1. Cabin Max Oxford Backpack
This roomy backpack is great for short weekend breaks. It has a laptop/tablet compartment to protect your items and make them easy to unpack and pack at the security gate. The interior is split into two, with one side covered by mesh so your clothes can breath and you can see what you’ve got without having to unpack everything! It weighs less than 1kg and should fit easily into overhead lockers. Local prices start at around Dh300.
2. Modobag
This is the world’s only motorized, connected and smart carry-on that can do virtually everything but book your ticket. The Modobag comes with GPRS-GSM tracking and two USB ports to keep you charged up. You can also use it as a cart to get you to your destination three times faster than if you walked. It’s not available yet but you can help fund it on the Modobag Indiegogo page to make sure you get yours as soon as it’s good to go. But be warned, prices start at around Dh4,000 (so maybe consider it an investment!).
3. Cowarobot
Billed as ‘the first suitcase that follows you’, the Cowarobot is hoping to revolutionize the luggage market. It senses your movements and follows you, leaving your hands completely free. It travels at about 7.5kph and can navigate slopes of 15 degrees. When fully charged it runs for 12.5 hours. It also comes with a bracelet that acts as a keyless smart lock remote and embedded GPS which tracks the case at all times. You can order it here if you want to be ahead of the curve.
4. Biaggi foldable bag
If you’re short on storage space in your apartment, the Biaggi ZipSak 4 Foldable Bag could provide the solution. It folds up (and down!) into nothing, but doesn’t compromise on functionality. It still has 4 multi-directional wheels and is made from durable material. It weighs less than 2kg and isn’t too pricey at around Dh345.
5. Raden A22
Ok, so this one might not be for the budget conscious (priced at around Dh1,800) but it’s definitely for the image conscious. It has a polycarbonate shell so unlikely to be damaged no matter how often you use it, and it’s incredibly sleek looking. It’s also very smart; you can download the Raden Smart Travel Case app and track your suitcase, weigh your suitcase, manage flight information or talk to Raden Customer Service.
6. BXT Smart Bag
At the other end of the spectrum from the Raden is the BXT Smart Bag, which costs about Dh30 plus shipping. The rucksack-esque bag is very lightweight and comes with a detachable outer pocket that acts as its storage bag when it’s not being used. It’s also practical between holidays so even better value for money!
7. Monster Scuit Case
You have enough to carry in the airport without adding a small child to the list. This Monster Scuit Case is a fun children’s hand luggage case that doubles as a scooter! It’s not too pricey at around Dh300 (plus shipping) and will make trekking through Dubai International Airport an awful lot easier!
This article was adapted from a piece by Skyscanner’s email marketing manager Lisa Venter.
Can’t get enough of all things cabin baggage and hand luggage? Check out our guide to beating Ryanair’s cabin baggage rules.
Skyscanner is the world’s travel search engine, helping your money go further on flights, hotels and car rental.
Published November 2016. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
