NEW TO TRAVELING TO EUROPE -Rolling 22" Duffle or Rolling 22" suitcase for 2 weeks in Italy?

First of all, you will be fine using a 21" or 22" suitcase ! And when you watch the crazy people dragging a 24" bag or larger, you will smile at how smart you were to pack light !

I think it will be your own personal preference. I cannot live out of a zippered duffle or backpack. I need to open my suitcase and "see" my contents. Do you have a regular suitcase now that is just larger than 22" ? If you like that style, buy a smaller one like that.

Go to Travelfashiongirl.com and viviennefiles.com to learn about creating clothing capsules. Scarves and necklaces are simple items to change an outfit and they take up ZERO space !

Carla,

Thanks for the websites and for confirming the 21 or 22" suitcase being enough for the two weeks. It scares me. Lol. BUT I am willing to do it! Can't wait to see Italy for the first time.

I'm with Carla on how the bag is configured. It would drive me nuts to have to dig in there to get stuff. Even if you use packing cubes you don't have a good look at the contents like you would if it opened flat. Look at some packing videos if I'm not making sense. Look here on the website for the Sarah Murdoch packing video from last Fall. She is a Rick Steves guide.

The pluses for the bag is that it is light for a rolling bag and cute.

Do know that in Venice the bridges have steps up and over so you will have to pick your bag up and carry it over every bridge.

If you are trying to meet carry-on baggage criteria, note that the maximum dimensions include wheels and handles. Some airlines use sizing frames or boxes. If it doesn't fit, it goes into the cargo hold. You should also note that there is not one universal carry-on size. Also note that some air carriers have maximum weight limits on carry-ons.

http://www.consumerreports.org/luggage/When-carry-on-luggage-isnt-carry-on-size/

But if you’re in the market for new carry-on luggage—for yourself or
as a holiday gift—Consumer Reports has an important heads-up:
Carefully measure any carry-on bag before you buy.

The reason? You can’t always rely on the product dimensions found on
the bags’ hangtags or on a seller’s website to determine whether a
piece of luggage is carry-on-compliant. It has to be 22 inches high x
14 inches wide x 9 inches deep for domestic travel on three of the
biggest airlines—American, Delta, and United—for instance. Other
airlines have different carry-on rules.

We were tipped off about this carry-on luggage size problem by
customer comments on Amazon.com and eBags.com indicating that the
carry-on bags they ordered were larger than advertised.

We found that nine out of the 11 models we measured were larger than
claimed by the manufacturer.

Don't forget to look at the Rick Steves store for bags. We bought his classic bag and daypack for a 10 day trip to Scotland back in 2002. The bags worked great, have the backpack straps really worked well carrying the bags through airports, etc. The bags have held up great and we use them regularly.

It is a challenge and a little frightening to pack light, but the rewards are great, especially when using public transportation. I never felt like I needed anything I didn't bring on our trip to Scotland.

Have a great time in Italy. We were there last September and had a wonderful time!

IMO the duffels just don't allow the access to the contents like a bag with a "traditional" opening. So it's really a matter of personal preference. We've used the Rick Steves back pack bags and rolling bags for years and have never had a problem with any of them.

I agree with Edgar about not relying on the dimensions stated by the ads of different luggage companies. I had shopped around for a spinner carry on that would not exceed the 14 X 22 X 9" requirements for United Airlines . I bought a few online, but when I received them, there were disclaimers that stated: "Dimensions are for suitcase compartment only and do not include external components such as wheels, feet, and handles". So when the luggage company advertise that it is a 22", it means the inside, not the outside including the wheels and depressed handle. Of course, you don't find this out until after you get the suitcases. So the Travel Pro Nuance 21" that I ordered turned out to be nearly 23" tall when I measured it while the Travel Pro Spinner 3 21" barely measured 22". While I really liked the Travel Pro Nuance 21, I had to return it. I would hate to arrive at the airport gate with what I thought was a carry on, only to find that I was required to check it in. So the suggestion to read comments when buying online would be prudent or if possible to bring your tape measure with you when you go shopping at brick and mortar stores. I am sure there are people who have "gotten" away with carry on's which exceeded 22" by a smidgen. but it is a risk I prefer to avoid. I think the luggage companies should truthfully advertise the dimensions of their products by stating the outside measurements and not the interior. It would make it a lot easier for consumers.

Thanks for all of the advice. It has helped!

I ordered a 21" rolling duffle similar to the one in the link in my previous post World Traveler 21" Rolling Duffle and will measure it when I get it. I will also get a carry-on that fits the measurement requirements for Delta and compare the two. The bag that works the best for convenience and carry-on overhead compartment requirements is the bag that I will use. There seems to be more room in the duffle but I will know for sure as I do a mock packing in each. Crazy that I am going to all this trouble but I think it will be worth it in the end!

"I cannot live out of a zippered duffle or backpack. I need to open my suitcase and "see" my contents." I use a RS bag (backpack) and the main compartment opens completely to "see" my clothing. Combined with another brand of packing cubes...such work very well for me. How does a rolling bag make it easier as to accessing contents?

