The Art of Traveling Well: From New York City to Palm Springs with LEVEL8 Luggage
In partnership with LEVEL8.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s something about breaking in new luggage that always feels like the beginning of a new chapter, especially when the pieces look timeless and like they will travel well for years to come.
For my recent trip from New York City to Palm Springs, I brought along two new travel companions from LEVEL8. I tested the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (20") and the Luminous Textured Check-In (24") on a trip that took me from EWR to LAX, followed by a four-hour drive through the desert to Palm Springs. On the way back, I flew from PSP with a short connection in Phoenix before landing home at EWR.
From the first leg of the trip to the last, both suitcases made traveling just a little more exciting and beautiful.
About LEVEL8
Founded in New York City, LEVEL8 was created for travelers who care about design and durability. The brand’s name nods to the idea of “travel elevated”.
What drew me to the brand initially was its approach to clean and intentionally designed luggage that looks refined without trying too hard. There’s something very “New York” about that balance, in my opinion.
Every piece is built with high-quality materials, smooth spinner wheels, and interiors that are designed for a modern-day traveler.
First Impressions
Both pieces arrived thoughtfully packaged; compact, minimal, and ready to travel. The kind of unboxing that feels like it was packaged with intention.
The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (20") immediately caught my attention with its all-metal shell, which gives it a very sleek and minimal look, and feels like it’s built to last. It feels like the kind of luggage that could take years of travel and still look elegant.
The Luminous Textured Check-In (24"), while lighter, has that same elevated feel with a matte finish and a classic look. Its subtle texture catches the light in a way that feels quietly luxurious.
They’re perfect together: one designed for efficiency, and the other for extended stays.
Unzipping each case, I noticed how well thought-out the interior organization was (which scores very high in my book!). The compartments are smart with zipped mesh dividers, adjustable straps, and small pockets that keep everything in place. It’s the kind of design that makes packing feel calm, not like a last-minute scramble.
Both suitcases immediately gave the impression of quality and care. There’s no excess, just exactly what you need.
Design That Travels Well
Good luggage is about more than looks. It’s about how it feels to travel with it. Between layovers and car rides, I had plenty of time to test how they handled in real travel life.
The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (20") has a solid weight to it that feels durable but never heavy. Its dual latch closures replace traditional zippers, which was a new feature for me, and it added a satisfying click every time you close it. The built-in TSA locks add peace of mind, and the sturdy feet at the base keep it standing upright wherever you set it down.
The Luminous Textured Check-In (24"), though surprisingly lighter, carries itself with the same quiet confidence. The 360° spinner wheels glide effortlessly over airport floors, sidewalks, and even the rough concrete outside my Palm Springs hotel. And best of all? It does so silently.
It’s these small details that make a long travel day feel noticeably easier.
What Stood Out
Effortless Glide: The wheels move so smoothly that it feels like the luggage is guiding you, not the other way around.
Elegant Interiors: Thoughtfully designed compartments make packing and unpacking feel intuitive and calm.
Timeless: Both pieces feel like they’ll age well, thanks to their functional yet minimal design.
Quiet Confidence: I especially love the quiet, sophisticated design of both of these pieces. Neither is flashy.
Who It’s For
These two pieces of luggage are perfect for frequent travelers who go on work trips, creative escapes, and everything in between. The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (20") is built to protect what matters most, like tech gear (your laptop, your camera, etc). The Luminous Textured Check-In (24") is ideal for longer trips, when you need a bit more space but don’t want to compromise on aesthetics. It’s light enough to move easily, strong enough to handle the perils of baggage claim, and stylish enough to stand out subtly in that never-ending sea of black suitcases.
Together, they cover every kind of travel, from a quick work trip to a long escape.
Final Thoughts
LEVEL8 positions itself as accessible luxury, a step above mass-market luggage, but not so expensive that it feels unattainable. After using both, I’d say that’s an accurate description. Overall, LEVEL8 combines luxury design with practicality. If you’re looking to invest in pieces that feel refined yet reliable, the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (20") and Luminous Textured Check-In (24") are worth it. They’re not just about getting from point A to point B; they make the in-between enjoyable, too.
After cross-country flights and desert heat, both pieces still look nearly untouched, and I can’t wait to use them again on my next trip.
✧ For the intentionally curious traveler — pass it on.