There are 2 of us travelling and we are renting a "Compact - Automatic" from Hertz, picking up in Edinburgh. Will we be able to fit two 29" rolling bags in the car, with some space left over for our carry ons (and our butts, which are normal sized)?? We're trying to buy luggage, but don't want to get anything that won't fit in the car. We can use the backseat as well, since there won't be anybody in there. Thanks.

Even if you CAN fit two 29-inchers in the trunk (which is unlikely) can you lift them in? Since you haven't bought the luggage yet, I would *strongly* recommend that if you can't pack lighter, that you at least divide your stuff into 3 or 4 smaller suitcases, instead of two gigantic ones. Did you know that many people travel for weeks throughout Europe with only a wheel-aboard (i.e., total dimensions for l+w+h= 45 inches)?

Jeez Jim, maybe it's time to switch to decaf.<BR><BR>Jason, You almost certainly won't be able to fit two 29 inchers into the trunk of the car but you'll be fine using the back seat too.<BR><BR>There are folks on this board who swear they can live on the road for six months out of a zip lock bag. Take what ever you makes you happy and have a great trip!

Many years ago when I did my first European trip, I, too, opted for huge luggage. Over the years I have learned to take no more than a 22 inch case. I doubt whether your larger ones will fit into the trunk of a compact, but even more to consider is the weight and how easy it'll be to lug it around. Can you hoist it into the trunk every morning? What about all those steps you might have to climb to your room? Sightseeing is tiring enough without having to tote oversized luggage every morning and night. Regardless, go, enjoy, have a great trip!<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

A zip-loc bag, huh? Sounds possible. Obviously, it's not fun to lug around giant bags, but I don't think one 22" bag will do it. Maybe we can bring 26" bag instead. So the bags will fit (somewhere) in the car, it's just a question of whether we want to deal with them? Thanks.

I would definitely not carry anything larger than a 26" bag!<BR>Furthermore, leaving a bag in the back seat is a no no if you plan to stop anywhere along your travels for more than a pit stop.

I didn't think we'd have to worry about leaving bags in the car in Scotland. I figured less crime than U.S.

Fred makes an excellent point about not leaving your luggage outside the trunk where it can be seen and stolen. <BR><BR>I haven't quite gotten to the point of a ziploc back, but do find that I am happier with less luggage rather than more. By no means should you count on the fact that these bags roll: they roll on fairly smooth, flat surfaces and that's about it. If you can't lift them and carry them easily up a couple of flights of stairs (possibly at a run, in an airport) don't buy them.<BR><BR>

I in fact have even gotten beyond the zip lock bag...I take no luggage, only my camera case. I wear the same clothes the entire trip...so I may stink a bit but what the hell they will never see me again. What freedom it provides to never have to carry a bag again.

Yes, those bags will fit if you use the back seat. I know people worry about luggage being stolen if it's left in sight, like on the back seat. But the percentage of thefts of luggage from cars is so small that you are probably more likely to get in an accident than to have luggage stolen. So if you want to keep the luggage inside the car while you stop somewhere to rest or eat, go ahead. You can always be one of those in the infinitesimal number who are victimized, but the odds are that you will be fine. I do it on every trip to Europe for the last 25 years, and I've never had anything taken.<BR><BR>As for luggage size, there are some luggage dimensions that are approximate, and one 29 incher isn't the same size as another of a different brand. I go along with the crowd who say that the 29 inch suitcase might be rather heavy to hoist around. From my own experience with large and small suitcases, I'd say that the largest one you should buy is either 26 or 28 inches in the longest dimension. However, the thickness (smallest dimension) can also make a huge difference in total volume and weight. A typical thickness, excluding some puffing from possible outside pockets, would be no more than about 8 to 9 inches. Any bigger and you'll really have a load.

Thanks to everyone for replies. Maybe we'll go with the 26". Why does packing have to be so difficult? A few pairs of pants, a sweater or two (we're going in Sept.), a bunch of shirts, good raingear, shoes, ample underwear and socks, a hat, etc.

