These backpacks and suitcases will make you actually look forward to traveling with your kids
Traveling is fun, but traveling with kids? Let’s just say it isn’t always a dream come true. That’s why having luggage that works for you is a must. From versatile backpacks and lightweight carry-ons to large suitcases that pack tons of room for several kiddos, we’ve rounded up the best travel gear for parents. Keep scrolling to get prepped for your next family vacation!
Best Travel Backpacks for Parents
The Getaway Bag from No Reception Club
$235 BUY NOWIf you’ve ever boarded an airplane with a baby, you know that the amount of stuff a small person needs is in inverse proportion to their size. Diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for all parties, snacks, a breast pump, and more and more and more—they all need to fit into your carry-on bag. That’s where No Reception Club comes in to save the day. The narrow shape makes it easy for any parent to carry and the stylish black exterior makes it more of an everything bag than a diaper bag. Our favorite feature is the flexible organization system with two “shelves” that velcro securely into the main compartment.
STM Goods Myth Backpack
$140 BUY NOWJust because you're carting around diapers and burp cloths, doesn't mean you want to give up on style. We love this backpack because it has enough structure to protect your laptop plus space for snacks and an outfit change for both you and your kid. It also has our favorite feature: the luggage pass-through.
Able Carry Max Backpack
$278 BUY NOWLooking to ditch the suitcase entirely? This bag is for you. Roll up your clothes and you can easily fit enough to get you and your tiny travel partner through a long weekend or more. We like this option for parents traveling solo with a kid because it keeps your hands free to push a stroller or tend to a little one.
Solo New York Parker Hybrid Backpack Tote
$83 BUY NOWYou only need one bag when traveling––this one! Solo New York’s hybrid backpack easily transforms into a tote bag with hideaway straps that will meet your complete itinerary needs. Our editors love the padded laptop compartment, ample interior pockets and a back panel that slides over your luggage handle to make those airport runs a breeze. The lightweight bag also comes with padded feet to protect the bottom while on the go and stylish gold hardware.
Vaschy Backpack
$44 BUY NOWNot only does this backpack look super stylish, but it’s made with water-resistant polyester, has an interior spot for a laptop and five interior pockets for chargers, books, pens and more. There’s a secret side pocket to keep your phone, and there’s a clip in the front pocket that is perfect for keys. The pull cord on the interior lining adds extra protection from theft while traveling too.
Best Carry-On Bags for Parents
Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage
$333 BUY NOWBreeze through the airport with the sleek and durable Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner fro Travelpro. This lightweight option makes it possible for littles to transport it themselves due to the exclusive PrecisionGlide System, made up of 8 MagnaTrac® self-aligning wheels. Plus, each one comes with extrenal USB A & C ports that can connect to your own power bank.
Rollink Flex 360 International 21
$219 BUY NOWIf you are short on space to store your luggage at home, this is the luggage for you. It collapses to 4 inches for east stowing under your bed. Plus, you'll love the seven color options.
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner
$89 BUY NOWYour luggage takes a beating no matter how expensive it is, so why not opt for a budget-worthy option that still gets the job done? Our editors love the no muss, no fuss luggage from Amazon Basics that bring simple yet functional style to your travels. This hybrid bag is large enough to carry what you need, but small enough to fit as a carry on when you don’t want to check luggage. It has internal organization, a front tilting pocket, spinner wheels and a two-level adjustable, ergonomic handle.
Traveler’s Choice New London II Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage
$97 BUY NOWThe sleek look of this bag is just part of the draw but its functional features have us bringing it with us whenever we travel. Pack it with the expanders closed and you’ll have plenty of space to add on souvenirs to bring home. The zippers are super sturdy and will stand up to lots of use.
Best Luggage for Parents
Convertible Medium to Large Checked Expandable Hardside Spinner
$200 BUY NOWYou'll love the colorful options in this collection (Sunshine Yellow! Coral Orange! Ocean Blue!) and its ability to expand to fit all those souvenirs you just HAD to have. Two handle heights means the kids can take a turn pulling it.
Away Expandable Medium Suitcase
$345 BUY NOWAway luggage is the crème de la crème when it comes to traveling. This particular suitcase checks all the boxes: nice medium size, water resistant exterior, expansion capabilities for up to an extra 1.75″ of space plus an internal compression system so you can squeeze in everything you need.
Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On Luggage
$225 BUY NOWWe love the split design of this luggage that has two same-sized compartments, perfect for opening on that luggage rack in your hotel room. It comes in carry-on and large carry-on (to accommodate international carry-on rules), as well as medium and large sizes for checked baggage.
Travelpro Crew Versapack 29″ Suitcase
$350 BUY NOWLuggage has gone through a transformation over the years and that means no more crazy heavy bags that break your back before you even pack! This huge suitcase is one of our favorites because it only weighs eight pounds and is large enough to pack multiple people’s worth of clothes. It’s a spinner, has an adjustable handle and plenty of room to pack everything you need.
SwissTech Navigation Hard Side Check Luggage
$109 BUY NOWThis work horse of a suitcase packs a ton of bells and whistles. From a built-in lock and integrated interior pouches to the two-inch expandable zipper, you can stash all your gear for your vaycay and then some!
—additional reporting by Gabby Cullen & Karly Woods
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.