Suitcases

[Immadismom]

I am wanting to get each of our children a suitcase for Christmas this year. We are all going on a cruise for spring break next year, and I think it will be good for them to have now that they're getting older and traveling more.

First, I'm wondering what size would be good for a week-long trip? 25"? Bigger or smaller? And how much should I look to spend? I'm hoping to stay under $100 each, as I will be buying 3.

I know that TJ Maxx, Marshall's & Ross always carry decent priced luggage. I am also hoping to use gift cards earned on Swagbucks and other rewards sites to help offset the cost, so I'm not sure if I should just stick to Amazon, or get TJX gift cards. And, I would like each child to have a different color. I know...picky, picky! Lol!!

Any help you can provide is much appreciated!

 

[adisneyaunt]

What a wonderful idea. And as they get older they ll then be fully responsible to pack it etc. organization skills, time management skills etc!
My only suggestion is to be sure the wheels fully rotate so when they pull the extended handle and have to turn, it won't tip over! Perhaps a special luggage tag for each... dare I say a special disney character, lol?
Costco has great prices.. I'd not do hardside nor light colors which really do show dirt/wear.
Regarding size: do u want it to work for carry on compliance? Then you'd likely need to go smaller?
I've been able to do a week in a carry on ( roll clothes, choose color coordination etc..so it's doable)..
Good luck, hope u can grab a great sale!

 

[cepmom]

I swear by eBags Mother Lode Junior luggage. We have 4 of the 25" size in different colors. Anything bigger than 25" is going to be tough to keep under the weight limits for airline travel. They hold a lot, roll easily, have some great organizing features, and they have fantastic customer service. The zipper on one of my husbands bags started to break a few years after the initial purchase - called them up and they sent us a credit to purchase a new one, no problem. We still have the old bag and can use for non-airline travel (I don't trust the zipper to not break open being handled by airline personnel, so we only use that one for non-airline travel now) Haven't had any problems with any of the other bags breaking and my husband travels weekly for work so they get a lot of use!

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I replaced our luggage a couple of years ago. I purchased it at Kohl's during their promotion of spend "x" amount and get money back, plus had discounts and luggage was on sale. Kept going back for another piece because I kept earning Kohl's cash. Ended up with Samsonite(Featherlite?). It really is light weight. I got the 29 inch because sometimes I can pack for me and my daughter in one larger suitcase and then just pay for one suitcase at check in.

 

[laceltris3]

We are big fans of the LL Bean rolling duffles (I think they are currently running 20% off). We have two larges we use for checked bags and the kids have mediums that work as carry ons. Perfect with packing cubes. They can be stuffed full and since they are relatively light they are good for strict European checked bag weight limits. They are also flat when empty, so we can easily fit them under the bed or in the closet when traveling.

 

[BarbMike821]

Did you see this post from @kydisneyfans?!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/cheap-disney-star-wars-luggage-on-the-jc-penney-website.3607890/

Great quality and the price point you're looking for! Plus there are non-disney themed suitcases on sale if you're looking for something without characters.

 

[Immadismom]

They're definitely old enough to pack now at 13, 14 & 16. Lol! They've just always used duffel bags, which can be really hard to lug around. I'm wanting to get them all "grown up" suitcases so they can wheel their own junk behind them.


I will also be looking at the rolling duffels, thank you!

 

[Immadismom]

Did you see this post from @kydisneyfans?!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/cheap-disney-star-wars-luggage-on-the-jc-penney-website.3607890/

Great quality and the price point you're looking for! Plus there are non-disney themed suitcases on sale if you're looking for something without characters.

I just saw this now also, thanks!

 

[Immadismom]

I swear by eBags Mother Lode Junior luggage. We have 4 of the 25" size in different colors. Anything bigger than 25" is going to be tough to keep under the weight limits for airline travel. They hold a lot, roll easily, have some great organizing features, and they have fantastic customer service. The zipper on one of my husbands bags started to break a few years after the initial purchase - called them up and they sent us a credit to purchase a new one, no problem. We still have the old bag and can use for non-airline travel (I don't trust the zipper to not break open being handled by airline personnel, so we only use that one for non-airline travel now) Haven't had any problems with any of the other bags breaking and my husband travels weekly for work so they get a lot of use!

Glad to hear about the awesome service. Thank you!!

 

[DisMommyTX]

I would recommend a 20-22" suitcase for each of them. My daughter and I can each travel with a 21" for a 7-10 day trip. Lots of shoes or winter clothes need a bigger bag, but otherwise the largest carry-on size seems just right for each of us. We also have a good 25" bag for trips that require lots of different clothes and a 28", but it gets too heavy unless we are carrying blankets/pillows/stuffed animals, or winter coats.