I know Rick Steves recommends 22x14x9. I did purchase that size but a little nervous, it's so small. We always check our luggage so to and from I'm not worried about the size but I know traveling around on the train you need to keep it small. I was looking at 23-24 inch bags too. I'm looking at pull handle with 4 wheels . Any opinions?? Steves an expert traveler and packer , I'm not!
Thank you
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
Sue, Regarding the size, the 22 x 14 x 9 size should be fine, even when travelling by train. The only important thing to consider is that you'll have to be capable of lifting it onto the trains, and perhaps onto a luggage rack. I don't use wheeled luggage, but based on my observations of other travellers, I would NOT use a 4-wheel model. They seem very awkward when hauled along the cobblestone streets of Europe. The models with two large wheels seem to be the most functional. I prefer a Backpack so don't have to deal with "wheelie bags". Happy travels!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11321 posts
Sue:
Three years ago I was in your camp. I could not imagine a European odyssey with only a carry-on bag! But I started to train myself to do it on every domestic trip, busness or pleasure, and found I could do it. For Europe, I practice-packed until I got it right. I took a 21" roll-aboard and a daypack and still took too much stuff! Next trip I am taking a Rick Steves Convertible Backpack (on sale this week) because it reduces the weight considerably and has the same packing capacity as his roll-aboard. The roll-aboard weighs about 7.5 pounds, the back-pack about 4. It's not the airplane trip that's the problem; it is, as you observe, the train. You wil need to lift it on and off the train, up and over your head, through the stairs and tunnels of small railroad stations when you change trains. The trip from Vernazza to Siena with 4 trains about killed me with my roll-aboard and it only weighed about 23 pounds packed! You really don't need a lot of clothes. For 3 weeks in October I had 3 pants, 5 tops, a light jacket, a vest, a rainjacket, and 2 pair of shoes. I will take no more than this even for a December trip this year. You can shed weight and bulk by being ruthless about beauty products. Fill your 3-1-1 bag with "essentials" and buy more products (toothpaste, shaving creme for the DH, lotion) as needed in Italy. Take minimal make-up, if any (I took it and never wore it!) We reduced travel book bulk by using Kindles and cutting out only the pages we needed from a couple of books not available on Kindle. Use Purex sheets for laundry, cutting them in little pieces for sink-washing. You will be so glad if you can pack light and right!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15584 posts
Like you, I check my luggage. My 22" carryon and my 24" suitcase weigh exactly the same. So I take my 24". Having the extra room makes it easier for me to pack and unpack and I don't have to worry about bulky items either. I have traveled in many places in Europe in the past 3-4 years (yeah, I'm lucky) with no real problems on the trains. My biggest problem has always been stairs. In Italy there are elevators in all the train stations that have stairs (unlike metro stations) except for the local stations in the Cinque Terre. And I usually find someone to help me lift and lower the suitcase on/off the train. There are luggage racks near the doors. There are also back-to-back seats in the middle of the cars that have enough space for a 24" case. I usually take a bike lock with me so I can secure the bag to the luggage rack - not that I really think anyone is going to take it, but it gives me peace of mind. I have 2 wheels. I recently read a post that 4wheels are difficult on cobblestones - hard to find a city in Italy that doesn't have lots of them.