Best Travel Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Backpacks for Kids and Families

A young girl walks down a city street with a pink suitcase.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

One of the most common questions we see on our Facebook group, Families Who Love to Travel, is “What’s the best travel luggage for kids”? Finding travel luggage that lasts, is durable, and is also stylish can present a challenge for globetrotting parents. However, based on the wealth of suggestions from our members, we’ve created this handy guide featuring the Best Travel Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Backpacks for Kids and Families. Whether you’re looking for the best backpacks for kids, the best luggage for kids, or the best travel gifts for your favorite travelers, this article covers it all! In each section, you’ll also find our recommendations for a variety of price points and hear what our families have to say. The best part? All of these recommendations have been vetted by real parents who love to travel with their kids.

Best Travel Luggage for Kids

If you’re looking for the best travel luggage for kids, these options are sure to please! Based on suggestions from members in our Facebook group, Families Who Love to Travel, these are our top recommendations for the best kids’ luggage.

RELATED: Review of the BÉIS Kids Roller: A Game-Changer for Young Travelers

BÉIS Kids Roller

A young girl stands outside of an apartment in NYC with her pink BÉIS Kids Roller.
Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

Why We Love It

As seasoned family travelers and experts in the travel industry, we are often asked about stress-free, functional, and affordable luggage for kids. Luggage created for children is often cute and fun or highly functional – but usually not both. Well, the BÉIS Kids Roller truly offers it all!

As one of the best suitcases for kids, parents love the well-designed features like the exterior tablet pocket, the included laundry bag, the versatile carrying options (including a three-tiered trolly handle and a strap), and more! Plus, kids adore the bright colors of berry and citron! Even better, you can even pair the Kids Roller with a coordinating backpack, lunch box, and travel buddy. Not to mention, there are mommy and me options too through the adult Sherbet Collection! Finally, be sure to read our Review of the BÉIS Kids Roller: A Game-Changer for Young Travelers.

The BÉIS Kids Roller starts at $168.00. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“The best part about this luggage is the pouch to carry my laptop and iPad,” says Sanara, “Before, I used to carry them in my backpack, and it made my backpack really heavy. But now, I’m so excited that I no longer have to carry my laptop in my backpack. I can use my backpack for fun stuff like art supplies and other things.”

– Sanara, age 12

Micro Kickboard

Little girl rides happily on a black Micro Kickboard luggage while her parents pull her along the grey city streets. Micro Kickboard offers families some of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Micro Kickboard

Why We Love It

Parents looking to splurge on one of the best travel gifts should look no further than Micro Kickboard! Offering a variety of luggage options for kids, as well as stand-alone scooters, Micro Kickboard provides families with a multi-functional suitcase with ample storage space.

Kids can ride in style through the airport behind this suitcase upon the attached scooter. Or, children as young as 18 months can sit comfortably and safely on the luggage’s attached seat, while parents pull it along. Due to this, some parents may even decide to leave the stroller behind! There are sizing options from 18 months to 13 years old. Options convert easily, store nicely, and are incredibly durable, making Micro Kickboard an easy choice for the best travel luggage for kids!

The Micro Luggage 3.0 (13+) starts at $299.99. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Love these! Micro Kickboard also has them for teens and grown-ups, though not nearly as colorful.”

– Dawn Jasper

Zinc Flyte Scooter Suitcase

Three kids stand proudly with their Zinc Flyte luggage, featuring a dinosaur, a uninorn, and a space-inspired suitcase. Zinc Flyte is one of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Zinc Flyte

Why We Love It

With a motto like “turn every trip into an adventure”, kids adore traveling in style with their Zinc Flyte Scooter Suitcase! Available in two age groups (the Mini for ages 2-4 and Midi for ages 4-8), families will find a suitcase that suits their child’s size, as well as their unique style. With over 10 styles to choose from (like sharks, flamingos, and monsters), kids can also embrace their inner fashionista when selecting one!

The Zinc Flyte Scooter Suitcase is compact, versatile, and designed specifically for children. The special scooter feature built into the suitcase makes them easy to use and fun for kids! When children are tired, parents can stow the scooter and pull it along instead. This is certainly amongst the best travel luggage for kids due to its design elements, available bundle packages (including a matching backpack and pencil case), as well as its easy use.

