Carry on or big suitcase?

Two carry-ons. Who's going to schlepp that "big suitcase" through the airports, train stations, to and from the rental car offices, up who-know's-how-many flights of stairs to the hotel room... The airports I have to walk through = "great distances". Remember - it's not like you're parking directly in front of your hotel room at the Days Inn - you're going to be parking in a city lot probably all of these places, and walking into town... (heck - I don't even want to carry a "big suitcase" down the staircase in my house, and there's actually room for the two of us LOL) Famous last words: "...this should be easy..."

I agree! Unless you are staying at very expensive hotels, you will have to park at a distance from the hotel and wheel/carry your luggage to the hotel. Also to/from the airport to your hotel/car rental. 2 carry-on, hands down.

When we travel to europe we will take 2 carry on 21" RS luggage bags along with another 21" RS bag to check in. The 3rd 21" luggage comes in handy to take liquids,extra clothes/shoes and will give us some room to bring home items from europe that are small. We always have carry on's to make sure our luggage does not get lost in transit.

When we go to Europe every summer, the wife and I each take one RS 21" roller bag that is designed to be carried onto the plane if you want. We happen to check them when leaving Seattle so that we can take a thing or two that would not make it thru security. This allows us to each take a small carry-on with things we do not want to loose to Security folks as well as medicines. Inside each suitcase is a "duffel bag" that folks up real small to use for things we may acquire during our trip. Two suitcases is the only way to go over one large one as others have pointed out. Happy travels.

I agree with the others - always carry on if you can. This greatly minimizes the chance for your luggage to get lost. And for 11 days, all you need are 2 carryon-size suitcases.

2 carry ons hands down. I don't if European airlines are charging a bag fee, but I went to Hawaii last month and had to pay 20 dollars to put my bag on plane and if it over 40 pounds it is a 40 dollar penalty. Also, carry ons has a less chance of getting lost and wheeling huge suitcases in Italy with the cobble stone is horrible.

Do you really need the car? We always rent a car when we travel in the EU, but for the route that you are talking about, public transporation is frequent, awesome, and cheap. Plus, there is no way that I would take a car near Siena or Florence, with the dreaded ZTL's! Bring two carry-ons, or one big and one carry on. Whatever you do plan for lost luggage, and you will be safe.

Since you will have a car, I would go with the big suitcase and 1 carry on. You will be able to bring a few more clothing options and have more room for souvenirs. I assume your big suitcase has wheels? If so, who cares if you have to wheel it from here to there on occasion. Notice I said "wheel" instead of "drag" or "haul". With the way you wrote your second paragraph, it appears to me that you have already decided to take the big suitcase and want others to agree with you. I do!

Another slant on this story: If you actually need your luggage while in Europe then definitely take carry-ons. If you don't need your luggage then check the baggage with your airline...you may or may not see it again.

Thanks you everyone for your opinions! How often do airlines completely lose your luggage!? That is another concern i didn't think of. Rob you are mostly correct! I was leaning twoard bringing a big suitcase, but the great thing about these forums is the little things I would normally miss. Like bringing 3 carry on sized bags. I think we will try to fit everything into 2 carry-ons and if we need more room I will grab a 3rd carry-on sized bag and check it in..which would work great because our Carry-on bag that came with our luggage set is 2 inches to big to be considered a carry-on, so it will work perfect. Thanks again!

Airlines completely lose you luggage when the luggage tag gets ripped off by the machinery that guides your luggage along on its way... IF you have a large sheet of paper on the INSIDE of your luggage with your 'specifics' - name, airline, flight # and date of flight(s), trip itinerary, and ways to reach you (email, phone, hotel phone) then your chances improve exponentially. IF you're wanting to take the carry-ons, but are concerned about needing room for souvenirs, then just pack a sturdy but lightweight duffle in the bottom of your bag. It's always hard to answer this question without knowing your ages/state of health, experience with European/international travel, exactly what does "big suitcase" mean to you - 22" or 43" duffle? So in general, on this Helpline you're going to hear - mostly - carry-on when at all possible for a multitude of reasons. It's a bit of a kick in the teeth when people give 20 opinions, then it turns out the OP is 85 with crippling arthritis and must use a cane, and will be traveling with 15 of her family members for 5 months in Europe and 5 of them will be bringing baby supplies/toys and 3 have special dietary needs...LOL! I applaud your EARLY disclosure of your rental car ;-) **I still recommend the two carry-ons, though ;-)