&quot;<i>I guess maybe some things are more easily learned by experience,</i>&quot; -- Ain't that the truth! :)

If you pack smart and wash your clothes, then you can get by with a 24 inch or 26 inch wheeled regular luggage.

the duffel might be too big for lots of train travel....

You really can get by with a smaller bag, but if you think a 22&quot; is just too small, try a 24&quot; but no bigger. You'll be truly thankful when you're running to another platform at the train station when they annouce at the very last minute that it's now coming in on track 8 and you're at Track 1, as it seems is all too often the case. The other thing to consider is that bigger, bulkier luggage is a real pain to maneuver through the really narrow, crowded, cobblestoned sidewalks found throughout Italy.

I've always been a heavy packer, but took the advice of Fodorites on a recent domestic trip. I packed like I plan to pack for my upcoming 3-week trip to Italy. What a relief!!!

I took only a 21&quot; roller and tote bag. And even those items got heavy with the amount of walking I had to do. When I imagine lugging those 2 pieces on trains, I wish I could go even lighter (won't happen ;)).

Pack less and wash more. Great advice.

Has anyone tried the 3-piece Weekend Bag by Lori Greiner? They claim you can pack for 3 weeks in it.

Hi ItalyLove, I know how you feel but I sure hope you listen to everyone here. There is an old joke &quot;noone ever comes home from a trip saying &quot;I wish I had taken more stuff&quot;. So true!!

As the posters here and on other website have preached..make sure every top goes with every bottom (pants or skirts). If you have enough for a week you have enough for a year..honest!!

If you want to drag that rolling duffle with you I can promise you that you will wish you hadn't after a couple of days.

Best wishes to you with your luggage and packing decisions.

Thanks for everybody's input!
I think I'm going to get a 25&quot; bag that becomes a backpack in case I need it.
I've done so much research on bags that I'm sick of it.
I travelled last year to Spain with a big duffel (27&quot;) and had no problems, but Italy may be different.

If you did OK in Spain with that size bag doing the same amount of traveling around, I don't see why Italy would be any different. If you still have it, why not use the same duffle again, since it worked well for your last trip?

Another thought, could you mail a small box ahead to the school? Maybe a pair of shoes and a dozen pieces of clothing, to give you some extra items without having to take them on the first part of your trip.

I've seen some wheeled duffles that traveled very well and others that looked like ungainly lumps. One of my Italian colleagues travels with Mandarina Duck's antracite modified rolling duffle from their isi line and it works very well on trains (you can see it on the www.mandarinaduck.com website).
If you can afford it, take a very inexpensive piece of luggage over and buy yourself something chic and practical in Spain or Italy to use while you're there and to take home.

If that's not an option for you, look for something with four wheels that will roll down those narrow train aisles.

Have a great trip!

myvenezia, that bag is available on ebay in a number of colors.

kswl,
Thanks so much, I'll check it out...

ItalyLove, a new bit of information from you. If your duffelbag worked for you travelling around Spain I don't see why it wouldn't work in Italy. Best regards.

LoveItaly
thanks for being so understanding.
I appreciate everyone's opinions in this forum, but sometimes they make you feel like you're nuts if you don't follow their advice (a 22&quot; piece of luggage)
I'll be gone for 2 months and I can't do it with such a small bag.
I decided on a 26&quot; roller bag with backpack straps in case I need them.
Thanks again!