Buy now directly from Zinc Flyte, prices and availability vary by style and size.

Why Our Families Love It

“Our son has been using this for the past two years, multiple trips per year and it’s the best gift he ever received. He’s a tall 5yo now and I think it still has 1-2 years left for him size-wise.”

– Jessica Pflueger

“We have them and our boys love them. They scoot their own suitcase which is a parenting win!”

– Felicia K Wong

Best Travel Luggage for All Ages

Next, we have the best travel luggage for teens and parents. These adult-sized suitcases are perfect for avid travelers due to their durability, sleek style, and ease of use! Keep reading to discover more of the best travel luggage for kids and families.

Monos Travel & Luggage – Designed in Canada. Made for the world.

Away Luggage

aerial view of hard-sided Away Travel Luggages in the colors red, silver, white, and pink. Away Travel has some of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Away Luggage

Why We Love It

Our families can’t stop talking about Away as the best travel luggage! And we can see why – with so many options for sizing, accessories, colors, and exterior material, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need. Experienced travel families know that a strong suitcase will take you far. Away luggage is superior in quality, durability, and customer service to many other brands.

In addition, you will love Away as one of the best travel gifts for travel lovers in your family, as you can even personalize some pieces! From organizers to pet carriers to large luggage, Away has everything you need for your next family vacation. With that added benefit of style and personalization. Finally, families will love their 100-day free trial, where you can travel and enjoy the luggage as much as possible to ensure you love it. If not, return it for a full refund! No wonder this is one of the best brands for travel luggage for kids and families!

Available directly from Away, prices vary by style and size. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Absolutely love my Away suitcases. Our family of five each has a bigger carry-on, plus we have two mediums and a large. Their customer service is top-notch. I had to replace a piece of the compression frame on the inside due to an error on my part. I had had the bag for about two months and used it several times already. The replacement piece was on backorder, so they literally sent me an entirely new suitcase and a prepaid shipping box to send back the other one. I had a new suitcase within three days of reaching out to them. Bonus — my youngest (six years old) is able to push her own suitcase through the airport with ease.”

– Melissa Bourgeois

Rimowa

Why We Love It

Looking to splurge on durable, high-end luggage? Rimowa is a great option for families! With over one hundred years of experience, Rimowa knows what travelers want in their luggage; high-quality material, superb customer service, and design with longevity in mind. Rimowa luggage is engineered to withstand airport and hotel handlers, while also being lightweight and stylish for you. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, accessories, and more, you’re sure to find exactly what you need for your next family trip!

You can even search their inventory by ‘travel type’, allowing you to find exactly what you need for the duration of your adventure. While some families may get sticker shock when looking through the options, know that they are highly rated in our community and well worth the price. Finally, families will love Rimowa’s 5-year guarantee (be sure to register your luggage online after purchase).

Rimowa: The perfect suitcase, 120 years in the making. Shop Now.

View the RIMOWA Classic Cabin S in silver or the RIMOWA Classic Check-In L in silver at Rimowa.com here!

Why Our Families Love It

“LOVE my Rimowa suitcases!! They’re actually still white after all these years! Very very happy with them.”

– Ле Ля

I love my Rimowa. They look great and glide so easily.

– Gunjan Prakash

Tumi

On the left, a pair of men's legs stand beside a black Tumi backpack and a black Tumi carry-on.
Photo Courtesy: Tumi

Why We Love It

Offering everything from large suitcases to carry-on luggage to slings and totes, Tumi is well-known for being amongst the best travel luggage for kids. Families love their sleek design and durability. Additionally, many of our families remark that its high-quality material and design also extend to the inside of the bag.

Then, Tumi luggage often includes a tracer number, which you can register with them (please verify with your selected bag that this is an option before purchasing, as not all pieces include one). Once registered, this number can be used to find your luggage and it privately maintains your contact information, if it is lost or misplaced. Families also appreciate Tumi’s extensive warranty. Everyone in your family can find a style and color to match their personality, while you rest easy knowing their new luggage was built to last! Finally, personalized bags are also available.

