3 epic carry-on bags for your summer holiday

As a travel photographer and travel blogger, I’m rarely in the same place for long. Some months, I spend more time in airports than at home, moving from press trips to road trips, from city breaks to photography assignments by the sea. Over the years, I’ve learned that good carry-on bags truly make a difference while traveling. A sturdy, practical, and lightweight carry-on not only adds comfort on the road, but simply makes traveling so much more enjoyable.

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My favorite carry-on bags as a travel photographer and blogger

To be honest, I never used to care that much about which suitcase I traveled with. Until I started flying more often, rushing through layovers with heavy camera gear, or dragging my suitcase over uneven streets in old cities. Since then, I’ve become much more critical about what I bring on my travels.

For me, a good carry-on bag needs to be lightweight, practical, durable enough to survive frequent travel, and look stylish too. Especially when, like me, you’re often traveling for both work and leisure at the same time.

Over the past few years, I’ve tested several carry-on bags from LEVEL 8 during trips across Europe and beyond. Today, I’m sharing my personal favorites for this summer: three carry-on bags that I genuinely love using while traveling.

1 – Voyageur carry-on: My most-used travel companion

If I had to choose one carry-on bag that I use the most, it would without a doubt be the Voyageur Carry-On..

What I immediately loved about this suitcase is how practical it is without looking boring. The design is sleek and stylish, yet timeless at the same time. That’s why I use it both for press trips and for short holidays or work assignments.

During my trip to Istanbul last spring, I brought this carry-on along for a short city break. Since we were only traveling for a few days, I really wanted to avoid checking luggage. Anyone who has ever been to Istanbul knows just how enormous the airport is. In moments like that, you truly appreciate a suitcase that feels lightweight and rolls smoothly.

I still remember how, after an early flight, we first took the bus, then squeezed into an overcrowded metro toward the city center, and eventually had to walk through the busy streets of Sultanahmet in rainy weather. Those are exactly the moments when you’re grateful for a carry-on bag that’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and doesn’t feel like an extra workout during your trip.

The inside of the Voyageur is also incredibly practical. As a photographer, I almost never travel with just clothes. I also need to pack hard drives, cables, batteries, adapters, and sometimes even a drone. Thanks to the different compartments, everything stays neatly organized.

Why I love the Voyageur carry-on

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Spacious and practical interior layout
• Timeless and elegant design
• Ideal for both work and holidays
• Perfect for frequent travelers

If you’re looking for one versatile carry-on bag that can handle almost any type of trip, this one is truly a winner.

Expand to a 2-piece Set

You can also expand your luggage collection with a matching 2-piece  Level 8 Voyageur suitcase set. Not just any luggage set, but one that’s perfect for longer trips. I regularly travel to South Africa for several weeks at a time, and in those cases I love having a larger matching set.

I personally chose the yellow version with black details. Not only because I think it’s a beautiful combination, but also because it instantly stands out on the luggage belt. No more spending minutes wondering whether that black suitcase is yours. I can spot mine immediately.

2 – Adventurer Carry-On: Perfect for frequent travelers

Some suitcases are made for the occasional holiday. Others are designed for people who are constantly on the move.

That’s exactly how I would describe the Adventurer Carry-On .

What truly sets this carry-on bag apart for me is the convenient front side-lid opening. Instead of having to fully open your suitcase every single time, you can quickly access your belongings through the front compartment. It may seem like a small detail, but once you travel with it, you genuinely won’t want to go back.

During a weekend trip to the Ardennes earlier this year, we had several stops along the way and I was still editing photos and answering emails while traveling. In moments like that, it’s incredibly convenient to quickly grab something from your suitcase without having to unpack everything. Especially while on the move or in crowded places, you really start to appreciate how practical that system actually is.

I also find this carry-on bag incredibly useful for city trips. During our weekend in Metz, we lived entirely out of our hand luggage for a few days while constantly moving between photography spots, restaurants, and hotels. In those situations, you simply want to find your things quickly without turning your entire suitcase upside down.

