>>And the OP seems to have disappeared.<<

Give him/her a chance. The OP only registered and posted yesterday -- unfortunately some newbies assume they will receive e-mail notification of responses on their threads and don't realize they have to keep checking.

How much does it cost to mail your dirty laundry?

I accumulate a kilo or more of laundry in a week. Have to admit, I never hand wash and line dry laundry so I take enough for a week and then I do the laundry.

As for trains, I've lugged my 27-inch suitcase on many trains. They won't fit on the overhead luggage racks. So I just leave them on the end of the cars. Some trains have lower level luggage racks big enough for bigger cases.

I understand people who don't want to check bags, just so they don't have to go through baggage claim. But there are many items you're not going to be able to put in a carry on bag. One time, I had to pull a traveler's tripod -- about 2 pounds and 14 inches folded -- out of my carryon and put in my checked bag. This was in Paris.

Other times, I'd have a little Leatherman foldable pocket knife/scissors confiscated from my carryon.

So if there are items you're going to have to check anyways, you might as well take a bigger checked suitcase and just carry the expensive stuff in your carryon bag and personal item backpack.

"So if there are items you're going to have to check anyways, you might as well take a bigger checked suitcase..."

This sort of false reasoning leaves me (nearly) speechless. The checking or not checking part of a trip is the least of. I use a carryon size bag and always check it. It has nothing to do with the possibility of having items confiscated Checking my bag is simply letting the airline handle it for me. Baggage claim has never seemed a trial to me.

I pack light to ease my way day to day. Perfectly simple. I could carry it on and have no objection to those who bring a sensibly-sized bag, only to the oversized bags of the clueless and the airlines that make it more difficult for the rest of us by not enforcing rules at the gate.

In first class trains your large bags will fit in the overhead racks. Storing them at the end of the cars is not always an option as this space fills up. Throwing out clothes as you go along is not a crazy idea but a clever one to free up space/weight in your bag. We have done this on many trips and it works fine.

You have gotten a ton of good advice.
A 28 inch bag can hold 50 lb. - way too much.
A 24 inch bag should be sufficient. Take a look at packinglight.net and click on video. Demonstration will show you how to pack a lot of clothes into a 21 inch carryon.
I have purchased 24 inch TravelPro for $64 at Marshalls. Go there or Ross or TJ Maxx and you should find something.
I have packed a small foldable duffel bag into my luggage and if i need to use it for souvenirs i can use it as my carryon on the way home.
Enjoy your trip!

"How much does it cost to mail your dirty laundry?"

Depends on many factors. The point is that you take your souveniers with you and mail your dirty laundry because custom agents aren't going to keep your dirty clothes around. If they open the box and see dirty underwear, they're going to push it on through the mail.

If you are using any budget airlines during the trip you will probably want to ensure your bag is less than 22 inches as the max length allowed for many is 55cm, so even a 24 inch case would be too big (for cabin baggage). Also, I have found that 22 inches is pretty much the maximum size that will fit in an overhead luggage rack on most trains.

I prefer hard sided cases as they offer slightly better protection for any electricals or fragile items, plus they stop you overpacking.

PS Samsonite Inova is my recommendation.

22 inch bag. Mine is hard on one side soft on the other. A heys bag. I tore up on of those lightest bags on a trip with cobblestones. Many trains you have to carry your bags up and down many steps to the right platform. It is a workout. Feel bad for the 100 pound girlies on your trip trying to carry those big cases. I like my spinner wheels. Buy magnets, small prints, scarves etc for gifts. Small flat packable stuff. You taking s small carry on back pack? Good for headphones, sweatshirt, stuff for bus, train and bus.

I can't imagine say a weeks worth of clothes would be that light and cheap to mail back to the US. Underwear, socks, several shirts, maybe a pair of jeans or two.

Then what, you have to have more clothes for the rest of the trip.

As for packing light, more and more people are taking technology -- phones, iPads, cameras, chargers, batteries, hard drives, cables, etc.

This isn't 20th century travel any more.

<Throw away clothes as you go....> Seriously?? Who would want to take a trip, to France of all places, in clothes you're ready to 'throw out' (not even in condition to donate??) I am wearing my Mountain Hard Wear pants that zip off to capris; they will be the heaviest pants I take. So I may wear them on Days 1 or 20 of my trip, depending on locale. So I will have thrown them away when we left Paris, and then hope that the weather gets warmer and stays sunny? I bring my techno-best sportswear & travelwear that are quick-dry, um, these are not exactly 'throwaway' caliber. Is a student not going to bring her favorite jeans? Well, if I get sloppy during dinner in Paris, my consolation is oh well, I'll just throw out this top tonight? Ridiculous. And think mailing home dirty clothes is even sillier. Clothes go in the suitcase, the electronics go into our carry-ons. Laundry sheets do a load here or there & dry overnight on a tiny rubber line. It is all so easy.