Find a variety of sizes, colors, and styles directly from Tumi. Buy Now!

Samsonite

Hard-sided black travel luggage from Samsonite, which is one of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Samsonite

Why We Love It

Samsonite is another fantastic option for families, offering reasonably priced luggage that will last. Samsonite provides several luggage options, including hard-sided and soft-sided. In addition, they offer a variety of sizes, colors, and accessories, including backpacks, organizers, and toiletry bags.

Samsonite is well-known for its quality and durability for travelers of all age sizes. In fact, their products go through rigorous testing to ensure stringent standards are met for all pieces. Built to last and travel through all the elements, families trust Samsonite to be superior, budget-friendly luggage. You will be able to travel with confidence knowing suitcases won’t bust open on cobblestones or with rough handling! Finally, they also provide limited global warranty options that suit most needs.

Available on Amazon, prices vary by style and size. Buy now.
Or, directly from Samsonite, prices vary by style and size. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“All our luggages are from Samsonite. Recently I just gave a Tumi as a present to my hubby, but he hasn’t used it yet. We love Samsonite and the Delsey language too.”

– Irina DeCamillo

Best Carry-Ons for All Ages

Families looking for carry-on luggage should look no further than this list. From roller bags to large duffle bags, these carry-on pieces are perfect for family travel by plane, train, or car! Keep reading to discover the best travel luggage for kids and families to carry onto the plane.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Family Travel Gifts 2022-2023

Away Bigger Carry-On

three hard-side white carry-on luggages from Away Bigger with a pop of red, yellow, and black. Away Bigger offers some of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Away Luggage

Why We Love It

Not only does Away have the best travel luggage for checked bags, but also for carry-on sizes! Families can find carry-on options with and without battery capacity. Plus, the Bigger Carry-On comes in at least 10 colors, allowing everyone in the family to personalize to their taste.

This lightweight carry-on also fits in most overhead bins. There is even a hidden laundry bag in each suitcase! Parents will love the option to have kids keep track of their own laundry while traveling. Not to mention, the Bigger Carry-Ons have versatile spinner wheels that allow you to get through the airport with ease. If you want a soft-sided option, try the Expandable Bigger Carry-on. As with the larger luggage, families will love their 100-day free trial, where you can travel and enjoy the luggage as much as possible to ensure you love it. If not, return it for a full refund.

Available directly from Away, starting at $245.00 for the Bigger Carry-On. Buy now.
Or, $245 for the Expandable Bigger Carry-On. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Love love our away Bigger Carry-On! Highly recommended. It moves so smoothly, packs efficiently and is a really great bag.”

– Erin McCombs

“Each family member has our own “bigger carry-on” and “medium” size. Previously, my kids had Pottery Barn luggage and the wheels were horrible. These are much easier to navigate. Matter of a fact, my youngest managed her own suitcase on a three-week trip to Europe with zero issues.”

– Melissa Bourgeois

Petunia Pickle Bottom

red-haired woman standing in kitchen with a black and grey Petunia Pickle Bottom bag. Petunia Pickle Bottom has some of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Petunia Pickle Bottom

Why We Love It

The stylish totes, backpacks, and diaper bags offered by Petunia Pickle Bottom make excellent carry-on bags, especially for parents traveling with young children. Plus, their diaper bags come with changing pads! The tote bags, for example, provide ample compartment space, perfect for holding your items, as well as those needed for your baby. Parents will love finding a carry-on that matches their personal style. Whether you prefer bold colors, patterns, or more neutral colors, Petunia Pickle Bottom has what you are looking for.

In fact, you can even get Disney-inspired bags! Small kids will love sporting their favorite Disney characters around the parks! Choose from Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Toy Story, and other iconic Disney friends. Families can also find accessories, masks, and wraps perfect for family travel. Not only are these items versatile, well-made, and trendy, they also are among the best travel gifts for your favorite globetrotters!

