Smart Travel, Smarter Bags: Four Trusted Luggage Options I Personally Recommend
- Food Blogger Journey
- Jul 21
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Introduction: Why Luggage Matters
Traveling with the right luggage has always been a top priority for me. Whether I am flying across continents or road-tripping through wine country, I have learned, sometimes the hard way, that not all bags are created equal. A good travel bag can be the quiet hero of a successful trip, while a bad one can be a constant source of frustration. Over the years, I have tested countless travel bags during domestic flights, long-haul international journeys, and even rugged backroad adventures. Through trial and error, I have come to value luggage that is practical, durable, secure, and, ideally, reasonably priced.
What I am sharing in this post is purely based on my own experience. These are personal, unpaid reviews. I have not been compensated by any company or brand mentioned here. That is important to me because I want you to know this advice comes from real-world use, not marketing copy or influencer sponsorships. I have wheeled these bags through crowded airports, hoisted them into overhead compartments, checked them in chaotic terminals, and packed them full of everything from tech gear to Tuscan wine.
I am not here to sell you on the trendiest label. Instead, I want to introduce you to four luggage options that have proven their worth over and over again in different scenarios. From anti-theft security features for solo city travel to wine protection for vineyard visits, each bag brings something specific to the table. These are the bags I reach for, depending on where I am going and what my travel requires.
I have included a carry-on spinner for fast airport travel, a secure daypack for walking tours and train rides, a wine suitcase for culinary adventures, and a reliable medium-sized spinner for more extended stays. Whether you are a minimalist or an over-packer, there is something here for your style of travel.
My goal is not just to tell you what works. It is to help you think about what you really need from your luggage. Your trip may be a once-in-a-lifetime or just another work week, but the right bag can make it smoother, lighter, and safer. So, let’s dive into the bags that have earned a permanent place in my travel routine.
1. The Original WANDER+ Anti-Theft Travel Bag
Ideal for: Day trips, urban travel, solo international adventures, carry-on essentials
I first discovered the WANDER+ Anti-Theft Travel Bag during a solo trip to Barcelona, where pickpocketing is, unfortunately, an art form. I wanted something sleek, secure, and easy to manage during all-day sightseeing. WANDER+ delivered on every front.
This bag is designed with practical anti-theft features, not gimmicky ones. The zippers are hidden beneath durable flaps, and the main compartments can be locked with a discreet TSA-approved padlock. RFID-blocking pockets protect your passport and credit cards. There is even a slash-resistant lining and reinforced straps that give me peace of mind when walking through crowds or riding public transport.
What really sets it apart, though, is the balance between design and function. The exterior is water-resistant and minimalist, with a structured silhouette that doesn’t scream "tourist." Inside, there are clever compartments for a laptop, camera, water bottle, and travel documents. Despite its compact size, I have fit a weekend’s worth of essentials in it when packing light.
Price-wise, the WANDER+ sits in the mid-range. It feels more premium than some of the more well-known travel backpacks in its category, but it does not break the bank. After over a dozen trips, including Italy, Germany, and many U.S. cities, I have experienced no fraying, tears, or zipper issues. It has been one of the most reliable travel companions in my luggage arsenal.
Shop it here: wanderbags.com – WANDER+ Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
2. LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On 20"
Ideal for: Business travel, weekend getaways, minimalist travelers
If you have ever had to rush through a tight layover or waited impatiently by the baggage carousel for a checked suitcase that didn’t arrive, you will understand the magic of a well-built carry-on. The LEVEL8 Road Runner 20" Carry-On Spinner is what I now consider my gold standard for short trips.
What makes it stand out immediately is the front laptop compartment, which unzips easily at security checkpoints. This alone has saved me precious time at TSA lines in Chicago, Frankfurt, and Tokyo. The polycarbonate shell is rugged but lightweight, offering that ideal mix of protection and portability.
Its four 360-degree spinner wheels glide across terminals with whisper-quiet motion. The interior is well-organized, featuring compression panels, zippered compartments, and space for approximately 3 to 5 days of clothing, depending on how you pack. I have even used it to carry delicate camera equipment without issue.
