Talk to me about luggage...

[ladybub101]

We are going to Disneyworld in January for 10 days. We need to buy luggage. 2 adults, 3 young kids (4, 5, 8). Can I get some suggestions on what kind of luggage to buy? Should I get each kid a kid's suitcase (like from Toys R Us)? They're definitely cute but look like they don't hold very much. I would like one large suitcase to bring snacks down, and souvenirs back.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I love my American Tourister (or is is Samsonite) from SAMs club, hard sider 5 yr warranty.Lite weight and fits everything 28". It will get some scratches eventually with trips, but no dents.
I also found a Donald Duck 26" hard sider HEYS at overstock.com, and AAA on sale. Not sure where I bought it.....the SAMs was $119 and Donald $99 maybe less.
I do have The Motherlode from Ebags, but they are great for wold travel, last forever, no scratches, dents, or zipper issues. Dd still uses hers all the family trips.
For something to brings things back in, maybe a thrift shop find.

 

[ktrask]

Kohls has luggage sets for good prices. My husband and I bought them before we got married. We don't travel a ton (1 vacation a year max), but they have lasted our 6 year marriage so far.

 

[letsgoreds]

Be careful with large suitcases...they can easily go over the weight limit. We use medium size (carryon suitcases nest in them), and they hold quite a bit. We used to use the next size up, but after 20 minutes of moving stuff from one suitcase to another to avoid hefty charges, stopped using the large one.

Backpacks are way easier for the kids, and won't get left behind. Just as cute. Pack everything for your family in two medium sized cases, bring some essentials in a carryon (just in case suitcases are lost/held up somewhere, we use a backpack), and let each kid bring a backpack with special items they want to use on the plane, etc.

We buy suitcases from Costco.

 

[maciec]

I just bought our 3 kids (13,10,2.5) all Mother Lode 25"'s from ebags. I love them! Spent a lot of time comparing sizes and reviews and warranties and these seemed like the best bang for the buck especially when they went on sale. Oh and LOVE the vibrant colors! I paid $143 a piece for them and that's the lowest I've ever seen them. Right now they are on sale for $144 with free shipping.

 

[aj2hall]

Most of our travelling is by car and we use LL Bean duffel bags. We've flown with them, too and love them. Our suitcases are from Samsonite and Lands End and have both held up really well. Are you looking to buy a good quality suitcase that you can use for future trips or just something to get you there and back? Kohls, TJ Maxx and Marshalls sometimes have good deals on Samsonite luggage.

On our first trip, when my boys were 6 and 8, they used their school backpacks (LL Bean) but after walking through the airport, to baggage claim and out to the rental car, they complained a little about the weight. For our next trip, we bought a wheeled backpack (also from LL) and our trips through the airport were a little smoother.

 

[couponsrus33900]

Each airline has standardized acceptable sizes for carry-on and checked baggage. I would check out several airline websites and find out the luggage measurements before you buy. Take a tape measure with you when you shop for luggage.

I do not suggest that you buy new luggage. About five years ago, DH and I bought new luggage for a trip only to have three of the suitcases be broken in some way that makes them difficult to use. One had broken wheels, one had a broken zipper, and the last one had cuts on outside canvas.

I picked up mine at craig's list, thrift stores, garage sales and auctions. A lot less expensive. ALSO: If you have friends who travel, maybe you can ask to use theirs.

 

[Runnergal]

We use ll bean wheeled duffel bags. My boys are 6 and 8 and have the medium. They are not huge but big enough to hold their stuff, plus they can handle them themselves. I got them monogrammed and they picked their own colors. I got the extra large for myself. They are great because they are lightweight, and they lie flat when empty so I can store them under the bed(essential for us in a NYC apartment!). The only negative is that unlike a suitcase, you can't stand it up on one end.

 

[mrssam]

April 2012 at Target we bought the best luggage, yes at Target, and they still carry it.
It's made by Swiss Gear and it rocks. It's greet and black with neon green piping. We have three of the larger ones and two carry-ons. The carry-ons are so cool because they have secret backpack straps, plus a pull bar since it's on wheels. This luggage is amazing. It's sturdy and durable and while it is large the space is functional and used wisely.
DD has a hello kitty hard-case carry-on, but I'm doubtful how long it might last. I would stay away from the character ones and just get larger suitcases for your family to share.

 

[kmb584]

DD and I each have a Samsonite Lift 25" suitcase. They're very lightweight and hold an almost inconceivable amount of items! I paid close to full price for mine and then almost blew a lid when I saw them for 65% off at TJ Maxx. Returning them to the original store was not an option as they had been purchased several months prior and used.

Almost all of the luggage companies now make lightweight options and I highly recommend purchasing that option. Having an empty suitcase weigh 3lbs instead of 10lbs is an advantage, a huge advantage. Browse local stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshall's as I've found both to have a great selection of both soft and hardshell luggage. I'd skip a child's suitcase unless you're planning to use it as a carry-on. My daughter has a Hello Kitty one that fits 2 Duffy's, coloring supplies, snacks and a change of clothes. There is no way I'd be able to get 10 days worth of necessities in it!