julies

My latest favorite for trips is one that is almost more like a duffle. I got it at one of the discount department stores for maybe $35-$40 versus the ridiculous full price. It's huge. What I've done with it on trips is fold it down to fit into the tiny little accesory bag that comes with it. Then, it is just put in my suitcase until the end of the trip when we open it up if we need it. This summer in Istanbul we actually folded a handmade 7 x 9 rug into it. It was an extremely tight squeeze, but we made it. After the price we'd paid for the rug though, we didn't check the bag through. Rather, we carried it on because it still fit in the needed carry-on regulations.

marginal_margiela

If your Louis Vuitton Keepall is too bulky to pack in a suitcase, it obviously came from Canal Street, sweetie darling.

Why wouldn't you take your LV to Europe? Are you saving it to carry your Big Slurp and Big Mac around the boardwalk in Atlantic City?

How dreadful.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

dutyfree

Another Longchamp fan weighing in! I also want to let you know that in Paris at the Monoprix stores near the checkout area,they have the most amazing nylon bags for less than a euro (around.89)). They are duarable nylon,come in different colors and hold a ton of stuff. They fold back up in a little holder than is about 3 inches by 4 inches.People buy them for groceries but our family uses them for everything from totes to laundry bags.

dutyfree

Durable-should have prove read before sending!

dutyfree

Proofread? I think that I am going to bed...sorry! I really can spell when its earlier!

artlover

If you want a really cool one, attend a Fodors GTG and you'll be so lucky to get one for free and in ORANGE yet!

Luisah

<<I was wondering about the handles getting caught on things. Has anyone checked a lesportsac?>>

Good question. I've never checked a lesportsac, but I think the way to do it would be to fold the straps flat against onto the bag and use a couple of those wide, stretchy bands that you see on suitcases around the bag to keep the straps from catching. A bungee cord should work too.

I also have a canvas bag with handles and a detachable shoulder strap and have checked that when returning. I put the shoulder strap inside the bag and the handles have never caught on anything. The disadvantage is the bag is considerbly heavier than the lesportsacs.

SharonG

I have an old Lands End soft-sided suitcase, no wheels, no structure, nothing. I put in flat in the bottom of my suitcase and on the way home check it full of my dirty laundry. I got it years ago and it has held up well. I don't even think they make it anymore but it has been around the world with me.

SUMMAGOLD

i just purchased a collapsible. Travelon. it folds up pretty flat, but it does weigh some... not as light as i hoped. but it's structured and looks sturdy enough to checkin. Luisah, good idea on the bungee cord. I will definitely use your idea for the straps. marginal, thanks i needed that. happy holidays!

dutyfree

Baggelini(sp?) has some great tote bags that fold up-designed by flight attendants and are great for traveling. They can be found at any travel store around the US.