Family Holidays, Business Trips, and City Escapes – One Luggage Size Doesn’t Fit All

When you’re planning a journey, you probably spend hours comparing flight deals, scrolling through hotel options, and shortlisting restaurants to try at your destination. But there’s one decision that quietly shapes your travel experience more than you realise: choosing the right suitcase size.

A quick weekend escape to Barcelona doesn’t demand the same packing space as a two-week family holiday in Tenerife, or a three-day business conference in Frankfurt. Yet many travellers still make the mistake of using the wrong size suitcase – leading to overpacking, underpacking, or unnecessary stress at the airport.

This is where suitcase sizes 20", 24", 28" and versatile 3-piece sets come into play. With trusted brands like Highbury and BEOW, travellers in the UK now have luggage that combines practicality, style, and durability for every kind of trip.

Let’s dive deep into why one luggage size doesn’t fit all and how to pick the perfect suitcase for your journey.

✈️ 20-Inch Cabin Luggage – Your City Escape Essential

Think about a quick escape to Paris for a romantic weekend, or a solo adventure exploring Rome’s cobbled streets. In such cases, dragging a giant suitcase through train stations and metro lines is the last thing you need.

That’s when the 20-inch cabin bag steps in as the hero.

• Perfect for 2–3 Days: Enough room for a couple of outfits, toiletries, and essentials.

• Airline-Friendly: Fits most UK and European airline cabin requirements, so you avoid checked baggage fees.

• Fast Travel: Walk straight out of the airport no waiting at baggage claim.

• Stylish Compactness: Choose bold colours like orchard purple or sage green to stand out in a sea of black bags.

👉 Example: Highbury Helios Ultra-Light 20" Purple Spinner lightweight, elegant, and tough enough for overhead bins yet stylish enough to match a fashionable city wardrobe.

Best For: Weekend getaways, solo trips, short business overnights.

💼 24-Inch Medium Suitcase – The Business Traveller’s Favourite

Business trips often fall in the awkward middle ground. Too long for hand luggage, but too short to justify a 28-inch case. Enter the 24-inch medium suitcase the sweet spot for professionals on the move.

Imagine flying to Berlin for a 4-day trade fair. You’ll need to pack a couple of suits, formal shoes, documents, maybe a laptop, and some casual clothes for evenings out. A 24-inch case manages all that without looking bulky.

• Balanced Storage: Room for both business and casual wear.

• Professional Look: Classic colours like navy, black, or dark grey project a polished image.

• Travel Comfort: Smooth spinner wheels glide across airports, taxis, and hotel lobbies.

• Security First: TSA locks keep valuable documents and electronics safe.

👉 Example: Highbury Elegance Navy 24" a sleek and durable option that blends corporate style with practicality.

Best For: 3–5 day business trips, conferences, or city escapes when you want extra packing room.

🌴 28-Inch Large Suitcase – The Family Holiday Essential

Now picture this: a family of four flying to Spain for two weeks. You’ve got kids’ clothes, swimwear, shoes, sunscreen, maybe even beach toys or shopping for relatives. That’s when the 28-inch large suitcase becomes your best friend.

• Maximum Capacity: Handles extended stays, long-haul trips, and family packing needs.

• Durable Build: Designed to withstand multiple baggage handlers and long flights.

• Room for Extras: Space for shopping and souvenirs on the way back.

• Colour Options: Burgundy, teal, and mint green add a touch of personality to family holidays.

👉 Example: BEOW 28" Expandable Hard Shell a spacious, expandable case built for families who love to travel together.

Best For: Two-week family holidays, long-haul adventures, or travellers who prefer packing “just in case.”

🎒 3-Piece Luggage Sets – Flexibility for Every Traveller

For many travellers, one size just doesn’t cut it. That’s why 3-piece luggage sets are the smart investment. With a 20", 24", and 28" suitcase, you’re prepared for every scenario from short city breaks to long family getaways.

• Versatile Use: Share sizes between family members, or choose the one that fits your trip.

• Matching Style: Travel in coordination with matching designs and colours.

• Better Value: Buying a set is more affordable than purchasing single suitcases separately.

👉 Popular Picks:

• BEOW 3-Piece Lavender Set – modern, eye-catching, and expandable for shopping trips.

• Highbury Guard Teal Set – stylish, strong, and backed by a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.
  
  

Best For: Families, frequent flyers, and couples who love both weekend breaks and big adventures.

🧭 Choosing the Right Size for Your Travel Style

Still unsure which suitcase size to pick? Let’s match them to your lifestyle:

• Students on Exchange Trips: 20" cabin bags are light, easy, and budget-friendly.

• Frequent Flyers & Business Travellers: 24" suitcases balance practicality and space.

• Families & Long Holidays: 28" or 3-piece sets are the most reliable.

• Style-Conscious Travellers: Choose bold colours like purple, teal, or burgundy to stand out at baggage claim.

🌍 Why Highbury & BEOW Suitcases Stand Out

Both Highbury and BEOW have become trusted luggage names in the UK, offering:

• Durable Materials: Hard shell polycarbonate & polypropylene builds.

• Smooth Mobility: 360° spinner wheels for easy airport movement.

• Security: TSA-approved locks for peace of mind.

• Warranty Assurance: Up to 10 years of guarantee.

• Variety of Colours: From corporate navy to playful teal and purple.

Whether you’re a city explorer, a frequent flyer, or a family holidaymaker, these brands ensure your luggage matches your journey.

✨ Final Thoughts

Travel is about freedom, excitement, and discovery but the wrong suitcase size can turn it into a headache. Remember:

• 20" for light and fast city escapes

• 24" for balanced business or mid-length trips

• 28" for long-haul family holidays

• 3-piece sets for ultimate flexibility

With the right luggage from Highbury and BEOW, every trip becomes smoother, more stylish, and stress-free. Because at the end of the day, the best journeys begin with the right suitcase.

✅ FAQs

Q1. What is the best luggage size for short city escapes?

For quick city escapes or weekend breaks, a 20" carry-on suitcase is ideal. It meets most UK and European cabin baggage rules and is lightweight with spinner wheels for easy navigation.

Q2. Is a 24" suitcase enough for a family holiday?

Yes, a 24" medium suitcase works well for shorter family holidays or trips where you don’t want to carry oversized luggage. It balances capacity and portability, making it easier to handle during transfers.

Q3. When should I choose a 28" large suitcase?

A 28" large suitcase is best for long-haul travel, Christmas trips, or extended family holidays. It provides ample space for clothes, coats, shoes, and souvenirs, while TSA locks and spinner wheels make it secure and easy to move.

Q4. Are 3-piece luggage sets worth buying?

Definitely. A 3-piece luggage set (20", 24", 28") like the BEOW or Highbury offers flexibility for different types of trips. Families, couples, and frequent travellers benefit most as they can mix and match sizes depending on the journey.

Q5. Do airlines accept 28" luggage as checked baggage?

Yes, most airlines allow 28" luggage as checked baggage. However, always check weight limits as larger suitcases can get heavy quickly, leading to excess baggage fees.

Q6. Which luggage size is best for business travellers?

Business travellers often prefer 20" or 24" luggage. A 20" carry-on is perfect for short domestic flights, while a 24" suitcase suits 3–5 day international work trips. Black hard shell or softside styles give a sleek, professional look.

Q7. How do I choose between BEOW and Highbury sets?

The BEOW set is known for hard shell durability, TSA locks, and spinner wheelsm ideal for frequent fliers and long-haul journeys. The Highbury softside set is more flexible, expandable, and practical for family and road trips.