We are going to Italy at the end of May for two weeks? What size luggage would you take? Especially if you want to buy lots of souvenirs! We will be traveling by train to the 3 major cities. Is there a particular brand that anyone recommends?

The same size you would take for one week or for a month. Take a roll-up tote in your bag for the goodies you buy. With train travel you will only overpack once---STAY LIGHT !

absolutely what bobthenavigator says. Take the same sized suitcase you would for a long weekend, a 1 week trip, or a 1 month trip. In my case that would be a 19 inch rollaboard. But a 21 incher would be good too.

Either, put an empty tote bag in the suitcase for shopping and transporting all the goodies home

- OR -

Get an expandable case. Use it "un-expanded" on the way over and expanded (and therefore checked) for the return flight. If you don't overpack you'll have plenty of space for your souvenirs.

BobM:
We just returned from a similar trip: 8 days in Italy, 6 in Paris. We are two ladies. We travelled by train between the big 3 in Italy.

We each took a 22" rolling suitcase and a small rolling overnight bag. They weren't stuffed, but I still believe I could have left home with almost half of what I took. We did laundry about every other night and found we wore our same favorite outfits over and over again. Several things I took went unworn altogether.

Since we were travelling by train I searched for a reliable lightweight bag. I was very happy with the one I bought:
Eagle Creek Point A Load Warrior rolling duffle.
http://tinyurl.com/kxyz
It only weighs 6 1/2 lbs. No frills. I hadn't thought of buying a softside bag in years. But I found this one rigid enough while still being nice and flexible when handling it on the train.

Next time I'll leave the overnight bag at home and take only the duffle.

Hi BobM ~

We did 12 days, each with a 21 inch, and it was perfect.

Heed the BobTheNavigator warning, pack light.

Also, janisj has given great advice about the expandable suitcases. I have a REI, that I got on sale for about $100, that is expandable and I love it. I had it normal on the way over and expanded on the way home. Lots of zipper compartments, it is the best suitcase I have ever owned. It just travels very well.

Hope you find one that suits you!
Tiff

Pack light and no more than a 22" roller. Soft sided duffles are now very light. We have a Timberland rolling duffle and it is super lightweight, too. We have a large Kiplinger duffle (not a rolling one)that folds up (or rolls up) really small but can fit a ton of purchases. For me a tote bag would be a joke, I do a lot of shopping. Sometimes it even makes sense to ship stuff.
And here's a secret. The somewhat tattered undergarments that are about to be garbage save them for your trip and toss them before you come home. Every little bit of space will help.

Simulation! Load your bag and try carrying it about in your daily travel. Soft side luggage needs interior padding! Consider using postal services to ship souvenirs home. Prepare mailing labels beforehand.

Pack lighter and plan to do more laundry.

I suggest you do the comparison chart at www.ebags.com

Pack for 1 week in a 22" rolling suitcase. Do (or have done) your laundry once mid-trip. Take a nylon duffle bag folded in the bottom of your suitcase for the extra purchases. This then rides on top of your 22" roller and is your carry-on for the plane.