When it comes to travelling with children, finding the right bag can be difficult. Although they usually have less to pack, keeping your child happy while remaining practical can be difficult.
What is the best luggage for kids? Of all the varieties available, we suggest a reliable backpack that can act as carry-on baggage and an excellent way to keep travel essentials when out and about.
If you're worried about luggage tags, then avoiding rolling luggage options is for the best. However, this isn't always possible.
If you are a parent, then you will know the pain of your child picking a cute design they like, and insisting on using it over any other more practical option you might select.
Maybe this rolling luggage has their favorite cartoon characters on it from Paw Patrol, or maybe a certain backpack matches the color of their stuffed animals.
Choosing a luggage option that your kid will like while also remaining practical for travel can be difficult, but luckily for you, we have all the answers.
From popular kids luggage brands to more durable luggage options for more active vacation trips, trust us as we run down the best luggage options for children.
Each type of luggage has its own advantages and disadvantages. Backpack luggage is easy to carry but difficult to keep organized.
Rolling luggage is much easier to move around but is harder to keep clean. Not to mention smaller hands might struggle to keep the suitcase itself moving at all times.
Rolling luggage is easier to move around than backpack luggage. It's easier to drag around than a heavy backpack and takes up less space. Especially small kids' packs.
Backpacks are a more practical, and affordable luggage option compared to a suitcase with wheels. Largely because they can be emptied, packed down, and stored easily.
Rolling hardside luggage can be fun for your child, but storing it after the fact can be a pain. Especially if you need a piece of luggage for a rare family trip.
When it comes to the selection of kids luggage, a ride-on suitcase is the first option in most minds. Especially if you are considering air travel.
Rolling suitcase options come in all varieties. A 21" hard-shell suitcase, as well as softer canvas versions with different print options.
Although an expandable backpack might be a solid option, for constant travellers the durability of a 21-inch hard-side spinner suitcase is superior to most cult-favorite backpacks.
Fun backpacks might appeal to a child, but for long travel, they are not always so practical. Moving lots of gear is easier with a rolling suitcase.
Picking the perfect size depends on how much you are moving. As a fellow parent my child is not usually packing a lot, but using their luggage allowance is appealing.
A case with wheels is also a good starter pick if your child is still nervous about travelling. Having something with a playful design just for their stuff can ease many nerves.
One option for parents would be the Trunki Children’s Ride-On Suitcase, a fun case in a variety of child-friendly designs that rolls but are also light enough to lift and carry.
Functioning spinner wheels, a colorful and hard plastic case, both of which are sure to make your child enjoy moving their bags all on their own and save you a trip to carry more bags.
Another option would be the Marvel Avengers Sky Avengers Black Cabin Suitcase from the official Marvel store.
A simple design and an elegant suitcase, you know what you're getting if you use this one. Everything you might need in a case, nothing too fancy or exciting.
If you're not interested in fanciful designs, 360-degree spinner wheels, or really even just carrying luggage when you arrive at all then you can skip all of that.
A soft-sided duffel bag can easily carry your child's belongings and then fold away with total ease upon landing or arriving at your destination.
Medium sizes of duffel bags are more than enough to hold everything you need, although carrying them around while walking can be difficult. Especially when filled.
An extra long zipper makes a duffel bag an in-between for security compared to backpacks and hard luggage.
You won't get any pockets for water bottles, sets in designs your child will adore, or really much else other than basic storage from a duffel.
If you'd prefer something your child will adore, then try the Samsonite Dream Rider. Available in various Disney designs, Samsonite is a known and reliable luggage brand.
Minnie Mouse, Marvel heroes, or even plain animals are available in this four-wheel case. The wheels stay close to the ground, rolling easily but also packing well too.
An array of backpacks are available for all shapes and sizes of person. For a child, this includes much smaller bags that even a small human can support on their back.
Any classic backpack can hold a kid's essentials: reusable water bottles, padded seat cushion, plush toys and comfort foods.
Some even come with dedicated pockets for water bottles, or even a mesh zip pocket to store food and snacks near the front for easy access.
Hard-shell luggage will require a good rummage for anything to be unpacked. When it comes to luggage for family travel, a backpack is the pinnacle of innovation.
Multitasking luggage with an array of backpacks is perfect. They work as a soft suitcase, they come in fun prints to keep your child happy, and they work as carry-on bags for haul trips.
On a road trip, even busy parents can find a pint-sized pick for their kid to keep food and water in. With plenty of fun designs to keep your child happy to, it's a no-brainer.
When making a luggage purchase, you need to decide what your luggage for kids will actually do. This depends on how often it is that you are planning on travelling with your child.
Soft suitcases and backpacks are ideal for infrequent travel, as soft-sided luggage packs down for easier storage. Some rolling suitcase options are soft.
For constant travel, a hard-shell ride-on suitcase is more durable and secure than soft-side luggage sets. Making them withstand constant airport carousels and baggage handling.
Travel luggage often has many considerations to take into account, and choosing a suitcase style for your children can be very difficult.
Ultimately, however, there is no wrong answer. Whether you choose a hard blue kids suitcase or one of many backpack sets, you will be travelling with peace of mind.