Alice, do think outside the box a bit; your travel preferences are not for everyone.

I do not donate underthings, but give them one last trip; the oldest ones do not come home.

If I have a silk blouse with a cigarette burn in the sleeve, whyever not wear it under a jacket on vacation? No one will see it, and I'm not going to donate that item either.

Yes, students will take their favorite jeans and possibly one pair will develop a huge rip.
Leave that pair behind. It is all so easy.

My guess is you travel to the tune of Van Morrison's
"All the girls walk by
Dressed up for each other"

"<Throw away clothes as you go....> Seriously?? Who would want to take a trip, to France of all places, in clothes you're ready to 'throw out' "

Thank you aliced. This is one of those idiotic suggestions that people spout, and I suspect, never actually do. But just in case, I'll be on the look-out for the guy on the first class train in a holey t-shirt.

I think it's kind of disgusting to put used clothes, especially underwear, for the hotel staff to have to deal with. It's unecological, also. Creates work for the hotel staff to deal with your refuse clothes.

I wonder why this school group is going to be dragging luggage over cobblestones for so long. I've been to Europe many times and have never had to do that as whatever transportation method you use, you should end up fairly near your hotel, not be wandering around the streets dragging luggage for a long time.

I think the presumption that only American chain hotels have elevators is from an unreliable source. I've never stayed in any hotel in Europe that didn't have an elevator except once and that was a 2-3 story country inn, not a hotel in a city. I've never stayed in a 1* city hotel, though, they might not. But certainly European chain or large business hotels (if that's what you think a chain is) have elevators, also, by the way. I've stayed in plenty of nice, big modern European hotels and they had elevators. To be honest, school groups usually stay in those kind of places, and very small family-run hotels wouldn't allow them, usually.

The teacher imparting this wisdom doesn't know what he or she is talking about, especially when it comes to the idea to take a 28-30 inch suitcase to Europe!!! I don't even own such a thing. For heaven's sake, this trip is only 15 days.

Ok let's try's this again. in order to create space in your bag pack some clothes that are FINE but that you just don't wear much anymore. Also underwear, socks tee shirts are cheap to buy at home so take those along and toss them each day. It's not crazy and I have done this on several trips. We like to buy things in each city we visit (not magnets). The items that I toss are not worn out, do not have holes, look fine it's just that I have and I suspect many do, have items that they do nt wear much anymore. While this many not be everyone's cup of tea it will work for those who see the beauty in this simple solution. By the way it gives you a great excuse for buying some news ones when you get home!

I would not even consider bringing anything back sic as souvenirs. Your itinerary shows 10 cities in three countries in 15 days. You won't have time to shop, you'll wrung g from place to place.

But the itinerary does highlight why a small, light bag will be vital. Keep it small, pack only easily rinsed and hung dry clothing. You can wash out your daily wear and hang to dry for in the morning. It'll save you space in the bag, and make it lighter. Again how you look is not going to be that important since you're going to be in each city for hours, not days.

"so even a 24 inch case would be too big (for cabin baggage)."

I don't know anyone who thinks a 24" would be cabin size. A suitcase that size is obviously too big for carry-on.

However, as the OP is traveling in a group, there is no advantage time-wise for taking carry-on only. Somebody in that group will be checking luggage -- esp with the teacher's lousy advice to bring a large 28-30 inch bag. So the whole group will have to wait at baggage claim anyway. And a 24-inch spinner is as easy to manage as any 22-incher but does give you extra packing space.

FWIW, we've made more than a dozen overnight trips by train (first class) in the past year to Italy, Belgium, Germany, France, Austria and through Switzerland and never had to put our main bags (one 24" and one 26") in the overhead racks -- there was always room behind the seats (in the parts of the compartment where the seats are back to back) or in the luggage racks at the end of the compartment. In second class, it's much more likely the bags will have to go over your head.

'I don't know anyone who thinks a 24" would be cabin size. A suitcase that size is obviously too big for carry-on.'

Plenty of people on here have been recommending them without asking the OP whether they are using any budget airlines or travelling by train at any point. So its useful for them to know that actually that size could be a hindrance, depending on the methods of onward travel. In reference to your comments about the train, the luggage racks at the end of the carriage always fill up very quickly so there's every chance it'll have to go in an overhead rack if the OP is using any trains. I'm not sure how your experience travelling first class is going to be a whole lot of use to a student.