Laura, I have used the Rick Steves rolling backpack for 2-3 week trips to Europe for the past few years. (I like the convertible backpack straps so I can lug it up stairs). With the use of 4 packing cubes, I can fit everything I need. Since you're going to Italy in September, it shouldn't be too hard since the weather is still going to be very warm - thus lighter clothing. For me, the hardest part is limiting myself to 3 pairs of shoes (heaviest worn on the plane and 2 packed). And I have lots of variety in my clothes-not just wearing the same thing over & over.

If you don't want to try the Rick Steves rolling carryon (no backpack straps), there are lots of other bags out there. I have always been happy with everything I've bought from the RS online store. But, please try to pack light - it'll make your trip so much easier! I also use the Civita daypack as my "personal item". It's so light and can hold a lot and when it's not full it compacts down to nothing.

Have fun planning your wardrobe. There are lots of packing tips on this site. I vote for the rolling carry-on!

Bruce -

The comment was not about "rolling bags" and being able to "see" inside, but the fact that a zippered rectangular bag sits flat with the top piece that can sit open. I just find that with a duffle style, I must spread the material apart and reach in. The RS backpack works fine because you can unzip and literally peel back the top.

That's all. I just did not like the duffle style bag even for sports in high school and now I'm too set in my ways to switch....

A 22" rolling duffle would fit the bill.
I just prefer the harder structure of a 21" or 22" rolling bag with the swivel style wheels. And most of those can be expanded 3" with a zipper.
My suggestion is to carry a suitcase weighing under 7 lbs. and limit yourself to 20 lbs. total weight after packing.

I see that you like the cute-designed bags. : ) I didn't want to go with just the regular black suitcase, so I picked out the bright blue Sapphire color of the Eddie Bauer Expedition.

When you're considering your bag, also check out the final weight and the handle style. Pack your bag and carry it up & down your stairs for 20 minutes to see what's most comfortable.

Enjoy your trip!

Laura, any 21 or 22 inch bag should be big enough. Spend a lot of time reading posts on this forum for packing suggestions. I carry a RS Appenzell daybag as my primary piece of luggage, and then a small shoulder bag for my "personal item." I know you don't want a backpack, but my point is the bag measures 18 x 13 x 6.5, and is plenty big enough for me for even a four week trip - the longest we can get away. And be sure to check out the packing video someone mentioned upthread. I don't use packing cubes, but I do use 2-gallon freezer bags. My DH carries an even smaller backpack, along with a laptop case - sans laptop! He uses neither cubes nor baggies, and does just fine. His folded shirts fit neatly into the laptop case, with plenty of room for guidebooks, maps, and other odds and ends; his other stuff goes into his small backpack.

Believe me, traveling light is definitely worth it. One year we shared a ride to the airport with my brother, who was spending a week-end in Chicago. He had more luggage for himself for three days than DH and I had combined for a three and a half week trip! You'll never go back to big suitcases. Buon viaggio!

I checked out the "world travel bag" you referenced. It's $35. Perhaps, you have a really tight budget. I question the wheels and sturdiness of such a case. I don't know how much you travel. This bag probably will work for you. I would prefer to see you get a more durable 21-22" bag like ebags.com, Eddie Bauer Travex, Rick Steves, etc.. The packing cubes help. I like the Ebags and eagle creek brands of cubes.

Barbnrob94 - I just thought the bag was cute. I bought one when I was traveling for business years ago and needed something for the extras I purchased while out of town. I've been using that bag for my weekend getaways. I have only traveled out of the country on cruises and by air once to Mexico. Each time I had a VERY large suitcase. My daughter used my rolling duffle as a carry-on (in addition to her suitcase) when she traveled to Florence. But it was just used to get on and off the plane and to her study abroad living quarters and back home. The bag has some tears in it so I thought I should buy another one. BUT I have no problem purchasing a good 21 or 22" if it would be better for traveling to the 5 cities we will be seeing while we are in Italy.

Whatever you decide to do, don't wait much longer to make a decision. You don't want to buy the bag last minute especially if you are ordering online. Just in case there is a problem with the bag, you want enough time to return it and get a replacement.

That happened to me with my last trip. During the last RS store sale on bags, I ordered a rolling carry on. I wanted to try taking it on a long trip with numerous types of transportation. Unfortunately, it had a manufacturing defect with the telescoping handle. (The third one with the same problem in two years.) Not enough time to send it back and get a replacement. I wound up taking a different bag that turned out to be excellent. (Lipault Foldable 22).

The Lipault was lightweight at just under 5 lbs--or course not as light as Lee's bag that weighs less than 2 lbs in case you didn't already know--and fairly sturdy.

We have traveled to Europe many times with only a carry on and a backpack for each of us. The key is to have lightweight travel clothes that can be washed in the sink of your hotel and to use packing cubes to organize your carry on luggage. Keep colors neutral and use scarves and jewelry for color.

Everyone mentions to wear the heavier shoes and clothing on the plane. While, I learned the hard why you have to pack those items away when you get to Europe. They take up space and add weight that you still have to deal with once there.

