last-minute or smaller items. The exterior of this checked bag is constructed of a polyester fabric with a twill pattern, and the bag expands quite a bit to fit in any additional souvenirs you may want to bring home with you.

What our editors say:

I am obsessed with this soft-sided checked bag – it fits an absurd amount of stuff. You can easily pack enough clothes, shoes, accessories and gear for a two- to three-week trip, and even when it's filled to the brim, the wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver the suitcase across many types of terrain. Mine has been checked numerous times, and the darker-colored fabric with its subtle design means any scuffs are pretty impossible to see and it hasn't scratched or dented at all. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $279.99 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 20.9 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days | Colors: Navy, white, gray, black or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a traveler favorite for good reason. This hard-sided polypropylene suitcase is impressively lightweight for its size and made to last. A built-in TSA lock protects your luggage, and it expands by 1.5 inches when you need more room. There are two main packing compartments separated by a zippered panel on one side and compression straps on the other. The double wheels will allow you to navigate any airport or destination with ease. The Freeform also comes in medium and carry-on sizes, as well as a two-piece set.

I used to only use soft-sided luggage, but I've been won over by this suitcase. I love how easy it is to maneuver and lift such a large bag during my travels. You also can't go wrong with the Samsonite Outline Pro Large Spinner , which comes in a few other colors and has a slightly different compression system inside. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $349.99 or less

Dimensions: 30.75 x 18 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 130 liters | Colors: Black, gray or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

Like many Travelpro luggage pieces, the Travelpro Crew Classic Large Check-in Expandable Spinner comes with a plethora of handy features. A TSA-approved lock keeps your belongings safe, and the self-aligning wheels make for easy rolling across a range of surfaces. Inside, you'll find a removable fold-out suiter for protecting clothes against wrinkles – so you won't need to bring an extra garment bag for a formal affair. There are also interior pockets (including a water-resistant one) and hold-down straps for keeping your belongings organized and secure.

This Travelpro spinner can hold plenty at 130 liters, but if you need something even bigger, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner is a great alternative with many of the same features and 143.5 liters of space.

I was shocked at how lightweight this suitcase was for its size. The fold-out suiter is a game-changer for business travel or travel that requires formal attire, like a cruise or destination wedding . – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $365 or less

Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 7-14 days; 68 liters | Colors: Several options, including black, sea green, olive or white gloss Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Medium by Away is surprisingly large, with enough storage for about two weeks' worth of clothing. An interior compression panel and mesh pockets help maximize space, and an included laundry bag allows you to easily separate dirty and clean clothing in your suitcase. This checked bag also comes with a color-matched luggage tag. For the inevitable scratches, you can use a magic eraser to wipe the bag clean.

The Medium is so spacious that I can't imagine using a larger checked bag. I also appreciate all of the grab handles that make it easy to load on to the airport scale or pull off the baggage claim belt. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $430 or less

Dimensions: 30.5 x 21.7 x 13.4 (14.6 when extended) inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 120 liters (130 when extended) | Colors: 9 options, including burgundy, black, yellow or navy Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year

The flat-top opening on this large suitcase really makes it stand out from the crowd. Given its size, the top opening makes it easy to pack and close the suitcase when you have limited space. Constructed with 50% recycled polycarbonate, this style has a durable and sustainable design. The interior of the expandable suitcase has a lid with two spacious mesh compartments and a third with a privacy panel. For added organization, there's a zip pocket and a compression divider with four zip pockets, which keeps small items organized and helps you compartmentalize your belongings while in transit.

If you're looking for a large checked suitcase that is sturdy, easy to wheel and can hold a lot of contents, this is it. I really like the variety of zip pockets on the interior to keep smaller items easy to find, and the flat-top opening is a real game changer in small hotel rooms or tight spaces. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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Price: $545 or less

Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 13.2 pounds Packing capacity: 10-14 days; 95 liters | Colors: 11 gloss and matte options, including dark green, red or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with 100-day trial

This trunk is constructed with a rivetless anodized aluminum frame and crush-proof German polycarbonate shell. The trunk design has an 80/20 lid opening, and it closes with twin integrated TSA latch locks. On the inside, the bag has stain- and water-resistant nylon lining, a hidden laundry bag and a Y-strap compression system to keep contents secure. For easy maneuvering, it has a multi-height adjustable soft handle, top and side carry handles, and dual-spinner wheels.

From its sleek exterior to its space-maximized interior, this trunk makes packing for a long trip a breeze. The handle is extremely comfortable to pull, and the silent wheels glide effortlessly on an array of surfaces. – Rachael Hood

Price: $329 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 18.1 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds Packing capacity: 10-21 days | Colors: Maroon, navy or khaki green Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

Weighing in at less than 9 pounds, this checked bag doesn't sacrifice quality or features. Its durable nylon construction wipes off easily, so you won't be too troubled by white winter salt marks or spilled coffee. The interior features two fold-down shelves, allowing you to pack it like a trunk or a traditional suitcase. There's also a mesh separation net to keep all of your belongings in place when you open the case, as well as two large interior zippered pockets.

On the front of the bag, you can make use of a spacious front zip pocket, a coordinating luggage tag and a zippered compartment that conceals and protects the telescoping handle when not in use. The spinner wheels glide easily on any surface, and if you want a coordinating carry-on, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner – U.S. News' top soft-sided luggage pick – can be stowed inside this bag when not in use.

While I try to stick to carry-on luggage, this checked suitcase is extremely impressive and perfect for when I need more space. I absolutely love the shelves that can be folded down flat when I don't want them, but also the ability to pack so I can just use the suitcase like a rolling closet. It's really lightweight, and I love that it coordinates with one of my favorite personal item bags, the Lipault City Plume 24H 2.0 . – Rachael Hood

Sharael Kolberg

Price: $355 or less

Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 10.7 pounds Packing capacity: 10-15 days; 91 liters | Colors: 13 options, including black, red, purple or precious metals Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're the type of person that likes to transfer your clothes from your suitcase to the hotel dresser upon arrival to keep things organized, this Solgaard suitcase is for you. With its built-in shelving system, you don't have to unpack – just pack your clothes into the five shelves and, when you get to the hotel, hang the removable shelving system for easy access. The suitcase is made with a durable polycarbonate shell. It comes with a TSA-approved three-digit lock, and the frictionless wheels paired with its comfortable handle make this checked bag easy to maneuver.