As for them having to wait for anyone who has checked luggage, it's always an advantage not to have to surrender your bag in case of loss or damage, not to mention the times it will have to be carried (up and down steps/escalators that aren't working etc etc) so any sensible person would think it prudent to limit the size and weight as much as possible rather than go down the route of 'oh well someone else is likely to overpack and cause us to wait, so I might as well too'.

I've traveled with a 24" for years. It's certainly no harder to maneuver on the ground or train than a 22" -- I gave up my 22" for ground travel for just that reason.

"I'm not sure how your experience travelling first class is going to be a whole lot of use to a student."

I DID point out that in second class there was a much higher chance that the overhead racks would need to be used -- I guess you missed that sentence. ("In second class, it's much more likely the bags will have to go over your head.") My first class reference was in response to BillT who said he usually needed to use the overhead racks in First class.

There are budget airlines that will make you check a 22" inch bag (had that experience on Ryanair). I only said there would be no TIME advantage on this particular group trip. Why did you twist that into meaning 'oh well someone else is likely to overpack and cause us to wait, so I might as well too'. Since when does having a modest 24" bag fall into the category of "OVERPACKING"?

Yes, it is nice to keep your bag with you if you can, but it's not essential. And if someone packs a 22" bag because they assume they can always keep it with them, they might be disappointed. (Last year, a colleague had to gate check her 21" carryon bag because the airline decided not to allow any wheeled bags in carryon. Practically everyone in economy had a 21" or 22" wheeled carryon and the staff knew there wasn't enough storage, so they decided to make everyone with those bags gate check)

Nothing is being twisted. You are offering advice that seems to be based on travelling experiences that are nothing like a student trip and you are downplaying the disadvantages of a larger heavier case. Having used luggage of a variety of sizes on a a multitude of trips, no way would I go back to a larger case, difficult to lift into luggage racks, carry up stairs, fit through narrow gaps, store in tiny rooms, and with no chance whatsoever of ever being used as carry on. I really don't follow your reasoning that because a few people will inevitably have to have a checked bag (meaning the vast majority wont) there's no point in even trying to pack light. We will have to agree to differ - though I sincerely hope the OP takes more notice of those who have suggested a smaller case, because it will make their life easier.

I am NOT suggested taking a huge bag, do you think you could possibly find it in your head to stop implying that I am??? You can pack light in a 24" and have room left over for any purchase, IF the OP chooses to purchase anything that might not fit into carryon.

And I sincerely hope YOU stop snarkily suggesting that a lightweight 24" spinner bag is some kind of humongous monster piece of luggage that no young fit person can handle. I am a middle-aged woman who has easily managed a 24" all over Europe. A 22" case may have some advantages, but a lightweight 24" case is far, far, far, from the steamer trunk image you're trying to project.

<Christina on Mar 31, 15 at 5:12pm


I think it's kind of disgusting to put used clothes, especially underwear, for the hotel staff to have to deal with. It's unecological, also. Creates work for the hotel staff to deal with your refuse clothes.>

I have bought new things for trips and hated them, like a pair of boots last trip that hurt my feet. I left them instead of taking them home and giving away. They were not cheap and had not been worn but a week. I bought a GAP sweat shirt that was brand new and hated it and left. Big deal, if they want to throw in the garbage so be it. I leave my hotel room just about spotless and leave a tip. It freed up a bit of room in my suitcase.

I'm really quite surprised at the teacher's recommendation as just about every tour group I've seen limits each person to one carryon size bag and one tote. Wish the OP would come back to answer some questions.

BillT, thank you for your reply (Mar 31, 15 at 7:45pm). You've explained the practice perfectly. Many times I will wear a sweater over old T-shirts which then get thrown away making more space in the suitcase.

^^"Thank you aliced. This is one of those idiotic suggestions that people spout, and I suspect, never actually do. But just in case, I'll be on the look-out for the guy on the first class train in a holey t-shirt."

My, my, my MmePerdu - what an unkind comment. No one here has called your thoughts "idiotic" or suggested you look hideous when out and about.

You won't find that guy on the train anyway - his clean, well-worn tee is covered by quality clothing and he's relaxing after a night out last night - while some of you were in your hotel rooms furiously doing laundry.

My teacher has told us that we will be dragging our luggage across many long cobblestone streets and up several flights of stairs when we get to the hotels>

I think your teacher may be exaggerating the cobblestones and mixing that term up with pavement blocks - ubiquitous in Europe but real cobblestones - stones set in a sidewalk well you just will not encounter many of those in those towns I think - stairs yes in cheap hotels without lifts.

Really, 29? "Hideous"? Blatant misquote. I thought what I actually said was fairly mild. And my bet is, while aliced first articulated the thought, there are many readers here who quietly agree with us.

