Switzerland is a country where efficiency, beauty, and functionality come together in every corner. So, when I planned my week-long trip through Swiss cities, mountains, and countryside, I wanted a suitcase that could match those characteristics. Enter the Duravo Front Pocket Expandable Carry-On Plus. With its sleek design, expandable capacity, and its….front pocket, I was confident this carry-on would be the ideal travel companion. But how did it actually perform? Here’s how it held up over the course of seven days.

Flying with Duravo from Philadelphia to Zurich

I flew American Airlines from Philadelphia to Zurich non-stop.  Because I wanted to access my electronics in the front pocket during the flight, I did not check-in my Duravo Front Pocket.   The Front Pocket Carry-on is slightly larger than the Duravo International Carry-on, and I had it fully expanded, but I had no issues with bringing it onboard and fitting it in the overhead bin in economy.

Day 1: Landing in Zurich

Touching down at Zurich Airport, my first challenge was navigating the airport with a tight connection to catch a train into the city. Thanks to the 360-degree spinner wheels, the Duravo glided effortlessly behind me through the bustling terminal. Even with a quick pace, the suitcase felt lightweight and maneuverable. 

The front pocket was an immediate lifesaver. I didn’t have to open the whole suitcase to retrieve my essentials like my passport, boarding pass, and headphones. It was all organized and right within reach, a feature I came to appreciate more and more throughout the week.

Once on the train, the compact size of the carry-on fit neatly in the luggage racks, and even when packed full, the expandable design meant I could add some extra layers and still fit everything easily. Switzerland's fall weather? No problem.

Day 2: Exploring Zurich

Zurich’s charming streets and modern design meant I needed to be nimble with my luggage as I moved between hotels and tourist spots. The Duravo Front Pocket Carry-On proved to be more than just a sleek travel bag—it was surprisingly spacious for its compact size. Inside, I’d packed several days’ worth of clothes, toiletries, and electronics, all neatly organized with compression straps and mesh compartments.

While walking through Zurich's old town, I encountered cobblestone streets. Unlike many carry-ons that struggle on rougher surfaces, the Duravo's durable wheels handled the challenge smoothly. As I shifted between transportation, the hardshell remained scratch-free despite some rough handling.

Day 3-4: Lucerne and Interlaken – From City to Countryside

Next up was Lucerne, where my Duravo carry-on took a quick boat trip across the serene lake. The water-resistant exterior ensured that even when the mist rolled in, my luggage stayed dry. The city’s compact, walkable layout meant I was never too far from my next destination, and I appreciated that the carry-on was lightweight enough to carry upstairs without a struggle.

Then came Interlaken, a town famous for its adventure sports and outdoor activities. I expanded the carry-on to accommodate extra gear for hikes, layering it with additional clothes as temperatures dropped in the mountains. The expandable zipper feature provided just enough space to pack an extra jacket and some hiking essentials without needing an additional bag. It felt like the suitcase was ready for anything—whether I was strolling through a sophisticated city or hiking near alpine lakes.

Day 5: Zermatt

Zermatt’s snowy landscape was next on the itinerary, and the Matterhorn provided a majestic backdrop for my travels. The Duravo carry-on continued to shine in these colder, rougher conditions. Its scratch-resistant Flexshell handled the rocky terrain as I rolled it down snowy streets and onto a train headed for a ski resort.

Even after several days of travel and exposure to different elements, the carry-on still looked as good as new. The internal organization kept everything where it needed to be—even bulky winter gear and boots fit comfortably. I especially appreciated the durability of the wheels and housing; no matter how much I packed or where I went, they performed smoothly without any signs of wear.

Day 6: Geneva

After Zermatt, it was time to head to Geneva for a change of scenery. This elegant city had a more relaxed pace, and the Duravo carry-on felt right at home. Its sleek design and minimalist look suited the upscale atmosphere of Geneva, while its functionality continued to deliver. 

By this point, I had picked up souvenirs from every stop—Swiss chocolates, local wines, and a small cuckoo clock from Interlaken. Expanding the carry-on gave me enough room to fit everything without overstuffing it. Even with these extras, the lightweight design meant I could easily lift it into overhead bins on public transport or at the airport.

Day 7: Heading Home

As the week came to an end, I packed up my Duravo for the final time. After a week of travel, the interior remained just as organized as the first day. The compression straps kept my clothes wrinkle-free, while the mesh compartments separated my toiletries and smaller items.

Back at Zurich Airport, I was reminded once again of how essential the front pocket was. I had my travel documents, charger, and book all within easy reach while waiting to board. And even fully packed, the suitcase slid smoothly into the overhead bin, with the expandable feature being a game-changer for squeezing in those last-minute purchases.

Final Thoughts

Switzerland is a country where everything works with precision, and the Duravo Front Pocket Expandable Carry-On Plus was no exception. It handled the bustling cities, snowy mountains, and scenic towns with ease. Whether you’re a light packer or someone who picks up a few souvenirs along the way, the expandable design offers just enough extra space to make it versatile for all kinds of travelers.

Its durable, scratch-resistant exterior stood up to the challenges of cobblestone streets and outdoor adventures, while the water-resistant materials ensured I never had to worry about the weather. More than just a stylish carry-on, it performed under pressure and lived up to its promise of convenience, comfort, and durability.

So, what happened when I traveled in Switzerland with the Duravo Front Pocket Carry-On Plus for a week? In short, it exceeded my expectations and became an indispensable part of my journey. From now on, it’s my go-to travel companion.