The Only Luggage I Trust After a Honeymoon Travel Disaster
If you’ve ever had your luggage mangled or go missing mid-trip, you know how stressful and expensive it can be—not to mention how it can throw off the whole vibe of the trip. I learned this the hard way on our honeymoon to Italy when both mine and Lee’s luggage just vanished into the airline abyss… and came back barely recognizable (and on the last day of our trip!).
The good news? This story has a happy ending, and it’s why I’m writing this post. I want to share the exact luggage (and luggage straps) I now recommend to anyone who travels—even occasionally. They made such an impression on me that I wouldn’t dream of flying without them again.
The Suitcase That Held Up—Even When the Airline Didn’t
On that trip to Italy, I was using the Away Bigger Carry-On. It had already survived multiple trips without a scratch, and I loved the smooth wheels and minimalist design. But somewhere between home and Venice, it went MIA—and when it eventually turned up, it looked like it had been dropped from a moving plane.
Here’s what impressed me most:
- The suitcase itself didn’t crack or bust, despite all the damage to the corners and shell.
- Away customer service replaced it quickly, no long forms or phone tag. That kind of warranty and brand accountability is rare. (Needless to say the airline took zero responsibility.)
Since then, Lee and I have bought 3 more pieces of Away luggage for our move abroad, and they’ve become our go-to for both short-haul and long-haul travel. (We’re going to be using a Large and Medium each for our move to Spain – Paring Down and Packing content coming soon!)
Why I Always Use Luggage Straps (And Why You Should Too)
Another MVP during that Italy trip? These brightly colored luggage straps. I’ve used them for years and they really come in handy when identifying your bag at baggage claim since everyone and their mom uses Away luggage (it’s that good!).
These are the exact ones I recommend:
👉 Heavy-Duty Color-Coded Luggage Straps (4-Pack)
Why they’re worth the few extra dollars:
- They help prevent your suitcase from popping open (especially if it’s overstuffed).
- They make your luggage stand out at baggage claim.
- In my case, the airline told me they helped keep the contents of my suitcase intact during the “incident.”
Whether you prefer a simple 2-pack or a full set in different colors for multiple bags, these straps are lightweight, pack flat, and could save you a major headache.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer overseas adventure, investing in luggage that’s durable and covered by a great warranty makes all the difference. Add a couple of simple straps, and you’ve just made your bags easier to spot—and safer.
I’m sharing these links not just as a travel blogger, but as someone who learned the hard way what kind of gear holds up under pressure. If you decide to try them out, we may earn a small commission through these affiliate links—at no extra cost to you.
Safe travels, and may your luggage always arrive in one piece!
— Lauren
LAUREN & LEE ROBERTS 
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