The best suitcase for a long trip is a check-in size of around 65 to 70 cm with roughly 75 to 80 litres of space, a strong frame, wheels you can rely on when it is full and an interior that keeps two or three weeks of clothing in order. Many travellers pair it with a carry-on for the things they want close. Here is what matters, and how to choose.
What a long trip asks of a suitcase
A long trip is not simply a short trip with more clothes. Your suitcase passes through more baggage systems, more transfers, more taxis and hotel rooms, and often several climates. It has to carry more weight without the frame giving way, and it has to keep everything organised for weeks rather than days.
That shifts the priorities. Capacity matters, but so do durability, how the suitcase rolls when it is fully packed, and how easy it is to live out of.
Capacity: choosing the right size
For trips of one to three weeks, a check-in suitcase of 65 to 70 cm is the most practical size. It holds clothing for different weather, a few pairs of shoes, a wash bag and the odd thing you bring home, while staying manageable in a car boot, on a train or in a small hotel lift. Go much larger and a suitcase quickly becomes hard to lift once it is packed.
Keep the weight allowance in mind. Checked baggage allowances differ per airline and per fare, and not every ticket includes a checked bag at all, so check yours before you fly. A suitcase with a moderate empty weight leaves more of that allowance for your belongings.
Durability: built for many journeys
On a long trip, a suitcase is handled by many people: check-in desks, baggage belts, coach drivers, porters. Soft fabric can tear and lose its shape, thin plastic can crack under pressure. Aluminium keeps its structure and protects what is inside, which is why it suits travellers who go far and often.
Aluminium does mark over time. Small dents and scratches appear, and we see them as patina: every dent tells the story of where you have been. What should not fail are the parts that make the suitcase work: the closures, the lock and the construction. That is what the lifetime guarantee on our Original collection covers. You can read the details on our guarantee page.
Wheels, handle and closure
A full check-in suitcase is heavy, so the wheels and handle take a lot of strain. Four silent 360° spinner wheels let you push the suitcase upright beside you rather than dragging it behind you, which makes long corridors and station platforms far easier. A multi-stage telescopic handle should lock at a comfortable height without play.
The closure matters too. Amice suitcases have no zips on the shell. They close with a frame, secured by a TSA-approved combination lock that you set with your own code. A frame closure keeps its shape when the suitcase is full and does not rely on a zip that can strain under pressure.
Living out of your suitcase
After a few days on the road you open your suitcase many times. A fully lined interior with a strap on one side and a zipped divider on the other lets you keep clean clothes apart from worn ones, or shoes apart from shirts. Packing cubes and a separate toiletry bag help you find things without unpacking everything. Our packing guide has more ideas.
A few habits help on longer journeys: pack outfits you can combine, keep one set of clothes in your carry-on in case the checked bag is delayed, and leave a little space for the way back.
The Amice check-in suitcases
- Original Check-in: 65 × 48 × 25 cm, 78 litres, 5.5 kg. 100% aluminium, hand-finished, in Silver or Black, with a lifetime guarantee against material and manufacturing defects.
- Florence Check-in: 69 × 45 × 27 cm, 78 litres, 5.3 kg. 100% aluminium shell in Silver, hand-finished, with replaceable wheel sets.
Both offer the same volume, so the choice is mainly about shape and finish. The Original is a little wider and comes in two colours, the Florence is a little taller and slimmer. Both have silent spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, a TSA combination lock and a fully lined interior.
Combining a check-in suitcase with a carry-on
For long trips, two pieces often work better than one very large one. The check-in suitcase holds clothes and shoes, the carry-on keeps your laptop, documents, medication, a change of clothes and anything fragile or valuable with you. If the checked bag arrives late, you can still get through the first day or two.
A carry-on with a front pocket, such as the Original Carry-on Front Pocket, makes it easy to reach a laptop or passport without opening the case. Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in your hand luggage, not in the hold. If you are still choosing a cabin size, our article on the best suitcase for hand luggage compares the options and airline limits.
A suitcase for years, not for one trip
A long trip is often a trip you have looked forward to for a long time. The suitcase that comes with you should feel just as considered, and it should still be with you on the next journey, and the one after that. Buying once, and choosing something that can be repaired and is backed by a lifetime guarantee, is the most sensible way to travel far.
If you would like to compare both models, the check-in collection shows them side by side.
FAQ
What size suitcase do I need for a two week trip?
A check-in suitcase of around 65 to 70 cm with 75 to 80 litres suits most trips of one to three weeks. Add a carry-on for valuables and essentials.
Is aluminium a good choice for long journeys?
Yes. Aluminium keeps its shape under heavy use and protects what is inside. It will gather dents and scratches over time, which we see as part of its character rather than damage.
Can I take both a check-in suitcase and a carry-on?
That is often the most practical setup. Check your fare first, since as of 2026 not every ticket includes both a checked bag and a cabin trolley.
What if my suitcase is damaged by the airline?
Report it to the airline straight away, ideally at the airport, and keep photos and your proof of purchase ready. Damage caused by an airline is not covered by the guarantee, but airlines handle these claims themselves.