What our contributors say:

Not only does this suitcase make it easier to travel, but I also love that it is designed with sustainability in mind. Each one is made from 100% recycled plastic that is collected in coastal communities, in order to prevent it from going into the ocean. The one downside is that the shelving does take up some room, so you might be trading convenience for maximum capacity. – Sharael Kolberg

How we tested

Taking into account durability, capacity and features, our team tested more than a dozen checked bags from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the maneuverability of the wheels and comfort of the handle on a range of surfaces from moving walkways to cobblestones. After taking these suitcases on a variety of journeys, we've selected these checked suitcases as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Luggage Brands
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Hard-sided Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Home » Activities » Mountain Viewpoint

Mt Pilatus Golden Round Trip: boat cruise + mountain excursion

• Lake Lucerne Region
• Last Updated: 21 Nov 2022
• By Tanya, Founder of Swiss Family Fun

If you buy something through a link here, we may earn a commission. See our disclosure policy . Note that p rices and opening times may change without notice.

The “Golden Round Trip” is a full day excursion from Lucerne, visiting the nearby Mt Pilatus. The outing includes a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, steep cogwheel mountain train to the top of Pilatus. At the top, you can enjoy the views from the observation deck, eat at one of the restaurants, and optionally hike. Then ride a cable car down the other side of the mountain, with more amusements like the alpine slide and ropes adventure course.

This outing is a great way to experience the best of the Lucerne area, enjoying a variety of classic Swiss experiences. Below is all the information you need to plan your day on the Pilatus Golden Round Trip.

Overview of Golden Round Trip

Sample timetable, boat schedule, cogwheel train schedule, cable car schedule, bus schedule, seat reservation for cogwheel train, where to purchase tickets, where to stay, direction of travel, boat ride from lucerne, cogwheel train at alpnachstad, what to do at pilatus kulm, where to eat at pilatus kulm, hike up to viewpoints, cliff walk hike, cable car down to frakmüntwegg, frakmüntegg toboggan run, gondola down to kriens, bus to lucerne, video of pilatus day trip, how long is the golden round trip, can i do the golden round trip in a half-day, can i bring a stroller, is pilatus wheelchair accessible, what if i miss the boat in alpnachstad, can i start my day with the alpnachstad cogwheel train instead.

Here is an overview the Golden Round Trip.

1. The outing starts in Lucerne, where you catch the boat, which follows the red line to the base on the Pilatus mountain.

2. At Alpnachstad, you get off the boat and get on the cogwheel train, which follows the blue line up to the top of Mt Pilatus.

3. At the top, you can enjoy the view from the observation deck and restaurants. You can optionally hike to other viewpoints.

4. When you are done at the top, you ride the cable car down the green line to Frakmüntegg, where you’ll find the alpine slide and ropes course.

5. Then ride the gondola (also on the green line) down to Kriens.

6. Then the bus on the purple line to Lucerne.

Buy tickets now

Planning Your Day

You will need a minimum of 5 hours for this outing. On our last visit, we caught the 9:38 boat and arrived on Mt Pilatus at 11:30. We spent 2.5 hrs on the top and did the alpine slide on the way down. We arrived back in Lucerne at 16:00.

Here are sample times for each leg of the trip.

• Boat ride – The boat ride takes 1hr15. You should arrive at least 20 mins before your boat departure time so you can secure a good seat on the boat.
• Cogwheel train – The cogwheel train ride takes 32 mins. But expect to wait in line for 10-30 mins before boarding the train.
• Mt Pilatus – I suggest planning for at least 1 hour at top. Add 1 hour if you plan to eat at the restaurant. Add 2 hours if you plan to hike to Tomlishorn.
• Cable car – The full journey from Pilatus Kulm to Kriens (cable car + gondola) is 36 mins. On busy days (especially in the late afternoon), you may need to add time waiting in line, 15-30 mins.
• Alpine slide – add at least 30 mins if you plan to ride the slide, more if it’s busy. This includes walking to the slide, waiting in line, the ride and walking back to the gondola.
• Bus – The actual bus ride is about 15 mins. But add waiting time in case you don’t arrive in Kriens exactly when the bus departs.

Operating times

The Golden Round Trip is possible from late May through mid October when the boat and cogwheel train are running. In 2023, this round trip is scheduled to be open from 18 May – 30 Oct 2023. Outside of this time, you can still visit Mt Pilatus by riding the Kriens-Pilatus cable car. See my Mt Pilatus post for more information.

To make things simple, you just need to choose your Lucerne boat departure time and everything else will fall into place. I’ve noted the 2022 schedule below, but check the current schedule here .

• 9:38 – Daily from 26 May – 11 Sept 2022; Sat/Sun from 12 Sept – 16 Oct 2022
• 10:38 – Daily from 26 May – 16 Oct 2022
• 12:38 – Daily from 9 July   – 21 August; Sat/Sun and public holidays 26 May – 8 July and 22 August – 16 Oct 2022
• 13:38 – Daily from 26 May – 16 Oct 2022
• 14:38 – Daily from 26 May – 16 Oct 2022

The boat schedule is coordinated with the cogwheel train, so you don’t need to necessarily worry about the cogwheel train schedule. They run multiple trains up the mountain to accommodate everyone who gets off the boat.

If you are starting your day with the Alpnachstad train, you can check the official schedule here .

The Pilatus cable car runs every 15 mins. At Frakmüntenegg, you transfer to a gondola with many small cars that runs continuously. 

The full journey between Pilatus Kulm and Kriens is about 36 mins, assuming no waiting in line. On busy days, there can be a long line for both the cable car and gondola, especially near closing time. 

Bus 15 picks up at the Kriens. Pilatus Bahnen stop, directly in front of the Kriens Pilatus gondola station. Before 15;00, it runs hourly on the xx:22. After 15:00, it runs about every 30 mins. See current schedule for bus 15 .

Ride Bus 15 four stops to Kriens, Hofmatt-Bellpark . Get off the bus and transfer to Bus 1, direction Ebikon, Fildern , which will take you to the Lucerne main train station. This full journey is about 17 mins.

