My husband and I are traveling to France and Italy in May and will be taking a number of long train rides (anywhere from 6 hours to overnight). We can fit our things into one giant suitcase or we can each bring a small suitcase (the type that would be a "carry-on" on a plane). Which would you recommend? Obviously, I'd like us to bring the bag that will be the easiest to deal with on trains, walking to hotels, etc. Thanks!

2 smaller suitcases will be MUCH easier than 1 huge one. Train steps are narrow and steep. It will be easier to put the on an overhead shelf, too.

I think two smaller suitcases on wheels would be the best bet, so you don't have to rummage around in one big suitcase. Smaller bags are easier to stow away and are less cumbersome. Get a good sturdy make like Delsey or Samsonite which can withstand a lot of use.<BR>Good luck !

Since there are two of you, I vote for two bags. Means one of you can more easily manage them (one in each hand) if the other has to go to the ticket office or to the bathroom or wherever.Or alternatively, one of you can each take a bag and go wherever you have to go.<BR>Also, big bags don't always fit in the narrow train aisles, I speak from experience. Bigger bags are very difficult to hoist onto overhead luggage racks or even onto the top level of the larger luggage racks at the end of the cars.<BR>Include in one suitcase an extra, light weight, folds-flat totebag (nylon or whatever) in case you find that on your way home your new treasures don't fit in your bag.<BR><BR>I'd also invest in theft-resistant cables with locks (Magellan's catalog has them) if you are traveling long distances or will want to sleep. You use the cable to attach the bag to the luggage rack.

It is really personal preference, but when we travel on trains/buses with walking we prefer smaller bags to large ones. Transfer onto and off is much easier than one large bag and sometimes luggage storage is a bit restricted in size and I have seen people with very large suitcases have problems finding a place to put them for the ride. <BR><BR>Also, you can each split your things between the two cases - just in case one of the cases gets taken (often no security at the luggage storage area), neither of you will lose all clothes etc. We have never had a problem but it always pays to be safe when possible.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

I looks like we are all saying the same thing. When we travel we take the two small suitcases with wheels and each of us also has a small shoulder bag. It certainly is easier to manage the small bags on a train. Also, we don't share very well and this way we each have our own bag. Although our wheeled suitcases are small enough that we could carry them on the plane, we usually check them in and only deal with them after arriving. This is what works best for us. Have a great trip.

I agree with all the above, 2 bags, and an extra soft side of souvenirs. A couple extra thoughts, our 1 20 inch has a small garment bag in it which is good for evening clothes to isolate them. I usually pack it with our dress clothes and enough for a few days and carry it on incase the other bag gets lost. Also, it is an expandable bag. So when we are getting ready to return I can expand it another 2 and 1/2 inches. Also many hotels, B &amp; Bs do not have elevators so the smaller is the better. In addition, if you go to Venice, the Vaporetto (canal bus) is easier to do going to your hotel with smaller luggage. We use briggs and riley which has very durable wheels.<BR>Have a great trip.

Thanks for all of your suggestions - it looks like the we'll be taking our two small suitcases!

Take 2. Also your one large bag might go over the weight limit that airlines are now enforcing.<BR>And make it the smallest bag you can.

Two suitcases. We had no trouble with two normal size, check-in suitcases, so carry-ons would be a piece of cake. But a big one would have been a problem.

Just because you are going with two carry-on sizes does not mean that you might not have to check through one piece of luggage. If you have scissors in your toiletry kit, it can't be in your carry-on. I carry a pocket knife for picnics. That has to go with checked luggage.