Wheeling carry-on luggage around metro/streets vs soft fabric carry-on with hand+shoulder straps?

Comes down to personal choice. I have a carryon-size rolling bag. I have never had to run from thieves or to catch a train, so that's not a consideration for me. If you choose the carry-type bag, you will be setting it down on public transport anyway, just like I do with mine. As for easier mobility, you're not necessarily more mobile carrying a bag than you are pulling one, except perhaps for stairs.

Do you find yourself running away from thieves or pickpockets in New York very often? Paris and Rome are no different.

@george- im half kidding because after reading the Graffiti wall section of scams and pickpockets, i get worried. im the type who gets worried over everything. haha even when i read up on health topics i get hypochondriac about stuff. that's just me.
@nancy- good comparison and analysis! thank u! =)
@bet-haha no your absolutely right, i dont have to do that here in NYC. but i dont know why ive been reading alot of stuff about scams and pickpockets being most prevalent in Europe and stuff esp Paris and Rome (my 1st time to europe), im just trying to be aware and be in control of my 1st time experience there. =T Here in nyc, we don't come across any ring scams, bracelet scams, gypsies, etc. or maybe because being born and raised here, i dont see myself going to alot of tourist attractions, or maybe i dont see them as tourist attractions because im local. even so, i've NEVER seen anyone get pickpocketed or robbed on the subways here or on the streets. although, of course i hear stories and watch news of it all the time. maybe although nyc has many tourist attractions, but not as many compared to Europe and so pickpockets or robberies are more prevalent over there? i have no idea. please advise me =)

Stella,

How would you answer someone who asked the exact same question about NYC?
Which do you personally prefer - the wheeled carry-on or the over-the-shoulder?

Most importantly, what do the airlines that you are flying with say about the weight and dimensions of your allowable carry-on?

Answer these questions and your answers will guide your own decision.

Hi,

If you feel/know you are being "cased" by them, look straight at them to let them know you know what they are up to, ie. no good... the opportune moment to grab your stuff or accost you. That way they know you're not going to be a sitting duck. Look at them in such way as to be confrontational and not to be messed with, just don't say anything. They'll back off.

As for pick-pockets and thieves, in several decades of frequent travel, I've only encountered 3 instances of pickpockets:

In Rome, the attempt was laughably inept, noticed, and failed.
On a train through the Ivory Coast, the attempt was not noticed (I discovered the almost-cut-through strap later), but it failed anyways.
In Montreal (close to home), the attempt was not noticed and succeeded - my MIL's brother lost his wallet on my watch, as I was showing them around the city. :-(

I bet that you're slightly paranoid about your stuff on a day-to-day basis in NYC. That will have prepared you well for other big cities elsewhere in the world.

Enjoy your whirlwind tour of Paris and Rome!

@diane- as a local in NYC, i see people traveling with both types but it looks safe on the subways and streets to lug anything around? there are many police and nypds all the time at stations, so i really dont know.. =T of course unless a tourist travels in an unknown notoriously bad neighborhood or something with a lot of luggage or valuables, but even those neighborhoods now are much safer because of more police cars patroling nowadays =) but then again, tourists wont be touring those neighborhoods regardless..
in terms of myself being a tourist in other cities, i prefer the carry-on shoulder bag because its easier mobility for me when i had traveled to vegas, boston, and chicago. =) but for those trips, i didnt come across any information about safety at those places and things like that so i didnt really think about which type of luggage at all actually, except for emphasis on light traveling..so i guess now because im going out of the country for the 1st time to a new place with a totally different language, communication, and customs..im a little scared and trying to be more prepared and in control of any given situation so i don't have any bad experiences, and have to contact any authorities with our language barrier =T thank u for mentioning about the
airline size limits too!
about the point u made that paris/rome is no different than nyc, it puts my mind at ease a little bit because i find nyc safe for ME..but i dont know if its because im a local =T thanks for sharing!

sorry everyone if this sounds like a ridiculous question but please bear with me and educate me! =)

@fred-wow, would that work for a small girl like me too? thanks for the tip! =)

If you decide to take the rolling case make sure you are able to lift and carry yourself, for possibly long distances. Some of the metros don't-have escalators or lifts. Plus, don't expect anyone to help you lift it over head. Also, with the ring scam, note scam, bracelet scam I don't make eye contact and just keep moving. So far, so good, this method has worked well for me.