If you miss this bus, you can walk about 10 mins to the Kriens, Zentrum Pilatus bus stop, where the bus runs more frequently. Catch Bus 1, direction Ebikon, Fildern . This bus runs about every 8 mins and takes about 12 mins to reach the Lucerne main train station (Luzern, Bahnhof).

Ticket prices

In 2024, a Pilatus Golden Round Trip ticket costs

• Adult – CHF 113.80
• Child (6-15) – CHF 56.90 (free with SBB Junior Card or Family Card)
• Child under 6 – free

You can get a discount with the following travel passes and railcards.

• Adult with rail passes – CHF 39 (e.g. Swiss Travel Pass , Swiss Travel Pass Flex , Interrail, Eurail Pass)
• Adult with SBB Half Fare or GA – CHF 56.90

Note: No discount for SBB Day Pass, Saver Day Pass, Gemeinde Day Passes or other discount day passes

If you are arriving by public transport, you can get a discount through the SBB Railaway offers .

You can purchase a 1st class ticket for the boat ride, which allows you to sit on the upper deck. There is no 1st class for the other parts of the journey.

Free with Lucerne Region Tell-Pass . 

You can optionally reserve seats on the cogwheel train in Alpnachstad on the Pilatus website . This should alleviate the long waiting times, which can happen on weekends and high summer season. Typically you need to reserve a couple days before your scheduled trip. 

You book for a specific day and time. It costs CHF 5 per person per ride. If you are doing the Golden Round Trip and are arriving by boat, you should coordinate this time with the boat arrival.

It’s easiest to purchase tickets online , which gives you a voucher with a QR code. You can use this ticket directly from your phone or optionally print out the voucher. You can ride the boat and bus just with this QR code. When you get to the Pilatus cogwheel train, you need to present this voucher at the ticket booth and get a bar code ticket for both the cogwheel train and cable car.

You can also purchase tickets in person at the Lucerne boat dock (see on map) or Pilatus ticket offices.

You cannot make reservations unless you are a group of 9 or more.

I would suggest staying in Lucerne, where you can enjoy the charms of the city after your adventure and have access to many restaurants. Our friends suggest Hotel des Balances , which is right on the river near the famous tower bridge. We’ve also enjoyed Hotel Anker , which has a cool, funky vibe and a great breakfast. For a budget stay, you might consider Ibis Budget Hotel near the Lucerne train station.

How to get there

This excursion is located in Lucerne in central Switzerland. See location on Google Maps .

I suggest starting with the boat ride in Lucerne. The Golden Round Trip leaves from Pier 2, directly in front of the Lucerne main train station, as shown on the map below. See on Google maps .

By public transport: Take a train to Luzern, Bahnhof , the main train station in Lucerne. Walk out the main entrance to Pier 2 across the street.

By car: I suggest parking at the Luzern train station, which is near the boat dock ( Bahnhofpl. 1, 6002 Luzern ). There are multiple parking lots at the train station. Parking 3 is slightly cheaper. After parking, you walk through the train station and outside directly to the piers.

When you drive in, you’ll see P1 and P2 to your left and P3 to your right, a bit farther away. They all start at CHF 4 for the first hour, but P1 & P2 are slightly more expensive at CHF 2.50 for each additional hour, while P3 is CHF 2 for each additional hour. See all Luzern parking options   and download a PDF with a price comparison between all garages.

Alternatively, you could park at the Kriens cable car and take the bus into Lucerne at the start of your day. This would allow you to coordinate your arrival with the infrequent bus schedule. This would take a little more planning but this is what I would do next time.

I prefer to travel clockwise, starting with the boat ride and ending with the cable car ride because:

• there are only a few boat rides per day so I find it easier to schedule my day starting with the boat
• since the Alpnachstad boat departure times are few and far between, it can be tricky to time your cogwheel descent to catch the boat on time.  If you have to wait an hour or more, you can lounge at the lakeside café and get ice cream.
• with the cable car last, we can stop at the alpine slide at the end of our day

Some prefer to travel counter clockwise, starting with the cable car and ending with the boat because:

• you can get to Mt Pilatus earlier in the day and avoid some crowds at the top – first ride up 8:30
• you avoid a long wait for the cogwheel train at Alpnachstad on busy days
• you end the day with a relaxing boat ride, instead of a busy city bus to Lucerne.

But don’t stress. Just travel whichever direction makes sense for your group.

Photo story of the Golden Round Trip

From the train station, walk through the arch and directly to the water. The Golden Round trip leaves from Pier 2.

We were able to board the boat about 15 mins before departure. It helps to be one of the first ones to board so you can get a good seat. You don’t show your tickets when you get on the boat. The staff will come around the boat later and ask for your ticket. You can buy a ticket directly on board if necessary.

All sides of the boat are nice but the right side of the boat faces Mt Pilatus as shown in the picture here.

You can freely wander the boat during the ride to get different views. 

Upstairs requires a first class ticket.

From the boat, it’s a short walk to Pilatus-Bahn station where you get on the cogwheel train.

As you approach the station, these is a little ticket stand (the blue umbrella in the pic below) where you need to show your voucher and receive a bar code ticket for both the cogwheel train and cable car down the other side of the mountain. On non-busy days, they may not have this temp ticket stand. Instead go to the ticket office on the left side of this picture.

The line for the cogwheel train can be very long on busy summer days. We were there on a Friday in early June and there were at least a couple hundred people in line.

The boat arrival is coordinated with the cogwheel train departure schedule. The first train filled up quickly and there were still lots of people in line. So I was worried that we would have to wait a long time for the next train. But three more train cars came to collect everyone. It seems that the trains are continually running up and down the mountain on busy days.

Like at other tourist destinations in Switzerland, the Pilatus Bahn staff want you to sit where they tell you sit. So when walking up the stairs, don’t just sit in the first cabin so you can get a window seat or you might get scolded. They want you to fill up the seats in order so every seat gets filled. But if possible, it’s best to sit on the far side, away from the stairs, which has a better view when you get above the tree line.

I stood up a few times to see the steep tracks ahead of us. It’s an exciting ride.

The journey takes about 32 mins to reach Pilatus Kulm. The steepest grade is near the top.

The train drops you at the observation desk shown below. The cogwheel train and cable car stations are both here.