Aesthetically, the LEVEL8 is sleek and business-friendly, but it does not look sterile or too formal. It is available in several muted tones that effectively hide scuffs. I have had mine for nearly four years now, and it still looks almost new.
In terms of pricing, the Road Runner Carry-On is a high-value investment, especially when you consider the build quality and TSA-friendly tech compartments. For frequent flyers or efficient packers, this carry-on delivers premium performance without a luxury price tag.
Shop it here: level8cases.com – Road Runner Carry-On 20"
3. VinGardeValise Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase
Ideal for: Wine lovers, culinary travelers, vineyard tours, international purchases
As someone who often plans to travel around for food and drink experiences, I can not say enough about the VinGardeValise Grande. This suitcase has one job, to protect your wine, and it performs it flawlessly. I have used it to bring back Barolo from Italy, Rieslings from the Mosel Valley, and even craft beer bottles from Boston.
The foam inserts inside the VinGardeValise cradle up to 12 standard-sized bottles of wine. Each slot is adjustable and removable, allowing you to use the space for olive oils, spirits, glassware, or even clothes. I have used it as a hybrid case many times, packing half wine, half clothing, and it handles both beautifully.
It is also a TSA-compliant checked bag with a hard polycarbonate shell, reinforced corners, and built-in locks. The wheels are smooth, and the handles are comfortable, which matters more than you would expect when lugging 40+ pounds of wine through customs.
The suitcase is not cheap, but if you are buying wine worth bringing home, you are investing in protection and peace of mind. It is held up against baggage handlers on international flights without a single cracked bottle. For wine travelers, this suitcase becomes essential after the first use.
I also appreciate that it does not look like a wine suitcase. It is stylish and subtle enough to pass as regular luggage, adding a layer of discretion at the airport. For vineyard trips, wine tours, or festivals, the VinGardeValise has become a trusted companion I never travel without.
Shop it here: vingardevalise.com – Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase
4. RICARDO 24” Oak Park Hardside Medium Check-In Spinner
Ideal for: Extended vacations, check-in luggage, stylish travelers needing flexibility
Not every trip can be packed into a carry-on. For more extended stays or winter travel (when jackets and boots eat up space), I rely on my RICARDO Oak Park 24" Hardside Spinner. It is elegant, dependable, and versatile. A great mid-size option that bridges the gap between compact and oversized luggage.
The hard shell exterior looks beautiful, available in a brushed metallic finish that’s both attractive and scratch-resistant. Inside, there is a spacious split layout with zippered compartments and compression straps. I have fit 10 days’ worth of clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories in this bag without straining the zippers or breaking the wheels.
What I particularly love is the expandability. A zipper release gives you a few extra inches when needed, which is incredibly helpful on the return leg of a trip when souvenirs and shopping tend to pile up. Despite being a check-in size, it does not feel bulky or cumbersome to move around, thanks to its smooth-rolling wheels and top-side handles.
The RICARDO Oak Park also includes a removable wet bag and shoe pouch, small details that make a big difference when packing efficiently. It's been a consistent performer on both domestic flights and international trips.
It is priced just right for a mid-tier suitcase, accessible without being cheap. For travelers who want both function and form, the RICARDO 24" hits the sweet spot.
Shop it here: ricardobeverlyhills.com – Oak Park Medium Spinner
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Bag for the Right Trip
Over the years, I have learned that choosing luggage is not about having one perfect suitcase. It is about building a small collection of trusted travel companions, each suited to a different type of journey.
When I am flying internationally with valuables, I want the security of the WANDER+ Anti-Theft Travel Bag.
For fast and light travel, nothing beats the LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-On.
When I know I will be visiting wineries or food markets, I bring the VinGardeValise Wine Suitcase.
For extended vacations or trips that require a wardrobe variety, I check in the RICARDO Oak Park Spinner.
Each one of these bags has earned its place in my closet. More importantly, in my travel story. I hope these reviews help guide you toward luggage that enhances your own journeys, protects what matters, and makes your travel smoother from departure to arrival.
Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.
© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.
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Disclosure: All reviews are based on my personal experience with the products. I have not received any compensation, sponsorship, or free items from the manufacturers mentioned. My opinions are entirely my own and reflect my honest evaluation.
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