My Favorite Lightweight Luggage and Travel Essentials for Europe and Beyond
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m always on the hunt for ways to make travel easier, lighter, and more enjoyable. After years of experimenting with different luggage styles and travel gear, I’ve found a few favorites that truly deliver, whether you’re traveling overseas or heading out for a weekend getaway. On my recent trip to Paris and London, I put my latest luggage and travel essentials to the test, and I’m happy to report a few new standouts.
Why I Switched from Clamshell to Single-Compartment Luggage
During my spring trip to Europe, I had an epiphany: I actually don’t like “clamshell” luggage and much prefer a single-compartment style. Here’s why: first, clamshell luggage requires a larger surface when open, which can be challenging in small hotel rooms. Second, the shallower depth of each half makes packing less flexible. Having one larger, deeper space allows for more flexibility in configuring contents.
Lipault “Lost in Berlin” Spinner Review
So I took another look at Lipault luggage, and during one of their sales earlier this year, purchased a set of their “Lost in Berlin” spinner bags (carry-on and medium checked sizes). I’d owned an earlier version of this style (“The Plume”) over a decade ago, and remembered how light and nimble it had been. Back then, I jokingly called it “the clown car of luggage” because you can just keep adding items and it still closes easily.
For my 2-week trip to Paris and London last month, I traveled with the cabin spinner (which easily accommodated my travel wardrobe). And because I was bringing some gifts to my London friends and planned to do some shopping on the trip, I brought and checked the medium sized spinner. (I always tuck an Apple AirTag into my luggage for peace of mind.)
SPINNER BAG | BACKPACK | CROSSBODY BAG | STRAP
JACKET (SIMILAR, BUDGET-FRIENDLY) | SCARF | JEANS | SNEAKERS
(Click on text in red to shop.)
This Lipault cabin bag performed like a champ! These bags are very lightweight, and I had no problem lifting and carrying it, even up and down stairs. It rolled smoothly on a variety of surfaces, and looked smart without being ostentatious.
I left the larger bag in London while in Paris, but it was also lightweight, and easy to maneuver. I even received compliments on these bags from airline and hotel staff. My friend Annie liked mine so much that she purchased her own set while we were in Paris to replace her older, heavier luggage!
An Excellent Travel Backpack
If you like to travel with a backpack as your personal item, I highly recommend this one from BEIS. I’ve used it on a few trips now, and like the layout and organization. It’s available in several colors.
More Travel Gear & Essentials
My top picks for travel comfort & convenience.
Travel Tote – $295
If you prefer a tote style for your Personal Item, this one from MZ Wallace ticks all of the boxes. It’s “ridiculously capacious,” 😂 but should fit under the seat (unless overstuffed). This tote is lightweight, has loads of interior organization, and can be worn crossbody with the optional strap.
And the back exterior compartment can also function as a sleeve to secure to your luggage handle. Several colors available.
Compression Packing Cubes – $29.99
I recently replaced some of my older packing cubes with a compression set. They save space, and help keep everything organized (especially if your trip covers multiple destinations).
Traveling with family? Get each family member their own set in different colors to help keep everyone’s stuff sorted.
US/UK/EU Travel Adapter – $22.99
No need to bring multiple adapters for UK and EU outlets. This compact, sturdy adapter allows you to charge multiple devices at once with its USB ports.
Hanging Toiletries Kit – $19.99
This lightweight toiletries kit holds a surprising amount, yet folds up compactly. It’s perfect for bathrooms with limited counter space! The clear plastic compartments make it easy to find what you need!
Available in several colors and multiple sizes.
Silk Sleep Mask – $39.95
Blocks out light for better rest. The silk fabric won’t crease your skin and is washable.
(These also make wonderful gifts!)
Final Thoughts: Lightweight Travel Made Easy
Whether you’re packing for a long-haul trip or a quick weekend getaway, choosing lightweight, well-designed gear makes all the difference. I’ve been so impressed with these travel pieces; they’ve made traveling feel more streamlined, organized, and stylish. What’s your favorite luggage or travel essential? I’d love to hear what’s worked best for you in the comments below.