Just use the same caution you use in NY. The ring, survey, etc. are in tourist areas. Pickpockets can be in the metro, shopping malls, crowded lines but you probably don't leave your wallet easily reached in the subway, malls, or lines in NY, so you wouldn't in these places either. It's not very different.

I think all these cautions and stories are repeated for the benefit of people who don't live in urban areas, don't take public transportation, and consequently don't come into contact with people from different classes and backgrounds. These stories could be useful cautions for people with limited experience even in the US, but for others, they give a false impression of Europe.

Stella,

A few additional comments......

I suspect the tactic of thieves cutting luggage with a knife doesn't happen too often (although it's certainly possible). The scammers in Europe tend to operate by using "stealth", such as dipping into someone's luggage without anyone noticing. The "professionals" tend to operate in groups and the one that initially takes a wallet (or whatever) passes it along to an accomplice within seconds. Running won't help, as you won't know you've been victimized.

Regarding the luggage, a few points to consider..... Wheeled luggage tends to have a frame, which makes it less "compressible" so depending on the size, it may or may not easily fit into overhead bins. I can't count the number of times I've seen people trying to fit huge framed luggage into overhead bins. Even if they can eventually get it into the bin, sometimes the wheels or handle prevent the bin from closing so the bag has to stored elsewhere.

Also, the wheel and handle mechanism take up some room, which will slightly reduce the amount of actual space for your clothes and travel gear. In many stations in Europe, you'll need to navigate stairs to get to the platforms and there's usually a few stairs to get on an off trains. Wheeled luggage is not as easy to use when stairs are involved. However, having said that, the majority of travellers use wheeled luggage, and seem to manage quite well.

You didn't say what type of "fabric" bag you're using, or how large it is? That provides many of the advantages of a Backpack, and will be an easier method for getting on and off trains, navigating stairs, etc. It also provides the advantage of being somewhat "compressible", which makes it easier to get into overhead bins. Finally, the fabric bag will also be a bit lighter as it won't have the wheels or handle.

One comment regardless of what type of luggage you decide to use. When travelling by train, there will be luggage racks at one end of the car. As you're taking only one carry-on, I would recommend NOT placing your bag there, as it could "disappear" during the trip. Keep your bag with you and place either on the rack above your seat, on the seat beside you (if no one is sitting there) or even on the floor beside your seat. In any case, keep your Passport, credit cards, cash and other valuables in your cross-body purse or Moneybelt.

Cheers!

@Debra-no escalators and elevators is a big factor in determining if i should bring the wheelie or carry-on shoulder bag, thank u for the heads up! ok i will either not make eye contact or give them a crazy stare-down like how Fred mentioned! hehe =)
@Bets-i think because i'm oblivious to how tourists would/wouldn't take precautions here i can't really compare it to somewhere that i would actually be the tourist. also, because its my 1st time going to a non-English speaking place..which makes me feel less secured and scared to run into any problems. but it seems many people/staff/authorities speak English over there as well? =T *sigh but your right, they're both large cities and anything could happen anywhere. being the usual paranoid and overcautious self that i am, i will probably be fine. =)
@ken-u r the best!! u have such meticulous and detailed answers for everything! thank u! =) i think i will stick with my Le Sports Sac nylon fabric carry-on with attachable shoulder straps and keep it with/on me at all times..

Stella JMG If you are concerned about thieves (rightly or wrongly - I won't judge) look into the PacSafe line of bags, roller, hand carry or backpack. They have all sorts of security features.

