It will depend of course on the age of the children you are taking with you on your holiday. In the case of very young children, it almost certainly preferable to pack the majority of their items in your own case. With very small children it will also be important to have certain items in your carryon bag. These items will be the ones which need to be most accessible, such as changes of underwear, bibs, special food, drink, a blanket, and items to keep them happy and entertained.

Once children reach an age where they become more independent, you may consider providing them with their own case, either as a token gesture or more fully. Initially, their case will almost certainly be classed as a carryon bag. However, should you consider obtaining a suitcase or bag for your child, which will experience the mysterious world of unseen baggage handling, then you will be best advised to look beyond the measures with which your child ascertains the most appropriate case for him or her.

From their point of view, a case must look good, be colourful, and probably adorned with their favourite cartoon character. But at the same time, you must be very well aware that their case needs to be built to the same degree of durability that your own do. Children' cases are subject to exactly the same hardship as any other baggage, yet it is not always the case that they are built to the same standard.

Granted, it is unlikely that a children's case will be particularly heavy or overly full, But this in itself can pose a problem. Based purely on the fact that a child is unlikely to have the height to carry a suitcase clean off the floor, they will most likely use any wheels fixed to the case. Making sure that their case is packed evenly to allow good steering is certainly advisable. Also advisable is to check key areas such as locking mechanisms, hinges and handles.

Finally, one point often overlooked by parents when buying their children's luggage - look out for bits that stick out. This can include handles that retract, as it is often these parts which are both exposed and brittle, which are first to be damaged should the case experience a knock. Bizarrely, it is possible to find children's cases which have things such as ears and noses sticking out! Do not for one minute expect these to still be attached to the case at the other end of your journey. Essentially, buy your children's suitcase based on quality and not merely popularity.

It might also be worth reminding all parents that it is important that you check he contents of your child's case or bag before you leave the house. They do sometimes tend to have a habit of sneaking extra items in without you knowing, and potentially this could be a disaster at the airport. Needless to say, you do not want to find yourself at airport security trying to explain why you son has a toy gun packed in his case, and your daughter has an aerosol deodorant hidden in hers.