sixe of bag to take while traveling through Italy, France Spain

Whether it is 3 days or 3 months we always take the same size -- basically a 21, 22" carry on size, back pack style. We use rolling bags in the US and the backpack style in Europe. Served us well for the past 18 years and nearly a full year of European travel. The size of the bag is not as important as what you or what you do not put in it.

We've used Rick's carryon bag for more than 20 years. We've been to the UK, Scandinavia, Austria, Germany,and done an around the world trip that included Hong Kong and Austrialia (that meant both summer and winter in one trip). If you pack wisely, you really don't need more unless you are planning some formal evenings or have to pack business clothes. Just plan on doing some laundry in your room, a launderett or sending them out at your hotel.

You can make it with a 21" bag and a daypack. 3 weeks or 3 months all the same. Weather-wise, add silk long johns for winter, plus gloves and a warmer coat or jacket. 3 slacks, 5 tops, a vest and a jacket are my basic interchangable wardrobe now. Two pair shoes, 4 Smartwool socks, you are good to go. Accessorize with a scarf or two. Consider a Kindle or other e-book reader so you don't have to drag 12 pounds of books.

On italian trains it is best to keep your bags close to you, keep an eye on them, esp. during stops. I would get a smaller bag for convenience. There are lots of stairs everywhere, crowds of people, less order than in Switzerland. Things can get lost easy.

My husband insists that he can't fit his stuff into anything smaller than a 24-inch rolling bag, so that's what he takes. I'm fine with my 22-inch bag. We usually also have one smaller daybag and a backpack for the misc. stuff. We've taken both of these on Italian and French trains. We don't take trains extremely frequently, but in our experience when we travel in the 1st-class compartments (which we do if it's a long trip or we get discount tickets), there's a little more room for luggage (near where you're sitting), and fewer people.

Arlene, I'm not sure I understand your question - you want a bag larger than 21", and you liked your 26" bag, so...are you looking for recommendations for a 24" bag? Are you asking about larger bags that will actually fit in the overhead compartment and not be stuck at the end of the train car (although you seem OK with that, too)? For me personally, the perfect size for a European trip (of ANY length) is a 21"-22" bag. Been there, done that, don't want to lug any more " around.

Hi Arlene, We use the 21 inch bags, pack a lot of dark clothes and then do laundry every fifth or sixth day. We just returned from Italy and the Lavenderias are self-serve and the washing machines even dispense a measured amount laundy detergent into the machine so you don't have to purchase it or carry it along. This schedule allows us to mingle with the locals who may also be doing their laundry or with fellow tourists and that is always interesting and fun.