The Best Travel Bags and Luggage for 2025 Jetsetters 

Planning a beach escape, a wild safari, or a cruise holiday adventure for 2025? One thing that can seriously make or break your trip is your luggage. For South Africans ready to hit the road (or skies), choosing the right travel bag is just as important as booking your flights. 

When it comes to trusted luggage, Samsonite has been a go-to for years – and it’s easy to see why. Their bags are designed to handle everything from bustling airports to bumpy roads, while keeping your stuff safe and organised. 

What Makes a Great Travel Bag in 2025? 

Here’s what to look for when picking your luggage: 

• Durability: Your bag needs to survive airport chaos and rougher terrain without falling apart. 
• Size and Weight: Since airlines have a 23kg checked luggage limit, you want a bag that’s light but still spacious enough for your essentials. 
• Easy to Manoeuvre: Smooth wheels and comfy handles will make your life so much easier when you’re rushing to catch a flight or hauling bags through a cruise terminal. 
• Style That Fits Your Trip: Whether you’re city-hopping with a backpack or rolling a suitcase along a sandy beach, your luggage should suit your plans. 

Samsonite Luggage – The Perfect Match for Every Traveller 

Hard-Shell Suitcases: Tough, lightweight, and perfect for protecting your belongings on adventures – from safari to beach and cruise holidays. 

Soft–Side Luggage: Flexible and expandable, these bags are great if you’re planning to pick up souvenirs or want extra compartments to stay organised. 

Carry-On Bags: For short trips or if you want to avoid checked luggage fees, Samsonite’s carry-on travel bags make the most of overhead bin space while keeping your essentials close. 

Suitcase Set of 3: Consider a suitcase set if you like having options for different trip lengths – a popular choice among travellers who want versatility and matching styles. Samsonite’s best luggage sets offer this convenience with durability and style. 

Packing Tips for Different Trips 

Beach Holidays: Grab a medium hard-shell or sturdy carry-on suitcase. Pack your swimwear, sunscreen, flip-flops, and maybe a beach read or two. Using travel vacuum seal bags can save you space and keep your clothes organised. 

Bush Breaks: You’ll want a bag that can handle a bit of rough and tumble – hard-shell or tough soft-side luggage works best here, especially if you’re carrying cameras or binoculars. 

Cruise Holidays: One of the best parts about cruising? You only unpack once because your ship is your hotel! So, having light, wheeled luggage makes getting on and off the ship – and through airports – a breeze. Samsonite’s soft-side bags and carry-ons are perfect for easy handling, helping you move effortlessly from plane to port without any hassle. 

What About Luggage for Kids? 

Travelling with kids? The right luggage can make life so much easier. Kids’ bags should be fun but also practical and sturdy. Here’s what to look for: 

• Lightweight and wheeled: So, they can pull their own bag (or at least try). 
• Hard-shell for durability: Perfect for flights or road trips. 
• Built-in compartments: Keeps clothes, toys, snacks, and gadgets organised. 
• Bright colours or character themes: Easy to spot at baggage claim. 

Samsonite’s kids’ range offers playful yet tough suitcases and backpacks – ideal for family beach holidays or cruises. 

Pro tip: Let your child help pack their bag. It keeps them involved and gives them a sense of responsibility – a win-win! 

Your Luggage Questions, Answered 

1. Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage? 
   Airlines generally don’t have a preference – it’s more about how your luggage holds up during handling. Hard-shell luggage tends to protect fragile items better, while soft luggage offers flexibility and easier storage in overhead bins. 

2. What type of luggage is best for international travel? 
   Hard-shell suitcases are usually best for international flights due to their durability and security features, especially if you’re carrying electronics or breakables. 

3. What’s the best luggage for island hopping? 
   Lightweight, compact, and easy-to-carry luggage is key for island hopping. Soft-side carry-ons or backpacks work well since you’ll be moving between boats and small planes where space is limited. 

4. What to avoid when buying luggage? 
   Avoid heavy bags that reduce your packing allowance. Also, skip luggage with weak zippers or flimsy wheels – they’re the first to break on long trips. 

5. What is the best colour for luggage? 
   Bright or unique colours are easiest to spot on the carousel and less likely to get mixed up with others’ bags. Think vibrant blues, reds, or patterned designs. 

6. Hard or soft luggage – which is better? 
   Hard luggage is great for protecting fragile stuff, while soft luggage offers more flexibility and extra pockets. 

7. Backpack or suitcase? 
   Backpacks are great for active trips or city breaks; suitcases work better for longer holidays, beach trips, or cruises. 

Ready to Travel?  

Booking your next adventure can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need flights to Brazil, car hire in Kruger, or a sea-view cabin on an MSC cruise, Pentravel is your one-stop travel partner. 

We’ll take care of all the logistics so you can focus on the fun parts – like packing your Samsonite suitcase set and counting down to take-off. 

Travel smart in 2025 with Pentravel and Samsonite – the perfect combo for jetsetters ready to explore the world.