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I think my favourite travel accessory would be a Sherpa, who could haul my luggage on and off baggage carousels and the trains. I have always favoured soft sided luggage, for the reasons you mentioned, but my sister, who is paranoid about bed bugs, convinced me hard shell was better as it could be disinfected. In hindsight, I wish I had bought the Lipault bag
You finally convinced me to try a backpack. It’s been on 2 overseas trips with me and my back thanks you big time!
It’s efficient to pack and easy to find things when on the road. I try to be aware in crowds not to bump the people around me, have been annoyingly sideswiped by others so many times.
Hubby and I each have a small Lipault carry one from a line they no longer make: it was called “0% fat” because the items folded flat and fit into their own heavy duty plastic zipper bag. Regular luggage takes up so much room to store! I was sure I was going to get the larger sizes when we would next replace our luggage. Alas, no longer available. So I bought a couple of lightweight clamshells and agree with you. Even if Lipault was no longer offering the collapsible model, we should have stuck with the single compartment style. Also completely agree as to AirTags being essential for peace of mind! Having luggage that didn’t arrive with flight 4 times a 45-year period, I am always fearful of it happening again (all but once was on a flight to Europe).
The backpack is a conundrum. I seem to bruise my skin now when I try to put my arms through the straps. I hate it when people bump into me wearing their backpacks and so I decided to give them up. However, I tried a tote this year on my last trip abroad and decided I didn’t like the leather handles. (now I sound like Goldilocks). The Beis backpack looks versatile so I might give it a whirl. I’d love to try the Lipault just because my Briggs and Riley is starting to feel heavy and clunky (and it’s not a ‘clown car in the luggage world’). Thanks for this review Susan! Something I bought for my July trip was the tried and true Baggalini ‘thief proof’ crossbody. It isn’t glamorous but it held all my important stuff and had good organization.
I think it’s time for a new backpack and I like your Beis. Do you find it’s easy to keep clean even when stuffed under an airplane seat?
I find that it stays pretty clean, and any smudges can be removed with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. The backpack is also available in darker colors.
I’ve been tempted by the clamshells so it was very helpful to read your reasons for choosing a single compartment style. Most of our travels have been to Japan with its tiny hotel rooms and there is very little space at all for opening up a suitcase; thanks for your voice of reason!
Curious to know: Do you tuck your crossbody into your backpack before boarding to comply with the two item regulation? If so, does that make it harder to whip out your boarding pass at the gate or do you keep it in a pocket?
Hi Caroline, for the Eurostar, they don’t have a two-item limit, so I’m able to wear my crossbody. For flights, yes, I tuck into the backpack and keep my passport and boarding pass in a secure pocket in the backpack.
100% agree that single-compartment luggage works so much better than the “clamshell” style, at least for me. I’m in the market for a new suitcase and was considering the Lipault “Lost in Berlin.” I love the light weight and the colors, but I want a rare size–24″, to replace my heavier Victorinox Werks Traveler 5.0 24″–which falls between the cabin spinner and the medium. Right now, I’m eyeing the Delsey Brochant 3 24″ and the Samsonite Plus Softside Carry On spinner (which appears to be 24″). The Delsey is lighter but the Samsonite is smaller (which I want). Decisions. Thanks for sharing your finds with us–they’re quite helpful.
I have had my Lipault Plume set of luggage for 12 years now. I’ve travelled all over the world with them and they are still in fabulous shape! I can stuff a week’s worth into my carry-on, and the only repair work I’ve ever had to do is to replace the zipper pulls. Really well-made luggage!
Despite being a frequent traveler, I haven’t gone to packing cubes, even tho my husband has given me two sets over the years (I should give it a try!).
There is no best answer for the clamshell vs. single compartment question, particularly for a checked-size bag, which is quite deep. Undoubtedly, single compartment allows deeper, awkward item packing, but it is a lot harder to dig through a single compartment without disrupting everything, requiring re-packing (unless using packing cubes).
I generally prefer clamshell, for better access and easier organization, particularly if I am moving around on the trip and it doesn’t make sense to unpack fully at each stop.
