Discover the ultimate guide to the best kids luggage and travel suitcase bags for your family vacations. From the versatile Skip Hop Kids Luggage with Wheels to the durable JetKids By Stokke BedBox and the fun Trunki Ride-On Suitcase, we’ve got you covered with top recommendations.
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Traveling is straining with toddlers and kids as you have to plan for the best and the worst. From planning the trip to carrying luggage to the packaging (Use family calendar app to everyone in loop), it is tedious but fun at the same time. Carrying your luggage with your kids and their suitcase as well is a challenging task and could cause you back pain during long trips and flights. The simple solution is to equip your children with the best kids luggage and suitcase to lighten your burden to make your travel easier and more comfortable.
Kids luggage have all the needed features to make it easier for them to carry their luggage. Luggage manufacturers design suitcases that are light in weight, durable, and smaller in size with all necessary components, including adjustable straps, multiple compartments, and a side pocket for a water bottle.
After conferring with their kids, parents must buy a luggage or suitcase because children have different heights and interests. For example -Boys generally like Superheroes themes or sports-themed designs, while girls often prefer princess or unicorn motifs.
Parents must choose a piece of luggage or suitcase for their child after measuring their height. The bags should be smaller in size to control and maneuver their luggage comfortably throughout their trip.
It is always challenging to pack bags for every family member. Parents need to teach their kids from a young age to pack and carry their own luggage. Try to lure them with their favorite cartoon or superhero clothes or water bottle to the luggage and tell them they can take these items on the trip and play with them. Involving your children in packing their own stuff and taking care of their things instills confidence, and a sense of responsibility, which fosters independence in a child’s mind necessary for their personal growth and development.
The baggage size and weight must be taken into account before buying it, as children can only haul a limited amount of weight. You don’t need to pack everything and make it heavier for trips across the country, and even an international trip can be done with minimum luggage.
We visited London and other European cities with my sister and eight-year-old nephew with one bag for each passenger, Says Parmjit Kaur. She says one carry-on for each of us bag was adequate enough to have enough clothes and personal hygiene stuff for a 21 days trip.
The 5 Best Kids Luggage and Travel Suitcase bags for Vacation
We recommend parents read our other recommendations, including the best travel strollers, backpacks for kids, headphones for kids, and the tested best baby carriers.
1. Best Kids Carry-On Luggage: JetKids By Stokke BedBox
- Recommended Age: Suitable for children aged 3-7 years old.
- Pricing: The JetKids By Stokke BedBox is priced at approximately $230.
Why Do We Recommend It
When this carry-on, ride-on, and sleep-on luggage was launched by a former airline pilot, it garnered positive reviews from both parents and travel experts.
In fact, Time magazine hailed this In-Flight Bed suitcase as one of the best inventions of 2021. Apart from storing clothing, toys, and toiletries, this comprehensive across-the-board can turn into a premium in-flight bed with a built-in comfortable mattress bed and leg rest.
Due to its innovative design and functionality, the JetKids By Stokke BedBox is a top choice for kids carry-on luggage.
The soft side panels and mattress bed allow children to nap during long flights, making them feel cozy and comfortable. We love its sturdy construction, ensuring durability, and the swivel wheels provide easy maneuverability. Additionally, it features ample storage space, an adjustable strap for parents to pull the suitcase effortlessly, and a top opening design that assures parents that things will not fall when opening the bag.
Features
- Multi-functional design: Carry-on suitcase and in-flight bed.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Swivel wheels for smooth mobility.
- Ample storage space for toys, clothes, and essentials.
- Adjustable strap for easy pulling by parents.
2. Best Kids Luggage Set: Travelers Club Kids’ Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set
- Recommended Age: Suitable for children aged four and above.
- Pricing: The Travelers Club Kids’ Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set is priced at approximately $70.
Why Do We Recommend It
The Travelers Club Kids’ Five-Piece Luggage Travel Set offers excellent value for money as it includes various luggage pieces suitable for different travel needs. This set consists of a backpack, carry-on suitcase, duffle bag, travel pouch, and shoe bag. The luggage is made from durable polyester material and features vibrant and attractive designs that children will love. The set provides ample storage space for all their belongings, making it ideal for longer trips.
