The Traveling Family’s Guide to Luggage

Whether it is the holiday travel season or time for a well-deserved summer vacation, the family that travels together builds unforgettable memories. Appropriately sized suitcases and functional -- yet aesthetically well-designed -- children's luggage complies with airline standards. It withstands the occasional jolt or toss. More importantly, it is a step up from the old hard-shell suitcases that plenty of families started out with. Since pets are now frequently family travel companions as well, there are even luggage recommendations for them!

Kid-size luggage

The Company Store Kids Explorer Rolling Luggage Collection features a child's backpack that measures 13 inches by 17 inches, with a depth of seven inches; it is excellent for carry-on. A rolling suitcase measures 14 inches by 22 inches. Its depth of nine inches offers ample space for neatly stacked clothes and essentials.

For the younger elementary school-age child, a Tuc Tuc Wheeled Carry-On Kids Suitcase offers plenty of space in its 11.4 inches by 17.3 inches confines. Interior compartments allow for easy organization, while the telescoping handle lets the child be self-sufficient in maneuvering the luggage.

Matching family suitcases

A Samsonite 5-Piece Nested Luggage Set safely stores parents' traveling items. When in storage, the nesting system minimizes needed space. While on the road or in the air, the 1200 denier polyester material offers sturdy containment, even in adverse conditions. Inline skate wheels make moving the luggage easy.

For the travelers who need less space, the American Tourister Fieldbrook 4-Piece Luggage Set will do. Also made from 1200 denier polyester and featuring inline skate wheels for on-the-ground mobility, this luggage set manufacturer does not ask the consumer to pay for bags that will most likely go unused.

Overseas upgrades

For the travelers who must switch planes repeatedly -- or those who plan on traveling overseas -- a few upgrades are in order. Roomy Titan luggage is manufactured from virgin polycarbonate and exceedingly durable. Measuring 18.9 inches by 15 inches, it is spacious for the traveler mindful of bag-checking rates.

If style is essential, the Tumi Ducati Evoluzione fits the bill. Made of 80 percent nylon and 20 percent polycarbonate, it is sturdy enough to withstand the elements and rough handling. It is a bit smaller -- 13 inches by 22.75 inches -- to make its use as a carry-on tote convenient.

Family pets also travel in style

Plenty of families will not leave their companion animals behind. The Snoozer Wheel Around Pet Carrier is a four-in-one pet carrier that has airline approval. Made of microfiber, it wipes clean quickly. Storage compartments let the pet owner bring along food and water for the trip.

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own shopping guides.