For the past few months I’ve been researching luggage. From forums to Youtube videos I feel like I’ve become an expert on top rated luggage, or at least an expert on what not to buy. I figured with all my searching I would share the top bags and how to find deals on top rated luggage! After the long hunt and compiling all the data, the verdict really comes down to personal preference and how much you travel.
If you never fly and are only packing up the family car for road trips, the luggage you pick really doesn’t matter. The true test for luggage is for folks flying with checked luggage. Your bag will have everything thrown at it, literally. Now you want to consider buying name brands that offer extended warranties, plus bags with lots of 4-5 star reviews showing it survived the test of airport baggage handlers.
Once you get your luggage, check out 11 ways to save on plane tickets!
Everything below is for bags that have shown they have what it takes to handle air travel, car travel and all the cobblestone roads in between.
A few things to consider first:
- For air travel, you don’t want to get a bag larger than 25 inches, which many sites call “medium”. Going larger than this generally means the bag is oversized for checked luggage and will cost more, plus the larger bags are too easy to over fill past the 50 lb weight limit.
- Hardsided luggage is waterproof and feels super secure, but they are the bags that break the most with airport travel. Read reviews to see how they held up and also understand the bag warranty for cracked sides.
- Most warranties do not cover damage caused by airline handlers or normal wear and tear. There are only a select few manufacturers that offer “no questions asked” warranties, and many only do this for select bags, not all of their products.
- Carry-On sizes for US and International flights are different. You don’t want a bag larger than 21 inches total if you plan to go overseas. You’ll end up having to pay to check your bag and regret that extra inch!
What Are the Best Brands?
I have no doubt that any list I make would bring people sharing that another brand should be listed or that they had a bad experience. That said, these brands have the most positive reviews and the least horrible reviews (you always need to consider the best and worst). In no specific order yet:
Travel Pro – the brand used by most flight crews
Samsonite – one of the oldest and most trusted brands
Eagle Creek – one of the best warranties
Briggs & Riley – the best warranties and reviews, but good luck affording it
Delsey Paris – an older brand known for style and function
Before paying $700+ for a suitcase consider how many cheaper versions you could buy. While they will eventually have to be replaced, four replaced Samsonites could get you through the next 20 years…
Current Deals on Top Rated Luggage
Stock up on Kraft Singles offers at Kroger this week. Load an eCoupon on your app and grab up to (5) packs of singles for just $2.49 each!
Kroger Kraft Singles Deal (ends 4/16):
- Kraft Singles, 16 ct., $2.49 with eCoupon, limit 5
Check out the full Kroger ad for more great deal ideas.
Straight Talk is offering customers a free Samsung Galaxy A14 with the activation of a Straight Talk Extended Silver Unlimited Plan.
Straight Talk Wireless offers nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable network, all without the hassle of long-term contracts or credit checks. Plans start at just $45 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data!
To qualify, customers must activate a Straight Talk Extended Silver Unlimited Plan (90-Day, 180-Day or Annual Plan) in-store at Walmart.
This offer is valid through June 9, 2024 while supplies last.
Even though it’s still spring, it’s not too early to start thinking about summer camps. If you need childcare this summer or are just looking for a stimulating opportunity for your kids, summer camp is often a great option. And yet for some it might seem out of reach of your budget, especially if you have multiple kids. Even so, there are ways to save on summer camp for kids that you might not have realized. Think outside the box and see if this is something your family can do this summer!
How to Save on Summer Camp for Kids
Always Ask for a Discount or Scholarship
This is a great example of “it never hurts to ask.” When you apply for camp or start to research your options, also ask if they have any discounts they offer. Many offer a discount for other siblings, reserving multiple weeks, and booking early. For some programs. there is scholarship funding available, often on a first-come / first-served basis.
Pay Early And Save Big
Start saving now and pay off summer camp in one early payment to save a huge chunk. Many camps offer a significant discount for early one-time payments. Just be fully aware of your summer schedule as they can also have a no-refund policy for missed weeks.