Everyone mentions to wear the heavier shoes and clothing on the plane. While, I learned the hard why you have to pack those items away when you get to Europe. They take up space and add weight that you still have to deal with once there.

... wear the heavier shoes and clothing on the plane..... They take up space and add weight that you still have to deal with once there.

Not a problem when your boots and heavier clothing are your outside clothing for walking about or trekking. My light shoes are hut and hotel shoes after a day of walking about. And for those of us who need to check gear, carrying or wearing on-board your boots and outerwear (rain/wind jacket, insulating jacket etc) is essential if your checked baggage is one of the less than 1% of bags delayed.

PS My checked gear bag is a LL Bean Rolling Adventure Duffel that meets linear dimensions ( 15"H x 30"W x 13"D = 58 inches < 62 linear inches). I can back pack my RS Classic Carry-on and easily pull the Rolling Duffel with one hand and a rolling ski box with the other.

The main problem I see with so many of these duffles is that you can't stand them up.

My go to bags are:

A 22" Lipault spinner like this one only turquoise. Note the interior and exterior dimensions listed at the bottom of the page. That is the largest bag I own. I find it very easy to pack, but I keep the total weight down to 20 pounds.

And a 22" Eagle Creek 2-wheeled Load Warrior Duffle like this one. It is actually slightly shorter than 22". Note that this one is expandable, but that makes it too thick for a carry-on. I don't expand it and I keep it to 20 pounds total weight. This shape is harder to pack, but it has more "handles" to grab to lift it up to the racks on trains.

Both bags stand well on their own and the telescoping handles accommodate my preferred personal item, a baggallini tote with the double zipper pocket that when open, slips over the handle.

I pack for a week and travel for 4 to 8 weeks. Now my challenge is to go even lighter. That means a smaller bag for me. At the age of 31, I traveled for 4 months with 2/3 of what I take now. That should be a hint.

The duffle that you mentioned has posted dimensions of 22 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches and that measurement may or may not include the wheels and handle. Though narrow, it exceeds the height dimension by over 2 inches; something to consider as more and more airlines enforce the use of bag sizers.

That duffle is pretty high when filled. I think I'm going with a 21" spinner carry on. Thanks everyone! :)

Laura, just a little encouragement--my daughter and I recently returned from a 2 week trip to Spain with 22" rolling suitcases (ours are these but lots of different bags would do the trick) and with careful planning, we found them to be the perfect size. We took trains, buses, taxis, metros, and walked a lot with our bags and were daily glad we didn't have larger ones but definitely had all we needed for clothes, etc., and room for souvenirs, too.

Wishing you a fabulous vacation--you can do this!

Thank you everyone! I did a mock packing in an old, non-expandable 20" carry-on without packing cubes. Can't wait for my packing cubes to come in and to find a good 21 or 22" expandable carry-on. I think I can do this!

I think you're getting there !!!!!

Agree with Nigel and will add pretty soon you will be doing recreational packing, lol!!

And...inquiring minds want to know. Did all your stuff fit in the 20" for your 2 week trip?

https://www.rei.com/product/848208/eagle-creek-tarmac-wheeled-luggage-22

I am the queen of the 30", full 50lb. Limit suitcase for one week....my husband, too. For our trip to Italy last year, I was bound and determined we could do the carry-on thing!

I purchased the RS 20 inch 2 wheel suitcase and the veloce bag that fits right on the handle as my personal item. My husband purchased the above 22" eagle creek.

When my suitcase came in, I stared at it for about a week almost wanting to laugh thinking about going to Italy for 10 days with that itty bitty suitcase. I actually did it, tolled my listed super tight and brought tons compared to others on the board. I was amazed at what I fit in that baby by rolling.

Saying that, I wish I had my husbands. It's amazing what that extra 2 inches did. I do like my RS, but I wish I had had the choice of a 22 inch.

I was concerned as the measurements were a little more than the stated 22x14x8, but it got perfectly in the carry on hold on Delta at least.

Thanks, Nigel! Pam - I purchased a 22" expandable carry-on today and went straight home to take my partial packing out of my old suitcase and into the new one. I completely packed (minus a bathing suit (can't seem to find it!) and IT ALL FIT! I am truly amazed. That is without packing cubes which will arrive in a couple of days. I'm excited to re-pack using the cubes. Lol!

It is a bit heavy so I may contemplate removing an item or two...

Oh gosh...I can tell we've lured you in to the cult! Welcome. You've passed the first initiation test, lol!

Lol! So my husband thinks I don't need the packing cubes since I packed it all. I'm thinking yes I do so I can be organized. I can just see a pile of mess after I get there and start wearing things!

Yes, you're ready ... might even get your husband hooked after he sees how easy it is to travel with everything in its own cube.

Oh yes, I agree with Laura B. Once you have your stuff so it fits in the suitcase the cubes are SO helpful in keeping yourself and your stuff organized.

Just a heads-up caution for you and everyone who thinks a 22" carry-on will work. Not necessarily. AirFrance restricts carry-ons to 21x13x9, including protruding pockets, wheels, and handle.