March Travel Adventures

For this travel writer, March proved to be quite the on-the-go month; it started with a trip from my home in Los Angeles up to Northern California and ended with jetting off to Japan. Luckily for me, the opportunity to test Roam’s latest luggage launch came about just as I was about to embark on these trips — which couldn’t have been better timed, if you ask me.

Innovative Luggage Design

The luxury luggage brand kicked off the spring travel season with a stunning collection done in collaboration with New York City-based artist Amanda Wachob, giving jet-setters like myself captivating new versions of the brand’s popular Large Carry-On Suitcase with the Cerulean (a blue and purple combo with teal-green highlights) and Nocturne (a black and purple composition with gold and green accents) colorways.

To buy: roamluggage.com, $975

In a travel world where luggage is becoming increasingly Instagrammable, Roam stands out as the first color-customizable luggage brand. Launched in 2019 by Tumi founder Charlie Clifford and fellow alum Larry Lein, Roam allows travelers to select their color scheme from an eye-catching palette for a suitcase that they will effortlessly recognize in an overhead bin.

Moreover, for those who prefer a creative touch from artists, Roam’s latest release showcases a truly one-of-a-kind design by Wachob, a multidisciplinary artist known for exhibitions at New York’s Whitney Museum. The suitcase is sensational; I’ve always appreciated the luggage I owned, but this one immediately turned heads. While wheeling this Wachob creation off a bullet train in Kyoto, I noticed two passengers admiring it. When a concierge loaded it into the car at The Tokyo Toranomon Edition, he said, “Hey, nice color,” complimenting the dazzling ombré-like blue-green composition of my Cerulean Large Carry-On Suitcase.

What’s more, Wachob designed these masterpieces by hand, applying seven coats of paint to each suitcase. Furthermore, travelers can customize their piece further by selecting from five trim options, each inspired by popular travel destinations such as Kyoto, Venice, and Ibiza. However, like any fine art, the Roam x Amanda Wachob Collection is exceptionally limited, with only 100 pieces available, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Therefore, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that the chances of encountering someone with the same suitcase are very slim.

To buy: roamluggage.com, $975

Performance Meets Aesthetics

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the carry-on suitcase itself excels in functionality for long-haul travel. Weighing in at just under 8 pounds, it features a sleek, hardshell frame measuring 22 inches by 16.3 inches by 9 inches. This makes it a well-suited carry-on option — though it’s designed primarily for minimalist packing. The exterior is crafted from 100 percent U.S. virgin polycarbonate, making it exceptionally light and easy to manage. Personally, I found this suitcase incredibly easy to lift and place in the overhead compartments of a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.

The telescoping aluminum handle and ball-bearing wheels elevate the suitcase’s usability to the next level. As someone who dislikes carrying more than necessary, this Roam carry-on made me feel capable of managing my luggage independently while traveling solo. I eagerly anticipate my next opportunity to hit the road with it again.

The art of crafting an exceptional suitcase often goes unrecognized. If you’re in search of luggage that combines elegance and durability, the Roam x Amanda Wachob Collection should be your go-to choice. Make sure to get one of the newly launched versions of the Roam Large Carry-On Suitcase while they are still available.

At the time of publishing, the price was $975.

For those seeking great deals, keep an eye out for updates on favorite travel products each week.