Rick Steves Europe Flight Bag

Rick Steves Europe Flight Bag, great for overnight trips and one of the This Rick Steves Europe Flight Bag is one of the best travel luggage for kids.
Photo Courtesy: Rick Steves

Why We Love It

Compact and easy to carry, the Rick Steves Europe Flight Bag is perfect for an overnight trip or as a carry-on. Available in four colors, this easy-to-carry bag has an over-shoulder strap and padded handles. The back of the carry-on can also slide over the handles of any roller bag, making it a breeze to transport through the airport! The generous storage compartment also includes a variety of pockets to ensure you can store your items in an organized fashion. With so many pockets, it can also double as a stylish diaper bag and carry-on for those traveling with babies.

Developed specifically for overseas travel, this carry-on is the only one you will ever need! It is functional, versatile, and fashionable all at the same time. Finally, it is also a great option for those who prefer not to have a roller bag.

Available directly from Rick Steves, starting at $39.99. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Rick Steves Euro Flight bag for a carry-on personal item. Fits under the seat and in the smallest stroller baskets and stores a lot of items.”

– Maureen Nez

Best Backpacks for Kids

If you’re looking for the best backpacks for kids, our list includes parent-tested options that are sure to impress your kids. 

READ NEXT: The Best Headphones for Kids of All Ages

Eddie Bauer Stowaway

two men with matching red flannel shirts helping one another tie backpacks to the top of a truck. set in a mountain landscape.
Photo Courtesy: Eddie Bauer Store via Amazon

Why We Love It

Families looking for the best backpacks for kids will love the Eddie Bauer Stowaway! This lightweight daypack is perfect for kids and adults alike. Available in two sizes (20L and 30L), families are sure to find one that fits their child.

Backpacks are also outfitted with mesh pockets and water bottle holders. Kids will love sporting one of these daypacks around Paris, Buenos Aires, or Tokyo! They are also ideal for young adventures on day hikes and camping trips. The breathable, lightly padded straps won’t slip and will sit comfortably on children of all sizes. In addition, families who like to pack light will love that the Eddie Bauer Stowaway folds into itself, fitting into a smaller front zip pocket. This way, families can easily store it when not in use. No matter what kind of family trip you are taking, the Eddie Bauer Stowaway perfectly pairs function with style!

Or, directly from Eddie Bauer, starting at $30.00. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Eddie Bauer stowaway packable 20L and 30L packs. Inexpensive and packs into the top pocket. I fly with one as a personal item.”

– Eric Love

Osprey Backpacks

three blonde children hiking through the forest during the day time with large backpacks that match their clothing.
Photo Courtesy: Osprey Packs

Why We Love It

If you need a high-end, adventure-proof backpack for kids, Osprey has everything you’re looking for! It is truly one of the best backpacks for kids, featuring a large main compartment that is easy to load. Available in multiple colors (including orange, purple, and more neutral colors), Osprey backpacks are designed for comfort. Then, the mesh shoulder straps and padded handle make carrying it through the airport or on a hiking trail a breeze. Plus, the back pocket is suitable for a hydration reservoir (sold separately). Additionally, the front pocket and the inside mesh pocket and key clip allow for increased organization and easy access to important items, like keys and flashlights.

Osprey also offers some of the best larger travel luggage options for kids, whose storage is increased by attaching the daypacks and backpacks. Finally, parents will love Osprey’s versatile and compatible nature, while kids will love the many colors available.

Or, directly from Osprey, starting at $65.00. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“Osprey backpacks are great for lightweight. I love the hard side Delsey Cruise spinner suitcases for our checked luggage. My kids have these smaller E-bags Allura hardside ones for carry-ons, and they can handle them in the airport and they have held up great. Oh, and they fit in the overhead!!”

– Amanda Chancey Boyle

“Osprey hands down! I have it for my entire family. Me, husband, son, and daughter.”

– Jenni Ponder

Deuter

A young girl wearing a Deuter backpack, featuring an owl on it, walks along a hiking trail.
Photo Courtesy: Deuter

Why We Love It

Deuter has been manufacturing German-engineered outdoor backpacks for over 100 years. Built to last, they are ideal for outdoor adventure families. Families will love the selection offered, from alpine bags to backpacks. Given the numerous options, families are sure to find a fit and style that best meets their needs and destination.