AS far as roller or not, I prefer not, if that is the only bag taken. The roller assembly and internal frame take up space. Plus in crowds, trains or public transportation you pretty much have to pick 'em up and carry them anyway. I like the kind of bags that have backpack straps as well as shoulder strap.

@stan-thank u for ur advice! =) i will look into that brand and thanks for sharing your experience!

I can't imagine needing to carry my luggage instead of rolling it. When I come to stairs, I pick it up. No problem. On the city trains it sits next to me or for long distance, it sits in the luggage rack. A soft bag or backpack won' t be on your back sitting on a train either. Frankly, I hate backpacks. people hit me and the people around them all the time and never realize it.

"When I come to stairs, I pick it up."

In Karlsruhe, we watched a young lady struggling with a large roller bag, pulling it up the stairs from the tunnel to the platform, one step at a time. We just walked around her and proceeded up the steps with our backpacks. We never saw her get on the train. Hopefully she was trying to get to the train on the opposite side of the platform.

I hate roller bags because the people who use them pull them out beside them, below the line of sight, instead of directly behind, tripping me as I try to pass. Three people pulling rollers can literally block an entire airport corridor.

The problem with roller bags is that they vacillate overpacking. With a back pack, you think about what you are carrying; with a roller, it's too easy to take more than you need.

@jo-ive actually never brought a wheelie luggage before, but maybe next time when my trip is longer and i have to pack more things ;) i guess both have its pros and cons. this time i think my carry-on shoulder pack would suffice for 6 days, i'll just wear the heavy stuff. thanks for sharing!
@Lee-thanks for sharing! backpack sounds very portable and space-saving mobility wise, but i don't have 1 big enough for a trip. =T

Hi Stella - you just answered your own question and I agree with you. For a 6-day trip in this country or abroad, I'd take a smaller piece of luggage like a backpack or shoulder bag.

If you're worried about pickpockets, wear a money belt. These come in around-the-waist, around-the-neck, and other varieties. Go to a travel store and try them out before you buy one to see which kind you like best. As long as all your valuables (passport, majority of cash, all credit/debit cards) are in there, even if your day bag or purse gets picked, you won't lose much. Don't put any valuables in your luggage, even if you don't check it on the plane. Pay attention to your surroundings - you can do this without being paranoid. Be aware of how close people are to you. Keep a hand on your day bag on the subways and other crowded places.

thank u! i just surfed through this site a bit more and found some more information relevant to my questions. thank u everyone for your patience and who has took their time out to answer my questions so far! i really appreciate it =) i think there will be less ridiculous questions as I research more..haha =T

I think it is odd to judge people on how big or heavy their bag is with a quick "well they are overpacking". Not everyone you see at an airport or train station is a tourist.

Perhaps they are coming home with gifts, or they are taking gifts. Maybe they are headed to a 3rd world country with a suitcase full of shoes or books, or maybe they are an exchange student.

When I fly to the States, I have 1 checked bag and 1 carry on. When I return I often have 2 checked bags. I shop for things I can't get here in Germany or that are too expensive, like Levis, meds, hot sauce, long johns, etc. How silly is it then that I have a heavy bag or 2?

Stella the theives are not interested in cutting your suitcase,, the good stuff in not in there.. they don't want your clothes.. they want your money,, money is in purse or moneybelt. Keep your eye/hand on your suitcase but watch your purse like a hawk.

Don't go on and on about the language issue.. you are making it sound like its going to be so bad,, most tourists do not speak the language of the country they are visiting.. you will be fine. No, police do not all speak english but you are certainly jumping to worst case scenerio.. in decades of travel.. sometime solo.. I have never needed the police in Europe.

I always take a 22 in rolling bag.. ( and I go for weeks, I never over pack as we travel alot and you will hate a big bag when jumping on and off trains all the time) / I hate having to carry anything on my shoulders , yes, I have on occaision had to pick up my bad for like 1 minute to carry it up stairs.. thats not a big deal to me.