For my carry-on, I put all undergarments and socks at the bottom in the deep grooves of the handle, then put pants on top of that, alternating with pant legs hanging out, then fold them all over each other (avoids creases), then put jackets, vests and dressy items on top of the pants, interfolding them, or putting delicate items in plastic garment bags or tissue paper, which really avoids crushing or wrinkling. In the other side without the grooves, I put two stacks of (knit) tops, and on one long and one short side, I put two pairs of shoes and oddball items.
I am on the fence with the backpack vs. tote issue: both have advantages depending on your trip itinerary. Susan, your backpack suggestion looks excellent (and BTW, I have your leather jacket in black — super comfy).
When traveling with a checked bag, I prefer a light, small, Euro-size one compartment carry-on and put all of my toiletries, mirror, supplements, in-flight items (ear plugs, eye mask, ear phones, charger cables, ibuprofen), umbrella, jacket, change of clothing+ boudoir-size travel pillow (Cuddledown), as hotel pillows never work for my short neck. It also serves as a lumbar pillow on the plane, or for sleeping against the window pillar. The pillow is super important for my travel comfort, even tho it is a pain to carry bc I haven’t found a way to compress it.
I second clamshell. Drives me crazy when the item I want is in the bottom of a deep bag.
I’m looking for a checked bag to replace one that has a zipper coming out, and also like the idea of a single compartment bag for all the reasons you gave. I’m wondering how water-resistant the soft sided Lipault is— on our last trip the luggage had obviously been sitting on the trolley in the rain before getting into the airport building. Also, with the backpack do you think the security features that brands like Travelon feature are worth it?
I agree with you regarding clamshell vs single compartment luggage. Single compartment bags work better when you’ve planted your bag on the luggage rack and are using it instead of the dresser drawers. There are lots of reasons not to want to put your things into hotel dresser drawers, I’d rather be able to see what I’ve brought with me in my suitcase on the luggage rack.
My new favorite travel item is a Big Skinny wallet & passport holder with RIFD. Even though I don’t need my passport at home, I love it so much, it’s become my everyday wallet. Big Skinny Wallet
https://a.co/d/eNyBAic
Thanks for all of this info…..I consider myself well versed in overseas/european travel but you had some really helpful hints…..I also started using my passport holder this past year as my full time wallet because I liked it so much. I need to get a second passport holder for my travels as I’m sure I’ll wear this one out.
The piece of luggage in the picture looks like it could be a carry on size, plus the knap sack; not sure if that is correct? You were able to pack your capsule clothes etc in the small size suitcase, but did check it through?
Hi Robin, yes, I was able to pack my travel wardrobe in the carry-on suitcase. These days I usually check it through, as many of the overhead bins are hard for me to reach.
I do not like my clamshell bag either, for the same reason. What a hassle to get it opened in a hotel room! Live and learn, I guess! I do love packing cubes, and I’m going to check out the compression cubes you mention.
For Susan M who would like a sherpa . . . I agree, and I have hired companies to transport my luggage between cities so that I don’t have to painfully lug and lift even my small “light” roller bag around subway and train stations where elevators and escalators are not guaranteed. This was particularly helpful in Japan — it was worth every cent and made the trip much more enjoyable.
Very helpful! I also prefer a single compartment bag, and have been traveling with only a 5 lb. Tumi wheeled backpack for decades. But I see that the Lost in Berlin Carry-on 2.0 exceeds size limits for Delta, Southwest, American, and 8 other airlines per the Lipault website. Have you found that airlines are ignoring their own restrictions?? Thank you as always for your comprehensive analyses!
Hi kb, thanks! I’ve mostly flown long haul on British Airways the last couple of years, and have found they aren’t too restrictive on size allowances for carry-ons (especially in Business class). I did carry on the Plume bag, which I think is the same size, on a trips many years ago on a couple of different airlines, and didn’t have any issues. And I’ve been on flights where they gate-check anything larger than a large handbag, so it really depends. That’s why I always include AirTags, even in my carry-ons.