Backpack or rolling suitcase...
 

What do you think? I will be travelling throughout Andalucia for approximately 14 days, staying in 7 different cities. Also, I'm familiar with Europe's cobblestone sidewalks. I have both a large hiker's internal-framed backpack (which I find to be quite conspicuous), and a rolling suitcase with a collapsible handle (though the wheels are quite small). What would you prefer travelling with; which would be more convenient? Thanks in advance for your advice!

For me, a backpack is the way to go. It leaves your hands free and presents no problems when navigating stairs, revolving doors, bumpy roads, curbs...

Yes, it's conspicuous (and I'm one who does care about fashion and such!), but I think the convenience more than makes up for that.

If I were going to one place and staying put, I'd consider a rolling suitcase, but when I'm traveling to different towns I always use a backpack. I'll be bringing mine on my Paris/Bruges/Amsterdam trip in a few weeks.

I totally agree. I prefer backpack all the way, easy to handle, free hands, fits almost everywhere.

Back pack

I think I have every conceivable type of luggage ever designed including backpacks lareg and small, a suitcase that converts to a backpack, rolling suitcases with both two and four wheels, etc., etc.

I've finally decided that they all seem to have their uses BUT I would much prefer to pull something on wheels rather than haul it on my back (yeah, I know that on occasion you have to haul that wheeled thing up some stairs but I'd still rather pull it than hump it).

If I were you I would take the wheeled device and in those seven cities I would treat myself to a taxi ride to and from the station/airport to the hotel and let someone else grapple with the cobblestones..and YES, you CAN afford it if you wish to.

Have a great trip.

With 7 different cities in 14 days, a backpack would win. But maybe you can get a smaller one.

How about a wheeled backpack from Swiss Army. Hubby & I purchased for our 1st trip and keep on using. Very sharp looking. Internal frame with the backpack internals very conspicous. We tried them all in this category and this brand had the best padding on the pressure point (important when fully weighted). Not a hassle to switch from one mode to the next.

My most recent trip (to Galicia, not Andalucia) I took an internal frame backpack AND a luggage carrier with about 5" wheels. I would tie down the backpack to the luggage cart so the luggage cart would fold down for traveling on Buses. This solves a problem for me: I am 6'1" and rolling suitcases are designed for shorter prople. If I am pulling it I have to 'scrunch down' and be careful to keep the wheely 'squared.' My luggage cart is taller and has larger wheels.

I've used it with convertible backpack and conventional suitcase.

I used backpacks for 30 years then i got a backpack that converts to a wheeled thing. I will NEVER go back to a backpack. There are many times when i got off the train and couldn't find luggage lockers or storage and I just wheeled my pack for miles through the streets, which I wouldn't do with a heavy backpack. Get one with good in-line skate type wheels. Even over cobblestones it was fine. And you can always use it as a backpack. For going upstairs you can carry it with a handle although the wheels will climb stairs. Never again will I be wheeless. Maybe it's a factor of getting older, but I think everyone will enjoy the added mobility.