scrb11

I think the lightest 20-inch rollers are about 6-7 pounds.

Any lighter and the thing is probably too flimsy.

Went to Ross this afternoon. Most of the luggage is not reinforced in the side at all. Seems like nylon with no backing or very thin cardboard, like it could be pierced by a pen.

Definitely cheap though and light.

justineparis

I have visited Europe for twice as long as 15 days.. usually 25-30 days at least.

I would NEVER bring a 28 inch suitcase. Teacher is an idiot.

I have two bags.. depending on my plans I use one OR the other.
22 inch or 24 inch.

I have thrown out clothes and replaced them with new ones.. they make great souvenirs. Hardly think the maids worry about what is in a garbage can in a room.. pretty sure a used tshirt is one of the LEAST offensive things one might find in a garbage can.

And yes.. there are MANY hotels in Europe without elevators.. can certainly tell who hasn't really travelled much .. or who has always been able to afford to stay in larger or more expensive hotels.

I have two bags ( as I have mentioned) neither cost me more then 200 dollars.. and both have lasted me at least 7 or 8 years now, many plane trips, train trips , and hauling up stairs. Both are canvas( well whatever that woven stuff is )
Trick is to make sure wheels are sturdy.. do not stick out too much.. and handle is well incorporated into frame.A good thick strong zipper.. and check seams are well stitched.

I have a bad back,, back packs our out for me.. but I have managed just fine with a small rolling bag..

I know some people spend way more on their luggage.. that's fine.. but one does not HAVE to spend a lot to have a good sturdy bag.

sassy27

Another vote here for a smaller suitcase. A 28 inch would be just too much. I use a 24 inch spinner. I have done the throw away clothes thing. They are just old maybe with a small hole in the sleeve or a spot that can be covered up. I save them for one last outing and it's usually just a few at a time. I've done this with shoes too. Shipping things home doesn't seem to an option here. Sometimes that takes some planning and with a group, I doubt it will be possible. I also don't recommend something without wheels. You don't realize just how heavy 20 pounds is until you can't feel your shoulder. I like the Samsonite one just a smaller size but the last Samsonite I had started fraying after it's first use. I like Ricardo of Beverly Hills as they have held up for a long time (10 yrs). You can find them at Macys and Kohls for around $150. Since you are looking at ebags, they make a great packable duffel. If you get a medium sized one it can be used as a carryon.

kovsie

Dear Alex

If you are real, you should show this thread to your teacher asap. He/she can then post a new thread on Fodors: "Taking a group of teenagers to Europe. PLEASE HELP".

BillT

Thanks sassy27, I am glad to know others out there are using this simple trick to lighten your bag as you go along. Now maybe the naysayers will give it some consideration.

VonVan

BillT, I like this method as well, but do not care if naysayers give it consideration. I just wish they would stop being so condescending and insulting to those who do. To each their own, mutual respect, live & let live, different strokes.

Gretchen

This thread really takes me back about 60 years, in college, doing a 6 week trip to Europe--guided. The dawn of wash and wear was JUST coming in. We were issued a canvas duffel of sorts that was also to be strapped onto our bicycles for those portions of the trip--so you get the size idea.
And we did wash and dry in our rooms. Toward the end of the trip I decided to jettison a skirt--but no-wait--here comes one of my mates out the door to give it back to me!! GREAT trip.

janisj

Looks like the OP forgot how to get back to Fodors . . .

Gretchen - That isn't so bad. Many years ago my mom lead a group of 17 relatives to Scotland - one of the distant cousins decided that she wanted to stock up on good Scottish woolens/sweaters/skirts/scarves and she'd heard that undies at M&S were a good value. . . so she took a huge suitcase filled w/ what she called 'second tier' clothing -- nothing tatty or torn or anything but just things she didn't like anymore and wear much plus underwear that had seen it's last days.

Then every few days she'd replenish w/ new purchases and toss out a few garments to make space. By the end of the trip she had this huge suitcase w/ a brand new wardrobe . . . And when she eventually got home -- there at the post office were 7 packages from the UK -- every single hotel had found the discarded clothing and mailed it back to her -- even the used undies

suze

Not true. IT brand has some that are 3.5 lbs. My 24" by them is only 4.0 lbs. I would never purchase a 20" suitcase that weight 7 lbs. empty!

If you can go without wheels/frame... You can get a decent size duffle in ripstop nylon (tough) that only weighs a couple pounds.