Finding the right luggage for your family holidays – and of course the best luggage for kids – is a super important part of travel planning that is often overlooked with the excitement of organising a trip. Choosing the best luggage for holidays is a big decision as it’s a long time purchase – so you want to get it right. Ideally, the best luggage for international travel or domestic travel is lightweight, durable and has TSA locks for security…and of course, it’s important to look the part too, right?
We use JULY gorgeous hardcase travel luggage for holidays, and when we are traveling full time we travel with large carryon backpacks.
First here’s what to look for in when choosing luggage for your family holidays, and also when choosing family luggage sets – we love a family matchy matchy.
The size of your luggage is important
The dimensions of your holiday luggage is important as airlines have size requirements, and big often isn’t better. I don’t know about you but the more space I have the more I pack, and then my bag is so heavy to lug around. And if you have kids who have their own bags too it’s a lot to carry/drag. The best luggage for family travel is not necessarily the biggest!
Check with your airline before you travel for luggage size limits. A good size is the standard case – 66cm (H) x 46cm (W) x 29cm (D) for a standard check in and 55cm (H) x 38cm (W) x 22cm (D) for a standard cabin carry on.
Be mindful of the weight – go light
Be mindful of the weight of the luggage you’re purchasing, as the weight of your bag is included in the overall weight at check in. Generally your economy check in bags will be limited to 20 kilos and carry on 7 to seven kilos. While you can often push it a little bit, it sucks to have to repack your travel bag at the airport, believe me, and if you can’t then you will have to pay the overweight fee.
JULY has the lightest double-wheel carry-on hardcase in the world – at just 1.8kg.
Hard case or soft case?
Soft case luggage for holidays is often lighter than hardcase luggage, but is not as secure. Personally I like the durability and security that the JULY hard cases offer, and while it can be difficult to cram extra items in like you can with a soft suitcase, I reckon it’s best in the long run to not have a stuffed suitcase that is heavy and overweight.
Tough and durable
JULY’s cases are designed to be unbreakable, with a 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate case, and added anodised aluminium bumpers for extra protection on hard drops.
TSA locks
Obviously security is super important and TSA locks for your suitcase is a must, even if you don’t always use them (like us).
Look for completely rotating wheels
Travellers know the joy of having four caster wheels that completely rotate and enable you to push, pull and walk next to your luggage. It just makes luggage life so easy. They also need to be super secure and long-lasting – the JULY wheels are SilentMove™ Series 2 360° double spinner wheels, the strong silent type we all love.
Check out the handle
A strong extension handle for pulling your bag is critical, and if you get the four fully rotating wheels (as above) you can also walk with the bag next to you. Make sure the handle can extend and retract smoothly, and that it locks into place at its full extension. JULY’s multi-stop telescopic handle has over 20 heights for specific height preference.
Internal straps
Check for internal straps that help with securing (and flattening) your clothes inside your luggage. These are so helpful for dividing the two sides of your bag for better organisation.
Laundry bags
JULY is such an awesome brand that your luggage comes with an internal laundry bag and storage.
Outside handles for lifting
Look for handles on the outside of the luggage that help you pick them up – like getting them off the conveyer belt or putting into transport.
Strong zippers
I have had a zipper break and it is not fun. JULY’s zippers are the world renowned YKK Japanese zippers – high quality, unbreakable with the Japanese standard of perfection.
Extras like battery packs
Again, JULY comes through with the goods here, with their carryon luggage coming with an airline approved battery pack that fits inside a compact and accessible spot in the bag and is removable if needed.
Water resistance
Hard cases are better than soft for water protection, but not that bags can’t be completely water proof.
A lifetime warranty
Make sure the company that makes the luggage you buy backs it so hard that they give it a lifetime warranty. Like JULY does, of course.
Looking the part
Luggage is no longer just a case to get your gear from place to place! Its aesthetic, and smoother and beautiful with offers like personalisation which takes it to the next level – like JULY’s free personalisation with purchase.
Why we LOVE our luggage from JULY
- It’s just so easy to use because everything works
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry
- The cases nest inside each other for easy storage
- There is a HUGE choice of colours
- Free persnalisation
- The highest QUALITY
- A 100 day free return and free shipping.
Check out the three key luggage pieces – Carry On, Checked and Check Plus, and sets, below:
Carry on and checked set for $595 This is what we have!
The Family Set for $895 – a family of three gorgeous pieces – Carry On, Checked and Check Plus.
Plus JULY’s newest editions to the family – the Carry On Lite weighing in at only 1.8 kilos for 32 litres and only $245 (IMO this is a business carry on for computer, magazines, and extras needed for a day trip of meetings or in addition to checked luggage). It is so light and moves so beautifully. I LOVE mine.
AND the Carry On Lite Expandable with more room which makes me think that it might be an alternative to my backpack! I have ordered it and will wait and see! It’s 40L nat 2.2kg and $275. I can’t wait to try this out!
