When choosing children's luggage it is important to consider the primary use of the luggage, the preferences of the child and whether the child would be better off with a set rather than just one piece. Some children travel frequently and may require luggage of higher quality than children who only occasionally go away for weekend sleep-overs. Children may also be concerned with the appearance of their luggage, so it is a good idea to get a child's input before selecting one or more pieces.
The amount and type of traveling that a child does is an important consideration in selecting children's luggage. If the child is going to use his luggage primarily for the occasional weekend trip to visit friends and family, and these trips will be primarily made by car, the sturdiness of the luggage is not as important as it is for children who regularly engage in airline travel. In the latter case, it is important that the luggage be sturdy enough to withstand the abuse it will undergo as it is processed through airports.
Another consideration in children's luggage is the style. While there are a number of cute children's luggage sets, as a child grows older he may no longer want to carry luggage designed for a younger child. If you plan to purchase a relatively expensive set for a child, it may be wiser to choose luggage that is neutral in appearance rather than a set imprinted with superheroes or other characters from children's television shows or movies.
The size and amount of children's luggage that you purchase also depends on the needs of the child. If a child primarily takes only short trips, a small roller bag or tote may be the best option for the child. Children who go away for long periods of time, perhaps to boarding school, summer camp or to visit a non-custodial parent, on the other hand, may need a relatively large set of luggage to accommodate the clothing and personal items needed for their journey. A matching set of luggage not only looks nice but can also be less expensive than purchasing individual pieces.
If a child will be traveling by plane on a regular basis, choosing luggage in bright or unusual colors and patterns can be helpful when the child or the adults picking him up need to identify his luggage as it comes through the baggage carousel. Another option is to purchase a set of monogrammed children's luggage. While this latter option can be expensive, many children, particularly teenagers, may appreciate the thoughtfulness of such a gift.
