Best Carry-On for Europe? A Level8 Voyageur Luggage Review
Looking for the best carry on for Europe can feel overwhelming, but after putting the Level8 Voyageur to the test, I’m confident it stands out. In this Level8 luggage review, I’m sharing how it handled everything from quick weekend trips in Florida to navigating trains, cobblestones, and flights across Europe.
I’ve tried my fair share of carry-ons and backpacks over the years, and most of them left me either cramped for space or exhausted from lugging them around. The Voyageur, however, hit the perfect balance: lightweight, durable, and surprisingly spacious—exactly what you need when traveling Europe efficiently and comfortably.
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First Impressions of the Level8 Voyageur
My first impression of this luggage was that it has a sleek, modern design. I also loved the color and it really fit well with my minimalist style.
Upon opening, I could already tell that I was going to be able to pack so much more in this carry on than my previous one. The extra space is due to the innovative wide handle design. The handles are completely to the side and don’t take up extra room on one side of the luggage.
Key Features of the Level8 Voyageur
Here are a few of the key features that I noticed when using my Level8 luggage for the first time:
- Modern, minimalist design
- Extra space inside due to the wide handle design
- Side handle for an easy way to carry
- TSA approved locks for extra security
- 360° spinner wheels that make it easy to maneuver
- Durable, hard case but still lightweight
- Two zipper compartments inside with a wet-dry pocket
My Honest Review of Traveling with Level8 Luggage
My first trip with the Level8 Voyageur was just a quick weekend getaway to St. Pete, and right away I noticed how smooth the wheels were—it practically glided down the street.
The real test came on our next adventure to Paris. When I travel in Europe, I’m constantly on public transport, trains, and planes, so I need a suitcase that’s durable, lightweight, and easy to handle.
The Voyageur really delivered. It met airline carry-on size requirements, wasn’t bulky on trains, and kept up with my fast-paced travel style.
What stood out most, though, was the spacious design. Unlike traditional carry-ons, the wide-handle system doesn’t take up room inside the suitcase, so I had noticeably more space for packing.
After using it in Europe, I honestly think the Level8 Voyageur is one of the best carry on luggage options for Europe travel—practical, stylish, and built for the way people actually move around Europe.
Pros & Cons of Level8 Luggage
Like any travel gear, the Level8 Voyageur comes with its highs and lows—nothing is perfect, but it gets a lot right.
After using it on both short weekend trips and longer European adventures, I wanted to break down the things I loved, as well as a few small drawbacks to keep in mind before you buy.
Knowing the pros and cons can help you decide if this is the right carry-on for your travel style.
Pros
Spacious
One thing that surprised me was how much space the Voyageur luggage had compared to my previous carry on luggage. Since we only travel with a carry-on, space is a #1 requirement for our luggage.
For me, one of the biggest pains is trying to pack my hiking boots because they’re so bulky. In this luggage, I can easily fit my hiking boots without them taking up a good portion of the bag. Definitely going to be a huge relief on my next trip to Iceland, Scotland, or other hiking destinations!
For me, the amount of space that this carry on luggage offers is what makes it the best carry on luggage for Europe.
Sleek, Modern Design
Another pro to the Level8 luggage was its modern, minimalist design. I loved the light color and it really fit with my style.
When considering a carry on luggage for Europe, you want something that will be stylish, but also that blends in. The modern & minimalist design of Level8 is just that, which makes it perfect for your next Europe trip.
Durable Hard Case
A hard case is a must for me as a frequent traveler. Level8 luggage is made up of German-made Covestro polycarbonate, which makes it very durable. I definitely feel like whatever I pack in this luggage is completely protected – including my Macbook or fragile souvenirs that we buy while on the road.
Lightweight
Even though the Voyageur is a hard-shell case, it’s still super lightweight and easy to maneuver. I’ve tried doing Europe with a big backpack before, and honestly, never again—it got heavy fast and left me sore from carrying it around. A rolling suitcase is just so much easier.
That said, Europe’s cobblestones and endless stairs can make rolling luggage tricky. What I love about the Voyageur is the side handle, which makes it simple to pick up and carry when you need to. It’s one of those little features that ends up being a game-changer when you’re on the go.
Interior Organization
Another reason I think the Level8 Voyageur is one of the best carry-on luggage options for Europe is its smart interior organization. Both sides of the suitcase have zippered covers, which help keep everything secure and tidy while you’re on the move.
One side also features two zip-up pockets that are great for separating wet and dry items or keeping smaller essentials organized. It’s a simple but super practical design that makes packing for European trips so much easier.
360 Ultra Smooth Spinner Wheels
Another feature I noticed quickly was that the luggage moves so smoothly, thanks to its ultra smooth spinner wheels. This makes it quick and efficient to roll the luggage through a busy airport or city street.
Cons
Cost
Level8 Voyageur luggage retails at $249 for the carry on size, which is an investment – especially if you plan to purchase a carry-on and a larger checked size luggage.
However, it is so worth it to pay the upfront cost for high quality luggage like Level8. You’ll actually save money in the long run because cheap luggage usually is also cheap quality – and it just doesn’t last.
On the other hand, Level8 tends to be more affordable compared to other high quality, name brand luggages.
Color Choices
My only critique of the Level8 Voyageur is that the Level8 luggage colors for this style are a bit limited. I went with the Celadon, a soft blue-green shade that I really love, but I would have liked to see a few more feminine options, like pastel pink or lilac color.
Dylan chose the Navy, though he also liked the Olive Green and Black—classic, versatile colors that work well for anyone who prefers a neutral look.
Level8 does offer other luggage styles with a wider range of colors, but I specifically wanted the wide-handle design of the Voyageur, so I was willing to trade a bigger color selection for that feature.
Why Level8 is the Best Carry On Luggage for Europe Travel
One of the biggest things to consider when choosing the best carry on luggage for Europe is size. Many European airlines have strict carry-on limits, so it’s important to have a suitcase that fits within those requirements.
Luckily, the Level8 Voyageur 20” carry-on meets most airline standards with room to spare. It measures 15.1 x 9.8 x 21.3 inches, making it the perfect size for European flights—no stress about gate-checking or last-minute repacking.
I’ve traveled through Europe with all kinds of luggage—from large backpacks to different styles of rolling suitcases—and the Level8 Voyageur has quickly become my favorite. Here’s why I think it’s the best luggage for European travel:
- Meets most airline size restrictions for a carry-on
- Practical for moving between cities, whether by train, plane, or public transport
- Protects fragile items (like souvenirs or electronics) thanks to its durable hard-shell design
- Compact yet surprisingly spacious for longer trips
- Minimalist, sleek design that looks great but doesn’t draw unwanted attention
Final Verdict: Is the Level8 Voyageur the Best Carry On for Europe?
After trying several different suitcases over the years, I can honestly say the Level8 Voyageur is my favorite and, in my opinion, the best carry-on luggage for Europe travel.
What makes it stand out is how easy it is to move around—it glides smoothly through airports and city streets, and the side handle makes stairs and cobblestones much more manageable. It’s also durable enough to handle the wear and tear of trains, flights, and busy travel days, while still being lightweight enough to carry without feeling bulky.
The biggest surprise for me was just how spacious it is compared to other carry-ons I’ve owned. Thanks to the wide-handle design, I had more room for packing and was able to fit everything I needed for a 3-week Europe trip without checking a bag. That kind of convenience is a game-changer, especially if you’re like me and prefer to travel light but still want everything organized.
If you’re looking for a stylish, functional, and reliable suitcase that’s built for real-world travel, the Level8 Voyageur is a piece of luggage I truly recommend.