At this complex, you’ll find restaurants, gift shops and many viewpoints. Many people just spend their time wandering the observation deck and taking pictures. Below I give suggestions on other ways to spend your time here. But for more detail, see my Mt Pilatus post .

The large building is a hotel and restaurant with outdoor seating. There is another self-serve restaurant near the cable car station with indoor and sometimes outdoor seating in good weather. Inside, there is also a café with sandwiches. Sometimes they have a kiosk selling sausages on the observation deck. This pic is taken from the Esel peak just above the cogwheel train station. 

If you can manage stairs, I suggest you hike up to one of the taller peaks flanking the observation deck. In the pic below, we are standing at the Oberhaupt peak and looking across the the Esel peak. Both hikes are a little steep with switchbacks but should only take you about 10 mins each way.

Here are the stairs leading up the Esel viewpoint with Lake Lucerne in the distance.

Here is the viewing area from the Esel peak.

I also recommend the Tomlishorn Flower Trail (aka Blumenweg), which skirts along the cliffs shown here. To start the trail, follow the path past the hotel/restaurant that leads along the cliffs.

You can just walk along the path for a few minutes and turn back when you are tired. With my 74 year dad, we walked for about 20 mins down the trail and turned back. He loved the views and was very glad to have done it.

There is a fence along the cliffs, but if you are afraid of heights or with small children that might slip under the fence, perhaps skip this one.

The full trail is about 3 km there and back (plan about 1 hour+) to reach the Tomlishorn viewpoint ( see hiking map here ). About the last 15 mins of the trail is steeper, with stairs and uneven terrain with lots of rocks. If you aren’t a hiker, you probably want to turn back when you reach the stairs.

When you are done at the top, go inside the complex to the cable car station, which descends on the left side of this picture, opposite of the cogwheel train. It leaves about every 15 mins.

The cable car drops you at the Frakmüntegg middle station, where you can transfer to a gondola that takes you the rest of the way down to Kriens.

Or you can stop for awhile at Frakmüntegg to participate in various amusements like the alpine slide (info below), dragon glider and ropes course .

You can see the Frakmüntegg alpine slide in this picture, the squiggly line on the left. It’s 1350m long, the longest in Switzerland. It’s open 10:00 – 17:30 (last ticket sold at 17:00) in good weather. It’s not open in winter.

From the Frakmüntegg cable car station, it’s about a 5-10 min walk uphill to reach the top of the alpine slide (path on the left in the pic below). My 74 yr old dad found the trail a bit steep for his bad knees but he managed.

Here’s the entrance to the alpine slide. There is a small cafe here and picnic tables.

You can purchase your tickets here at a machine. Children under 8 must ride with an adult over age 16. In 2022, it costs CHF 9/adult, CHF 7/children aged 8-16, and CHF 5/children aged 6-7, children under 5 ride free with an adult. See current prices .

You cannot take any bags with you on the slide, so store them in the free lockers. You also cannot use a camera or phone on the slide, a CHF 100 fine if you do. However, you can use your phone on the ride back up, which would be a nice opportunity for pictures.

At Frakmüntegg, scan your bar code ticket to get on the gondola to Kriens. The small gondola cars run continuously, so there usually isn’t a long wait except at the end of a busy day.

In Kriens, exit the gondola station and wait at the bus stop directly outside the station, shown here. Bus 15 leaves here at 13:22, 14:22, 15:07, 15:37, 16:07, 16:37, 17:07, 17:37. See current schedule for bus 15 .

Ride Bus 15 four stops to Kriens, Hofmatt-Bellpark . Get off the bus, cross the street and walk a few meters to the bus stop, which is shown below. Catch Bus 1, direction Ebikon, Fildern , which will take you to the Lucerne main train station. This full journey is about 17 mins. 

A short video of our day on the Golden Round Trip in June 2022.

As I described in the sample schedule above, I would plan for about 5 hours for the Golden Round Trip. That gives you enough time to enjoy various attractions and gives a buffer for possible waiting times.

If you are on a tight schedule, I suggest starting with the cable car ride and taking the first ride up at 8:30. The cable car ride takes about 40 mins. This gets you to Pilatus by about 9:10. Spend 1 hour at the top. Catch the 10:10 cogwheel train to Alpnachstad, which gets you to the 10:57 boat to Lucerne. You will arrive in Lucerne at 12:17.

If that is too long, don’t do the full Golden Round Trip. Instead just ride the cable car up and back, which is much quicker.

You can bring a stroller on the boat and bus. But you will need to fold it on the cogwheel train, cable car and gondola. You can use the stroller around the Pilatus observation deck, which has elevators to avoid the stairs. But you cannot take it on any of the trails.

The gondola and cable are accessible for manual and electronic wheelchairs, but electronic wheelchairs must register in advance. The cogwheel train is also wheelchair accessible but both kinds must register in advance. Max dimensions and additional information is available in the Pilatus accessibility policy here .

At Pilatus Kulm, the toilets and elevators are wheelchair accessible, providing access to the panorama terrace and restaurants.

If you are doing this trip counter clockwise, you will ride the cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad, where you can catch the boat back to Alpnachstad. However, if there is a long wait, you might not get on the cogwheel train at the right time to catch the boat. In this case, you can instead take a train back to Lucerne. The train station is adjacent to the boat dock.

Yes. Just drive or take a train directly to Alpnachstad and start your day with the cogwheel train. The timing is a little tricky on the second half of your day to get back to Lucerne in time for the last boat. So check the schedule carefully.

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17 Responses

Hi, can you do this trip in December? We are planning on being in Lucerne mid December 2024. Thank you

You can visit Pilatus in winter. But the boat ride and cogwheel train do not run in winter. You would need to access the viewpoint via the cable car. Also the hikes at the top like Tomlihorn will not be open.

Thanks alot for the detailed post. I have a small question regarding the counter clockwise trip and also wanted to ride in Alpine slide. Can you please suggest would we get good views planning this way ?

Hi Sindhu, if you are starting with the cable car from Kriens to Pilatus, then you should stop at the Frakmuntegg station before you get to the top of Pilatus. That’s where you’ll find the alpine slide. Then you can get on the cable car up to Pilatus. Hope that helps.

