Please recommend an affordable suitcase brand for a first trip to France and Italy
Jan 2nd, 2004, 03:24 PM
#22
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I agree with Flygirl in that the features of a particular suitcase can outweight the cost, whatever it is. I am a fan of the 24" suitcase for trips of over two weeks. You'd be amazed how many companies do NOT make this size - plenty of 22's and 26's but not 24's. This size is "large" for me, but it's still manageable.
At this time of year, many department stores have deep discounts on good luggage - a friend of mine just purchased her Travelpro at Macys for about $120, with all the discounting they're doing this week. Good luck!
At this time of year, many department stores have deep discounts on good luggage - a friend of mine just purchased her Travelpro at Macys for about $120, with all the discounting they're doing this week. Good luck!
Jan 2nd, 2004, 06:36 PM
#24
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Try ebay. I just bought a brand new, 5 piece Pierre Cardin for $170. Luggage Guy is the particular seller. Better yet, different colors are available; standouts from everyone else's black. I just wheeled my 22inch allover NYC, no problems.
Jan 2nd, 2004, 06:50 PM
#25
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I just returned from Italy where we traveled by train several times. I do not have a certain brand I recommend as much as I recommend these things:
1. Wheels that are at least 3 " in diameter.
2. Easy to pull up handle. I like the square rods the best, rather than a small round handle that tends to bend and then be hard to get up or down.
3. Since I often travel alone, I highly recommend two smaller (19-22"
suitcases that you can handle yourself getting onto the train (then ask your husband to do the lifting up overhead). You will not believe what a mad dash it is to get on the train. I am so glad I had one suitcase I could handle, and my daughter carried her own and my husband carried his and one of mine. All of our suitcases were the carry on size (19 or 22". We saw several very unhappy families trying to lug their big suitcases through the train cars and they barely fit through the aisles, and definetly did not roll. (PS before you get on the train, if you have a reserved seat, then look on the ticket and it will tell you which car your seat is in. It is much easier to walk on the platform with your rolling suitcases than dragging them through the train).
Best of luck,
Laura
[email protected]
1. Wheels that are at least 3 " in diameter.
2. Easy to pull up handle. I like the square rods the best, rather than a small round handle that tends to bend and then be hard to get up or down.
3. Since I often travel alone, I highly recommend two smaller (19-22"
suitcases that you can handle yourself getting onto the train (then ask your husband to do the lifting up overhead). You will not believe what a mad dash it is to get on the train. I am so glad I had one suitcase I could handle, and my daughter carried her own and my husband carried his and one of mine. All of our suitcases were the carry on size (19 or 22". We saw several very unhappy families trying to lug their big suitcases through the train cars and they barely fit through the aisles, and definetly did not roll. (PS before you get on the train, if you have a reserved seat, then look on the ticket and it will tell you which car your seat is in. It is much easier to walk on the platform with your rolling suitcases than dragging them through the train).Best of luck,
Laura
[email protected]
Feb 25th, 2004, 04:54 PM
#27
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I have used a Samsonite hard sider (26" with wheels on the hinged side for about 12 years and somewhat more trips. In order to recognize it on the carousels I've stuck on red tape on all sides and since the lock broke 2 or 3 trips ago I bought a red strap to secure it. I figure it looks so ratty with all the scratches nobody would think anything of value to be in it. They are right.
with wheels on the hinged side for about 12 years and somewhat more trips. In order to recognize it on the carousels I've stuck on red tape on all sides and since the lock broke 2 or 3 trips ago I bought a red strap to secure it. I figure it looks so ratty with all the scratches nobody would think anything of value to be in it. They are right.
Feb 25th, 2004, 05:22 PM
#29
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I just bought another Jansport daypack from Costco for $9.97 (before taxes). Has four zippered compartments.
My family thinks I'm slightly crazy to buy so many, but they are perfect - for me - for carrying EVERYTHING during the day when travelling.
My family thinks I'm slightly crazy to buy so many, but they are perfect - for me - for carrying EVERYTHING during the day when travelling.
Feb 25th, 2004, 06:33 PM
#30
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I love Eagle Creek bags. I have a few. The first one I bought was a 20" Switchback and that was more than 5 years ago. When I checked this bag, the color (green) and style stood out I could see it right away on the belt. No one has one like that. And even now it still looks like new.
Feb 25th, 2004, 07:09 PM
#31
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I also went with eBay and got a 4-piece expandable luggage set by Pierre Cardin for $100. All are rolling pieces (29" - 26" - 21" - 18" and nest when not being used. Same seller as the post above - Search for Seller "luggage-guy". He has lots of other luggage items too.
and nest when not being used. Same seller as the post above - Search for Seller "luggage-guy". He has lots of other luggage items too.
