Travel excitement? The best suitcases and travel bags under €150
The summer holiday is already in sight with the binoculars. Shopping baskets are slowly filling up with beach outfits, flip-flops, bikinis, and linen sets in which we can see ourselves casually flaunting. But before we lie on that beach bed with an overpriced iced coffee in hand, there is one struggle left: the suitcase.
How is it possible that I haven't even left yet, but my luggage is already overweight? I swear I only packed essentials, and yet it seems like I'm going to emigrate for three weeks. Recognizable? Then this shopping is for you.
The eternal struggle
Before you randomly throw a nice trolley into your basket, first this. Because the type of suitcase matters more than you think.
Hard suitcases
Think of materials like polypropylene, ABS, or polycarbonate. Sounds technical, but it's just practical.
Advantages: They protect your belongings better, are water-resistant, and easy to clean. Ideal if you're flying and your luggage has to survive a little mishandling at the airport.
Disadvantages: They are less flexible. So that “I can just stuff in three more dresses” becomes difficult. You also see scratches faster.
Soft suitcases
Usually made of fabric or nylon.
Advantages: Often lighter, more flexible, and equipped with handy front pockets for passport stress, chargers, and last-minute snacks. Also easier to stack in a car or bus.
Disadvantages: They offer less protection for fragile items, are less resistant to rain, and a bit harder to clean.
But it also has to look nice
Now a little woman thing: functionality is important, but walking through Schiphol with an ugly suitcase feels different. That's why I've collected not only practical and relatively affordable options but also nice suitcases and travel bags. Because style doesn't stop at your hand luggage.
Think of sand-colored hard cases, striped weekend bags, soft pastel shades, or a clean black trolley that looks like you're flying business class.
My personal struggle
I tell myself every holiday to take less with me. And every holiday, I'm still sweating while sitting on my suitcase as someone tries to zip it up. Why do I take four blazers to an island? No idea.
So here’s a reminder to myself: take less. Or pack smarter.
The sudoku packing method
Do you know that tactic where you puzzle everything together as if it's a sudoku? Bikinis in shoes, cables in toiletry bags, dresses rolled up in corners. That's it. Not chic while packing, but wonderful when everything fits. A tip from me: Weigh your suitcase at home with a scale beforehand. Saves stress, embarrassing reshuffling moments at the airport, and extra costs.
Ready for take-off
Whether you go for a hard trolley, a soft weekend bag, or a fashionable cabin case: a good suitcase really makes your trip more enjoyable. And with the right look, the holiday actually starts as soon as you walk out the front door.
This shopping is therefore full of nice, practical, and affordable suitcases (trolleys and travel bags) that you want to leave with immediately. Boarding pass still missing.