Jason - definitely skip the 29 incher - but it sounds like you've already decided that. Now we are going to work on you to cut them down to 22 inchers. <BR><BR>There is NO reason you need more than a 22 inch rollaboard and maybe a small to medium sized satchel/handbag/carry-on each. Two 26 inch cases will not likely fit in the boot (trunk) any easier than the 29's. You will still need to put one in the back seat. While violent crime is much lower in the UK than the US - property crime - like breaking into cars, is about the same. You will not be mugged - but your car could be broken into if a suitcase is out in plain sight.<BR><BR>But 2 22 inchers will fit in any boot. Unless you are going for more than a month 22 inch cases is all you would need. I travel to the uK a few times a year and no longer own anythin larger than 21 inches and sometimes use a 19 inch rollaboard. You will find it mUCH easier if you are no lugging such big heavy luggage.

Wow, you guys are persistent. I use my 22" bag for trips up to one week. It can barely hold my waterproof boots! And I'm pretty sure it's unlikely my girlfriend can get 2 weeks worth of stuff into one 22" bag, although I can certainly ask her to give it a shot. Maybe we can find a rolling duffle bag that is soft and might be able to fit in places more easily. Or maybe one 26" and one 22" for the 2 of us. Virgin Atlantic is also really stingy allowing only 1 carry-on (although I guess this is the latest trend in flying), so I'd probably had to check the 22" if I brought another satchel. Now, if anyone has tips on getting 2 weeks worth of stuff into a 22" bag and a backpack, I'd love to hear them!

Jason - a little clarification - I use the smaller roll aboard even when I have to check it like on BA and Virgin. It is just too hard to travel around with massive suitcases.<BR><BR>And trust me - is is easy to get 2 weeks worth of clothing into a 22 inch case. remember - you are wearing one fullk outfit on the plane and no one needs a completely different outfit every day for two weeks.<BR><BR>If you select a color scheme and take clothes that coordinate you can get 30+ outfits out of about 12 pieces which would fit with LOTS of room left over.<BR><BR>As for your boots - wear one pair of shoes, pack the boots and you can still get everything you need in a small case.<BR><BR>If you want to look at a website that shows a packing system to fit 30 days of clothing into a rollaboard check out packinglight.com.

Tips for packing in a 22" bag from someone who though it couldn't be done.<BR><BR>Wear one pair of pants, pack two. <BR>Wear one pair of shoes, pack one<BR>Wear one shirt, pack two or three (for you trip I would have 2 shirts and two sweaters)<BR>Wear jacket on plane.<BR>Wear one set of undergarmets, pack two more<BR>Sleep naked<BR>All toiletries are sample size and limit what you bring (do you really need to bring a lint brush? you could always buy a roll of tape in Scotland and defuzz when needed)<BR><BR><BR>You have to do laundry every night. At the end of the trip you never want to see those clothes again. This doesn't work if you going to a business meeting or getting knighted, but it works for a true vacation.

Jason -- I think a 22" is fine for warm weather vacations, in fact, I have sworn never to take anything larger ever again. But if I were going to Scotland I would need a larger bag. Sweaters and boots -- those things take up a lot of space, and even those compressible bags don't work on boots!<BR><BR>What you don't say is whether you are moving every few nights or staying in one place for a week. If you are staying in one place, I don't think the luggage size matters so much. If you are moving around a lot, you might want to each take a carryon duffle or tote that you can use as an "overnight" bag on the trip. Keep your large luggage in the car, and take what you need for a night or two to your room in the smaller bag. <BR><BR>But I have to say, a 29" bag is only suitable when actually moving to another country.

Jason - how many different hotels are you going to be in - or how many nights in a row at each place?

PS Check with Virgin. Usually when they say "one carryon" they also allow a personal item like a small backpack (day pack size), purse, or tote bag. Even the very strict BA adhere to this.

In trying to pack light, it helps a lot if you don't think in terms of the total length of the trip, but in terms of taking enough for a week, then doing laundry once or twice. You shouldn't need any more for a two-week trip than for a one-week trip. As for big heavy boots, wear them. Not only will you save on luggage space, but you won't tire your arms out with carrying them.

Jason: The 22" suitcases fit better everywhere, and the trunk of a car is not your only problem. Hotel rooms in Europe, even in UK, are smaller than Motel 6 rooms in US. Just imagine tripping over your luggage for your entire stay.<BR><BR>We travel for three weeks in Europe with a 22" and medium-sized backpack per person. It's not hard--plenty of packing lists on the site to get you started.<BR><BR>As to the specifics with your question:With our last rental car (a Medium-size Renault Scenic) we could get all four 22"s inside the trunk plus two/three of the backpacks. Two 29"s would have been difficult.