Checking your bag doesn’t always make sense. Checked bags can be expensive, they can get lost in transfers, and then there’s the long wait in baggage claim. It’s no wonder so many frequent travelers opt for a carry-on bag and a personal item instead.

Whether you’re tired of paying check-in fees and want to save money or think of yourself as a carry-on only traveler, the perfect travel carry-on bag will help you maximize your space. We went through all the highest-rated bags on Amazon to find the top travel carry-on bags for every kind of traveler. 

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The Ultimate Weekend Getaway Bag

The price point and space-friendly foldability are the top two reasons we love this duffel bag. It’s waterproof, lightweight, and easy to tuck out of sight when you’re done traveling.

The price of this duffel bag from Canway is hard to beat. Customers love it, and it has almost a perfect 5-star rating.

Rating: 4.9/5

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The Sleek Minimalistic Bag

Who says you have to sacrifice style when heading out of town? The slightly sloped design of this bag stands out from other duffel bags as a chic alternative. Lightweight and sturdy, you won’t have a problem meeting airline weight limits.

Our favorite part? The built-in shoe compartment to stash your Oxfords or gym shoes. If you like giving everything a place, you’ll appreciate all 11 pockets. The fabric is water and odor resistant, perfect for dirty laundry after a weekend trip.

Rating: 4.9/5

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The Rugged Throw-It-Around Bag

The unique patchwork of this travel bag is made from genuine buffalo hide, and it gets better with time. The adjustable straps make it suitable for all, and the professional look makes it an easy go-to for business trips straight from the airplane to the meeting room. There’s even space at the bottom of the bag for shoe storage.

Rating: 4.8/5

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The Hard Shell

This suitcase is part of the Amazon Basics brand, bringing high-quality items to shoppers at a low price. The extra-thick hardshell will ensure no breakable items will be crushed, and with the different compartment pockets on the inside, you’ll really be able to utilize the space well. The hard-shell is even expandable for those times when you just need to squeeze a few more things in.

This suitcase meets all the airline size restrictions for U.S. airlines. What makes it a winner? The price point is right under $50, and for the quality, that’s a steal.

Rating: 4.5/5

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The Bigger Hard Shell

Looking for something a little bigger? We like to think of the Bigger Hard Shell as the perfect size for a 4-day weekend. The chic exterior is made from lightweight material that won’t bog down your weight restrictions. There’s also a small nylon bag included for dirty laundry and a velcro dust cover for when you’re no longer on vacation.

This rolly suitcase has a TSA-approved lock so even if you decide to check it in, you won’t have to worry about sticky fingers stealing anything. We especially love the 10-year warranty, as baggage handlers aren’t known to be gentle.

Rating: 4.8/5

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What do you look for in a carry-on bag? Lots of compartments? Wheels?  Do you prefer hardshell suitcases or duffel bags?