Feb 25th, 2004, 07:19 PM
#32
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Hi, Ginn. I haven't reviewed any other responses, but last year at the Atlant airport - I believe it was Brookstone - I found a lovely lugagge combination. Carry-on - with detachable pieces that would zip together as your hand-held stuff - a cosmtics/books bag. I don't remember the name exacty, except that it was familiar didn't find it at the Brookston websit. Should have bought it then. How did you find the husband who wanted to travel?
Feb 25th, 2004, 07:54 PM
#33
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had to weigh in here on the costco kirkland...before you buy any other, check them out. they are an excellent value and i believe have a lifetime warranty...we have hauled ours ( two sizes)everywhere and been very happy...
Feb 26th, 2004, 07:57 AM
#34
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My wife and I have 22 inch wheeled cases (different brands) which we selected because they can be carried on planes (we usually check them, but if there is a tight connection between plane and train, for example, we will carry-on so as to avoid the delay waiting for checked luggage). We also have shoulder bags from American Tourister that hold quite a bit, and can be fastened to the top of the wheeled units when wheeling. We always carry-on the shoulder bags, with enough clothes, foods, water, books, medicines, etc. to allow us to survive a day or so should the checked bags be lost. I just got a foldable case from Magellans, that I plan to carry in my 22 inch case, then fill up with dirty laundry and check on the way home; this should give us room for the souveneers we invariably pick up. I haven't used it yet, but it looks plenty sturdy for laundry. Of course, a duffel would also suffice.
Even though we travel by train within Europe, I always orient my luggage planning to planes, as that seems to be the bottleneck in touring. My wife did buy a handbag to carry, with a shoulder strap that is reinforced; this is an anti-thief daily carrier, although she often doesn't use it since I lug one of the shoulder bags as a camera case, and her belongings can easily fit in there.
Even though we travel by train within Europe, I always orient my luggage planning to planes, as that seems to be the bottleneck in touring. My wife did buy a handbag to carry, with a shoulder strap that is reinforced; this is an anti-thief daily carrier, although she often doesn't use it since I lug one of the shoulder bags as a camera case, and her belongings can easily fit in there.
Jun 7th, 2004, 11:49 PM
#36
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Atlantic 21 inch max. Travelling by train, especially in Italy, you will appreciate having a smaller bag. Even in first class you are pretty much on your own to lift your baggage into the overhead compartments. Frankly, I bought a 24 incher thinking it would be just great..it was ridiculously cumbersome. We're headed back to France this year for three weeks. I'm packing the 21 inch bag this time.
Jun 17th, 2004, 01:49 PM
#37
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Check out ebags.com, currently having a 20% off on all luggage. Check out the Baggalinni Messenger Bag for your tote, I got mine early to get used to it, love it! and the Teeny Bagalinni for those things you want to keep closer to you. Teeny bag comes with a 52" strap and goes around torso or around waist. They also have great prices on all the above mentioned luggages.
Julie
Julie
Jun 17th, 2004, 01:59 PM
#38
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one thing I forgot to mention.. if you think you may carry a lot of stuff, it's easier (to me) to have two smaller wheeled suitcases than one huge wheeled suitcase. I don't see how most women could pick up one of those big 29" suitcases fully loaded, to tell the truth. my little 22" one I can load at least 30 pounds in it, and a bigger one is not only longer but a lot wider!
I wouldn't be surprised if you could pack 60 pounds of stuff in it if you were so inclined. forget about getting that thing up over your head and it would be miserable trying to lift it up on trains. If I absolutely had no choice, I'd rather wield two suitcases around a train station than just one big one.
not to mention, just because you are pulling it doesn't make it weightless! it would be 60 pounds of weight you'd have to keep at a 45 degree angle to drag along instead of splitting it up.
I wouldn't be surprised if you could pack 60 pounds of stuff in it if you were so inclined. forget about getting that thing up over your head and it would be miserable trying to lift it up on trains. If I absolutely had no choice, I'd rather wield two suitcases around a train station than just one big one.
not to mention, just because you are pulling it doesn't make it weightless! it would be 60 pounds of weight you'd have to keep at a 45 degree angle to drag along instead of splitting it up.
Jun 17th, 2004, 02:01 PM
#39
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my vote is for travelpro (their platinum line)..they have a range of sizes..very durable and compact...my husband has a tumi (definitely NOT reasonable) but well worth it for someone who seems to spend as much time away as at home..he destroyed a samsonite bag in a year..it took him 10 years to do it with a tumi..the fellow at the luggage shop said that the platinum travelpro is as good as the tumi for the average traveller.
