1. Mandarina Duck

The new B-drop range from Mandarina Duck offers some serious style for your mini-breaks. Its minimalist design has a retro feel and can be used as both a carry case or with wheels. Anti-scratch surfaces cover the exteriors and it's designed to be smooth-running, lightweight and super-easy to transport. Price: £155. Stockist info: http://shop.mandarinaduck.com/uk/; 0207 730 1234.

2. Mulberry

Although more famous for the ‘Alexa’ and the ‘Bayswater’, Mulberry also offer a pretty impressive range of travel hand luggage. Small and compact (weighing only 3.6kg) this Mulberry has a scotchgrain surface and soft leather trim. Offering a detachable zipped pouch and external compartment for extra space, interiors are lined with Mulberry tree fabric. Price: £595. Stockist info: www.johnlewis.com; 08456 049049.

3. Samsonite

Samsonite's latest hybrid technology on the Cordoba Duo offers all the advantages of a soft case with expandability and external pockets (it’s also super-light) but comes with a strong, hard-wearing outer shell meaning it's easy to travel with. Meaning you can pack far more shoes than could you could possibly wear on your next mini-break. Price: £109. Stockist info: www.samsonite.co.uk; 0208 561 4043.

4. Brics

With the likes of Kate Hudson, Hilary Swank, Halle Berry and Jennifer Aniston toting Brics luggage, it is most definitely the brand of choice for jet-setting celebrities. Lightweight, stylish and easy to travel with, the Brics Sintesis Capri comes with internal zipped compartments to ensure neat packing and extra space. Price: £180. Stockist info: www.brics.it. 0208 731 3500.

5. Tumi

With their bold design and variety of colour ways, Tumi offer cases that'll let you stand out from the sea of plain black cases. The multi-coloured Vapour cases have hard-wearing strong outer shells and are extremely durable and lightweight. They also have a devoted celebrity following, being used by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore. Price: £425. Stockist: www.tumi.com; 0207 493 4138.

Planning a trip? When you're waiting for your flight, make sure you pick up one of our holiday essentials. Or see all our favourite travel accessories.