Why Rick Steves' New Rolling Carry-On May Be The Perfect Luggage Option For Your Travels
Rick Steves is inarguably one of the world's most iconic travel experts. He fell in love with travel on a trip to Europe when he was just a teenager, and hasn't stopped adventuring since. Many decades have passed since that first adventure, but the pro still spends several months abroad each year. Sharing his travel advice with a massive audience — particularly among North American tourists who plan on visiting Europe — Steves has built a prosperous business thanks to his recommendations.
From writing guidebooks — many of which are bestsellers — to hosting a popular television program and running a group tour company that takes thousands of travelers on international trips every year, Steves has become a household name in travel. Beyond that, he has also designed his own line of excellent travel gear, and the Riga Rolling Case is latest (and greatest) addition to his line of travel-ready luggage.
Millions of travelers around the world trust that when Rick Steves recommends something, it's going to be top-notch — and his carry-on rolling suitcase is no exception. Priced at $229.99, it's not the most budget-friendly bag on the market. That said, it is extremely well made and fits within the carry-on size requirements for most airlines. So, if you're searching for a high-quality piece of luggage for your next getaway, it's worth the splurge.
Steve's luggage is durable, eco-friendly, and carry-on approved
Rick Steves has plenty of top-tier travel tips for adventurers. However, one of his favorite suggestions is to always pack light, encouraging travelers to limit themselves to one carry-on bag. "My self-imposed limit is 20 pounds in a 9" × 21" × 14" carry-on-size bag (it'll fit in an airplane's overhead bin, at least on your transatlantic flight; some intra-European airlines restrict carry-on luggage to even smaller specs)," he wrote on his website.
It doesn't stop there. Tourists traveling on one of his group tours are also required to limit themselves to a single carry-on and a small day pack. Although it may sound challenging if you're someone who tends to pack way too many clothes, Steves insists that it will save you a lot of hassle. "You'll walk with your luggage more than you think you will," Steves wrote on his website.
@ricksteveseurope Introducing our new Riga Rolling Case! Designed by Rick and the travel experts here at Rick Steves' Europe, this hybrid-shell suitcase is an ideal carry-on companion. At 21x14x9 inches, it fits precisely into most overhead bins, allowing you to skip the risky and time-consuming need to check a bag. The easy-gliding dual wheels, front stopper to prevent tipping, and telescopic luggage handle makes the Riga easy to maneuver, even on pesky cobblestone streets. And with plenty of organization and storage in a lightweight design (only 7 pounds), it's easier than ever to pack light and right. Like all Rick Steves' Europe travel products, the Riga has been thoroughly tested for quality and comes with our guarantee that it will be free from material and manufacturing defects for the life of the product. If you're travelin' with Rick Steves' Europe luggage, tag us at @ricksteveseurope and #KeepOnTravelin so we can follow along and for a chance to be featured. #RickSteves #luggagepacking #RickStevesEurope #TravelTips #TravelLuggage
To solve the issue, Steves and his team designed the perfect rolling suitcase to meet carry-on requirements. Standing at 21 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 9 inches thick, it will fit snugly in most overhead bins. Since it's a hardshell, it's also durable enough to withstand every adventure. Better yet, the case is also eco-friendly, and the body of the suitcase is constructed from recycled plastic bottles. Even if dragging a rolling carry-on over Europe's cobblestone streets can be a struggle, the suitcase's "telescoping handle" and "easy-gliding wheels" will help you maneuver it on uneven surfaces.
Pack efficiently for your getaway
Steves' clever suitcase design helps make packing easier, and allows you to stay organized on the go — ensuring that you never forget to pack what you need for your trip. The suitcase features two different packing spaces on the inside of the suitcase: The main compartment is large and has adjustable compression straps so that you can pack as much as possible. There are also three zippered pockets. Two of them are mesh, and one is made from nylon, which makes it a great place to store damp or dirty clothing. The suitcase also comes with extras like mesh drawstring bags and a clip-on pouch ideal for storing your travel documents.
One of the features that makes Steves' bag so unique is the exterior pockets. Most hard-shell suitcases don't have any storage on the outside, but the Riga Rolling Case has a fabric panel on the front with three zippered pockets. These are ideal for storing important items, like your cell phone and passport, that you'll need to reach for while traveling. Best of all, the whole suitcase can expand to give you an extra inch of space, giving you more room to bring home a few souvenirs.
And, considering weight is a top concern when you're carrying your suitcase between planes, trains, and automobiles, you'll be happy to know that the Riga Rolling Case only weighs around seven pounds. Currently available in two colors — navy and gray — you can purchase the bag directly from his website.