cjhermanns

I see that most of you travel much more than I. Do any of you have luggage that you love? We're going back to Venice this Summer and we don't want to make the mistake we made last time (too much luggage, overly large suitcases). It's a 2 week stay, but in a vacation rental with a washing machine.

HappyTrvlr

We like Rick Steves 21" roll a boards. We carry them on the planes and there never has been a problem with them fitting in the overheads.then we each carry a smaller bag that goes under the seat in front of us. We dit enoigh clothes for a six week trip and do laundry as needed.

dreamon

Last couple of trips I've used an Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22. Wheels, handles on all sides, expandable. I take a day pack as well if I need extra capacity or want to spread the load. I don't travel as often as some but usually go for at least a month.

RM67

I would advise looking up the size and weight limits of popular European budget airlines before buying anything. Dimensions are usually smaller not just than transatlantic carriers but also than US budget carriers. Don't buy something that will only work at home.

fmpden

We have three R Steves carryon size backpack style (no wheels) that has made dozens of flights over the past 15 years or so. Look great. Also have a Eagle Creek about same age and style that has performed very well. A buckle on the Eagle Creek shoulder strap broke. For the cost of mailing it to the Eagle Creek repair center, it was repaired free of additional cost. We have always preferred the non-wheeled luggage but as we approach our mid-70s we may have to change our minds.

nytraveler

Venice is always esp dicey with luggage since you have to haul it on and off boats - and I assume if this is a rental it won't have a private dock so likely have to drag it over at least one bridge from the nearest vaporetto stop.

I can't help with specifics since we always check luggage for trips more than 3/4 days. But we usually check a 24 or 25" wheelie and have a soft shoulder carry-on as well. But we always get a hotel with a private dock and bellman to deal with luggage.

I would never do more than a 25" and if you have a washer and dryer - or is it just washer - you may well be able to do just a carry-on wheelie.

Disambiguous

For many trips, the Eagle Creek Switchback 22 is unbeatable. It's not everyone's cup of tea, however. It is the only backpack-type luggage that has both a full waist belt AND wheels with an extendable handle, plus it's sized for carry-on.

It is actually two complete bags, one standard carry-on size and one daypack, and the daypack also has a big, cushiony set of shoulder straps. The daypack serves as your "personal bag" when carrying on, and then it zips onto the main bag for rolling through airports and backpacking.

The drawback? The main bag weighs eight pounds, the daypack weighs two. For US carriers that's not a problem, but for Lufthansa and the European budget carriers that might be, as their carry-on weight limit is 8kg (a little less than 18 pounds). The secret is to put all the heavy stuff into the personal bag and in your pockets.

I found the Switchback to be especially handy in Venice. My daughter and I both had one, and we just strapped them to our backs and easily carried them over the bridges and through the alleys. The zippers have holes you can put a lock through to discourage petty pilferage. For traipsing through big airports, just pull out the handle and roll it along.

Because of the weight it's not something I'd choose for a through hike of the Appalachian Trail, but it didn't cause problems through the Cinque Terre.

My daughter's has been all through Italy, back and forth to college countless times, and dozens of trips to relatives and friends, and still looks brand new. Mine does more car trips but looks new as well.

misskdonkey

Hi, I'm an Aussie so some of the brands I like might not be helpful to you in the US, but here is a few things to consider when you are choosing your luggage.
. do you think you will be using it lots of times? I have observed lots of people buy luggage and scrimp on quality because this is 'the trip of a life time' and they think they won't use it again. Take my dad's tip and always buy the best you can afford.
. if you go for wheels, look for quality in those wheels and handle, make sure it doesn't tip easily.
. weight is really important these days get as light as possible.
. I suggest narrow as possible too, easy to wheel down the aisle of trains and will fit easily into car trunk, especially if there is a couple of bags.
. if you are going carry on only, make sure you can lift it fully loaded above your head. I have a height challenged friend who travels a lot with work, she always checks the luggage as she refuses to hold up the line struggling to reach her bag and then asking for help.
. don't buy a big bag, you will regret it!!