The Adventurer Carry-On turned out to be absolutely perfect for that.

Why I love the Adventurer carry-on

• Convenient front side-lid opening
• Quick access to your belongings without fully opening your suitcase
• Extremely practical during airport transfers and layovers
• Strong and durable finish
• Ideal for frequent travelers and road trips

For those who are often on the move and love practical, organized travel, this is without a doubt one of the most convenient carry-on bags I’ve ever used.

3 – Luminous Textured carry-on 20: Stylish travel without compromise

Let’s be honest: practical luggage is important, but aesthetics matter too.

The Luminous Textured Carry-On 20 is probably the most beautiful carry-on bag I currently own. The textured finish gives the suitcase a luxurious look without being overly flashy.

What I personally love is how perfectly this carry-on fits summer city trips and boutique hotel stays. If you often travel for photography or content creation, you know that aesthetics do play a role sometimes. Especially when you’re constantly creating content while traveling.

During a weekend trip to Lake Como, I brought this carry-on with me, and I still remember noticing several times how beautiful it looked in the background while photographing our hotel room. It may sound funny, but as a travel creator, you automatically pay attention to those kinds of details.

Besides the design, it’s also incredibly practical. Compact enough to easily take along as hand luggage, yet surprisingly spacious inside.

For short trips of a few days, I can fit everything I need into it without any problem.

Why I love the Luminous Textured carry-on

• Very stylish and elegant design
• Luxurious textured finish
• Lightweight and compact
• Ideal for city trips and weekend getaways
• Practical and beautiful at the same time

For anyone who loves traveling in style without compromising on functionality, this is truly a beautiful choice.

Bonus for men: Hegent carry-on

Although all of the carry-on bags above are perfectly unisex, I still wanted to mention the Hegent Carry-On as well.

This carry-on has a slightly tougher and more minimalist look. Very sleek, modern, and professional. That’s why I think it’s especially ideal for men who travel frequently for work or prefer a more business-oriented style.

Just like the other LEVEL 8  suitcases, this one also feels sturdy and high-quality. The interior layout is practical, and the finish is beautifully designed.

Why the Hegent carry-on stands out

• Minimalist and stylish design
• Strong and durable quality
• Practical interior layout
• Ideal for both business trips and holidays
• Timeless appearance

Why I almost always travel with carry-on bags

Over the past few years, I’ve tried to travel with carry-on bags as much as possible, especially for trips within Europe.

Not only does it save a lot of time at the airport, but it also makes traveling far more comfortable. No stress at the baggage claim, less chance of lost luggage, and much more flexibility while traveling.

Of course, it does require some organization, especially as a photographer. I always carry my camera equipment in a separate camera bag, which means I have to pack smartly in my carry-on.

Luckily, over the years I’ve found a system that works perfectly for me:

• bringing neutral outfits that are easy to combine
• using packing cubes
• only packing what I truly need
• using compact beauty products
• rolling clothes instead of folding them

Because of that, I can now easily travel for several days using only carry-on bags.

Which carry-on bag suits you Best?

The best carry-on bag for you mainly depends on the way you travel.

If you’re looking for one versatile carry-on that works for almost every type of trip, I would absolutely recommend the Voyageur Carry-On.

Do you often work while traveling or carry a lot of electronics? Then the Adventurer Carry-On is definitely worth considering.

If you love stylish city trips and an elegant aesthetic, you’ll probably fall in love with the Luminous Textured Carry-On 20.

And for those who prefer a sleek, minimalist look, the Hegent Carry-On is a beautiful option.

After years of traveling, I’ve learned that good carry-on bags are so much more than just a way to transport your belongings. They make traveling more comfortable, more organized, and simply far more enjoyable. Especially when, like me, you’re constantly moving between airports, road trips, and city breaks, you really start to notice the difference a high-quality carry-on makes. And trust me: if you travel often, you’ll feel that difference immediately. Happy travels!

Thank you so much for reading.

Love,
Sarah

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