I’m an Over-Packer — And Drew Barrymore’s Compact Carry-On Suitcase Surprised Me

It sounds silly, but I think owning nice luggage is one of the quiet indicators that you’ve truly reached adulthood. No shade to the hand-me-down suitcases that served me well over the years, but now that I’m in my 30s I feel like it’s time to start traveling in style. So when I heard that Drew Barrymore’s Walmart-exclusive home brand, Beautiful, came out with a line of chic hardside luggage, my interest was piqued — especially as someone who didn’t want to majorly splurge on something (fancy luggage is pricey!). 

If her editor-loved furniture and area rugs were any indication, Drew’s luggage wouldn’t disappoint — and it didn’t. I took the Beautiful 20-inch Expandable Carry-On on a three-day trip to Vancouver recently, and now I’m touching down to report my honest thoughts. 

The Expandable Hardside Luggage collection includes a carry-on, a medium checked bag, and a large checked bag. They’re outfitted with all the essentials, and then some — an extending telescopic handle, convenient side handles, easy-gliding 360-degree spinner wheels, and a TSA-approved lock for extra peace of mind. 

The luggage has a roomy interior full of pockets that over-packers like me will appreciate. You’re getting two compression straps to keep your belongings in check; two stretchy, expandable pockets; two open pockets; and two zip pockets for all your odds and ends. The luggage is also expandable, which gives me that extra bit of wiggle room I always need. 

When it comes to appearances, Beautiful’s Expandable Hardside Luggage is exactly that: beautiful. Really, they’re pieces you’ll be proud to wheel through the airport. Designed with a sleek ribbed outer shell that’s durable and lightweight, the luggage also has a striped fabric interior for a bit of playfulness. And they’re available in three stylish colors: Starry Night Blue, Rose Pink, and Porcini Taupe. 

Let me start by saying that I almost exclusively travel with only a carry-on. I’m also an over-packer, which usually leads to me stuffing my luggage within an inch of its life and, unfortunately, being forced to check it anyway. I didn’t feel like I was pressed for space with the Beautiful Carry-On, though. I put my packing cubes on both sides of the suitcase, used its many interior pockets, and was still able to zip it shut without forcing. I love knowing I have about 2 inches of extra space if I choose to expand the suitcase, too. 

I couldn’t get enough of the carry-on’s striped interior. It’s a nice rush of dopamine every time I open the suitcase. What’s more, the zip-up liner is lightly padded, which was a detail I didn’t know I needed — it gives my fragile items that extra bit of protection. 

Going through the security checkpoint is never fun, but getting the Beautiful Carry-On through was pretty seamless. The suitcase’s side handle made lugging it up onto the conveyor belt easy. I also made use of the carry-on’s built-in lock, and setting up the combination was way simpler than I thought it would be. It gives me an added layer of security and stress relief when I’m forced to check my bag at the gate. 

Carry-on size limitations will differ slightly depending on the airline you travel with, but the Beautiful Carry-On’s 20-inch size is perfectly suited to most cabins. I flew Air Canada and got mine in the overhead bin with plenty of room to spare. I did have to check my bag at the gate on my return flight home due to a shortage of overhead space. And while I was worried about how its hardside shell would hold up, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked at baggage claim. I spotted the bold blue shell immediately, and there were only a few small scuffs on the exterior — nothing major. 

The Beautiful Carry-On ended up being just the stylish, grown-up travel upgrade I was looking for. The best part is you don’t have to overspend to get it, either; the collection is on sale right now, which brings each piece comfortably under $100. 

Buy: Beautiful 20-Inch Carry-On Hardside Luggage, $78 (normally $89)