Earn Rewards
Many of us dust off our checkbook for summer camp payment, but skip writing a check and pay with a rewards credit card. Whether you have a cash back card or you’re earning hotel and travel miles, you are getting a little bit extra back from something you had to pay. Just remember to pay it off at the end of the month!
Get a Possible Tax Credit for Day Camps
You may be able to qualify for a tax credit on any summer day camps your kids (age 13 or younger) and attend so you and your husband can both work, attend school, or look for a job. Depending on your income, you can get back up to 35% of the cost of camp up to $3,000 for one kid or $6,000 for multiple kids.
Look Into Free & City Sponsored Camps
Save on a snacking favorite this week! Use an Ibotta rebate at the Kroger Mega Event to get Yoplait Go-Gurt for just $1.49 per box.
This item is part of a mega event. The price listed is after a $1 instant savings when you purchase 5+ items. You can mix and match items and are welcome to buy more than 5.
Kroger Yoplait Go-Gurt Mega Deal (ends 4/23):
- Yoplait Go-Gurt, 8 ct., $1.99
-.50/1 Yoplait Go-Gurt or Yogurt, 4-ct+, limit 5, Ibotta mobile app
(makes it $1.49 ea.)
See more great deals at Kroger.
For a limited time at Home Depot you can score a great deal on outdoor path lights! These Hampton Bay Solar Outdoor LED Path Lights in bronze are only $5.88 each. Buy 12 and get 35% off, making them just $3.82 ea ($70.56 total)! And the best part – shipping is free!
Here’s the Deal
Hampton Bay Hawthorne Solar Outdoor LED Path Lights in bronze – $5.88 ea.
– buy 12, get 35% off
Makes it $3.82 ea.
Shipping is free!
More household deals.
Shop for Women’s clothing and accessories at Able while they’re offering 25% off sitewide and up to 70% off select sale styles! Get $99 denim jackets!
Enter code SPRING25 to get the extra 25% off at checkout. Shop sale styles for the best deals! Sizes may be limited.
Deal Ideas:
Prices shown are after coupon code has been applied.
Clarissa High Rise Jean – $63 (reg. $128)
Guadalupe Cutoff Denim Short – $36 (reg. $98)
Toni Ruffle Tank – $29 (reg. $48)
Caralyn Dress – $53 (reg. $155)
You can take advantage of most of the AARP discounts long before hitting retirement age!!
Right now, you can get an AARP membership for only $12 a year (regularly $16). Plus get a free second membership for anyone in the house and get a free trunk organizer or travel bag!!
AARP gives members access to TONS of discounts. Save 15% off restaurants, 20% off hotels, 30% off car rentals, free books, discounts on your cell phone and so much more!
Read our recent post on 9 ways an AARP membership can save money. My favorite is discounted gift cards to local grocery stores, restaurants and even cruise ships!
You don’t have to be a certain age to join! ANYONE can join and take advantage of most of the discounts.
QVC is offering first-time customers $30 off $60 plus free shipping on any order today only! This is $15 more than their regular new customer discount!
To get the offer, enter code HELLO30 at checkout. There are tons of deals to grab at QVC, including beauty, home and fashion.
Remember this is valid today only, 4/14, so don’t miss it!
A few top selling items that would be perfect to get an extra discount on:
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee Maker with Milk Frother & $50 Voucher – $169.98 (reg. $239)
-$30 off with HELLO30
makes it $139.98 shipped
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Pro Rocker Chair w/ Collapsible Side Table – $89.98 (reg. $108)
-$30 off with HELLO30
makes it $59.98 shipped
Shark WandVac Power Cordless Handheld Vacuum – $119.99 (reg. $149.99)
-$30 off with HELLO30
makes it $89.98 shipped
Skechers GOWalk Joy Washable Sneakers – $64.98 (reg. $75)
-$30 off with HELLO30
makes it $34.98 shipped Read More→
