My wife and I are in our late 70's. We walk quite a bit. Don't want to carry back packs with our WP's. Want to use medium sized wheeled duffle bags which are easy enough for both of us to carry one at a time up the stairs together. Note the comments about CARRYING everything so are concerned about this. Comments???
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15837 posts
Hi pking -
What are "WPs"?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
WP's = worldly possessions (from our daughters going off to college). Actually, we are sailors so pack very light. Just don't want to lug everything in a backpack
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23313 posts
I am not following the question very well. Not sure what medium size means in regard to duffle bags or what you are asking? We are about the same age. We get by very well with 21" rolling suitcases that we pack close to 20 lbs. Wife backs close to 18 and mine tends to be about 25 because of extras that I get to carry. We are still using backpack style in Europe mainly because of the cobblestones and rough concrete. We do use the rolling bags for US travel and will shift to rolling bags in Europe when the time comes. We do take a rolling bag to Europe when we do cruises. That is an addition to our two carry on bags. We prefer the larger wheel, two wheel bag over the small wheel, spinner bags. The small the wheel the greater the tendency for the bag to get trapped in small cracks and rough surfaces.
I have seen the two wheel duffle bag style but not sure what the advantage is over a regular shaped 21" rolling bag.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Are you looking for advice on type of luggage, opinion on duffle bags? In my opinion, duffle bags seem to have less support and everything moves to the bottom. I use a 20" rolling carryon that has some inner straps that help keep things in place. You could use packing cubes, I suppose (I use them in the carryon).
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15837 posts
Ah, thank you! For a minute I thought you meant "waist pack" and I was ready to tell you to leave THOSE at home! :O)
If you each can't handle your own bags by yourselves, you might want to rethink this plan? If you end up in an accommodation with no lift, you can safely shift the bags in two trips but I'd worry about the train station with a broken lift or none at all, and getting them on and off a train itself. You never, ever want to leave a bag unattended in a public place.
Some kind soul might offer help but then, you also won't know if that will be a truly good Samaritan or someone who will run off with it once in hand. I have all the belief in the world in my fellow man but such things have been known to happen at Italian train stations, unfortunately. :O(
Posted by
OP
3 posts
All VERY helpful thanks. Sorry about not being clear. The size of bags we have been using require checking when we fly. We could probably manage with the back pack come to think of it. we are both reasonably fit. Thanks everyone. Now just trying to decide on dates and getting excited.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15837 posts
Italy? There's much to get excited about! I'm jealous…
Posted by
2 posts
HAhaha lolz
Posted by
Land of La
8704 posts
Now that's out of the way I've found the TravelPro Maxlite luggage to be perfect for long hauls. Uncertain where you will be traveling to in Italy but do remember sturdy shoes for cobblestoned streets.
Italy is FABULOUS! Except in the heat. travel in Spring or Fall. Enjoy!
Posted by
616 posts
Except August, I would say Italy is generally warm (25-36 degrees Centigrades) and it is mild in Spring (17-27). Too many people everywhere in August which make train and bus travels unconfortable. Choose any other month if you can. Also August is the most expensive month to travel.
It is usually warmer in towns surrounded by hills and obviously in Sicily, you will find 3 or 4 degrees more than in Mainland Italy. Sardegna isn't as hot as Sicily, similar to the Etruscan Coast.
Try also to find a hotel or an apartment with a lift.
Beware that in Italy, in the old palazzi, two different floors may be separated by 4 or 5 meters, so one Italian floor means two American floors to climb. If your room is located at the 3rd floor, it means you have to climb the height of 6 normal modern floors. This might be difficult to people not used to it, even if they consider themselves fit.
Enjoy Italy, you will love it.
I lived in Turin and Florence and these are the cities I know best. Feel free to ask. In Turin do not miss the Egyptian Museum.
Florence is rather small and you will need to walk quite a lot to see the numerous places.
Posted by
Seattle
44 posts
Use 21in carry on for best option. Easy, no sore backs. I have done it in Italy 4 times with no problems.