Tanya, Your detailed post on Mt Pilatus has been extremely helpful. I will have the Tell Pass when visiting Mt Pilatus in early September 2023 and would like to know the best strategy of reserving seats, if that is even a possibility while using a Tell Pass. Thank you! Laura

Hi Laura, You can book just the “Boarding Pass” for your desired date and time on the Stanserhorn website. You probably can do this just a couple days before your desired journey. https://shop.e-guma.ch/cabrio-stanserhorn/en/tickets

Hi Tanya, love your blog and Youtube video. Very helpful. We have a Swiss Travel Pass for four and want to reserve a seat for the cogwheel train to Pilatus Kulm. I read there is a 50% discount for Swiss Travel Pass but I couldn’t see any options in the Pilatus website when ordering online the Golden Round Trip tickets.

The website says, “Reductions (GA, Half-Fare travelcard, SwissTravelPass) must be showed at the turnstile, please have the IDs ready. Travel with a discounted ticket but without valid discount (GA, Half-Fare, Swiss Travel Pass) is considered as dodgy driving and is sanctioned accordingly. ”

https://shop.e-guma.ch/pilatus-bahnen/en/tickets/golden-round-trip-lucerne-alpnachstad-pilatus-kriens-lucerne-3503187

Hi Mike, to get the discount you need to get your tickets on site and show the STS. It’s not a big deal since tickets do not sell out. Just go a bit earlier to the ferry dock ticket office (or the day before) and get your tickets. With the STS, the boat ride is free and you get a discount on the mountain train and cable cars. Have fun!

How do I book for kids online with family Swiss card if there is no option for that discount. Kids ride free and if true, how to reserve a ticket for them? I wanted to book first class golden trip ticket. Or do we not book at all and just show the family Swiss pass at the gate? Thank you! Your info helpful!

Hi. If you have a 1st class Swiss Travel Pass, that includes 1st class on the boat but not the cogwheel train or cable car (no first class on either of those). So go a little early to the Lucerne ferry dock ticket booth. Show your Swiss Travel Pass there and they will sell you the tickets you need for the parts of the Golden Round Trip not included with the Swiss Travel Pass, including the free tickets for the kids. Often with kids, they don’t need a ticket but just go along with the parent. On the boat, you just get on the boat and the ticket taker will look at your Swiss Travel Pass at some point during the journey, including the associated family cards. Hope this answers your question.

Thank you for this detailed itinerary!! The problem I’m having is finding the proper link to purchase the Golden Ticket that is not a guided tour and includes the boat ride from Lucerne and all cogwheel, gondolas etc. Can you kindly provide the correct link? Thanks! Rhonda

You can book the self-guided tour directly on the Pilatus website, but since the tour is not available until May, that option is not on their website right now. If you want to book ahead, you can book with Get Your guide at the following link, which allows you to refund your ticket 24 hours in advance. I hope this helps. https://www.getyourguide.com/lucerne-l867/golden-round-trip-from-lucerne-to-mount-pilatus-t94602/?partner_id=GAOQYDD&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=%22other%22

Hi, thank you for this very detailed post on the Mt. Pilatus Golden Round Trip, it’s very much appreciated. Loved how you outlined the different kinds of passes available.

I’m planning my trip to Switzerland but I am confused as to what pass I should get. I was thinking to get the Swiss Travel Pass, but I can’t find any information online as to how to book tickets online using the Swiss Travel Pass. For example, when I try to book the Golden Round Trip on this https://shop.luzern.com/en/product/pilatus-golden-roundtrip-from-lucerne website, the options are “Half-Fare Card”, “Guestcard”, and “Guestcard and Half-Fare Card”. If I have the Swiss Travel Pass, can I select “Half-Fare Card”, or is that strictly applicable to the Swiss Half-Fare Card?

Hope you can clarify!

That is a good question! I would verify the validity of the Swiss Travel Pass on this route using the validity map. If you get 50% with this pass, then I would select the Half-fare Card option. But I’m not 100% sure since I haven’t personally traveled with the Swiss Travel Pass. You might contact the Lucerne tourism office to inquire.

Sorry Tanya – I meant to say Pilatus trip not Rigi!

Hi Tanya & family,

We used to regularly holiday in Switzerland as a family. Our base was always Brunnen and we did this Rigi trip many years ago. It was such a treat to see it again recorded in your photographs. It IS a wonderful day trip. Thank you for bringing the memories back. I’m now trying to think of the best way of preserving it as a slideshow to play on our tv screen. Happy days. Thanks again, Brian, Barbara & family

Hi Brian, Glad I could help you relive some good memories from your Swiss trips. Yay!

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Hi! I’m Tanya and our family has been living & hiking in Switzerland since 2005, collecting dozens of fun hikes and activities for all ages and abilities. More about us…

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Melania, Barron Trump spotted for first time since Donald’s historic ‘hush money’ conviction

F ormer first lady Melania Trump stepped out of Trump Tower with piles of luggage and son Barron in tow Tuesday — the first time she has been seen since her husband’s conviction in a Manhattan hush money trial last week.

Melania, wearing a chic gold-brown jumpsuit and clutching a matching purse, kept her head down as she walked out of the Midtown skyscraper and ducked into a bulletproof Secret Service SUV.

Barron, 18, towered behind her in a blue suit and white shirt, while opting against a necktie.

At least seven Louis Vuitton luggage bags and several garment totes emblazoned with the former first son’s initials were piled into the black SUV.

After the mother and son were loaded in, the vehicle took off toward New Jersey, where the family owns a “safe haven” estate at Bedminster.

The sighting marks the first time Melania has broken cover in nearly two weeks, with the 54-year-old believed to have been holed up in her lavish penthouse since May 23.

According to reports, the former first lady was there when former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal evidence of hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

The 45th president said over the weekend that Melania and Barron have been suffering the most in the days since the guilty verdict in the case brought by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

“I think in many ways it’s tougher on them than it is on me,” said Trump, 77, who charged that the trial was a scheme by “bad people” to “create havoc.”

Trump added that constant speculation about an affair with Daniels — which the former president has denied — has weighed especially heavy on his wife .

Barron Trump graduated from Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Fla. May 17, a ceremony Donald Trump was granted permission to attend by trial judge Juan Merchan .

