TGV - how hard is it getting luggage to upper level of train?
Jul 5th, 2011, 06:47 PM
#42
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IMHO, even a 24 inch is a big suitcase to be hauling around for a three week trip.
Might i suggest that you pack your 24 inch suitcase and walk around the block with it and then also try to lift it over your head? Then carry it upstairs and downstairs.
A lightweight 21-inch should be more than sufficient, along with a smaller bag like a backpack.
You owe it to yourself to pack light.
Might i suggest that you pack your 24 inch suitcase and walk around the block with it and then also try to lift it over your head? Then carry it upstairs and downstairs.
A lightweight 21-inch should be more than sufficient, along with a smaller bag like a backpack.
You owe it to yourself to pack light.
Jul 6th, 2011, 03:04 AM
#43
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easytravler - have you found any good sized smaller bags or back packs? if so can you provide the brands and model numbers? i like the idea of a 21 inch however with the various clomates and types of actiivies i iwill be doing i need some more space. I will be hiking in the pyrenees for one week and need hiking boots and things like that.
ardithl- for packing shoes you mentioned ballet flats. i have not found any that are actually comforatbable because they seem to have no support and then my back hurts. i really don't want to go the sneaker route - because after all i will be in the fashion capital of the world.... any suggestions for good flat shoes that are stylish?
does 2 pair of dressy jeans, one pair of black pants and one other color pair of slacks sound enough for threee weeks? i don't wear dresses much so probably will not take one. i will be in europe from the end of sept to mid october.
ardithl- for packing shoes you mentioned ballet flats. i have not found any that are actually comforatbable because they seem to have no support and then my back hurts. i really don't want to go the sneaker route - because after all i will be in the fashion capital of the world.... any suggestions for good flat shoes that are stylish?
does 2 pair of dressy jeans, one pair of black pants and one other color pair of slacks sound enough for threee weeks? i don't wear dresses much so probably will not take one. i will be in europe from the end of sept to mid october.
Jul 6th, 2011, 04:11 AM
#44
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KeppieAngel: Funny you should ask, because I was just thinking of having to get a new backpack.
My old one is a black Civita Day Pack from Rick Steves.
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...=product&id=40
It is an extraordinary bag that is almost indestructible, can be washed numerous times, is extremely lightweight and squashes down to a small enough size to stuff into one's coat pocket. Yet the shoulder straps are very comfortable and I've carried it stuffed full and with heavy electronics gear and it's still functional. In a pinch I've also used it as a purse, and if left on the ground, can put one leg into a strap to deter thieves.
It comes with two side mesh outside pockets for water bottles. I put all my little liquids in a plastic baggie and stuff the baggie into one of the mesh pockets. No TSA agent has ever asked me to remove the liquids and put them separately in a bin. So, this eliminates one more item to keep track of when going through airport security.
My entire family uses this as the long distance traveling backpack. Sometimes, depending on the purpose of the trip, this is the only bag I carry for a trip of about a week's length. In Europe, I've used it as a grocery bag and it is sturdy enough to carry heavy items like wine bottles and liter-size water bottles.
My old bag is about 15 years old, been used and washed innumerable times, and is still going strong. The zippers are fabulous and the seams have held up after much abuse. I'm just afraid that having used it so much, something will fall apart at a critical moment, that's why i'm mulling over getting a replacement just like the old one.
If you do buy this bag, get the black one. It hides dirt well.
Hope this helps.
(Now let's talk about what goes into the bags.
)
My old one is a black Civita Day Pack from Rick Steves.
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...=product&id=40
It is an extraordinary bag that is almost indestructible, can be washed numerous times, is extremely lightweight and squashes down to a small enough size to stuff into one's coat pocket. Yet the shoulder straps are very comfortable and I've carried it stuffed full and with heavy electronics gear and it's still functional. In a pinch I've also used it as a purse, and if left on the ground, can put one leg into a strap to deter thieves.
It comes with two side mesh outside pockets for water bottles. I put all my little liquids in a plastic baggie and stuff the baggie into one of the mesh pockets. No TSA agent has ever asked me to remove the liquids and put them separately in a bin. So, this eliminates one more item to keep track of when going through airport security.
