The Best Suitcases for Kids (so You're Ready for Summer Travel!)
Spending time in our favorite places and exploring new destinations are great reasons to pack up the suitcases and hit the road as a family. But family travel can present its own list of challenges. And just like any scenario in which I feel stressed, I find that the key to managing these potentially demanding situations is to make like a Boy Scout and 'be prepared.' By having the right supplies at our fingertips, I can be relatively confident that our travel will be comfortable so that we arrive at our destination ready to explore, have fun, and maybe even relax.
Over the years I've tried several different luggage solutions for my two kids, now 13 and 7, and I've finally found the suitcases that meet all of our needs. Here's a look at the best suitcases for summer travel with kids.
When selecting a suitcase for young travelers, it's important to consider the child's capabilities. A heavy, bulky suitcase with sticky wheels is going to lead to a meltdown in the middle of an airport (either your child's or your own), so go with something manageable that's in line with your child's size. Kids should be able to manage their own luggage, so make sure the zippers and wheels work smoothly, and the materials feel sturdy enough to endure inevitable wear and tear.
A cute choice for a first suitcase, the Boppi Tiny Trekker is quite small, with a zippered compartment and an open packing area with enough room for about two days' worth of clothes, a couple of pull-ups, and a few toys. The small size makes it easy for kids to handle, and they'll love any of the suitcase's 10 charming designs, like a strawberry, a tiger, or a penguin.
Amazon
$60
Buy Now
When you're ready to increase your frequency and duration of travel, this stylish and functional suitcase will serve you well wherever you roam. This Itzy Toddler Suitcase is a great starter suitcase for teaching kids the lifelong skill of packing for themselves. The maneuverability is great, even during long airport walks, and the size (spacious interior, but not too big outside) is just right for little kids.
Maisonette
$120
Buy Now
Now that my kids are getting older, we've left the character suitcases behind in favor of something that's still fun but a little more age-appropriate. This lockable, hard-shell carry-on-size suitcase from Away is remarkably spacious yet still light enough for kids to carry without complaining (at least no more than usual), and it's available in 5 vibrant hues, including froggy green and cotton candy pink. In its two packing areas, the Kids' Carry On can easily accommodate about a week's worth of clothing and a few extras. I also snagged Away's Kids Packing Cubes for an extra level of suitcase organization.
Away
$225
Buy Now
Whereas the Away kids' luggage is all about bright candy colors, Beis offers a more subtle color palette, with either the Atlas Pink or Olive in the Mini Roller suitcase, which is the perfect size for elementary-age kids but also chic enough for Mom to use for a quick jaunt out of town. The Mini Roller also has a handy zippered compartment up front, which is perfect for stashing a book or an iPad, and the suitcase features a TSA-approved lock for an extra level of security.
Béis Travel
$218
Buy Now
Once your kids hit their teen years, they're probably ready to upgrade to more of a forever suitcase, and the Logan Suitcase from State hits the mark for durability and classic design while still offering some teen-friendly aesthetics, including a glittery pink and silver or a gender-neutral lightning bolt. My kids already loved State's durable, chic backpacks, which have held up nicely after several years of use, so making the investment in a State suitcase felt like a safe move. The Logan is a lightweight, soft-sided suitcase that has ample room for two weeks' worth of clothing and includes a zippered front pocket and a bottle holder for easy access during transit. And if you need a little more room, the Kane backpack and Bensen toiletry set are available in complementary colors to complete your set.
STATE Bags
$225
Buy Now
The award-winning Stokke JetKids BedBox was named one of TIME's Best Innovations in 2021. It's designed for kids 2 to 7 years old (up to 77 pounds). Not only can kids self-propel using their feet, but they can also ride on the suitcase while caregivers tug it along by the adjustable strap, and the suitcase also transforms into a snuggly spot for your kiddo to rest on the plane! (Check your airline to make sure it's permitted first, though — even if it's not approved to use in the seat, it is still considered a carry-on.) However, the padding that creates the 'bed' does chip away at some of the interior space of the suitcase, so if you are not prioritizing that aspect (i.e., if you have a shorter flight or if your kids would be comfortable without the padding), you might want to ditch it and use the extra room for packing.
Stokke
$249
Buy Now
It's a suitcase! It's a scooter! It's the most fun your kid can have on a layover! The Roll Rider is a hardshell suitcase with a built-in scooter (and light-up wheels!) for kids up to 110 pounds, which makes it a potentially good choice even for tweens. Designed by a mom, this overhead-compliant suitcase includes handy features like a water bottle holder and an iPad compartment so kids can grab exactly what they need and keep on rolling.
Maisonette
$140
Buy Now
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