“He’s tall, good-looking, he’s a very good student,” the elder Trump told “Fox & Friends Weekend”. “He’s applied to colleges and gets into everywhere he goes, you know? He’s very sought after from the standpoint. He’s a very smart guy.”

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The Golden Rules of Solo Travel

By Olivia Morelli

The joys of traveling solo are endless. It is freeing to explore new places alone—you can go where you please, eat when you want, and enjoy quality time with yourself uninterrupted. The interest in solo travel has been slowly rising for a while, in tandem with the desire for deeper, slower, more connective trave l. For many, solo travel is the perfect way to achieve this—it provides an opportunity to trust your instinct, go with your gut, and get lost in the experience. You rely on yourself rather than on others’ whims or desires.

But, if you’re not a seasoned solo traveler, it can be a daunting prospect. In an age of constant connectivity, the idea of being alone for an extended period of time is stark. Below, we spoke to travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for traveling alone.

Dining alone isn’t weird

For most people, the thought of dining alone is one of the biggest barriers to traveling solo. But once you get past the conviction that everyone is noticing or judging you, it’s a totally freeing experience. “Dining alone isn’t as uncommon as you might imagine,” says Estée Lalonde, a creative director and influencer with a passion for solo travel. “I personally find it empowering! Sometimes I bring a book with me or watch an episode of my favorite show on Netflix with my headphones on, but other times I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up chatting to the people at the table next to me.”

Book counter dining at restaurants if it's too weird for you

If you are someone who does feel uncomfortable about dining alone, opt for a bar or counter seat. It’s much less intimidating than having a whole table to yourself, and you are more likely to end up chatting to the staff or the person sitting next to you. "The first time I went out for a meal alone, I went to JG Melon on the Upper East Side of New York City ,” Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveller ’s deputy digital editor, says. “I took a book, and nervously shuffled onto a bar stool for my burger—but ended up chatting away to the charming bartender and the women sat next to me. Now I often opt for a counter seat when eating alone, and no longer take a book with me. Either I end up talking to someone or just enjoy the peace. A general rule I live by—we're all so wrapped up in our own lives, no one is paying much attention to other people."

Consider a hostel

Not only are hostels affordable, but they're also great places to meet fellow travelers—whether they're in the same solo boat as you or not. Many have a cheap bar onsite that allows you to fall into natural conversation with compatriots who may become friends, or at least will have great tips for things to do.

Fake it till you make it

Most people feel nervous about meeting new people, and introverts especially struggle to make the first move when in a new place. But remember that everyone is in the same boat, and most solo travelers will have experienced those same emotions. The first five seconds are the hardest, but once you’ve introduced yourself, you’ll quickly realize it wasn’t as big a deal as you originally thought. You’d kick yourself if you let a bit of shyness ruin your trip, so use that as the motivation you need to approach a fellow traveler. And remember, if you present with confidence, that will show—fake it til you make it is a reliable life rule to follow.

Never consolidate all of your assets

“This is a lesson that I learned the hard way after getting pickpocketed in a crowded Jerusalem marketplace,” says global digital director Arati Menon, “I had stupidly carried all my credit cards and cash with me—luckily no passport!—in a single wallet and as a result, had no way of paying the hotel bill later that day when I checked out. Now, I always split my cards and cash (and IDs) across various places: wallet, purse, luggage—and if possible, store at least one of these in a locked safe back at the hotel.”

Don’t fear loneliness

“Remember that a bit of loneliness can be bracing and character-building,” says Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveller ’s features director. “My experience traveling is generally that people are decent, kind and interesting—and you found that out most acutely by being alone (whereas everyone leaves couples well alone.) Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been on my own—like when I was stranded in Nanjing at 2 a.m. by a delayed train in 2001, and a local student let me bunk in his dorm room for the night.”

Take the train

“While even the most extroverted of travelers avoid chit chat like the plague on a plane, I have found traveling by train to be a much more social means of transport," says associate editor Hannah Towey. "Last summer, I traveled solo on the Amtrak Coastal Starlight from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and spent the entirety of the 9-hour journey in the communal observation lounge, where fellow travelers rotated in and out, sharing tables and playing cards while admiring the views. As the sun set on the second half of the trip, a few musically-inclined passengers formed an impromptu band complete with an acoustic guitar and mandolin. Word slowly spread and others trickled in from other parts of the train to take turns singing songs in different languages. It might take a few more hours than a flight, but who knows, you might even find the Ethan Hawke to your Julie Delpy and spend a spontaneous evening together in Vienna.”

Plan around cultural events

Arriving at a destination just as the locals are gearing up for an important cultural event can be an incredible way to immerse yourself straight away. Look up religious festivals, bank holidays, and street parties to see what time is best to visit and plan accordingly. You’ll get a real flavor of the people, the food, and even the music, and you might end up making friends along the way.

Research solo travel in your destination

As obvious as “do your research” sounds, it’s an important step to remember. Look at online forums and speak to people who have previously visited the destination. What safety precautions should you be taking? Is it safe to walk between locations, or is it better to use taxis? Are taxis easy to find? What is the destination's culture like after dark? For women, in particular, it is best to plan ahead to avoid getting stranded in remote neighborhoods after dark.

Have a rough plan for each day

It can feel daunting waking up in a brand new destination and not knowing where to start, so make sure to create vague itineraries for your trip. What are your non-negotiables in this destination? Any big attractions you want to tick off? Restaurants you’ve been desperate to try? Beaches you’ve always wanted to visit? “I like to have 3-5 little activities in mind for each day, like visiting a particular store or trying the local cuisine,” Estée tells us. “If you have a bit of direction you can leave space in between each activity to be spontaneous and discover the local area.”

Build in group activities

Booking tours and group events is a great way to meet other travelers. Most hostels have a list of activities available for guests to sign up for, and if not, then there are walking tours or live music events at local bars. “Try to see people as opportunities," Toby advises. “I'd build in communal activities to your itinerary and remember that you’ll probably never see these people again, so you have nothing to lose in almost any interaction and possibly a lot to gain—though there might be a touch of male privilege in that.”

Walk as much as you can

“Sometimes when I travel to a new place, I can be nervous to leave my bed as a solo traveler,” Estée admits. “As soon as I get outside and start walking I feel better—like I’m part of the city and that I belong there!” Exploring by foot is a great way to get to know the bones of a destination. You’ll soon create a mental map of the area nearest your accommodation and might stumble upon some hidden gems you wouldn’t have come across otherwise.