ElendilPickle

We've been happy with our Skyway 21" and 22" carry-on bags.

Lee Ann

Gretchen

Get a 22" expandable to 24". They can be carried on if you want, and give you room for souvenirs coming home (checked). And you won't always be wanting the smaller size maybe. Just pack light to begin with.

strawberryjamtart

Samsonite is great - and super light. Get the lightest. Get 4 wheels that spin in all directions.
If there are two of you, just get two medium size ones (the smaller the better) and have two backpacks on your back. Venice is full of bridges, so you will be carrying your luggage a lot up and down the bridges - so don't make it too heavy. Small is best.
And you know that there has been a ban on tourists rolling their luggages on the cobblestones in Venice - they are finding it too disruptive.
Biggest tip - get the lightest luggage, and pack light. Pack your limited items then take a third of it out. One pair of shoes would be best. Max 2 for women.

sandralist

Personally, heading to Venice in summer to an aparment with a washing machine, I would use a soft-sided, lightweight mid-sized backpack, and take less than a week's worth of clothes. Forget wheelies, which are useless on the many steps of Venice and just add weight.

http://snarkynomad.com/5-of-the-best...al-adventures/

sandralist

>>>" And you know that there has been a ban on tourists rolling their luggages on the cobblestones in Venice - they are finding it too disruptive." <<<<<

This is not true. It was an inaccurate news story that went viral, and has been debunked many times over.

Another caution about wheels on backpacks: The streets of Italy can be quite dirty, even in Venice, and the bottoms of luggage can get quite dirty. When you drag a backpack along the ground and then wear it as a backpack, it can get dirt on your clothes.

happytourist

I've had a 2-wheeled Victorinox Werks carryon for years and have loved it--holds a ton of stuff and is very durable. A newer version with 4 wheels is on sale at ebags: http://www.ebags.com/product/victori...uctid=10198419.

I've also had several ebags brand cases that I like. My daughter just took her ebags rolling duffel on a two-week business trip to India and was amazed at how much it held.

Of course, nothing beats my husband's Tumi, but they are very expensive. If you can get one on sale, grab it!

tuscanlifeedit

We've been through so much luggage! Right now we're using the Rick Steves rolling carry-on:

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...entId=8&id=527

It was recommended here, and we liked it enough to buy a second one. Very unusual for us.

jent103

I've used this from LL Bean for years - 2007, I think - traveling carry-on only all over. It still looks great and has been fantastic for me (including in Venice - it's light enough to lift over the steps, assuming you don't pack it with bricks).

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63923...-duffle-medium

A great option if you're not into the backpack-type bags.

bab706

We have used Eagle Creek Tarmac luggage for many years on international trips as well as domestic. This luggage is well made and works nicely with Eagle Creek Pack It cubes. Although we have never had any trouble with our luggage, Eagle Creek has a "No Matter What Warranty". Eagle Creek will repair or replace your luggage due to damage - whatever the cause.

WeisserTee

We're really happy with our Rimowa four-wheeled luggage. Even when the suitcase is fully loaded, you can steer it with one finger. Caveat: those wheels work a little too well, esp on slanted surfaces. DH thinks the next version should come with a brake/wheel locking mechanism. We have the Salsa Deluxe hybrid model, which means there are fabric pockets outside the hard case. Makes them a little more flexible and minimizes scratch potential.

cjhermanns

Thanks everyone. As a chronic over-packer, I'm committed to adjusting to a 22-inch roller and a small duffle. I have my fingers crossed, but I like my new pieces, and the possibility of their imposing packing discipline on me! Cheers!

PJTravels

You might get some packing tips from onebag.com. We like Eagle Creek products and still use our ancient TravelPro wheelies. Our only problem with them is the zipper pulls have come off over time.