It was nearly the summer that never was, but as summer holidays were back on just in time for the end of the academic year, whether it’s a staycation or jaunt abroad, options are slowly opening up as we begin to take tentative steps towards a holiday with loved ones.
Travelling with children can be an anxious affair but the best way to engage and get them excited is to involve them in the process and a great way to kick-start this is with a suitcase they can call their own. This helps to provide them with the autonomy and independence to engage with the preparation and get excited from the onset.
When choosing children’s luggage you are literally spoilt for choice, however we have found some to be very flimsy, poor quality and a lot of style over substance.
Opting for a practical yet fun case, we recently reviewed an American Tourister Spinner case.
American Tourister are big hitters in the luggage world commended for their high quality and luxury designs. The website is filled with suitcases and luggage for young and old with some beautifully classic and stunning modern designs to satisfy the most suave jetsetter; yet they haven’t forgotten about the travellers of the future setting them up with a fantastic selection of luggage that visually appeals and will stand the test of time.
American Tourister feature a range of official Barbie, Marvel and Star Wars luggage but we fell head over heels for their Disney designs. Bold, bright and downright beautiful, the Disney Legends Spinner case in a bold Minnie Mouse design is ideal for children or the young at heart.
Style
Set against a gradient black and white spotty retro design, the hard shell case features Minnie Mouse in signature pouty pose for a burst of colour and fun. Kids will love it, and adults cool enough will undoubtedly adore this stylish design just as much.
Available in three sizes, we opted for the smallest at 55cm as this is best suited to a child, but importantly, this sizing is hand luggage approved for the majority of airlines meaning that parents and children can stow it on board for easy access to the contents during a flight. If you’re unsure of whether it measures up, the website handily features a full list of airlines that the case is cabin approved with for reference.
Design
While the case is a definite head turner, the practicalities will see it come to fruition as a worthy investment. The ABS hard shell provides a strong level of flex ensuring it is durable and robust enough to outstand the vigour of required wear and tear. When it comes to security it features a TSA-friendly combination lock on the outside, while the inside features a lockable zip for added peace of mind.
Storage
Inside there’s 36 litres of storage, more than enough for a week trip away. Parents will appreciate the compartments set within the case to provide a sense of order to what can be a chaotic time. Each half of the open case features dividers, pockets and compression strapping to accommodate all your essentials. Setting it out this way also challenges the thought path as you envisage how and when you need access to the contents, something we often go back to several times in the lead up to a break away.
The four-wheeled Spinner has a telescopic handle with three lockable points making it suitable for toddlers at lowest level, up to an appropriate height for an adult.
Functionality
The great thing about the Spinner case is the glide. Featuring four small castor wheels that are fully-rotatable, it can be pushed or pulled upright but also at any angle without fear of damage to the case, an important feature for shorter children as they don’t always have the height to mange an upright case. It takes the weight of the contents well meaning even at full capacity, the weight doesn’t deter youngsters from pushing the case.
On a smooth surface the suitcase not only glides well but it maintains a good level of control allowing you to navigate tight spaces with ease through quick turns where required; although to warn, many children don’t have the necessary driving skills!
Aside from pushing the suitcase, it is also easy to lift thanks to a grab handle at the top providing good grip and is strong enough to control the motion of the case.
The American Tourister Disney Legends Spinner (55cm) is priced £109 from www.americantourister.co.uk.