I have done the 'backpack' route twice. After my last 6 week trip I swore it off and have switched to using an 18" rolling suitcase. It is very small. But the straps, etc. on the backpack (it was a suitcase/backpack non-rolling covertable type) took up space and added weight. I can pack a lot into my little 18" suitcase - everything I need even for a 6 week Europe trip (or 14 days in China, or 10 days in Michigan, weekend in Maui, etc. etc.). I take a small carry-on tote bag that will fold flat and fit into the suitcase when not in use. The bag expands to allow room for purchases - which I eventually mail home. <BR> <BR>I found that large and/or heavy luggage made me very unhappy! (And heavy is relative - depends on how far and how long you have to carry it - 30 pounds can be a lot, as can 10 pounds.). A 26" suitcase is HUGE and sounds like a total nightmare to haul through Europe. Pack light (many past threads on this topic) - you will find that the more someone has traveled the lighter they can pack. If you start with a large bag, you'll fill it. If you start with a small bag, you will pack light.

My daughter and I each had two rolling backpacks (wore one and rolled one) and really pitied the people who were struggling with more!

The Eagle Creek 22" Eagle Creek Switchback Expandable Pack is currently on sale at Campmor (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commer...74&prmenbr=226) for $109--a great price for a great pack. It's usually $200! <BR> <BR>I have this pack and it's really well made and well designed. <BR> <BR>Liz

Elwood, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the inspiration! You've humiliated me into realizing that yes, I'm still young and healthy. It reminds me of the time I was mountainbiking up a fairly steep road, gasping for air, when whooosh, another Elwood flew by on her mountain bike, leaving us in the dust. All I saw was her hair twirled in a tiny white bun, while the words "see you at the top!" barely floated down to my ears. Stupified, my husband and I stopped, looked at each other and I knew we were both thinking "that's the way we want to be living 30 years down the road." <BR> <BR>I think we'll compromise and bring a backpack and a rollaboard. <BR>Liz--that looks like a steal! Thanks for the link. <BR> <BR>Thanks again to everyone for sharing their perspective.

Hi Linda - <BR> <BR>Backpack. No question; cobbles are killer! <BR> <BR>I have a very old REI backpack with a nifty shoulder strap (which makes it look like a normal grey case - *not* a backpack). Doing the pretend-suitcase thing & smiling sweetly at (male) hotel check-in clerks always seems to get me the room with the view . . . dunno, but I think I get crummier rooms in 'backpacker mode.' <BR> <BR>HTH & have a fab trip!

Backpacks are wonderful..."rolling" wheels DO NOT ROLL on cobblestones and Italy is full of cobblestones and stairs. Mu husband and I just returned from 4 weeks in Italy, have packed for this jaunt 5 times now and are more and more into minimalism...and that spells backpack in any language. We took two (one each), one Eddie Bauer and one Mountain Equipment Co-op backpacks, biggish, but not overwhelming...they di not have to be checked at the airport whcih is another great advantage. We had enough clothes (light mono-chromatic travel gear) to go anyhwere, even the opera and fancy restaurants. We did buy souveniers along the way and simply acquired a light (cheap) carry-on bag to hold them all in bubble wrap for the trip home. And we are no in the first blush of youth, in fact I celebrated my 50th birthday in Umbria. So Linda (et al listen to Elwood, he/she knows what he is talking about...on this trip of a lifetime, the last thing you want to have to think about is baggage! Best Wishes for a great trip, whatever your form of luggage! LJS