Good afternoon,
We plan to not check any bags on the way to Italy; however, I would like to include a 'back up' bag in case we decide to purchase a few things and cannot fit them in our carry-on as we travel home. I have only flown a few times. Is there a 'kind' of bag you all would recommend or a certain one in particular?
Thanks!
Look no further than the 'Don't Tell Rick' Hide-Away Tote Bag, available on this site. Stashed one in our rolling bag on the way to Europe. On the way home used it as a carry-on but it was strong enough to be checked through if need be. Not for breakables or valuables, of course.
We use the REI branded roadtripper duffel bag. It stores in the zippered end pocket so it folds up flat and packs well. The link below is to the small size but there are larger sizes if that is what you need.
https://www.rei.com/product/870769/rei-roadtripper-duffel-small
We usually purchase a suitcase in Europe and fill it up with things we bought there. I have also purchased a cheap duffle at a street vendor (last time I think I paid between $10.00-$20.00 USD), put all our dirty clothes in there (checked that bag) and use our suitcases for the things we are bringing back. I like the duffle bag method best, cheap and we can always use a duffle bag at home.
I've also packed a duffle bag similar to the one Jen recommended & I use it for all my clothes (mostly dirty by end of trip) & check it on the way home. We usually check our carry-ons on the way home anyway.
I keep all valuable souvenirs in my backpack which is considered my personal item in the plane.
I usually only buy small souvenirs because I hate lugging around extra baggage.
On my most recent trip, I went to Europe to join my daughter who had spent a semester studying abroad, so she had a small-medium duffle bag with extra clothes. We ended up sending a package home because it was such a pain to have to carry this extra bag along with our roller suitcases.
Have a wonderful trip!
We like these Packable Backpacks from Eddie Bauer. They fold up into a small pouch when you don't need it and they are really sturdy when you do use it. My husband uses one as his carry-on personal item.
We also use this Packable Tote from Eagle Creek. Although it looks exactly the same as the Rick Steve's version. We love it!
LL Bean Medium Duffle. You can take it as a carry on OR check it because it is rugged enough to be checked. We like that flexibility.
LL Bean Medium Duffle. You can take it as a carry on OR check it because it is rugged enough to be checked. We like that flexibility.
