i am kane: I don't use ziplock bags,we take 2 empty travel bags each a 1 21"roll on each,no checked luggage.We are at our hotel before others leave the airport.Our luggage is expandable by 2 "and along with using travel bags this allows room for purchases.

Thank you all so much. Your opinions on the space bags have been very helpful.

As for the curling iron, I guess I will stick with what I do now, which is use my everyday dual voltage one. I do have a little travel set (converter with plugs) I guess I was hoping for a "better way" (ie: miracle) - LOL. It just seems like I have more bad hair days while traveling!

To provide space for mementos on our return, I have a collapsable suitcase I pack in my suitcase. Returning, I put clothes and other things we won't need right away in my collapsible case and check it; I put the mementos in my suitcase and carry it on, since I think it has a better chance of avoiding rough handling if I can watch it. Actually, a duffel bag or any knapsack that can be folded up would also work.

clevelandbrown, I use baggalinis (fold up totes that zip into their own pocket), ever since I discovered them on this forum. They come in many sizes and colors and seem to be very well made.

I purchased the space bags when they first came out and they worked for a few trips and then would not seal properly so now have gone to Walmart and when you can find them, buy the 2 gal. size zip lock and they work absolutely wonderful. Only problem I have had with them is at the airport when they go through the bags, they can slip out so keep an eye on them going through your bag so every bag gets back in. But works great.

We bought the spacebags for our recent Austria/Italy trip and they worked great. We were traveling in Feb/March and the weather (especially in Austria) was cold/chilly so the spacebags helped with packing sweaters. One piece of advice I have is to bring an extra couple of empty bags with you. While the spacebags are great, they can rip pretty easy. If you have just enough room in your luggage and one of them breaks, its not a fun situation! I would bring a few empty ones just in case.

Tracy