And yours to aliced, "My guess is you travel to the tune of Van Morrison's "All the girls walk by, Dressed up for each other" struck an unpleasant personal note about someone you know nothing about. Glass houses, 29FEB, glass houses.

Hmm, I do like Van Morrison as well as Jim Morrison ("ici repose Jim" -- old Paris memory -- but my point is, no, since I do not know, talk to anyone we might meet while touring, I am not dressing for what they think but altogether how I feel wearing them. I wear garments that are specifically appropriate for our destination and our itinerary. Why pack 12 pairs of underwear and throw them out when I can start out with 5-6 that dry overnight? Ditto for shirts, once it's tossed it's not available to wear along the trip obviously. And happens when it gets warmer at noon and you have to take off your sweater? So I am not planning to wear my tomorrow-into-garbage pants out to dinner in Paris, sorry. I might wear them negotiating for best new car price, however, or for gardening, painting. I do find this all quite amusing. Remember, the poster (FP?) asked about types of luggage, but we do get sidetracked.

You're quite right Mme, that lyric was unnecessary, but I thought it so apropos. Someone intent on looking their best at every moment? And she did use adjectives "ridiculous" and "silly" which are certainly judgmental.

Surely there's room for more than one travel philosophy on this thread, w/out all the criticism.

Talk of washing assumes the OP is prepared to hand wash clothes. At the speed they are travelling, there may not be much time to do washing. Clothes may not dry overnight and the hotel room may not have anywhere to hang the wet clothes....

You have good advice already. I was a teacher who took students on tours to Europe, and your teacher is giving poor advice.

24" is a good size, though my personal favorite is a long, very narrow, 26" wheeled Timberline. I like it for train travel because it goes down the isles easily. You do not need $300.00 luggage. Great buys at Marshalls and TJ Max and Rosses for $60.00 or so. Some of my cheapest luggage has lasted the longest. Styles change and needs may vary one trip to another. I do not find it to be all purpose. I have different ones for different trips. Don't worry about it lasting for twenty years. Looks do not matter either. Rough treatment on one trip and they can look worn. Function does matter and you don't want it to fall apart, but things happen to all of them.

The IT luggage is super light. Have a look. I do not like the way it feels, but DH loves his. I don't think it is going to last long, but so far, it has survived several flights, even though he has over stuffed it.

No need to wear old clothes or throw away stuff. Wear things you feel good and look good in. Don't buy a lot of stuff.

I read some but quit when the teacher recommended 28". GEEZ--has she been anywhere.
a 22" expandable to 24" is great==pack less than the 22" and you have room for souvenirs.
Go to Tuesday Morning or TJMaxx--our TM luggage (Atlantic) has lasted 15 years, Many domestic flights and 10 European.
PACK LIGHT. rinse undies. NO ONE cares if you wear the same thing.

Spend time on your trip hand washing clothes or pack more clothes so you don't have to hand wash?

BTW, are you sure you understood the teacher correctly? Some student tours limit the sizes of luggage. Perhaps she/he said to stay under that size.

The OP is a troll and has wound you all up good and proper.

I am a teacher bringing a group of students to Italy this summer for 3 weeks and I require all students to bring a 21" piece of luggage and one extra carry-on bag that can be strapped onto the rolling bag. I also give them the option to bring a back pack instead, but it has to be approved by me. I use www.ebags for buying most of my bags. I bring one 21" rolling bag, then a small tote for all my "professor" gear.

and this teacher goes to three cities: Florence, Rome, and Naples, with a two day side trip to Venice for the Biennale. We spend about one week in each city. And even then, I am constantly scratching things of my must-see list.

Yes, you will be on a whirlwind tour, even more reason to travel light. I think you will be going back to some of the places again, and then you will have even more time to shop.

great plan cmn. You are starting your students off as they need to carry on [so to speak].

I'm sure that they will thank you for it when they see others struggling with over-stuffed too-heavy bags.

Thanks annhig. It has been live and learn moments that brought me to this point. Even on my last trip in 2014, I ended up buying an extra bag and lugging it home. And when I had a connecting flight home in NYC, the A/C was out at the terminal I had this heavy bag full of books and souvenirs. I swore, NEVER AGAIN!

My souvenirs this trip will be foodie memories. And as long as I walk all day long, I won't be bringing that "extra baggage" back with me!

cmn - I thought that I had packed light until I saw the apparently never-ending flights of steps leading up to my accommodation in Venice, and no lift. How I wished I'd left those guide books [which I barely used] at home. That's when I had my "never again" moment.

Those bags are all HUGE. Definitely not what you want to take along.

You need a single 19-22" roller that weighs no more than 4 lbs. empty. IF you are young and in good physical shape, just use a duffle bag (no wheels) better yet.