5-Star Travel Must-Have

Siva McAteer • June 23, 2025

The Luggage That Changed My Life (and Saved My Japan Trip)

A woman is standing in a living room with a sign that says `` travel must have ''.
Hey friends,
It’s Siva McAteer here, and I’m so excited to finally spill the tea on one of the smartest travel decisions I made before heading to Japan. πŸ—Ύ

Let’s rewind a bit. While deep-diving into travel forums and tips (you know the rabbit hole), I kept seeing this golden nugget of advice: “Skip the clamshell suitcase.” Apparently, in Japan, hotel rooms and cruise ship spaces can be tiny, and those clam-style cases that split wide open? Yeah, not ideal. So I went on a mission… and I found THE luggage.

✨ Say hello to my new travel BFF: Hanke Luggage
I ended up getting not one, but two pieces of Hanke luggage: the carry-on and the 24-inch wide-handle spinner. Spoiler alert: they’re both AMAZING. My husband also got one too!

Let me tell you why I’m obsessed:

πŸ”„ Top-Loading = Total Game Changer
No more having to throw my stuff across a tiny hotel room just to open a suitcase. This beauty opens from the top, like a trunk, so I could just pop the lid and grab what I need without taking over the whole room.

πŸ’» Laptop Safe-Zone Built In
This was huge for me. I wanted to bring my laptop but didn’t want to lug around my usual backpack. Enter: front pocket access. It’s sleek, padded, and safe. I could slide my laptop right in, along with chargers and snacks (of course), and breeze through TSA like a boss.

πŸŒ€ Glide Like Butter
The wheels on this thing? Chef’s kiss. I mean, they glide so smooth it’s like they’re floating. My driver even stacked my carry-on on top of the bigger case and rolled both with one hand like it was nothing. That’s luxury.

πŸ› οΈ Heavy-Duty Handle + Smart Interior Design
The handle is strong and comfortable—no wobbly nonsense here. Inside, there are plenty of compartments, pockets, and even belts to hold everything down. It keeps everything organized, neat, and secure.

πŸ” Secure Lock System
There’s a lock on top that you just push to open—no zippers to wrestle with or complicated combos to remember when you're jetlagged.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to using a clamshell suitcase again. Between the smooth wheels, laptop compartment, and the ultra-practical top-loading design, this luggage made my travel experience a breeze. If you’re prepping for your next adventure—especially somewhere like Japan—trust me, this is the one.

Want to check them out for yourself?
Here are the exact ones I used (and loved):




Got questions about travel gear, planning a Japan adventure, or how to live your best cruise life? Drop a comment or DM—I’ve got so much more to share.
And don’t forget to follow for more travel tips, UGC reviews, and my behind-the-scenes on life as a content creator on the go!

βœˆοΈπŸ’ΌπŸŒ
Until next time,
Siva McAteer

Hanke 24-Inch Top Open Zipperless Spinner Luggage – Graphite Grey

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  • A gray luggage bag with a wide handle and wheels.

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  • Front opening design and travel with ease convenient to pick up things in tight space quick access your laptop for work or study can quickly pass through security checks

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  • A suitcase with the front pocket open to access the main compartment.

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  • A suitcase with tsa approved lock , ergonomic top grip , sturdy telescopic handle and durable spinner wheels

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  • A suitcase with a wide handle for more packing space.

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  • A colorful front zip hardside luggage for men and women

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Hanke 20-Inch Carry-On with Wide Handle – Graphite Grey

  • A gray suitcase with wheels and a laptop compartment.

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  • A gray suitcase with a wide handle and wheels.

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  • Front opening design and travel with ease convenient to pick up things in tight space quick access your laptop for work or study can quickly pass through security checks

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  • A suitcase with the front pocket open to access the main compartment.

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  • A suitcase with tsa approved lock , ergonomic top grip , sturdy telescopic handle and durable spinner wheels

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  • A picture of a suitcase with a quick step to access items.

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  • A suitcase with a wide handle for more packing space.

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  • A colorful front zip hardside luggage for men and women

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Hanke 26-Inch Multifunctional Spinner – Blackish Green

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  • A suitcase that can be used as a mobile table.

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  • The inside of a suitcase with two zip pockets and two mesh pockets.

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  • A picture of a suitcase with a wide handle luxury design.

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  • A woman is sitting on top of a green suitcase.

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