Will be traveling by train from Paris to Avingnon and to Aix (no overnite). Is 26" bag too big to carry on train? It will be the only bag each of us will have.

26" will work; anything larger becomes difficult in the aisles, etc.

I always recommend two bags, and the larger no bigger than 22" and no more than eight pounds empty. The second can be almost as big but should not weigh more than eight ounces empty.<BR>

Whatever you can carry up 4 steps by yourself, carry down a narrow corridor comfortably, and lift over your head and onto the above seat luggage rack with no assistance.... otherwise, I can assure you that you will be unhappy!<BR><BR>Barry

One more opinion to match those above. No 26 inchers, unless you're a center for the NBA and comfortably juggle bowling balls.<BR>

topping

Have had no problems with my 26" rolling bag. I guess I have strong arms.

Size is not a problem, weight is;furthermore for your peace of mind pack a bicycle lock (The combination type ) that way you can take a nap while traveling and be sure your bag is not going to be "de-trained" one stop before yours.

One of my husband's ways of 'mingling' with locals is to go golfing. Therefore my interest in 'luggage on trains'is related to the hard-side golf case (rolls on wheels on one end). We use this as his suitcase as well, so he only has to deal with one 'bag'. So - on the Thalys, where/how will he store this 'bag' en route? (p.s. he plays left-handed, and it's hard to find a leftie set most places, so he brings his own).

At the end of each car are shelves for luggage, hence the bicycle lock suggestion. Some seats face forward, some face backward, the space between the two sets of seats is also for larger luggage.<BR><BR>If your suitcases aren't too deep, or have the wheels along the narrow part, you can get your 26" suitcase down the aisles (if you put them in the luggage area at the end of each car, this won't be an issue).<BR><BR>I'm a klutz, so two bags, no matter how light/small, cause me grievous bodily harm. One suitcase, one totebag which isn't much bigger than a good-sized purse are my only baggage.

topping<BR>