11 Best Away Alternatives & Competitors

Away Travel luggage is chic, sturdy, and popular to boot. (There’s a reason it’s always popping up on your IG feed!) But if you want to stand out from the crowd and make a statement at the baggage carousel, consider trying something a little more unique. These are the best alternatives to Away Travel.

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11 best Away Travel alternatives: our top picks for 2024

1. Best overall alternative: July

Going through airport security is never fun. And it’s even worse when you’re caught fumbling with your laptop, tablet, and portable charger. To make life at the airport a breeze, opt for the Carry On Pro from July. This nifty carry-on suitcase features the brand’s signature SnapSleeveTM, a detachable, padded 16” laptop compartment that attaches to the outside of your suitcase for easy access on the go. Don’t worry: The design uses Fidlock Snap, a German magnet technology that can secure over 130 lbs so you know your tech is secured.

Price: starting at $345


2. Best alternative for affordable carry-ons: Quince

If you’re into the sleek style of Away Travel (but you’re not so into the price tag), then consider Quince your saving grace. Their Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase 20” gives you all the perks of a modern, practical carry-on without giving you sticker shock. With Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360° wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and a gliding telescopic handle, you’ll feel like you’re traveling with a much more expensive piece of luggage. What’s more, this Away alternative even comes with a removable laundry bag so you can keep your smelly stuff away from your best travel pieces.

Price: starting at $119

Read our full review of Quince’s 20” Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase here.


3. Best alternative for expandable carry-ons: Roam

Bought more souvenirs than you planned on your trip abroad? Been there, done that. That’s why we love to travel with an expandable suitcase. Unlike most hard-shell suitcases that don’t leave any room for flexibility, the Large Carry-On from Roam gives you extra space when you need it, so you can shop ‘til you drop even when you’re on the road. And there are more features to love, too, like a water-repellent zipper, TSA-approved locks, antimicrobial lining, and compression boards. Win! 

Price: starting at $625


4. Best alternative for luggage sets: Level 8

Love to match your handbag to your shoes? Go the extra mile the next time you travel by matching your carry-on suitcase to your checked suitcase. The Textured Luggage 2 Piece Set from Level8 is the ultimate luggage set for the girl who loves to color-coordinate. Each piece in this eye-catching luggage set features the brand's signature diamond-shaped texture. Combine that with anti-scratch surface technology, waterproof material, and 360° spinner wheels, and you've got one hot luggage set that will keep you looking sleek wherever you jet-set.

Price: starting at $320


5. Best alternative for under-the-seat suitcases: TravelPro

You can find a couple of different carry-on options from Away Travel. But if you want a hard-shell suitcase that’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, then you’re out of luck—unless you head to TravelPro. Their Maxlite® 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag is specially designed to easily slide under the airplane seat in front of you. But don’t worry—you’ve still got plenty of room to pack the essentials for a weekend away. And with a dedicated laptop sleeve, removable plastic compartments for cosmetics, and quick-access pockets for your travel docs, this under-the-seat suitcase will help you pack more efficiently than ever before.

Price: starting at $150


6. Best alternative for organization: Solgaard

This Away Travel alternative is an organizer’s dream. Its patented, built-in shelving system turns any hostel or hotel room into your perfect home away from home where every shirt, accessory, and sweater is neatly tucked away. Named TIME Magazine’s Best Travel Invention of the Year, The Carry-On Closet® gives you a unique six-shelf shelving system housed in an unbreakable polycarbonate shell and aluminum frame with a Shore-Tex® interior lining. If just the thought of wrinkled clothes stresses you out, then you can consider this carry-on suitcase your new best friend.

Price: starting at $345


7. Best alternative for check-in trunk luggage: Briggs & Riley

Sometimes, more is more. If a standard carry-on suitcase simply won’t do and you want to pack it all and the kitchen sink, turn to the Extra Large Trunk Spinner from Briggs & Riley. Giving you even more packing space than The Large suitcase from Away but somehow weighing even less, this Away alternative is the ideal suitcase for notorious over-packers. Best of all, this check-in trunk luggage comes with double spinner wheels for effortless 360° navigation and a telescoping handle system for fuss-free maneuverability. 

Price: starting at $729


8. Best alternative for affordable weekenders: Béis Travel

Away Travel offers some pretty great weekender bags—but we can’t take our eyes off this more affordable option from Béis Travel. Made out of jute canvas with vegan leather trim, The Weekender takes the stress out of packing for a short getaway. A special bottom compartment gives you space to store shoes, toiletries, and even a hair dryer. Meanwhile, a 2-in-1 zipper pocket and trolley sleeve helps you glide through the airport with ease if you decide to bring along an extra suitcase. Oh, and you can shop it in nine fresh colors from Purple to Beige to Green. Score!

Price: starting at $108


9. Best alternative for luxury weekenders: Carl Friedrik

Feeling bougie? If you want to splurge on a luxe Away alternative (that may even cost more than your flight ticket!), try this luxury weekender from Carl Friedrik. The Palissy Weekend is a buttery-soft, uber-elegant leather weekender that will make you feel like you’re about to board your private jet—even if you’re actually flying on a budget airline. Made out of Italian Vachetta leather by a small team of artisans in Florence, the Palissy’s chic curved profile is a can’t-miss pick if you want to turn heads at the airport. 

Price: starting at $795


10. Best alternative for duffels: Calpak

Looking for a travel backpack that packs a punch on the road? You can’t go wrong with the Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel from Calpak. More than your basic shoulder bag, this duffel backpack gives you the best of both worlds: a super-spacious duffel that converts to a super-comfy backpack and back again whenever you need to change up your look. Made out of recycled ripstop polyester with padded shoulder straps, compression straps, and a dedicated laptop pocket, this Away alternative is the no-brainer choice for women backpackers who are always on the move.

Price: starting at $175


11. Best do-it-all tote bag: Lo & Sons

A good travel tote bag is a must-have in every girl’s wardrobe. For a do-it-all option that you can take with you everywhere from air to land to sea, turn to the Catalina Deluxe Tote from Lo & Sons. This alternative to the basic travel tote is lightweight, practical, and super versatile. Whether you’re traveling near or far for work or for play, the recycled poly and eco-friendly canvas materials will play nicely with all your travel outfits. Plus, it even comes with a removable shoulder pad strap, so you’re always comfy on the road. Need we say more?

Price: starting at $144


Away Travel alternatives - common FAQs

What can I buy instead of Away luggage?

Instead of Away Travel luggage, make a statement at the airport with suitcases from July, Béis Travel, or Calpak. For a great affordable Away alternative, head to Quince. For Away alternatives with a bit more luxury, try Carl Friedrik. 

Is Away Travel a good brand?

Away Travel is a great choice for frequent travelers. Their suitcases are sleek, durable, and available in a ton of fun colors—but they can also be a little expensive. If you’re on a budget, Away Travel may not be the best pick for you. 

What is comparable to Away Travel?

The Carry-On Pro from July is very comparable to The Carry-On from Away. You can also find suitcases similar to Away from Quince or Roam. 

Meredith Shubel

Meredith Shubel is a freelance writer and blogger. A few years ago, she quit her 9-to-5 desk job in PR … and has never looked back. Now she takes her expert knowledge and experience from writing all over the world to give fellow travel junkies the inside scoop on the best tips for satisfying a life of wanderlust. Talk to her on Twitter @merryshoebell.

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