My favorite suitcase has built-in shelves that make traveling more efficient.

This year alone I have taken over 20 flights, not counting unplanned layovers or flight changes (of which there have been a lot). I often get asked how I manage to travel so often on a standard solo budget, and my answer is always the same: traveling frugally. Unlike other nomads, my travels often involve staying in boutique hotels and hostels, as opposed to the flashier establishments featured on TikTok and the like. The rooms are typically smaller (read: cozier), with less storage space and amenities. But in my experience, giving up physical space usually opens up more flexibility in my travel budget for other things, like flights, activities, and, of course, a fancy dinner or two. In short: it’s a tradeoff worth making.

And on trips where I find myself a little more cramped than usual, I rely on this Royce & Rocket Castle Midsize Shelving Suitcase ($615), which is designed to act as a travel closet—with built-in shelves and all. This convertible travel accessory is built like a standard midsize suitcase with a zip-up design, interior compartments, and 360-degree wheels, but it also comes with built-in shelves that can be flipped up or down to suit. The hard-shell luggage has been a total game-changer on some of my recent trips—especially to smaller accommodations and Airbnbs. Below, I detail how it’s helped me travel more efficiently, without the need for drawers or storage space.

What I like about this Royce & Rocket suitcase

Luggage with shelves is certainly not a new phenomenon, but this travel bag seems to have been designed to completely reinvent the luggage category. The built-in shelves on this Royce & Rocket suitcase are surprisingly practical; located on the inside right side of the suitcase, they can simply be flipped up when I want to store items, or folded down and stored away when I don’t need them. The shelves are made of a durable material that’s sturdy enough to hold multiple items (depending on weight), but they’re also not so bulky that I feel like I’m wasting available packing space.

Shelves have truly transformed the way I travel and have helped me become more efficient while traveling, especially when staying in Airbnbs with other travelers or hotels where storage and closet space is limited. I can fold my clothes, separate my outfits on them, display my shoes, and even organize my makeup so it doesn’t clutter the bathroom counter. Even on the shortest trips, I feel somehow more organized and in control of my belongings thanks to these shelving luggage.

Additionally, I appreciate that the suitcase has all the usual details I appreciate in my luggage: a TSA-approved lock for added security, 360-degree top wheels for easier mobility, a three-tiered trolley handle that provides comfortable grip support, and a sleek design that’s so timeless that I know I’ll be able to use it for years to come. I often feel like I have to sacrifice style for functionality with my luggage, but this suitcase proves otherwise.

What you need to know about the Royce & Rocket suitcase

The suitcase is made from a polycarbonate hard shell that is built to last, but as durable as it is, the suitcase does show scuffs and scratches fairly quickly. After just a few trips, I began to notice visible scuffs and scratches on the product’s shell, with abrasions similar to the wear and tear that most checked suitcases sustain during airport travel. While the product is still intact, with no dents or marks deep enough to render the luggage unusable, it’s worth noting that the suitcase shows signs of wear and tear more easily, especially when compared to luggage I’ve tried from other similar brands.

Who is this Royce & Rocket suitcase for?

Whether you’re a budget traveler (like me) looking to maximize space in even the smallest hotel rooms or a cluttered traveler looking for something that will help you stay more organized, this luggage is a fantastic investment that combines the benefits of a closet, dresser, and suitcase into one seamless product. With the help of this accessory, you’ll feel much more efficient in your travels and confident to take on the world in style.

Additional details:

Where is this Royce & Rocket suitcase available for sale?

This hardside suitcase is available for purchase on Amazon, Royce & Rocket, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Rating:

★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with over four years of experience in publishing. She currently works as an associate editor at PS Shopping and is an expert on all things shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style business editor, and her byline has appeared in publications around the world.