Features
- Five-piece set with multiple luggage options.
- Durable polyester construction.
- Attractive and vibrant designs.
- Ample storage space.
- Versatile and suitable for different travel needs.
3. Best Rolling Bag For Kids: Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage
- Recommended Age: 5 years and above
- Pricing: On Amazon, you can get Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage between $50 and $80, which is reasonably priced for parents who are on a budget and want to keep the baggage costs lower than $100.
Why Do We Recommend It
According to our testing, The Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage is an excellent option for kids who are looking for a reliable and stylish carry-on-sized rolling bag. The bag measures 14. 5″x 18″x 6. 5″ comfortable size for kids handling on flights during long trips. It combines functionality, durability, and eye-catching designs that will surely appeal to children.
Features
- Spacious Main Compartment: This rolling luggage for kids offers a pretty spacious main compartment that has a zip closure, where kids can store their clothing, accessories, and other travel essentials. It allows for organized packing, making it easier for kids to find their belongings during their journey.
- Front Zip Pocket: For smaller items like snacks, toys, travel documents, or stationery, kids can use the convenient front pocket. The convenient front zip pocket allows easy access to storage for storing small items so that kids don’t have to go through their main compartment regularly to access toys or treats, keeping their clothes tidy and clean.
- Sturdy Wheels and Retractable Handle: The Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage does not fail in durability tests and offers easy maneuverability for kids and sturdy wheels that ensure smoothness. Kids can also easily adjust the retractable handle according to their height, making traveling comfortable and easy.
- Side Mesh Pocket: Outside Storage for small eatables like biscuits, chocolates, or water bottles is a must in a kid’s luggage suitcase to keep clothes and other important things safe from spillage. The side mesh pocket is a great storage option to store things like that and provides easy access to perishable stuff like fruits or chocolates. It’s a great place to keep a water bottle or a snack, giving kids an easy access to stay hydrated or have a snack if they are hungry.
- Durable Construction: The bag is made from durable polyester material with reinforced stitching, ensuring it can withstand travel rigors. It is built to last, making it a reliable choice for multiple trips.
Articles and Accessories You Can Store in the Bag
- Clothing and accessories: The spacious main compartment can accommodate clothes, shoes, hats, and other personal items.
- Toiletries and beauty products: Travel-sized toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mini shampoo bottles can be stored securely.
- Books or notebooks: Kids can bring their favorite books or activity pads to entertain themselves during the journey.
- Snacks and drinks: The front zip pocket is perfect for storing snacks, while the side mesh pocket can hold a water bottle or juice box.
- Small electronics or gadgets: Kids can safely store their tablets, phone devices, smartwatch like Apple watch or fall detection watch, Apple iPhone, Camera, portable gaming devices, or headphones in the main compartment.
We highly recommend this rolling baggage suitcase to parents due to its ample storage space, convenient features, easy handling and maneuverability, and sturdy construction; this rolling bag is a reliable travel companion for children on their vacations or trips.
4. Best Cute Carry-On Bag for Kids: Rockland Jr. Kids’ My First Luggage
- Recommended Age: 2 years and above
- Pricing: $20 – $30
Why Do We Recommend It
Made of a lightweight Polycarbonate hard shell, this spinner carry-on luggage suitcase is a compact, cute, and a perfect fit for young children.
The painted colors and shape on this suitcase carry a cute cartoonish look which will definitely attract your children into their little imaginative worlds of the animal kingdom. Your children can choose from different shapes and themes, including Shark, Turtle, Owl, Frog, and many other animal interpretations in multiple vibrant colors.
It meets the size requirements for most airlines’ carry-on regulations and features adorable designs that appeal to kids. Kids can easily adjust the height of the bag’s retractable handle, making it easier to roll their baggage.
Parmjit says that the zip closure is very well made and has rubber grips, making it easier for kids to pull up the zips with their little hands. These minute details and customized finishes make children traveling easier while handling and using their baggage, which makes this cute bag a must-have recommendation.
