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Traveling with a family can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to packing. With so much to bring along, it’s important to have the right luggage to make the journey as smooth as possible.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the best luggage for families, specifically focusing on suitcases.
When it comes to choosing the right suitcase for a family, there are a few critical things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, size matters. You’ll want to make sure you have enough space to pack everything you need for each family member, without going over the weight limit for checked baggage.
Additionally, durability is key, as suitcases can take a beating during travel.
Finally, ease of use is important, as you’ll likely be juggling multiple bags and children while navigating through airports and other travel hubs.
We spent hours researching and testing various suitcases to identify the ones that are best suited for families. In the following sections, we’ll be sharing our top picks and the reasons why they stood out to us. So, if you’re planning a family trip and need some guidance on choosing the right luggage, we’ve got you covered.
| Feature | Coolife Luggage 4-Piece Set | Travelers Club 4-Piece Set | SwissGear Sion 29-Inch | Amazon Basics 24-Inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Softshell | Hardside | Softside | Hardside |
| Color Options | Black & Blue, Black & Red, Blue & Silver, Dark Green, Gray, Purple | Rose Gold, Black, Bubble Gum, Butterscotch, Lilac, Navy Blue, Tan | Black, Burgundy, Gray, Pewter, Merlot, Teal, Navy Blue | Orange, Black, Blue, Navy Blue |
| Size | Not specified | Multiple sizes from 28-Inch to 10- Inch bag | 29-Inch | 24-Inch |
| Expandable | Yes | Not specified | Yes | No |
| Spinner Wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Lightweight | 8.4 lbs for the 28″ | 11 lbs | 9.63 lbs |
| Price Range | $169.99 | $116-$174 depending on the color | $139.99 | $103.52 |
Best Luggage for Families: Our Top Picks
As a family, traveling can be both exciting and stressful. One of the biggest challenges can be finding the right luggage that can accommodate everyone’s belongings while still being easy to maneuver through airports and hotels.
After researching and testing various options, we’ve compiled a list of the best luggage for families. These options offer ample storage space, durability, and ease of use, making your family travels hassle-free.
Best Hard Shell: Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet durable luggage option for your family travels, the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The extra-thick ABS hard shell provides reliable strength and durability, making it perfect for families who want luggage that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel.
- The scratch-resistant Orange finish is not only stylish, but it also helps to keep your luggage looking new and fresh even after multiple trips.
- The 4 double spinner wheels, telescoping handle, and short handle make it easy to move around, even when fully packed.
Cons
- The interior organizer with divider and 3 zippered pockets for smaller items may not be enough for families who need more storage space.
- While the luggage is expandable for up to 15% more packing space, it may not be enough for families who need to pack a lot of items.
- The bright Orange color may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Overall, we found the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner to be a great option for families who want a reliable and affordable luggage option.
We were impressed by its strength, durability, and scratch-resistant finish, and found it easy to move around thanks to its 4 double spinner wheels and telescoping handle.
However, families who need more storage space may want to consider a larger option, and those who prefer more muted colors may want to look elsewhere.
Best Large Suitcase: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage
This luggage is a great choice for families who need ample packing space and convenient portability.
Pros
- We love the 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and locking push/pull handle system that make it easy to navigate through crowded airports.
- The adjustable luggage tie-down straps and durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric make this suitcase secure and long-lasting.
- The removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket make organizing our belongings a breeze.
Cons
- The large size of this suitcase may make it difficult to fit in smaller vehicles or overhead compartments on planes.
- The handle system can feel a bit flimsy when fully extended.
- The front panel pockets are not as spacious as we would like.
Overall, we highly recommend the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage for families who need a reliable and spacious suitcase for their travels.
The multiple pockets and compartments make it easy to stay organized, and the durable construction ensures that it will last for many trips to come.
Best Hard Shell Set: Travelers Club Midtown 4 Piece Luggage Set
If you are looking for a stylish and affordable luggage set for your family, the Travelers Club Midtown 4 Piece Luggage Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The set includes 4 pieces, providing ample space for the whole family’s belongings.
- The luggage is made of durable hardside material that can withstand the wear and tear of travel.
- The set comes in a beautiful rose gold color that is easy to spot on the baggage carousel.
Cons
- The luggage can be heavy when fully packed, making it difficult to maneuver.
- The zippers on the luggage can be prone to snagging or breaking.
- The smaller pieces in the set, such as the boarding tote and toiletry kit, may not be as sturdy as the larger suitcases.
We recently used the Travelers Club Midtown 4 Piece Luggage Set on a family vacation and were impressed with its overall quality and functionality.
The hard material held up well to the rough handling of airport baggage handlers and protected our belongings from damage.
The 4-wheel spinners made it easy to navigate through crowded airports and the telescoping handles were comfortable to grip.
One thing to note is that the luggage can be quite heavy when fully packed, so it may not be the best option if you are looking to avoid overweight baggage fees.
Additionally, we did experience some issues with the zippers snagging or breaking, so it’s important to be gentle when opening and closing the luggage.
Best Soft Sided Set: Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set
If you’re looking for a luggage set that is both affordable and functional, the Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set is a great option to consider.
With four pieces included in the set, you’ll have plenty of options for packing and organizing your belongings.
Pros
- The luggage set is made of durable 1680D oxford cloth material, which is much better than polyester.
