There is certainly more to luggage and bags now than Samsonite. Not that the iconic American brand is no longer a good choice when going on short and long road trips. Far from it. But, over the years, other alternatives have emerged that, well, getting the right travel gear is simply no longer the proverbial no-brainer that it once was.

The following are just a few of the more stylish options currently available. And most of them are now TSA-compliant, meaning they come with a lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration of the US. This means that when traveling to Obama country, a TSA-compliant luggage will not be forced open for inspection during baggage screenings. Of course, if you’re just going to Boracay or nearby Asian countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, then you don’t need a TSA-compliant bag, at least not yet.

So whether you guys want something that you can easily find at the airport upon your arrival, something a tad more functional to suit your travel needs or simply something that identifies with your character and style, there’s a travel companion here that should tickle your fancy.

World Traveller Rhode Island. Practical for both business and leisure travel because of its stylish designs and budget-friendly prices, TSA-compliant World Traveller trolley luggage from Singapore is also tough since many of the latest models are made of ballistic nylon for longer wear and tear. Rhode Island is a popular model that also comes in various sizes for long- and short-distance travel.

Bree Punch. This German leather bag specialist arrives in the country with a collection of head-turning designs made of tough and adaptable materials. Initially conceived as a “postman’s bag,” this sought-after Punch series has long since developed into a complex luggage series with its own character. This four-wheel trolley model comes in real red and kolibri (silver) gloss variants.

Victorinox Travel Gear E-Motion 360° 4.0 featuring Trek Pack Plus. For the adventurous outdoor types, this ‘packs and duffel bag collection is characterized by features like 360° Response swivel handle locks, 90mm, inline skate wheels and Elev8 Suspension System and a Swiss Army Knife pocket. It also is TSA-compliant and comes in the brand’s iconic colors of plain black and red and black combo.

Carlton Multidrive. UK-based travel bag manufacturer that’s been around for 30 years was recently relaunched with a new concept store and a new collection. Multidrive is a highly scratch-resistant, hardcase, 4-wheel trolley spinner with TSA lock and exclusive Third Eye alert. Also comes in a whopping seven colors including this very refreshing purple. It’s cadmium-free, too, so it’s both healthy for you and the environment.

Delsey Expandream Plus. For longer vacations and for those who just like to pack a lot of stuff, this 65cm trolley by this popular French luggage brand expands up to 30 percent more than its standard capacity. Its Polyamide Nylon material has high resistance to mold, mildew, insects and fungi while additional Teflon coating guards against oil and water-based stains as well as dust and dry oil.

Mendoza XR7 Spinner Trolley. Sleek, hardcase, 4-wheel trolley luggage by HK-based travel gear brand is TSA compliant and has various zippered compartments, clips and strap fastenings. Made of Polycarbonate and ABS (Absolite Butedine Styrene), it’s featherweight and very spacious. Also, comes in white and should be easy to find not just at airports but pretty much everywhere else.

Tod’s Nylon Pashimy Duffel. For very light travelers who don’t like dragging trolley-type luggages, this elegant-looking duffle bag by Italian leather specialists, Tod’s is the perfect companion especially for long road trips. Made of supple calf leather and with a central band and linear silhouette, part of the high-end brand’s Spring/Summer collection 2010 and comes in a very nice combo of blue and taupe.

Bree and Victorinox Travel Gear bags and luggage are available at their respective stores at The Podium, Tod’s bags at its own store in Greenbelt 4, Carlton at its new store in The Atrium, SM Megamall while World Traveller, Delsey and Mendoza travel solutions are available at  Flight 360, The Travel Club and SM department stores.