Consider the AVIANT ACCESS 38 for standard travel needs. With comfort and durability in mind, this carry-on size backpack is perfect for quick-moving families who want to skip the luggage carousel. If you’re headed off on an extended European or Asian backpacking tour – or trekking through a national park, the AVIANT VOYAGER 60+10 SL is a great option. Its ergonomic fit ensures you can jump on and off trains with ease, while its smart design means everything is packed in a tidy and organized manner. No wonder it ranks highly among the best travel luggage for kids!

Pro Tip: Families love Deuter’s lifetime warranty!

Why Our Families Love It

“I love how versatile the Deuter backpack is. Our backpacks are 10+ years old and travelled all around the world. They have withstood the test of time.”

– Sonia Villeneuve

“I’ve been traveling with my Deuter travel backpack for years. It all started when I did a backpacking trip through Europe. Now, years later, with 2 toddlers, I still have a Deuter travel backpack and we travel everywhere with it. I think the only times I didn’t travel with it was when I was pregnant and it could fit on my belly. I love the flexibility a travel backpack provides: our hands are always free so it’s easier to carry a stroller and/or the kids, or simply to hold their hands. Plus, it’s more suitable than a suitcase on cobblestone streets or dirt streets. We will be traveling the world with our 2 little kids and our 2 Deuter backpacks.”

– Emilie Brillon

eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack

Why We Love It

Families looking for the ideal balance of ease of use, budget, and versatility will love the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack. This affordable carry-on-size backpack offers ample space for belongings. In fact, each bag offers a variety of pouches, pockets, and fasteners to keep your items in place and organized.

The eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack also features an extender, allowing you to create more space for additional items – or to add souvenirs on the way home. Easy to carry, the eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpack may be a great option for backpacking kids who aren’t quite ready for their own large liter bag. Families on the go will also love how this bag has a variety of straps and handles. Not only can you carry it like a traditional backpack, but you can tuck away straps and grab it easily from planes and trains using another handle.

Why Our Families Love It

“Baggage fees are annoying, and so is waiting to get your bags after you land at your destination. A couple of years ago, my wife and I juggled duffle bags and basic backpacks to New York City and Paris. We liked having everything condensed into carry-ons, but those bags wore us out. The next time we were planning a trip overseas, I did some research on the best travel backpacks that could fit our needs AND fit in the plane’s overhead bin. My search led me to purchase two eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpacks, and they have served us well on adventures near and far from home.” Learn more about why Jason and his family love their eBags Mother Lode Travel Backpacks here.

– Jason Carlton

JanSport Backpacks

the bottom halves of four people holding grey, orange, green, and pink JanSport backpacks, each has color-coordinated clothing.
Photo Courtesy: JanSport

Why We Love It

JanSport lets kids highlight their style with vibrant, patterned, or neutral colors. Perfect for school, flights, and hiking, JanSport offers a plethora of options as one of the best travel luggage and backpacks for kids!

These reliable backpacks are well-known for their durability and spacious storage. Additionally, their straps are specifically designed for all-day comfort for kids and adults alike. Not only are the straps well-padded, but so is the back, allowing kids to carry their own items without complaint. Backpacks also come in four sizes; mini, small, medium, and large. This trusted brand is sure to provide kids with the creative style, comfort, and storage they need for family vacations. JanSport also offers accessors and other bag options for kids, such as lunch boxes and fanny packs. Finally, families will appreciate the lifetime guarantee offered by JanSport.

Or, directly from JanSport, starting around $30.00. Buy now.

Why Our Families Love It

“My 11-year-old likes Pottery Barn teens and larger JanSport Backpacks…for carry-ons.”

– Nikki Hanselman Haftl

Thank You to Our Community

A mom and her young daughter pack a suitcase together.
Photo Courtesy: Antonia Grant

As always, this article on the Best Travel Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Backpacks for Kids and Families would not have been as helpful, informed, or family-friendly without the contributions and input from the amazing members of our Facebook group, Families Who Love To Travel! For more travel recommendations on the best travel luggage for kids or other vacations with children, be sure to join us on Facebook at Families Who Love To Travel.

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community. 

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Families Love Travel Team

The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.