Top 6 Travel Bag Choices

Style and quality are the marks of Tumi luggage, and this model wins top kudos from frequent travelers. At 13.50" x 20.5" x 8", this compact carry-on bag meets just about every airline's weight and size requirements. Ideal for short trips, it has a convenient fold-out section and ample accessories pockets to help with organization. Also available in black.

I've been using a Samsonite luggage set for about five years, and it's held up well. This travel bag is recommended because I really hate to carry things even when there's not much to carry. Despite the fact this Samsonite piece is small, it's a spinner suitcase with four easy-gliding wheels. And at 17" x 14" x 7.5" it is wide enough to accommodate most laptops and also travel on board with you.

There's nothing like a carryon with wheels, and this one's cute as could be since it's available in sky blue as well as midnight black. Soft, padded polyester case comes with a small carry handle, a telescoping handle, and a shoulder strap to use as needed.

Less boxy-looking than most totes you can carry on a plane, this 17" x 14.5" x 8" travel bag is lightweight and easily fits under the seat or in the overhead. Three separate compartments help to keep you organized, and the front, shorter pocket is ideal for holding travel documents, reading or entertainment devices, and a snack you want to access fast. Comes in a wide variety of color combos.

So well organized it borders on obsessive, this messenger-style carryon can fit a 15" laptop in a padded compartment. There are three pockets in the front and a zippered pocket. Dedicated spots for pens, a cellphone, iPod have Velcro closures to keep them safe.