My 25" suitcase is the hardcase one. I wanted to buy an expandable one. Besides I will be travelling with hubby so he will need another suitcase even if we bring the existing one.

The packmate sounds good. I'd look into it.

Suze, what tops dry out overnight? I've found that even my underwear takes one to two days to dry out in hotels.

You should also be checking the weight limits for your airline...they have become fairly strict on this in the last few years and a 29 inch suitcase could easily go over the weight limit.

I bring a rolling 24 inch suitcase with a zip-up duffle bag packed inside. I put clothes in the duffle bag for the trip home and put all of my purchases in the suitcase.

Margy

The space bags are a good idea BUT; while you can get more stuff in the suitcase remember, they don't do anything about the weight. 5 pounds of clothes in a space bag takes up less space than 5 pounds of clothes tossed in the suitcase, but each pile still weighs 5 pounds!

Ah but you've saved the weight of the air in the clothes

Yes - the bag will be heavier. Definitely, don't fill them for the trip over and then use them <u>if needed</u> for the return flight. But don't go overboard cramming things in or you might end up overweight.

synthetic fabrics dry over night in hot weather. not normally my favorite but work for this purpose. take a look at www.TravelSmith.com for ideas of what I mean. wash in sink, roll in towel to get excess water out, hang to dry.