Features
- Spacious main compartment with zippered closure.
- Front zip pocket for quick access to small items.
- Sturdy carry handles for easy transportation.
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap for added convenience.
- Lightweight and durable construction.
Articles and Accessories You Can Store in the Bag:
- Change of clothes.
- Travel-sized toiletries.
- Snacks and drinks.
- Coloring books and crayons.
- Comfort items (such as a small blanket or stuffed animal.
5. Best Lightweight Kids Luggage: Trunki Ride-On Suitcase
- Pricing: $100
- Recommended Age: 3 years and above
Why Do We Recommend It
Parents looking for a small and Sit-On luggage suitcase for their toddler or a young kid should take advantage of this one. This lightweight luggage is excellent for long travels as you can easily carry it on your shoulder or tow your kid through the airport to the flight.
A perfect companion for friends and kids, which indeed has all the essential characteristics of a lightweight kid suitcase, including functionality, ease to carry and handle for kids, durable outer and inner layers, 5 Years, and the fun part – it can be used as a scooter ride-on bag.
Features
- Generous storage capacity with secure, clip-in straps to hold belongings
- Secure lock and keys for added safety
- Carry handles and shoulder strap for versatile carrying options
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Fun and colorful designs
Articles and Accessories You Can Store in the Bag:
- Clothing and undergarments
- Travel-sized toiletries
- Stuffed animals or soft toys
- Books or activity pads
- Snacks and water bottle
How We Chose The Best Luggage For Kids
I Have researched and partnered with various internet personalities who roam the world with their partners and kids and have first-hand experience of long trips with a toddler or a young kid and what goes on during the trip, from leaving home to boarding the flight to reaching the destination. Kiki, The Blonde Abroad, roams around the world as a Travel Blogger with her kid. She shares that having a small, durable and carry-on rolling luggage makes the journey more accessible and more comfortable.
I also spoke with Jessica Gee (The Bucket List Family), Evie Farrell (Mumpack Travel), and Kelle Hampton (ETST), who are well-known travel bloggers. All share a standard method while buying a good luggage suitcase for their children that is fun and functional. That’s it. They don’t look for other frills or fillers that have no actual usage for kids during long trips.
They suggest that luggage with pictures or themes of cartoons, sports, superheroes, nature, or animals that can co-relate to a kid’s interests or imagination is a must-buy as they remain connected to it and show more interest while packing or handling the luggage.
I have considered all these factors, from the functionality and durability to the accessibility and kid’s interests while selecting and shortlisting the best luggage suitcases for kids and toddlers or big kids.
Is Hard-Sided Or Soft Luggage Better For Kids?
Evie Farrell (Mumpack Travel) is a famous traveler who rights about family, solo, and kid trips. Also, her posts journey on Instagram says she prefers lightweight, rolling, and hard-side luggage for kids with separate packaging compartments. “Luggage pockets and compartments give kids an additional space to store essential and nonessential things separately – like they can store snacks in outer pockets where they can get to it without needing help from parents” makes them independent.
What Is The Best Size Suitcase For Kids?
Kids’ best luggage suitcase size is that they can handle and maneuver easily. The retractable or telescopic handle and good-quality rolling wheels are other essential necessities for ride-on and carry-on luggage. “Luggage must be age and size fitting,” suggests Kelle Hampton (ETST). “Parents must consider their children’s age and color or shape choices. A small, lightweight, and under-the-seat carry-on backpack is recommended for toddlers. A sturdy, durable rolling on hard-side or soft-side suitcase will do the trick for big kids.”
Does My Kid Need Their Own Luggage?
If your kid is old enough and interested in carrying their own luggage, then parents can buy their kids a small, lightweight suitcase to start with. Many parents prefer to pack their children’s luggage with theirs, while others might differ and prefer a piece of personal baggage for each member. My parents preferred to pack luggage of me and my brother in a single suitcase, making it easy for us to haul the suitcase by turn. You can also buy a backpack for smaller kids or toddlers, which is easier to carry during long travels.
