Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set Review: The Ultimate Budget Travel Companion?

There’s a specific kind of dread that sets in when you’re wrestling a cheap, broken suitcase through a busy airport terminal. I’ve been there—a wheel seizing up on the way to the gate, a zipper bursting at the seams at baggage claim. It’s the moment you promise yourself you’ll invest in something better next time. The challenge is finding a luggage set that’s durable, lightweight, and versatile enough for different trips, all without costing more than the plane ticket itself. This search for the perfect balance of price and performance is what leads many of us to consider sets like this one.

Travel Select Amsterdam Softside Expandable Rolling Luggage Set, 2-Piece Upright Suitcases with...
  • Premium Durability & Style: Experience unmatched durability and style with our premium travel set, crafted from rugged 1200D two-tone polyester with PVC...
  • Smooth-Rolling 2-Wheeled Design: Equipped with durable inline skate wheels and corner protectors, this luggage glides effortlessly over various surfaces,...

What to Consider Before Buying a Luggage Set

Before you purchase any luggage set, it’s crucial to assess your travel habits. Are you a frequent flyer, jetting off for business every other week, or an occasional vacationer planning one or two trips a year? The ideal customer for the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set is the savvy, budget-conscious traveler. This includes students studying abroad, families planning a road trip, or anyone who needs a reliable set for occasional getaways. Key factors to consider are durability, weight, and maneuverability. Look for sturdy materials like the 1200D polyester used here, which offers good resistance to wear and tear. Also, consider the wheel design. This set uses a classic 2-wheel inline skate system, which is often more durable on rough terrain like cobblestones than 4-wheel spinners, though less maneuverable in tight spaces. Finally, expandability is a huge plus, giving you that extra 25% capacity for souvenirs on the return journey. For those who prioritize value and practicality for light to moderate travel, this Travel Select set presents a very compelling option.

While the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Basics 3-Piece Set (21", 26", 30"), Hardshell Suitcases With Wheels, Expandable For Up to 25%...
  • ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
Bestseller No. 2
Cosbarn Luggage Sets 5 Piece Suitcases with Wheels, Suitcase Set ABS Hard Case Luggage with TSA Lock...
  • 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
Bestseller No. 3
Bobcat Excavator 3-Piece Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Set with TSA Lock (Black)
  • Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.

First Impressions and Key Features

Right out of the box, the first thing we noticed was the vibrant orange color—it’s bold and makes the luggage incredibly easy to spot on a crowded baggage carousel. The 1200D two-tone polyester fabric feels substantial and rugged to the touch, a step up from the flimsy materials found on many other budget sets. Zippers ran smoothly, and the telescopic handle clicked securely into its multiple height positions. The set is impressively lightweight, making it easy to lift into overhead bins or the trunk of a car without straining. It features a larger 22-inch upright suitcase and a smaller tote or shoulder bag, a classic combination for carry-on convenience. The thoughtful details, like the add-a-bag strap and multiple grab handles (top, side, and bottom), immediately stood out as features designed for real-world travel challenges.

What We Like

  • Extremely lightweight design makes it easy to handle and helps avoid airline weight fees.
  • Expandable main compartment provides up to 25% more packing space.
  • Durable 2-wheel inline skate design performs well on uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets.
  • Excellent value for the price, making it accessible for occasional travelers.
  • Multiple grab handles and an add-a-bag strap enhance convenience.

What We Didn’t Like

  • Durability concerns for frequent or heavy travel; handles and wheels are potential weak points.
  • The 2-wheel design can be prone to tipping over when fully packed.
  • Some users report issues with fabric tearing and components breaking after only a few trips.

A Deep Dive into the Travel Select Luggage Set’s Performance

A luggage set can look great out of the box, but its true value is revealed on the road. We put the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set through its paces on a multi-destination trip that involved flights, train travel, and navigating busy city streets to see how it truly holds up.

Durability and Construction

The foundation of this set is its 1200D polyester material with PVC backing. In our tests, this fabric held up well against minor scuffs and scrapes. It’s a softside design, which we appreciate for its flexibility—it allows you to squeeze in that one last item. However, our findings align with feedback from other travelers: this set is best suited for moderate use. While one user reported their bag survived a year of intense, constant travel across Ireland, others noted more significant issues. Several users mentioned that the top carry handles were a weak point, breaking after just a few trips when the bag was packed heavily. Another user noted the front logo emblem fell off after one use, and another experienced a tear in the fabric on their very first checked trip. Our conclusion: for the price, the durability is adequate for the annual vacationer, but road warriors may want to invest in a more robustly constructed set.

Maneuverability: The 2-Wheel Experience

This set features a classic 2-wheel “roller” design with inline skate wheels. The main advantage we found is how well these wheels handle rough terrain. We effortlessly pulled the suitcase over cracked pavement and bumpy sidewalks where 4-wheel spinners often get stuck. One user confirmed this, stating their bag rolled “over LOTS of stone pavements and up & down many cobble-y streets” in Italy with no problem. The downside, however, is a lack of agility in tight spaces like crowded airport lines or narrow train aisles. We also confirmed what other users reported: the suitcase has a tendency to tip over when fully packed and left standing, especially if the front pockets are loaded. The wheels themselves are a point of contention; while smooth initially, some long-term users have had to replace them after they wore down and split from frequent use.

