Children's Suitcase: What to Look For

If you're taking a road trip with kids, your planning won't be complete without shopping for a children's suitcase. This may end up being the most enjoyable part of your planning - if you know how to approach the task.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The children's suitcase need not necessarily be a suitcase that was actually designed for kids. You can always use a mini-duffel bag or canvas tote bag as your child's "suitcase."
   
   He or she will probably be so excited to have a designated bag that it won't matter what the bag looks like. As long as your child gets to pack it and carry it herself, she'll be thrilled.
   
   
2. Got a really small child and have a little extra room in your suitcase? Consider simply putting all of your child's clothes in with yours. You'll probably be helping them get dressed and undressed anyway, so you might as well.
   
   
3. OK, still interested in an actual children's suitcase? Here are some tips: They're all colorful and fun, so you'll have a dizzying array of options to choose from.
   
   If you're planning on handing down luggage from one child to the next within your family, and you have children of both genders, keep in mind that you'll need to select a gender-neutral suitcase. Green is pretty safe; pink and army camouflage are not.
   
   It's all about wheels, for several reasons. One, kids are small and get tired of carrying their own cases, especially on long trips. Two, most grownup cases come with wheels nowadays, and your kids will want to be just like you. And three, wheels are just more fun. Any way to distract and amuse children when you're traveling....
   
   
4. Go for simplicity. The fewer zippers, latches, and pockets, the better. Why? Because with kids, more moving parts means more broken or missing parts.
   
   
5. Skip personalization. In this day and age, do you really want strangers at hotels to know your kids' names?

It's not hard to find a children's suitcase online, which can save you a tedious trip to the mall. Then again, maybe you want the experience of letting your children pick out their bags in the store. Either way, best of luck!