It is time to retire the Thomas the Tank Engine suitcase! My son has loved it since we got it nearly 5 years ago, but at 1260 cu in, it simply is too small for an 8-yr-old growing boy, especially as we don't check anything when we travel.

I'd like to get him something closer in size to my 22" wheelie, which is nearly 3000 cu in. Price should be under $100 and it should be sturdy enough to last 10 years til high school graduation. He wants zebra stripes.

We've had one false start already--ordered the Baggalini Rolling Tote bag ($80 at Shoebuy.com). We loved it--looks and quality and well thought-out details, pockets & things. Unfortunately, it is liliputan and comes in right between Thomas and mine. Still, ignoring the size, you can get an idea of the kind of thing we're looking for.

What suggestions do you have for what to get--and what to avoid?

I'm considering an International Traveller Shiny Zebra Print Spinners 1141/19ZEB 4 Wheel Drive 19 in. Expandable Carry On


but there are no reviews. Is anyone familiar with International Traveller and their products?

I would not recommend a spinner for an 8 year-old. It's going to be easier for a child to have a regular wheelie bag because of the height issue. I'd go with the Heys xcase in zebra if that's what he really wants.

To be honest, I don't know the difference. I had thought a spinner was just a wheelie in which the wheels could go any direction. Not true? How do wheels relate to height?

The four wheels of a spinner sit flush on the pavement, and you pull, but the bag never tilts over. It's harder and more awkward to pull (in my opinion), but it would be especially hard for an eight-year-old who might not be tall enough. The handle tilts, but it would be awkward if the person pulling the bag weren't a couple of feet taller than the bag.

A regular wheelie bag tilts to the height of the person pulling, so the height of the person pulling is of less importance.

Also, a spinner can be a couple of pounds heavier than a regular wheelie bag, depending on the spinner. The Heys xcase is an especially light bag (under 6 pounds), so I think it would still be better for a child.

That's a very useful explanation--thank you!

You articulate your point of view, your view would be helpful. Thanks for all....................

I was also thinking of the Heys USA, semi-rigid 20" roll-on. It's lightweight and I thought zebra stripes were an option. 20" will always work for carry-on, the 21" bag might be slightly oversize and rejected by someone who is measuring carefully. The two wheel version weighs significantly less than the four wheel version. One caveat, they scratch easy. It doesn't affect their usefulness but they lose their nice look easily, so carry-on only with this bag.

Another option is just a largish school day-pack. We took our 7 yr. old daughter for a month in Europe and it was plenty.