Packing Capacity and Organization

This is where the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set truly shines. The expandable zipper is a game-changer, providing a significant boost in packing volume. We were able to pack for a full week in the 22-inch upright with room to spare for souvenirs on the way home. The interior is thoughtfully designed, with compression straps to hold clothes in place, dedicated side shoe pockets, and a large zippered mesh compartment on the lid. The front pockets are deep and well-structured, perfect for stashing travel documents, a book, or last-minute items. A brilliant tip from another user is that the interior lining zips open, allowing you to pack small, flat items like socks or t-shirts between the channels of the retractable handle, maximizing every square inch of space. For travelers who love organized and flexible packing, the smart storage solutions in this luggage set are a major win.

Convenience and Handling

Travel Select included several features to make handling this luggage easier. The retractable push-button handle extends smoothly and offers multiple locking heights, which we found comfortable for users of different statures. The addition of grab handles on the top, side, and even the bottom makes lifting the suitcase into an overhead bin, car trunk, or onto a luggage rack significantly easier. The front add-a-bag strap is another handy feature, allowing you to loop the smaller tote bag over the handle of the main suitcase for hands-free transport through the airport. As mentioned earlier, however, the durability of these handles can be a concern under heavy loads, so we recommend being mindful not to overpack to the point where lifting causes excessive strain on the attachment points.

What Other Users Are Saying

User feedback on the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set is largely positive, with a strong emphasis on its incredible value for the money. Many, like one traveler who used it for a 16-day trip to Italy, praise its lightweight nature and its ability to handle rough surfaces. Another reviewer summed it up perfectly, stating, “This bag has lasted a lot longer than expected. At the price I got it… it was more than worth it.” However, a recurring theme among frequent travelers is concern over long-term durability. Reports of top handles breaking and fabric tearing after a few heavy trips are common. As one user aptly put it, the set is “likely [to] work for light packing and light use,” but may not be “built super sturdy for frequent travelers.” This confirms our assessment that it’s an excellent choice for occasional, mindful travel.

Alternatives to the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set

While the Travel Select set offers fantastic value, it’s wise to consider other options depending on your specific needs. Here are three popular alternatives.

1. Coolife 4 Piece Softshell Luggage Set

Sale
Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner TSA Lock Softshell lightweight (purple+sliver)
  • The sets include a 20 inch carry-on luggage, 24 inch medium luggage, 28 inch large luggage and a 15 inch tote bag.
  • Better than polyester material ,the luggage is made of 1680D oxford cloth. 210D nylon lining.

The Coolife set is a great step up if you need more pieces and prefer the maneuverability of four spinner wheels. This 4-piece softshell set offers 360-degree mobility, which is a major advantage in smooth airport terminals. While it costs more, you get more suitcases, making it a better value for families or those who need various size options for different types of trips. It’s a direct competitor in the softside category but prioritizes spinning wheels over the 2-wheel roller design.

2. imiomo 5 Piece Hardside Luggage Set

Sale
imiomo Hard Shell Luggage Sets 5 Piece for Women, Lightweight Hardside Rolling Suitcase Set with...
  • 1.Super Affordable Luggage Sets: We offer you 3 piece luggage sets. The suitcase set included 3 piece luggage sets,1pcs travel bag and 1pcs toiletry bag.
  • 2.Suitcase with Spinner Wheels: We offer smooth and silent 360°double wheels design for you. Our 3 piece luggage sets for women will take you to anywhere.

If protecting your belongings is your top priority, a hardside set like this one from imiomo is worth a look. The hard shell offers superior protection against impacts compared to the softside Travel Select. This 5-piece set also provides incredible value, equipping you for any travel scenario. The trade-off is a lack of exterior pockets and less flexibility when trying to overstuff your bag. It’s an excellent choice for those who pack fragile items and prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic.

3. Merax 3 Pc ABS Hardside Luggage Set

Merax Luggage 3 Pcs ABS Hardside Luggage Sets TSA Lock Spinner Wheel Suitcases
  • [High Quality Suitcase] - Extra strong ABS construction ensures long-lasting usage and durability but also lightweight, features textured finish to prevent...
  • [3 Piece Luggage set] Set includes 20" carry on (Meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 24"/28"...

The Merax 3-piece set is a strong contender in the hardside spinner market. Made of durable ABS material, it offers a great balance of toughness and lightweight design. Like the Coolife and imiomo sets, it features spinner wheels for effortless gliding. Compared to the Travel Select set, the Merax offers a more modern travel experience with its hard shell and spinner wheels, but you lose the convenient exterior pockets and expandable fabric of a softside bag.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Travel Select Luggage Set?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set is an outstanding choice for the budget-conscious, occasional traveler. Its lightweight construction, excellent organizational features, and surprisingly resilient performance on rough terrain make it a travel companion that punches far above its weight class. It’s perfect for students, weekend getaways, and annual family vacations. However, if you are a frequent business traveler or someone who consistently pushes luggage to its weight limit, you may find the long-term durability of the handles and wheels to be a limiting factor. For its intended audience, this set provides unbeatable value.

If you’ve decided the Travel Select Expandable 2-Piece Luggage Set is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.

Last update on 2025-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API