Allow yourself to be spontaneous

On that note, try to allow yourself some spontaneity. Having a rough plan is definitely advisable, but don’t stop yourself from following your gut if you have a sudden urge to pop into a shop, follow the sound of the crowds or head for the beach. It’s often the spur-of-the-moment decisions that result in the best experiences.

Bring good books

It’s easy to whip out your phone and rely on scrolling when you’re by yourself, and while that is a great way to decompress if you’re feeling jittery, there are few things more romantic than settling in at a street-side cafe and getting lost in the pages of a good book .

Bring a journal

Journaling has become a popular pastime of late, and keeping a travel journal is a great way to combine the mental health benefits of getting out your thoughts and feelings with the memories and emotions of traveling solo. “I find all of that time alone enables me to clear my head, and journaling is a great way to regulate those emotions,” Estée explains.

Keep a separate copy of your personal details

Sounds old school, but in lieu of printing out paper copies of all your bank details, phone numbers, and accommodations details, try keeping a document of all your information and emailing it to yourself. This way, if you lose your phone, you can ask the reception of your accommodation or staff at a hotel/restaurant/bar to borrow a phone and log into your email account to access anything you need. It’s also worth memorizing your card details and any emergency phone numbers (both personal and local emergency service numbers).

Take other safety precautions

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself when traveling alone. Sharing your location with your friends and family back home is a lovely way to keep in touch without having to actually message them—they can watch your journey from afar and keep track of your whereabouts if you haven’t contacted them for a while. Remember to bring a padlock for your backpack and lockers if you’re staying in hostels, and study basic phrases in the language of your destination, just in case you get lost and need some help.

Don’t forget insurance

There’s always something that doesn’t go to plan on any trip, and as a solo traveler, you’ll want to make sure you mitigate any stress that comes from changing itineraries. Buying travel insurance is the best way to protect yourself from any transport cancellations and unforeseen circumstances, and will cover any costs from injuries or thefts. Sounds scary, but it’ll be worth it if the worst happens!

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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Amazon Prime Day 2024 Is Right Around the Corner — Here’s Everything We Know About the Major Shopping Event

Plus, shop early deals on luggage, comfy shoes, Apple tech, and more.

Travel + Leisure

Every year, there’s one major shopping event to look forward to that eclipses all the rest: Amazon Prime Day. The groundbreaking sale is one of the biggest on the internet, and the good news is that you don’t have to wait much longer to score incredibly competitive prices on the best travel accessories and gear.

Amazon just announced that its 10th annual event will take place sometime in July, and while the official set of dates has yet to be revealed, we’ve already started combing the site for early deals to snag before the big event. So, here’s what we know about the event so far — as well as some of the top travel essentials to score before Prime Day. Best of all, if you’re not already a Prime member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial at any time for exclusive deals and even lower prices on popular items.

Amazon’s Best Early Prime Day Deals 2024

• Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage , $129 (originally $160)
• Apple AirTag 4-pack , $80 (originally $99)
• Cushionaire Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandals , $30 (originally $50)
• PrettyGarden Women’s Summer Wrap Maxi Dress , $48 (originally $61)
• Rockland Fashion Expandable Softside Upright Luggage Set , $33 (originally $95)
• Cfiai Portable Charger Power Bank , $20 (originally $70)
• Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set , $16 with on-site coupon (originally $25)
• Anrabess Women’s Linen Pants , $35 (originally $50)
• Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers , $70 (originally $100)
• Matein Extra Large Carry-on Backpack , $30 (originally $46)

When is Prime Day 2024?

No official date has been released yet, but Amazon did just share that the 10th annual Prime Day is slated for sometime in July. Last year, the event ran from Tuesday, July 11 to Wednesday, July 12; in 2022, it took place on Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to keep your calendar clear through the second week of July to give yourself ample time to hop on the top deals once they’re formally released.

What is Prime Day?

Prime Day is one of the biggest shopping events of the year — so much so that in 2023, Amazon even hosted similar savings events in the fall to help shoppers double their savings. In fact, last year, more than 375 million items were sold worldwide during Prime Day, with shoppers scoring more than $2.5 billion in savings, according to a press release . It’s safe to say that it’s one of the most eagerly-awaited shopping holidays, giving members and non-members alike the opportunity to stock up on essential items (and other exciting gear) at incredibly low prices.

How long will Prime Day deals last? 

The event typically runs for 48 hours from the start date so shoppers have ample time to stock up on must-have items from every category on the site. However, Amazon has never shied away from dropping hidden early deals, so it’s a good idea to log on ahead of time to parse through the offerings without running the risk of things selling out. Plus, if you miss out on the savings this time around, you can trust that there will likely be another Prime Day later this year, as per last year’s shopping calendar.

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What types of products go on sale for Prime Day?

The groundbreaking sale offers unbeatable prices across all departments across the site , including items from top brands in clothing, shoes, luggage, homeware, and even tech all displaying deep discounts. In the past, popular names like Samsonite , Apple , and Dr. Scholl’s have all been included in the sale — and the good news is that you can already snag some of these items at early discount prices before the event even begins. 

Do you need to be an Amazon Prime member to shop Prime Day deals?

While Prime members are privy to the most significantly marked-down items across the site, other shoppers can also participate in the sale to a lesser degree. However, with wide-reaching discounts on everything you might need to successfully prepare for your next vacation, you won’t want to miss the chance to sign up to become a Prime member before the full extent of the sale is announced. Try it out now for free with a 30-day trial.

Where can I find early Prime Day deals?

As we've mentioned before, Amazon is known for its hidden early deals and savings throughout the site. Not sure where to start? We’ve already combed through pages and pages of products to find the best travel essentials you can shop right now with discounts that rival Prime Day itself. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect suitcase to bring along for your big European vacation this summer, or a compact tracking device in the form of an Apple AirTag , keep reading to find the best early markdowns you can shop at Amazon right now, starting at just $16.

Best Early Prime Day Deals

Samsonite omni pc hardside expandable luggage.

