We both use this exact Briggs & Riley suitcase, which we highly recommend. The wheels are smooth, and the expander can be collapsed down by pressing on the bag after closing it. 

Carry-on suitcase packing list:

* Keep in mind, I do laundry a lot on trips- in certain places like SE Asia, it is a great value and often very fast.

Shoes: 1 pair of workout sneakers, 1 pair of very thin pool sandals, 1 pair of heels or dressy shoe, 1 day/night combo shoe (then I wear the bulkiest shoe on the plane, which is normally the workout sneakers). Pack socks to match around the shoes.

Two side bags: I like reusing the washable drawstring bags that purses come in, and I put undergarments in one and bathing suits in the other. I try to only bring 2-4 bathing suits per trip, favoring ones that mix-and-match (… but I might bring up to 6 if on a beach trip).

Coverups: 1-3 (depending on thickness of fabric and type of trip)

Dresses: 4-7 (including a max of 1 bulky dress) *I mostly wear dresses

Shirts: 2-4 (crop tops are worth double, and this usually includes at least 1 long sleeve).

Bottoms: 4 max (all versatile)

Outerwear: 1 sweater. 1-2 scarves. If a cold trip- add 1 large jacket. Option for 1 thin rain-jacket. I always wear the largest outwear I’m bringing on the airplane.

Laundry bag: I bring an extra drawstring bag for laundry, and we tend to do laundry once or twice per trip (in Asia we will do it more because most hotels have great and fast laundry service)

How I pack:

I hang all of the dresses, shirts, and nice bottoms on very thin hangers, then roll them up and place them in the center of the largest part of the suitcase. Folded items go on top. Line the bag with workout clothes and anything else. The other side of the suitcase is for shoes and the two “side” bags (which can also be placed on top of the clothes if there is not enough room).