2 small suitcases vs 1 large suitcase
 

We leave for Italy on Tuesday and I have yet to pack. We'll be gone for 10 days and I'm trying to decide if my husband and I should each take a 22" suitcase plus a small bag or one 26" suitcase plus the small bags. The suitcases can be spun around on the wheels for easy maneuvering. We're fine with checking in luggage for the flights.

What would you pick? We'll take the bus once and train twice. I'm just wondering the the 26" will be a pain on the train but I like the idea of having fewer pieces of luggage.

Definitely the 22". Much easier to manuever than a 26", and you end up with more room overall. And if they lose the one big one on the way over, you're both out of clothes. With two bags, you can each put an outfit in the others (assuming you're checking).

Absolutely take two 22's versus the 26. Keep in mind that you'll likely encounter a lot of stairs. If a train is not full, you'll be able to keep the 22" with you, but not the 26".

Note that a 26" is also wider and deeper than a 22" and much more difficult to maneuver down narrow aisles, up/down narrow steps (on some trains), and through turnstiles.

Your small bags should have straps or other means of hitching over the telescoping handle of the main bag for much easier dragging and maneuverability.

Two smaller bags are always better than one larger bag.

Hello, nomadic, I agree with lennyba's thoughts. And you will find that two 22inch bags will be so much easier on the trains than the one 26inch bag. And yes, put an outfit and a set of underwear in each others bag just in case one bag decides not to arrive in Italy when you do.

Thanks! That's why I was initially thinking but then I saw the 26" in the closet and began to change my mind. I'm used to taking short trips with just carry-on luggage and I'm packing-challenged so this is hard for me. I forgot we went to London for 2 nights and the 22" was good for riding the tube.

Decision made!

Which one of you was going to carry the 26" ?

I carry a 22" and some kind of small bag into which I can stuff my purse and carry odds and ends--no matter how long the trip. I've done that for a trip of nine weeks, though, truth to tell, for four weeks of that time I was staying in one place.

No one but you is going to know that you're wearing the same clothes again and again. The 22" is good for all kinds of public transportation, including the subway, busses, trains, etc.

On my next trip I'm going to see if I can carry even less.

I agree the two small cases can be a lot easier. Actually, try a 22" and a small carryon that can fit on top of the 22" rollabout. And look at picking up a small cable travel lock at REI, Magellans, or even HomeDepot to lock the cases on the train to the baggage racks at the end of the car. It only takes 5 seconds to lock or unlock these combination locks and prevents anyone from "acidentally" walking off the train with you suitcases. This one's pricey, you can find cheaper versions.
http://www.magellans.com/store/Lugga...=?refchan=Tips

We're definitely take the 22" suitcases. I have a tote that can fit under the seat in front of me on the plane. My small purse fits inside the tote.

I didn't think about the locks though. Thanks.

Much esier to stor 2 22" tha one 26" - which is too big for overhead racks and might have to be let at the end of the car on a train. If you were driving wither would be OK - but not for train.

I'm slightly disabled in one arm. I find that the 22" is bearable but must ask someone to place it on the overhear bin.
One year an obnoxious American tried to stuff his 26 " in where my backback wAS AND BROKE THE JAR OF MY fRENCH FRIEND'S FAREWELL GIFT, A PATE. sORRY MY KEYS ARE STICKING AGAIN>

I bought an extreme lightweight 26 a few years back but loaded it turned out to be just too unwieldy and heavy to handle in a couple of Italy trips. Id go with the two smaller ones.