What size suitcase do I need?

  • By Simiran Gataora

Table of Contents

  • 1

    What size suitcase do I need?

  • 2

    What size suitcase do I need for 3 days or less?

  • 3

    What size suitcase do I need for a week?

  • 4

    What size suitcase do I need for 2 weeks?

  • 5

    What size suitcase do I need for a month or longer?

  • 6

    Hand luggage or hold luggage?

  • 7

    Wheels or shoulder straps?

  • 8

    Specialist cases

  • 9

    Cases for specific clothing

  • 10

    Travelling with children

  • 11

    Closing thoughts

When travelling, one of the most important decisions you have to make is what size suitcase to bring. There are a few things to consider when making this decision. 

 

The first is how much luggage you will need. If you are only going away for a weekend, you won’t need as much as if you are going on a two-week holiday. 

The second consideration is the weight limit of your airline. Most airlines have a weight limit of around 25kg per bag, so if you exceed that limit, you will be charged extra fees. And finally, you need to think about your travel plans. If you're going to be travelling by train, you'll want a case that can be easily stored in the overhead compartment.

 

So, what size suitcase do you need? If you're only going away for a weekend, a small case should be sufficient. For longer trips, you'll need a medium or large case. And if you plan on travelling with a lot of luggage, you may need to consider bringing multiple bags. Use this guide to determine the ideal suitcase for your next trip.

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What size suitcase do I need?

Choosing a suitcase for your travels will depend on a number of factors. Many people like to have a few suitcases so they can choose the ideal one for their trip. This could include a small weekend tote, a small wheeled case and a medium-to-large wheeled case. This would allow you to mix and match cases for your trip, offering full flexibility. Before choosing your case, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How long is your trip?
  • Are you travelling by plane, train or car?
  • How much luggage do you need to take with you?
  • What is the weight limit of your airline/train company?
  • Do you need to be able to carry your luggage?
  • How often do you travel?
  • Are you carrying any specialist equipment or items?

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can begin to narrow down your suitcase options. Ultimately, the size of the suitcase you need will depend on how long you are going away. It will also depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. 

Some people like to pack and travel light, while others like to take lots of personal items when they travel. It is usually better to choose a case slightly larger than your needs, as this will allow you to bring items home from your travels. Choosing a few different cases will also give you the flexibility to mix and match your luggage to your needs for each trip.

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What size suitcase do I need for 3 days or less?

For a long weekend trip, you might only need basic toiletries and a few changes of clothing. Most people will only take one or two pairs of shoes, so you really don't need very much space in your bag. 

A shoulder tote or a small wheeled suitcase would be ideal. If you're flying, you should check weight restrictions for hand luggage, as you may not need to check in your suitcase at all. If you're travelling by bus or train, weight and size restrictions are less important, but you may choose a bag with shoulder straps to make it easier to carry. 

A duffel or holdall would be ideal in this case. Choose one with a luggage strap and you can also take this with you with a wheeled suitcase for longer trips.

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What size suitcase do I need for a week?

If you're going away for a week or more, you'll need to pack more items. You might want to consider bringing multiple bags, such as a wheeled suitcase and a duffle bag. This will give you the option to mix and match depending on your needs. 

You should also consider bringing a carry-on bag for any valuables or items you need quick access to. For a shorter trip, consider a wheeled cabin luggage-sized suitcase.

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What size suitcase do I need for 2 weeks?

For a two-week trip, you'll need to pack enough clothing and supplies for the entire duration of your stay and this could include larger toiletries. This would mean you'll need to check in your case if you are flying, so the size restrictions are less important. However, you will still be subject to weight restrictions. 

For a longer trip, you might want to consider checking an item into the plane hold. This will give you the flexibility to take more items with you and to carry larger liquids that cannot go in your hand luggage. A medium or large suitcase with wheels would be ideal in this instance.

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What size suitcase do I need for a month or longer?

If you're going away for a month or longer, you'll need to pack even more items. This includes enough clothing for the entire trip, as well as larger toiletries and other supplies. 

You'll need to check in your case if you are flying, so size and weight restrictions are less important. However, you may want to consider bringing a smaller piece of hand luggage such as a backpack to keep important items with you on the flight. This can also double as our day pack when you are at your destination. 

For a longer trip, we'd recommend taking the largest case you are allowed with your airline. You can pair this with a piece of cabin luggage to maximise the space you have to carry essential items.

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Hand luggage or hold luggage?

If you're only taking a small bag, it can be classed as hand luggage and doesn't need to be checked in. This is ideal if you're only going away for a short time and don't want to check in a larger suitcase. 

However, most airlines have weight restrictions on hand luggage, so you will need to make sure your bag meets the requirements. If you are checking in your case, you'll want to choose something sturdy and secure. This will ensure your case doesn't get damaged in transit and will also protect the items within. 

If you are taking hand luggage only, you should choose something lightweight so that you can make the most of the weight allowance.

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Wheels or shoulder straps?

Some suitcases come with wheels and a handle, while others have shoulder straps. The type of bag you choose will depend on your needs. If you are travelling by plane, you might want to choose a case with wheels so that you can easily transport it through the airport. 

 

However, if you are going on a hike or taking public transport, then shoulder straps might be more practical. The most important thing to consider is whether or not you can lift the case on your own. If you struggle to lift your case, then a wheeled case would be more practical.

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Specialist cases

Some people might need to take specialist cases with them when they travel. For example, if you're taking a musical instrument or a piece of sports equipment, you'll need to find a case that is specifically designed for this. 

 

These cases are often larger and heavier than regular suitcases, so you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your luggage allowance. In most cases, this will be classed as oversized baggage and will be paid for separately. 

 

If you are taking small specialist equipment like camera equipment or a laptop, you'll need to keep this in your hand luggage and may want to purchase a specialist bag to keep it safe from knocks and scrapes while you're travelling. Specialist bags should be discreet so they don't draw attention to the contents when you are travelling.

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Cases for specific clothing

A garment case would be ideal if you are travelling for work or a special occasion. A garment bag will protect your clothes from creases and can be hung up in your hotel room or on the back of a door. This is a good option if you are taking suits or dresses with you. You might want to consider a wheeled case so that you can easily transport it through the airport.

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Travelling with children

If you are travelling with young children, you might want to consider a suitcase with a built-in child seat. This will give your child somewhere to sit as you wheel them through the airport. These cases are usually larger and heavier so you'll need to make sure you have enough space in your luggage allowance. 

Children typically require a lot of items when they are travelling, so it's important to make sure you have enough space. The good news is that travelling with children will usually allow you to carry more hand luggage, so you can keep essential items on hand.

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Closing thoughts

If you travel regularly, investing in a few key pieces of luggage makes sense. This will give you the flexibility to choose the right case for your needs. If you only travel occasionally, then it might be worth borrowing luggage to avoid the cost of buying new cases. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to choose the right size and type of suitcase for your needs.
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About the Author

Hi, I’m Simiran Gataora. I manage customer service, e-commerce admin, and social media at Case, helping customers find luggage that genuinely works for the way they travel. 

 

What started with a blog about petite suitcases quickly turned into a real love for writing, practical travel advice, and the details that make luggage easier to live with. I enjoy sharing honest, helpful advice on everything from airline rules to suitcase features, always keeping it clear, useful, and never too salesy.

 

I travel too, so I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to luggage. Whether it’s a tote bag for a weekend away or a lightweight check-in case for a longer trip, I’m always looking for what genuinely works, especially as someone petite. 

 

Chances are, I’m probably still checking airline baggage rules or noticing suitcases wherever I go.

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