If you’re going to invest in a piece of luggage, it’s important to be sure that it’s made with a quality that will last — and Samsonite suitcases are an excellent bet. This expandable bag has earned more than 20,700 five-star ratings from happy travelers, and with an ultra-durable polycarbonate exterior alongside four smooth spinner wheels, you can trust that this bag won’t soon need to be replaced.

Apple AirTag 4-pack

You’ll never have to worry about losing track of your checked bag again with the assistance of Apple AirTags. These handy devices let you know exactly where your belongings are, even when you don’t have eyes on them. Simply tuck the small gadget into a spare pocket of your suitcase and you’ll be able to track its location on the “Find My” app on your iPhone. It's easy to use, reliable, and a good tool to have on hand if you wind up gate-checking your carry-on at the last minute.

Cushionaire Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandals

No vacation packing list is complete without a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes, and these breathable sandals from Cushioniare are a top-notch selection while they’re on sale for a whopping 40 percent off. Suede insoles are designed to mold to the exact shape of your feet for a more personalized fit than other sandals, while flexible cork footbeds make them a no-brainer for packing. And with reliable EVA outsoles affixed to the base, slippery cobblestone streets won’t pose a risk to your safety — even after a rainstorm. 

PrettyGarden Women’s Summer Wrap Maxi Dress

The best way to stay cool without sacrificing your style this summer is by packing an airy and sleek sundress, and we’re eyeing this wrap maxi from Amazon-loved brand PrettyGarden that’s now discounted to just $48. The split hem creates a breezy look that won’t cause you to feel restricted by tight fabrics, plus, the flattering fit is even available in an impressive 38-pattern range, with sizes spanning from XS to 2XL.

Rockland Fashion Expandable Softside Upright Luggage Set

Purchasing luggage in a set is one of the most cost-effective ways to stock up on every type of bag you might need for your travels — especially when the set in question is already on sale for a staggering 66 percent off. This luggage duo from Rockland features a spacious carry-on alongside a compact personal item that provides ample space for everything you might need during your next getaway (without ever checking a bag). And with more than 46,000 five-star ratings supporting the quality and reliability of these bags,  the set is clearly well worth the investment.

Cfiai Portable Charger Power Bank

A portable charger is one of the handiest travel accessories to keep in your purse or carry-on during long travel days, so shoppers will be happy to find that this fast-charging option is currently on sale for 71 percent off ahead of Prime Day. An LED display on the front of the device lets you know exactly how much power it has left, plus it comes with two built-in USB cables, which will significantly reduce the number of cords you need to pack.

Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set

A good set of packing cubes will allow you to maximize the storage space within your luggage while simultaneously keeping your clothing organized, and right now, shoppers can snag this set of eight bags while it's double discounted to just $16. It comes complete with four different-sized packing cubes, plus a laundry bag, toiletry kit, sock bag, and shoe bag, so you can enjoy quick and easy access to your belongings for just $2 per pouch.

Anrabess Women’s Linen Pants

Level up your travel wardrobe with these breezy pants from Anrabess made with a lightweight blend of linen and rayon that will remain soft and comfortable throughout sightseeing excursions, long flights, and more. These adjustable pants boast a flowy, wide-leg silhouette that reviewers assure is endlessly flattering on a range of body types, and they’re even available in 16 gorgeous colors that are sure to pair well with the existing pieces in your suitcase.

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

These classic white sneakers look good with every outfit, and considering that the brand is podiatrist-approved, you can trust that they’re going to support your feet every step of the way. They may be lace-up sneakers, but these shoes are actually designed to easily be slipped on and off (making them an asset when you’re rushing through the TSA security line), and with highly supportive insoles tucked away inside, you’ll never have to worry about foot pain or discomfort — even after a long day of sightseeing. Did we mention that they’re now on sale for 30 percent off?

Matein Extra Large Carry-on Backpack

Keep your hands free while traveling with the help of this incredibly roomy backpack from Matein that’s the perfect size to slide under the seats of most commercial airlines while still boasting an expandable design. A breathable and ventilated back cushion ensures that you won’t wind up sweaty and uncomfortable when wearing this bag throughout the summer, plus, it even unzips like a suitcase to provide up to five days of packing space, according to the brand. 

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Airway travel luggage.

BLANK PRICE: $94.56

600D Polyester Size: 20”H x 13.5”W x 9.5”D

BLANK: $94.56(R) SET UP/ADDITIONAL CHARGES

• Description
• WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

Colors: Black Features: • Front zippered pocket with outer open slip pocket • Zippered main roomy compartment • Fully lined with patterned trendy lining • Inside zippered mesh pockets and two open pockets • Two adjustable buckle straps to secure inside contents • Top padded carrying handle and detachable add-a-bag strap • Backside slide I.D. window for easy identification • Retractable aluminum pull handle • In-line skate wheels with protective curb guard • FAA approved carry-on

WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS

Shipping Information:

Carton Size: 21X15X11 Packing: 1 pc Weight: 8 lbs

FOB: Pomona, CA 91766

Silkscreen A: 7.0”W x 7.0”H Embroidery A: 4.0”W x 2.0”H (Oversized Bag – charge applies)

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Airport staff warn people about old age trick of tying ribbons to luggage

Baggage handlers have warned against an age-old trick that sees travellers tie ribbons to their luggage so it's more identifiable.

Delayed flights and lost luggage are among holidaygoers' fears, with many trying to simplify the airport process with their very own travel hacks.

One of which is tying a ribbon to a suitcase to avoid picking up another identical suitcase at the baggage carousel.

But now, one baggage handler from Dublin Airport has strongly advised against this as it can cause further issues when the bag is being scanned.

"If the bag can’t be scanned automatically, it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight," John told RSVP Live .

Subsequently, putting your luggage through without added features has a better chance of arriving safely at the destination.

He also suggested removing old stickers from luggage, as this too, can "cause confusion with the scanning process."

John went on to encourage people to place suitcases' wheels up "for less damage," and another little-known tip to avoid being called into security.

"Don’t ever pack Marzipan in your luggage. It has the same density as some explosives so your bag will be removed and you’ll be called from the plane for a bag search," he said.

According to Citizens Advice , if you do find yourself at a loss with luggage, travellers have the "legal right" to claim compensation from the airline whether it's delayed, lost or damaged.

"You only have the right to claim for a problem with cabin baggage if it's the airline's fault," they added.

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