Should I buy new luggage?
 

We are going to Italy/Greece in May for 16 days...Can we really get by with our regular stuff or should we purchase larger suitcases? When we went to France 5 years ago, we borrowed our friends' luggage which had "drawers"...went to TJ Maxx today and they have small, medium and LARGE...with lots of wheels for not much $...any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Are you aware of the new weight restrictions since you last flew internationally?

Hi sumreknot, what is the size of your regular stuff? And how much does it weigh when fully packed?

Ah yes, I have the answer for you, no wait...... my crystal ball is a bit foggy this evening. Oh never mind, one minute I see your big heap of clothing along with a big shaggy dog or..... is that your husband and then it disappears and is replaced by a ........... woops lost the picture again.

I had to laugh when I saw the title of this thread. I LOVE new luggage and would buy it all the time if I didn't know how crazy that was. As it is, I have too much of the stuff, but there always seems to be a "better" piece of luggage out there. :-d

Well, if you have your eyes set on a new set of luggage, then YES, you absolutely NEED a new set of luggage before your trip. :)

Seriously, we'll need to know more about your existing luggage to be able to tell you if you need something bigger.

And remember, larger isn't always better with luggage. If you're traveling by rental car, you're going to want to be able to easily get it out of the trunk. If you're traveling by train, you'll want to be able to pick it up to climb stairs. Larger luggage usually equals packing more stuff that you "might need" and that means more weight.

I am more inclined to bring a smaller suitcase and then if I need more room for souvenirs, etc. on the way home, I'll pick up an inexpensive piece for the trip home.

Well, i hate new luggage. i like traveling with a suitcase i "know".

What size are we talking here? What kind of travel? If you are doing any train trips I wouldn't go larger than a 24" w/ wheels and a small shoulder bag.

Don't buy black!

I agree!!! Anything but black. And don't buy too large. We got a big (26" I believe) piece before one trip and found it a nuisance getting it into and out of small rental cars you'll have in Europe. Further, on the way home that one bag was over the weight limit. Picture your suitcases open on the floor in a long line of people waiting to check in at Gatwick, and you frantically moving heavy items from the big suitcase to a smaller one while everyone waits and waits as you paw through your things.... :-[

We haven't used that suitcase for any reason since. LOL Anyone want a nice piece of once used Tumi cheap?? :)

Had to laugh at the borrow luggage thing.

Mine is usually so beat up from flying, it isn't in any shape to lend to anyone.

Plus, at this point in my life, I can tell you just about how many more flights my check luggage will hold up on before it goes kaput.

I don't check my small pullmans. Carry on only.

Have you seen the Orla Kiely luggage in the Garnet Hill catalog? I love the bright colors and patterns -- you'd certainly recognize your luggage in the sea of black suitcases.

I often lend out my suitcases. Like camping equipment I don't think it's something every single person on earth needs to own.

My 22" has been several places more exotic than I have been (like Quito, Ecuador).

LOL...after the Orla Keiley you might not be able to afford to travel though! I think her stuff is really cute.

For European train travel I would try to keep to a 22" or smaller. Trust me..26" is a nightmare..I stupidly dragged one all over Italy on my first trip there years ago.

I have since learned the virtue of conservative packing. :)

A new suitcase would be lovely! Especially if it's a good one at a bargain price!

I've never been to Ireland but my 31" Samsonite mega suitcase borrowed by a bride had her wedding gown and a couple of suits in it.

Like tuscanlifeedit, I love new luggage. There always seems to be something that makes another suitcase better than the one I already own, even though the one I own is just fine.
I was able to convince myself that my old one wouldn't make another trip as the handle was wiggling like a 1st graders loose tooth. I suppose it didn't help it when I dragged and bumped it down some stairs.

Basically, what can you find wrong with it that will justify the new luggage? Are the zippers ready to split? Are the wheels shakey?

Thanks...here's the deal...I talked to a friend who went on a 22 day European trip...he said you couldn't get by with less than a 30 in...So..I dragged ours out, and lo and behold, they are only 25 in..but...they expand..widthwise, with an extra zipper..I'm thinking, since we are going in May, we won't (hopefully) need heavy clothes, and if we use those space bags..maybe we can get by with the ones we have...I ALWAYS overpack...so my reason for posting...please give me the best tips you know for packing light!

Santa brought me a very nice piece of Hartmann luggage for Christmas. It is the 24" Expandable from the Luxe Collection in Chocolate Polka Dot. It's very pretty! ***kim*** ((f))

Sumreknot - coordinate your wardrobe colorwise and pack separates. Every top should work with every bottom, every jacket/sweater with every top, etc. That way you can take fewer pieces and create more outfits (so you don't look like you're wearing the same thing everyday).

Say you take 3 bottoms, 5 tops, 1 jacket, 1 sweater. That gives you 30 different combinations without ever repeating your outfit.

Look at where you're going. If you're not going to a beach, do you need a bathing suit. No matter how small the item is, if you don't plan on using it, don't bring it. Otherwise, they will add up and weigh you down.

If you are bringing a heavier coat, carry it on the plane with you rather than packing it. You can use it as a blanket during the flight and it won't take up precious space in your checked luggage. If I bring a coat, it's usually a lightweight, padded, microfiber car length coat - it's not that awkward to carry, provides fairly decent warmth and is still pretty lightweight.

Reduce your shoes. Bring one pair walking shoes, one pair sandals and, if needed, one pair dress shoes. Limit yourself to one color: black OR brown. Again, coordinate your outfits so that they all work with the same shoes.

You can easily do 16 days with a 22in bag for one person. Just keep chanting outloud while you pack:

"If I don't plan on wearing it, don't bring it. If I don't plan on using it, don't bring it. If I don't know why I'm packing it, don't bring it."

toedtoes--Very good advice! We travel very light...just a 22" carryon and a small bag. We have done this even in winter in Europe for 3 weeks. Of course having laundry done during that time helps, lol!

sumreknot--Definitely do not get a large bag. You will regret it. Another place to look for inexpensive luggage is Tuesday Morning. I found some great Diane VonFurstenberg bags there in some bright colors. If I ever check a bag again, it will be easy to spot, lol!

I am surrounded by friends who travel light, I am so inspired to be just like you :D

We are buying new luggage for our next move, I saw a set of Samsonite in a great khaki color, all sorts of sizes and wheels. .. I wouldn't have to put colored tape on the bottom so I would recognise it ~