I appreciate those that say to forget the wheeled bags and carry your bags. But so many traveler are incapable of carrying their own bags, and carry on wheeled suitcases allow them to keep on traveling.

We were on a cruise last month, and I felt so sorry for the mini-bus drivers and the porters at the ships. 80-90 lb. bags while going on vacation are just ridiculous.

For a 3 day trip, we usually carry a 18" duffel bag with a shoulder strap. Very little is needed outside of toiletries for such a trip.

A pickpocket might be close in front of you on an escalator going down into the subway system. He'll stop suddenly at the bottom and everyone coming off the escalator will be stumbling around trying to avoid tripping over him. That's when he will do the bad deed. And all they're after is your cash (and not your credit cards.) And they're so bold that they'll throw down your billfold and ask you in perfect English "Is that yours?" Then they'll disappear.

You've just got to be proactive and aware of your personal security in your travels. I no longer carry any billfold, and prefer a money belt under my clothes. My wife walks behind me in tight public places. And if anyone gets "in my space", I change from a courteous tourist into a a##hole. And at 6'3" and 230 lbs., I'm really not messed with.

@Lee,

"I hate roller bags because the people who use them pull them out beside them, below the line of sight, instead of directly behind, tripping me as I try to pass. Three people pulling rollers can literally block an entire airport corridor."

Well said! That's one of my main complaints. I'm always tripping over those @#$% wheelie bags in airports, and I'm frequently tempted to just give them a swift kick!

Here we go again... people, packing light is a suggestion, not a divine commandment.

I am team backpack (sorry to the person who gets pushed around by backpacks). It hurts my back to pull a wheeled back and hurts even more to carry it up stairs. this is not a problem with my osprey porter, which is a backpack that packs like a suitcase but it toted like a backpack. In the same light that people are sick of people who get smacked around by backpacks (really, I take mine off when I get on a train for that reason), I get sick of my toes being rolled over by wheelie luggage (it has happened a few times, but thank goodness I go to Europe in winter and am wearing winter boots). I have done it both ways, last year we had to bring a wheelie for a mountain bike trip in Spain; it is not fun to carry wheeled luggage up 5 flights of stairs, for me anyways; everyone has different needs, strengths and can handle one thing over the other. I like my hands to be free during my travels.

I switched from an RS backpack to a 22" spinner when even 20 pounds on my back became too much. I can manage carrying the spinner up and down stairs easily. I've never tripped over any wheeled luggage, but I certainly have been whacked many times by people who forget that they have an extra 9"+ behind them. One thing for sure, you will mostly see wheeled luggage in Europe and the people with backpacks are almost all tourists. My husband still uses his RS backpack, but he sure appreciated being able to load his CPAP on the top of my spinner this last trip instead of having to carry it as well as his cross body messenger bag. It's all a matter of preference.

We pack for a week (7 days) plus what we wear in transit and we travel for a month. We're old and have lots of meds, but we still manage to carry-on all our stuff. At 67 I've been working out with weights to try to avoid having too much osteoporosis without using drugs. By the next trip I hope to be strong enough to have the choice of using a backpack or a spinner.

Now, this is going to sound paranoid and silly, but when I use the spinner, I attach a slip lead (yes, like for a dog) to my hand and the spinner's handle. I'm not so concerned about thieves as I am about walking off without it. We secure the zippers on the backpack(s) to each other either with zip ties or those little round split key rings after we go through security in the US. When we were in the train station in Rome a few years back, some teenagers pointed to the secured zippers on my husband's backpack and gave me the thumbs up. I think that meant they thought it was a good idea.

Now somewhat off-topic, you might want to find the program RS did that included Italian sign language. The most useful sign was one we saw a lot in Rome. A guy walking by us on the sidewalk would pull down the bottom of one eye. I learned from that program that it meant, "watch out, pickpocket behind you" or something similar.

