Trunki Ride-On
- Safety features as standard
- Suitable as cabin luggage
- Convenient carry handle if kids get bored
The Classic Kids' Suitcase
Now an incredibly regular sight at airports across the globe, sales of Trunki's Ride-On suitcase have grown rapidly since the idea was initially rejected on Dragon's Den back in 2006 and it's easy to see why. With around 30 colourful, child-friendly designs encompassing everything from fire engines to dinosaurs, your child is guaranteed to find a model befitting of his or her taste.
Is It A Suitcase? Is It A Toy?
Any family whose holiday regularly includes a long wait at an airport will know all too well the frustrations of dealing with restless children, but with the Trunki suitcase effectively doubling up as a toy that your child can ride, boredom is unlikely to feature on the holiday's itinerary. Each model comes with horns that act as handles, which together with the four integrated wheels, make steering and turning corners very easy.
Safety First
Alongside the ease of steering, other important safety features have also been included such as a secure strap allowing parents to pull their kids along or prevent them from wandering off, as well as a soft rubber rim along the opening to prevent injuries to little fingers. The comfortable nature of the 'saddle' ensures that children will be more than happy to sit themselves down on the Trunki, thus guaranteeing you won't have to hear endless complaints about having to stand around.
Easy Packing
In terms of packing, these suitcases come with the same array of features that you would expect from plainer, less elaborately designed suitcases. The case is made of the same lightweight, waterproof and hard-wearing polypropylene plastic material that is also used for more 'adult' hard shell suitcases. You can be sure the contents is safe as well thanks to a secure catch on the front, effectively acting as the nose of the various animal models.
The space inside is also easy to organise with 3 separate compartments (if you include the internal pouch) on hand to store different types of luggage and with total capacity reaching 18 litres, there even exists the possibility to sneak a few of your own possessions into your child's case in the event that your own bag reaches capacity too quickly. Each bag also includes a slot for Trunki's unique passport as well a seatbelt, allowing a teddy bear or doll to travel safely.
Meet The Gang
Without further ado, it's time to introduce a few of the most popular Trunkis. Terrence and Trixie were the original two suitcases, before the menagerie arrived with Frieda the Cow, Tipu the Tiger and Harley the Ladybird. The rapid increase in popularity resulted in a few licensed Trunki cases with Hello Kitty and The Gruffalo joining the club. Other more recent models include a fire engine, a London bus and a pirate.
Falling Out Of Love
Trunki recommends these cases to be used by children aged 3 and up although the weight limit of 50 kg means that children aged 7 and above are likely to have outgrown their Trunki. Once they're beginning to fall out of love with their previously beloved Trunki, it's perhaps time to consider investing early in a quality long-lasting adult-size pack, such as the Eastpak Tranverz M.
Luggage For Children: UK
Trunki understandably dominates the children's suitcase scene but other cute options include the Skip Hop Zoo Trolley and the Samsonite Dream Rider. Of course, if you don't like the idea of your kids whizzing at top speed around Heathrow, then Backpacks For Children may be a better option.