In my twenties, you wouldn't catch me with rolling luggage—a slouchy duffel or a laid-back, sporty backpack had me set. In my thirties, I moved toward rolling luggage for its practicality and slick style at the airport.
Now as a parent tackling international long-haul flights with an infant every quarter, looking slick is a thing of the past. When traveling with kids, being able to access what you need when you need it and having hands free to pick up little ones is essential. My dream luggage is sleek and stylish and features lightweight materials, practical organization features and convenient extras like charging ports. Extra points for kid-friendly additions like ride-on options and fun colors.
So as I dream of perfect luggage, I have created a wishlist and guide to choosing the best luggage for every type of family traveler. Let us dream together.
Best-of List: Luggage for Family Travel
1. Micro Ride-On Luggage Eazy Forest Green
Puts the FUN in function. Breeze through the airport without breaking a sweat with your little one in tow. Break out the fun sticky shapes to provide an activity while waiting at the gate. This bag gets top grade.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $299.99
Durability: High, with sturdy construction.
Lightweight Handling: Excellent, easy for kids to maneuver.
Internal Organization: Excellent, with ample space and well-designed compartments.
Style: Sleek and practical for kids.
Ease with Kids: Excellent, with dual functionality and organizational features that make it easy to pack and manage items for the whole family, keeping parents hands-free.
Size: Carry-On Size
Best For: Parents seeking a practical, fun, and stylish travel solution that combines functionality with entertainment for children.
Link to buy: Micro Ride-On Luggage Eazy Forest Green
2. Minaal Carry-On 2.0 Bag
A minimalist and sleek carry-on bag designed with tough materials and great organizational features.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $299
Durability: High, made from tough materials.
Lightweight Handling: Excellent, very maneuverable.
Internal Organization: Excellent, with multiple compartments and a rain cover.
Style: Minimalist and sleek.
Ease with Kids: Excellent, with great organizational features and enough capacity to pack items for the whole family, keeping parents hands-free.
Size: Carry-On Size
Best For: The minimalist traveler who needs efficiency and durability.
Link to buy: Minaal Carry-On 2.0 Bag
3. Away The Bigger Carry-On with Pocket
A stylish and contemporary carry-on with a built-in USB charger and made from recyclable materials.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $275
Durability: High, with a robust shell.
Lightweight Handling: Excellent, very maneuverable.
Internal Organization: Outstanding, with various compartments.
Expandability: Good, with expandable sections.
Style: Stylish and contemporary.Ease with Kids: Good, easy for kids to pull.
Digital Connectivity: Includes built-in USB charger.
Sustainability: Made with recyclable materials.Size: 22.7" x 14.7" x 9.6".
Best For: The tech-savvy traveler who needs smart features and sustainability.
4. Deuter Kid Comfort Pro Backpack
This backpack is perfect for adventurous parents who love hiking and outdoor activities. It includes a built-in child carrier, storage and offers great organizational features.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $320
Durability: High, made from robust materials.
Lightweight Handling: Moderate, comfortable to carry but can get heavy.
Internal Organization: Good, with sufficient pockets for organization.
Expandability: Minimal, designed more for functionality than extra space.
Style: Practical and functional.
Ease with Kids: Excellent, includes a built-in child carrier.
Size: 14 liters for gear plus child carrier.
Best For: The adventurous parent who loves hiking and outdoor activities.
5. Micro Scooter Luggage Junior
A versatile and fun piece of luggage that doubles as a scooter (or vice versa) perfect for keeping kids entertained while traveling and making the rush to the gate a breeze.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $179.99
Durability: High, with sturdy construction.
Lightweight Handling: Excellent, easy for kids to ride or pull.
Internal Organization: Basic, with a spacious main compartment.
Style: Fun and engaging for kids.
Ease with Kids: Excellent, with a fun design and ample space for children's items, making it easy for parents to stay hands-free.
Size: Carry-On Size
Best For: Kids who need a fun and functional travel companion.
Link to buy: Micro Scooter Luggage Junior
6. Thule Landmark 40L Travel Pack
A minimalist travel pack that offers efficiency and style, with multiple compartments and dividers for excellent organization.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $200
Durability: Excellent, made from tough materials.
Lightweight Handling: Good, relatively easy to carry.
Internal Organization: Excellent, with multiple compartments and dividers.
Expandability: Limited, designed for specific capacity.
Style: Modern and sleek.
Ease with Kids: Good, manageable but not ideal for smaller children.
Size: 40 liters.
Best For: The minimalist traveler who needs efficiency and style.
7. Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 30L
A stylish and versatile backpack designed for comfort, with well-thought-out compartments and weather-resistant materials.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $199
Durability: High, made from strong, weather-resistant materials.
Lightweight Handling: Excellent, designed for comfort.
Internal Organization: Outstanding, with well-thought-out compartments.
Expandability: Limited, but spacious main compartment.
Style: Stylish and versatile.
Ease with Kids: Slick and compact so you can be hands free.
Size: 30 liters.
Best For: The stylish traveler who needs to carry a lot but stay organized.
Link to buy: Tortuga
8. JetKids by Stokke BedBox
A fun and engaging ride-on toy that doubles as a carry-on suitcase and in-flight bed for young kids.
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $199
Durability: High, sturdy construction.
Lightweight Handling: Good, relatively easy to maneuver.
Internal Organization: Good, with enough space for essentials.
Expandability: Limited, not designed for extra space.
Style: Fun and engaging for kids.
Ease with Kids: Excellent, doubles as a ride-on toy.
Size: 20 liters.
Best For: Parents with young kids who need both fun and functionality.
9. Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L Travel Backpack, Black
Overall Rating: ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️
Price: $150
Durability: Excellent, designed to withstand rough handling.
Lightweight Handling: Good, but can be heavy when fully packed.
Internal Organization: Outstanding, with multiple compartments and pockets.
Expandability: Limited, but the main compartment is spacious.
Style: Sleek and functional design.
Ease with Kids: Good, but may be challenging for smaller children to carry.
Size: 46 liters.
Best For: The organized and seasoned traveler who values durability.
The Trade-Off: Which is Best for Your Family?
Rolling Luggage: Ideal for durability, organization, and ease of mobility, particularly in airports and hotels. Look for features like spinner wheels, ride-on capabilities for kids, and expandable sections.
Backpacks: Best for lightweight handling, versatility, and hands-free convenience. Suitable for more rugged travel environments and activities or as a compliment to your rolling luggage. Look for backpacks with good internal organization, padded straps, and water-resistant materials.
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on the nature of your trip, the age and independence of your children, and your personal travel style. Combining both types of luggage might offer the best of both worlds, providing flexibility and convenience for various travel situations.