I have been travelling for decades.. I have never once tripped over a wheeled bag or had a bag rolled over my feet. Are some of you blind or just in such rushes that you are blind? I have never had a bag rolled over my toes.. why is that only those who carry backpacks have that happen to them? I would think if it was a common occurence the bag could roll over anyones toes.. regardless whether the person was also carrying a back pack or in fact a rolling bag carrier.

I have also never been whacked in the face by a backpack.

Travel seems more dangerous for some of you then others. ... constantly being assaulted by luggage choices.

Take what is most confortable for you.

Personally, I will never again travel without a rolling bag. On my way home from my semester abroad my flight got cancelled for 5 days and my checked luggage got lost. The shoulder strap on my duffel broke and after 5 days of hauling it around the airport my hands were so swollen and blistered that I had to kick it in front of me. Obviously this was an unusual experience, but not something I'm working to risk reliving. At least pick a sturdy bag!

thank you everyone for the advices, tips, and sharing your experiences! esp those who are keeping up with my posts and trying to guide me the right way to my 1st European travel =) I really appreciate it and grateful to have met wonderful people like you guys! thank u! be well

Lee,

I hope you are still checking this thread.

I was looking on the campmor website and found a couple of daypacks that might fill your smaller carry-on specs.

The Kelty Wind Jammer Convertible is 19 X 13 X5 inches, weighs 2 lb., 2 oz., has 1400 cubic inches and no compression. It is expensive: $134.95.

The Fieldline Alpha OPS Daypack is 17.25 X 12.5 X 6.5 inches. No weight is given. Has 1400 cubic inches and side compression (external). It costs $29.99. This also comes in a more expensive version that has an internal frame.

The main compartment zipper does go all the way around in both. The Wind Jammer convertible is very like Rick Steves' version. But only in tan. You can tell the Fieldline one has that sort of zipper in the coyote color (a light tan). It was hard to tell in the black.

I hope this interests you even if you don't want to get either one.

@Sharon

Thanks for the information, but I already have two 1400 ci bags. One is the RS Appenzell bag, which I use as a gym bag because it doesn't open "like a book" for easy packing. The other is my 1400 CI Goodhope bag, which is a miniature of the RS and EC bags.

Everything I take with me for a 2 week trip to Europe (actually, the way I travel, it could be indefinitely) fits in 1400 ci, but just barely. I would like a little "slack", say 1800-2000 ci. ETBD could make exactly what I want if they would just make the "Rolling Backpack" as a non-roller. I mentioned this to their luggage manager, and he said I didn't know what I was talking about (well, not exactly those words, but that is, in essence, what he said).

Stella JMG,

congrats on your future trip.

If you have traveled over in the USA you should have an idea on how you like to travel over there. Not much difference in my opinion.

i will assume that if you have luggage in NYC and use the subway you will need to go up/down something to get you to the platforms. No difference.

happy trails.

Ray! thank u again for the advice and good wishes =) unfortunately, i had never taken any other metros except the nyc subway (and never had to take the subway with luggage here), when i was in vegas, boston, and chicago i was either driven there on a road trip, or flown there and cars to get around. im quite inexperienced when it comes to traveling and adventures =T but i think i am well prepared for this 1st trip abroad! my motto for this trip is to keep an open mind, with an open heart, and a ny attitude! =)

Lee,

I remember when we had the Goodhope bag on a similar thread a couple of years ago. I don't remember reading that you'd gotten one. Glad that it works for you. If I had I would not have let you know what I had found. Maybe someone else will find them just exactly what they want and need. If I happen to find something larger in my "look shopping," I will let you know again. But I agree that the ones that open all the way are best for traveling.

I also remember you mentioning you didn't like the Aspenzel bag because it didn't "open like a book" as you put it. So I didn't mention any that might have worked that didn't open that way.