My entire family uses this as the long distance traveling backpack. Sometimes, depending on the purpose of the trip, this is the only bag I carry for a trip of about a week's length. In Europe, I've used it as a grocery bag and it is sturdy enough to carry heavy items like wine bottles and liter-size water bottles.
My old bag is about 15 years old, been used and washed innumerable times, and is still going strong. The zippers are fabulous and the seams have held up after much abuse. I'm just afraid that having used it so much, something will fall apart at a critical moment, that's why i'm mulling over getting a replacement just like the old one.
If you do buy this bag, get the black one. It hides dirt well.
Hope this helps.
(Now let's talk about what goes into the bags.
)
Jul 6th, 2011, 04:38 AM
#45
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Oops, sorry for carrying on about the backpack.
Forgot to answer some of your other questions.
For your heavy items like hiking boots, wear them onto the plane. I usually carry something (the plastic slipons that workmen wear so as not to dirty up your carpet are great)to wear on the plane in place of the heavy shoes. Remember that you also have weight limitations for your luggage, but fortunately, as of now, passengers are not weighed, so you can carry/wear your heaviest items on your person.
As for the 21", try not to shop brand name but go to a luggage store and look over several different pieces. Make sure that the wheels are large and sturdy, that the zippers are also fairly large and zip smoothly, and that the material is lightweight.
Other than these elements, my personal preference is to have four wheels instead of two. The two additional wheels really, really help. Also prefer luggage with a single space with a zipper flap as opposed to luggage that is like a clamshell and opens up to two equal but separate compartments. I can fit more things and more odd-shaped things into one large space than into the same amount of space chopped up in two.
And black, of course. Those fushia, lime-green, tiger-stripped luggage attract thieves like bees to honey.
And one of those hidden money belts that you usually wear around your midriff, but some varieties can be dangled from the neck and tucked into a blouse or worn around the upper leg. Personal choice.
Forgot to answer some of your other questions.
For your heavy items like hiking boots, wear them onto the plane. I usually carry something (the plastic slipons that workmen wear so as not to dirty up your carpet are great)to wear on the plane in place of the heavy shoes. Remember that you also have weight limitations for your luggage, but fortunately, as of now, passengers are not weighed, so you can carry/wear your heaviest items on your person.
As for the 21", try not to shop brand name but go to a luggage store and look over several different pieces. Make sure that the wheels are large and sturdy, that the zippers are also fairly large and zip smoothly, and that the material is lightweight.
Other than these elements, my personal preference is to have four wheels instead of two. The two additional wheels really, really help. Also prefer luggage with a single space with a zipper flap as opposed to luggage that is like a clamshell and opens up to two equal but separate compartments. I can fit more things and more odd-shaped things into one large space than into the same amount of space chopped up in two.
And black, of course. Those fushia, lime-green, tiger-stripped luggage attract thieves like bees to honey.
And one of those hidden money belts that you usually wear around your midriff, but some varieties can be dangled from the neck and tucked into a blouse or worn around the upper leg. Personal choice.
Jul 6th, 2011, 10:11 AM
#46
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KeppieAngel,
I think it's time to start a new thread, since this discussion has veered away from the TGV! But to answer your questions:
I took ballet flats to wear with dresses, and I took dresses only because it was summertime. So you won't need those, or sandals.
My dressier walking shoes are Naot brand. My sneakers (not white) are New Balance country walkers.
It was good to have different pairs of shoes; even though all my shoes were comfortable, whichever pair I changed to in the afternoon always felt better than what I wore earlier.
I think it's time to start a new thread, since this discussion has veered away from the TGV! But to answer your questions:
I took ballet flats to wear with dresses, and I took dresses only because it was summertime. So you won't need those, or sandals.
My dressier walking shoes are Naot brand. My sneakers (not white) are New Balance country walkers.
It was good to have different pairs of shoes; even though all my shoes were comfortable, whichever pair I changed to in the afternoon always felt better than what I wore earlier.
