mms, I also use them for out-of-season clothes.

Hi mms, it was Starrsville that gave me the idea for using that piece of luggage for storing extra bed pillows. Not a "travel" hint but a good one..and it works perfect, lol.

Well, see there you go mms, Starssville is still giving good advice!! Travel related or not ;;)

Well, one more then :-) (Can you tell I have LOTS of pieces of luggage?) I also have used them for clothes that I THINK I am ready to give away, but not quite ready to let go. A while ago I lost weight and moved about the same time. I packed up the "old wardrobe" in old suitcases and waited ... just to see. Sure enough, a few months later donated the whole kit and caboodle to a local charity. I pulled out some very expensive pieces and offered them to my storage unit manager who had been so helpful to me - all in a rolling carryon. She was thrilled to get the clothes. In fact, I just found two suitcases full of clothes in a storage unit ready to give away. If I have no idea what's in there - I don't need it! :-)

I've also been buying vintage suitcases to use as underbed storage in my guest room. Saw the cutest idea in a magazine last week - a vintage suitcase converted into a dog bed! I have my grandmothers' train cases as extra storage pieces in a closet too.

Ok, not sure how I missed that...but thank you Starrsville!!! My husband will be VERY happy if I can make more room in our closet:)

I have learned to use a 22" softsided expandable which I am delighted with, but I always tuck an inexpensive and lightweight, vinyl Samsonite spare suitcase into it. It folds completely flat in the bottom between the ribs, and is a lifesaver in case I end up buying more than I can fit in for my return as I sometimes do. Sometimes it goes unused, but I have used it several times just for dirty laundry and put my new or breakable purchases in the rolling suitcase - always bring a length of small sized bubble wrap, it comes in handy.

This last trip I filled the spare with candy, cookies, tea and other food goodies from Russia and London and simply checked it through. In the past I would have carried-on all sorts of last minute bulky packages - now we can not do that any more. I am not plus sized, but after this haul I very well might be!

By using the 22", I am learning to co-ordinate and plan my clothes better which allows me to bring less. I actually had extra room in it when I left home for two weeks in Europe. It has resulted in less effort and stress lugging and managing a big bulky suitcase - even one that rolls beautifully. I hope never to use the larger ones again. They live nested inside one another in my basement.

For me it depends a little on the trip I am planning to take. If we are staying in one place, bigger is easier but if we are moving then a big one is too heavy for countries without elavators and escalators - learned the hard way! I am downsizing for a trip in 3 weeks so we'll see how it goes, I have a 21" to check and a backpack that zips on to the suitcase as my carryon. I am certainly becoming an advocate of backpack suitcases for those times it is easier to haul than roll - my arms just aren't strong enough - or may be full of toddler.

Another idea is to carry a compact bag to pack clothes in so souveniers will fit in your suitcase. I have been very glad to have my extra bag several times. Just be sure to pack your clothes in the extra bag so nothing gets broken (yes learned that the hard way too).

So stay small or downsize. I liked the opinion that said she had to be able to lift it over her head without help - good advice.

Sara

I have a high-quality 26"suitcase that I haven't used for 6 years.

I spent nine weeks in Europe this summer with a 22" suitcase and a smaller shoulder strap carry-on for my electronics (hair dryer, curling iron, and odds and ends). I am also a plus-size woman, but if I coordinate carefully I have plenty of space. I take only 2 pairs of shoes, one for walking and one for dress.

Getting on and off trains can be a nightmare if you're a weakling, as I am. On the other hand, if I'm doing most of my traveling by car, I will allow myself to take a slightly larger (expandable 22").

I don't go to Europe to look pretty (too late, anyway!). I go to see Europe, so looking chic isn't a high priority for me.

My recommendation is two "reasonable" bags, versus one. A 24-25" holds a LOT more (such as a third pair of shoes, two plus the pair you wear) than a 21-22" and is not that much that heavier or larger. But, larger than that is surely probably too heavy and large, given the additional depth as well. The second bag (for me) is for electronics and toiletries, along with tour guides/paperwork, which I carry on on the way over, but check on the way home.

Best is to find the perfect two bags that "nest" perfectly and are well balanced for dragging along streets, up/down stairs. I've found that a second bag, the same width as the main bag, works best.

I pack all black bottoms (microfiber, cotton/poly slacks, a skirt), along with dressy white/ivory tees, and a few (light, medium heavy) cardigan sweaters.

Minimum shoes for me are TWO pairs of blissfully comfortable walking shoes (one slides, one other) and a pair of comfortable "dressy" shoes. I'm always sorry March-October if I don't bring my most comfortable and attractive sandals...

We do fine with 22" bags on trips of up to 12-14 days or so. Usually move up to 26" suitcases for trips over 2 weeks. Haven't had any problems getting around with the 26" suitcases whether by air, rail, car, bus, or vaporetto.

As to places like Venice--if we were to take our filled suitcases and haul them around with us every day while we're there, then I would be concerned about suitcase size. But just to get to and from the hotel with them on arrival and departure day is not a life-changing experience. Though it might be for someone very small or in poor physical condition.

We got rid of our 28" bags over 15 years ago. We found that they were just too much to carry up 3 floors and to put in and out of the trunk of a car. We changed to 26" and have been very happy with the change.

TinaLee -
You have great responses but I'll add my two cents.

I routinely use a 21" for two weeks in Europe. I've learned to roll my clothes and can fit an amazing amount.

Using this strategy of rolling (I layer pants with shirts, for example, and then roll them up) I was able to pack my daughter's 22" expandable for the college move.

I ended up packing:

38 T-shirts
8 pr of jeans
30 undies
4 bras
2 sweatshirts
8 shorts
two pr running shoes
blow dryer
straigtening iron

To be fair, both my daughter and I are small, size 2-4. But I'm still able to pack an amazing amount using the rolling technique. Even my oft traveling husband does this.

A 24" with a couple inches expandable capability is my biggest suitcase and perfect for all trips imo.

Watch out for those Victorinox (or any new piece you buy) they were heavy empty when I looked at them.

I'd go with the 26-er you already have and save your money for other things. Added advantage I think you get to know how to pack a certain suitcase best, one that you've used before. I feel the same about not taking new purses or totes on a trip... so often they simply do not work out as you hoped.

a 28 inch or larger is TOO BIG to get on and off the airport carousel just for starters

As far as sizes and packing, I believe it is more important about fabrics. A size 24 silk tunic takes no more space than a size 2 pair of jeans for example.

A warning: some 22" suitcases may, technically, be too big to be a carry-on. Most airlines impose a 45" (depth + length + width) limit. I've seen some 22" -sold as carry-ons- that measure 46".

I would suggest NO getting a 28 or 29 inch. I have one ( not sure if it is 28 or 29) and it can easily hit 60+ lbs. Last time I used it to fly was 2 or 3 years ago when they were not as picky about weight of luggage. I have a new bag (24 or 26 inches cant remember) and am worried it may be more than 50+ ?