Going on holiday is a big enough challenge as it is, with all the preparation and planning that is required. It can almost seem like a military operation. As anyone who has ever experienced an airline will know that there are particular challenges facing the tourist who decides to take any kind of luggage onto an airplane.



However, the challenges and trials of the average holiday experience pale into insignificance compared to the challenge of taking children as well.

Quite apart from any interesting behaviour challenges the children might present, there is also the issue of their own luggage. Three particular problems present themselves. The first is the anxious parent who wishes to make sure that their children will be prepared for any eventuality. Some parents seem to take with them almost everything short of a personalized lifejacket and a lifeboat. Clearly, children will require their own particular items, but as a general rule, the same sensible rules that apply to your own packing will apply equally well to your children's. So, thinking about flexibility and versatility, and thinking about the type of materials that you use, will work just as well to reduce the number and volume of items that you pack for your children as they do for yourself.

The second issue regarding children and their luggage is whether to pack it with yours, or to pack it separately in their own case. Clearly airline restrictions might play a part in this decision, but equally it is worth bearing in mind that whilst children may be excited about the idea of having their own little suitcase, there can be downsides to this.

Increasingly it is popular to have children's suitcases designed in a way which does appeal to them. This includes a wide variety of cheerful colors and patterns, and often adorned with popular cartoon characters. One thing to watch out for, however, is the quality of these cases.

Regardless of the branded name that these cases carry with them, often it can be the case that quality has been compromised, and that the martial and locks could easily be damaged or broken. So, when choosing such luggage, make sure that things such as wheels, handles and locks are built to the same level of security and durability that your own case is.

Another eventuality to consider is that whilst your children may be enthusiastic about carrying their own case to begin with, this can become a short lived enthusiasm, and it is worth bearing in mind that it could very well end up being you that carries their case, and if the children are particularly young, you may find yourself carrying your case, their case, and the children. It would be at this point that you would find yourself scratching your head and wondering why you bothered at all.

The third thing to consider as far as children and their luggage is concerned is that often children need entertaining, and they need access to certain items such as books, computer games, puzzles and so forth. Generally, making sure that there is room in either your carryon bag or theirs for these items will be a life saver, especially if held up or on long flights.