I just realized that my "everyday" pack (the LL Bean Turbo Transit II) has all it's sections open all the way. Even the one on the bottle that is supposed to be for wet things or shoes or whatever you don't want in contact with anything else. I keep a pillow in that one for long bus rides in town. There's one route I take on Tuesdays that is very long and I like having a pillow behind my back on that one at least.

I have used extensively both the wheeling luggage and regular backpack. Lots of debate on both for traveling. As my husband and I are going to be going on an extended round-the-world trip we are looking at both and have read tons of reviews. The chicken or egg syndrome comes to mind. I came across this bag just a couple of nights age and will be looking at it this coming week. It looks like it could fit the bill, http://seattlebackpackersmagazine.com/osprey-ozone-convertible-pack/

Have a wonderful trip which ever bag you chose.

The "ultralight Osprey Ozone 22″ convertible pack" weighs 6#2oz!! I wouldn't even call that light.

With a bag that already weighs over 6#, it hard to stay within the 17½# Lufthansa carryon allowance with a bag that weighs 35% of it.

My truly ultralight Essential Carryon weighs only 1#13oz., Packed, it weighs less than 11#.

Lee packs so light that he has to go "textile frei" in public swimming pools. ;)

"I hate roller bags because the people who use them pull them out beside them, below the line of sight, instead of directly behind, tripping me as I try to pass. Three people pulling rollers can literally block an entire airport corridor." Yes, this happens. It also happens with people with strollers, students with phones, and grocery shoppers with carts. Some people are rude; most are merely oblivious. I find that projecting my voice and calling out, "Excuse me, can I get by?" usually works. Be as pleasant as possible. Smile. Say please and thank you. If you're rude they'll get defensive, but if you're nice they'll be apologetic. You can mutter whatever you like once you're past them.

'Paranoid tourist club' implies a quasi-medical excuse for a semi-condition.

'Timid trembling travelers' more accurately describes pantywaists of any gender.

Some people in Europe aren't gentleman at all, but are Ladies and they may also offer to help with luggage. I know that I do.

Yes, the paranoia is great sometimes. Have offered help a number of times, been refused and watched people struggle with maps, ticket machines, trains and luggage. So sad to see them get off at the wrong stop or pay twice as much for their ticket.

Have yet to have my feet run over by a suitcase. I only carry bags on my back when I am paid to do so. Only the Army has offered so far.

I'm a light packer and use a wheeled bag or a backpack depending on my mood and/or destination. If I use a backpack I use an Appenzell backpack that I got on sale here in the Travel Store a few years ago. Even though it's described as a "day bag" I find that I can fit whatever I need for a week or more in it. It seems huge for a day bag to me. If I take a wheelie it is my LLBean rolling underseat bag (16 X 14.25 X 8.75). For me either would work for such a short trip. Since I've learned to pack lighter I find it difficult to fill a 21 or 22" bag. I suppose I could load it up with non-essentials and just-in-case items but who wants to lug around stuff on your back or in tow that you probably won't use anyway? I use a hidden pocket instead of a money belt or neck pouch. I prefer to pin it inside my waistband rather than loop on a belt and flip it over inside. That way should I have to remove my belt for some reason I know the hidden pocket is still secure. I have even sewn one inside a skirt that travels with me a lot. Anyway, have a great trip Stella. Just be as cautious as you would be in any big city and you will be fine.

hello from paris! =) i ended up bringing a pulling wheelie carry-on and i haven't ran into any troubles yet! the metro and RER are so easy to get around! i also didn't pack much bc i wanted to bring back some souveneirs for my friends and family. but its so easy and stressfree! paris is so beautiful and i feel 100% culturally immersed! thank you for the good wishes from everyone! bonsoir! ;)

@ Stella JMG in Paris,

CONGRATULATIONS on being in PARIS.

Im sure youre ear-to-ear smiles.

Enjoy

happy trails.

thank u =) i still cant believe i was in paris last week! I will definitely go back next year and I already feel like I know the area and how the metro works already hahah I posted on the trip report section about my experience if anyone's interested. thank u again!!