- The set includes a 20-inch carry-on, 24-inch medium luggage, 28-inch large luggage, and a 15-inch tote bag, providing ample space for all your travel needs.
- The luggage has four multi-directional spinner wheels and a telescopic handle for easy mobility.
Cons
- The set may not be suitable for those who frequently travel by air, as the luggage may not hold up well to rough handling.
- The tote bag is not very sturdy and may not be suitable for carrying heavy items.
- The luggage set is only available in one color, which may not be to everyone’s liking.
Overall, we found the Coolife Luggage 4 Piece Set to be a great value for the price.
The luggage is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and provides plenty of space for all your travel needs. The built-in TSA lock also provides peace of mind when traveling.
If you’re in the market for an affordable luggage set, we highly recommend giving this one a try.
Luggage Buying Guide
When it comes to buying luggage for a family, there are several factors to consider. We want to make sure that we choose a product that is durable, spacious, and easy to carry. Here are some features to look for when selecting the best luggage for your family:
Size and Capacity
First and foremost, we need to make sure that the luggage we choose is large enough to accommodate all of our family’s belongings.
We found for individual suitcases for our kids and myself – a 24-inch suitcase is plenty big enough for up to a week vacation. My wife found the 28-29-inch size was better suited for her.
The 24-inch is a small enough size that even our 3-year old can manage to pull it and it is definitely the right size for our 7-year-old.
It’s also important to consider the size and weight restrictions of the airlines you’ll be traveling with to avoid any additional fees or hassles. With a 28-29-inch or bigger you’ll need to be careful packing it to capacity or you’ll quite easily hit the weight limits. Remember – the suitcase itself weighs more the bigger you go too.
Durability
Traveling with a family can be tough on luggage, so we want to choose a product that is strong and durable.
Look for luggage made from materials such as polycarbonate or ballistic nylon, which are known for their toughness and resistance to wear and tear.
Also, check for reinforced corners and handles, which are often the first areas to show signs of wear.
This is also where you’ll have to decide between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage. Hard-shell will have better impact resistance for protection but if anything does break through the shell – you’ll likely be buying a new suitcase.
Wheels and Handles
Having luggage with smooth-rolling wheels and comfortable handles is essential for a stress-free travel experience.
Look for luggage with four wheels, which allows for greater maneuverability and ease of use.
Also, make sure the handles are comfortable to grip and retractable for easy storage.
Compartments and Organization
Keeping our family’s belongings organized and easily accessible is key to a smooth travel experience.
Look for luggage with multiple compartments and pockets. Also, find a bag with a separate section for shoes and toiletries.
Packing cubes can also be helpful for keeping items organized and separate.
Style and Design
While functionality is important, we also want our luggage to look good and reflect our personal style.
Look for luggage with a design and color that you and your family will love. Also, consider luggage with unique features such as built-in chargers or GPS tracking for added convenience and security.
Hard Shell vs Soft Sided Luggage
When choosing the best luggage for families, one of the most important decisions to make is whether to go for hard shell or soft-sided luggage.
Both types of luggage have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your family’s needs and preferences before making a decision.
Hard shell luggage is known for its durability and protection. It can withstand rough handling and is less likely to be damaged during transportation.
However, if it does break from impact, the suitcase becomes unusable, which can be a major inconvenience. Additionally, hard shell luggage tends to be heavier than soft-sided luggage, which can be a hassle when trying to pack for a family trip.
On the other hand, soft-sided luggage is lightweight and flexible, making it easier to pack and store.
It’s also less likely to be damaged during transportation, and if it does get damaged, it can often be repaired. Soft-sided luggage is a great choice for families who don’t need to pack fragile items in their checked luggage, as it provides ample protection for most items.
Ultimately, the choice between hard shell and soft-sided luggage comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your family.
If you prioritize durability and protection, hard shell luggage may be the best choice for you. However, if you value flexibility and ease of use, soft-sided luggage may be the better option.
What Size Luggage is Best for Kids?
When traveling with kids, it is important to choose the right size luggage to ensure that they can easily manage their own bags and that they have enough space to pack all their essentials.
Based on our experience, we found that a 22-24 inch suitcase was the perfect size for each of our kids for a week-long vacation.
Choosing a smaller suitcase for kids has several advantages.
- Easier for them to handle and maneuver through crowded airports or train stations.
- Encourages them to pack only the essentials, which can help them learn to prioritize and be more organized.
- Smaller suitcases can also help prevent overpacking, which can be a common problem when traveling with kids.
When selecting a suitcase for your child, make sure to consider their age, size, and travel needs. We found the sweet spot was 22-24-inch depending on their age.
Wrapping Up The Best Luggage For Families
We hope this article has helped you find the best luggage for your family’s needs. Remember to consider factors such as size, durability, and ease of use when making your decision.
When it comes to size, we recommend looking for luggage that is spacious enough to fit all of your family’s belongings. But it shouldn’t be so large that it becomes difficult to maneuveror risk
Durability is also important, as you want your luggage to be able to withstand the wear and tear of travel.
In terms of ease of use, consider features such as wheels and handles that make it easy to transport your luggage through airports and hotels. Additionally, look for luggage with multiple compartments and pockets to help keep your family’s belongings organized.
