http://www.eaglecreek.com/20128.html

Does this meet airline requirements?

Too large for one person (husband has his own luggage)?

I want to have room to bring things home as well

Thank you!

Jen

I don't think this fits the carry on requirements. What airline? You can google them and get specific sizes.

Ginger

To check, is it ok?

Hi..It seems large to me but then I'm taking a 22" bag plus small carry on for 5 weeks. My husband also using 22" bag and we'll keep his carry on allotment to help bring back stuff -- also I'm taking some presents which we will leave there. There have been postings about airlines being very strict about weight limits and the bag itself weighs close to 12 lb. I don't know your age or energy level, but you will likely have to take it up and down stairs, perhaps on and off trains? For me -- an older lady -- less is better: less heavy, less hassle. For this 5 week trip I did a "practice" packing to see how much space I needed and to make me cull out my choices. There are several threads on Slow Travel you can check out with different views on packing heavy/packing light. Whatever you decide, have fun and enjoy bella Italia.

One thing to consider is your travel dates and accomodations. All of Europe is in a fierce heat wave--people are dying of it. The predictions are for it to continue all summer. You'll need very light items, few heavy ones.

Will you have a washing machine available? If so, plan to use it a few times, reducing the amount of items necessary. If not, you're going to be using clothes up fast in the heat, and might have to take more. Just some food for thought.

If you are going from the airport to your accomodations, and staying in one place for the duration, or driving everywhere, then a larger piece of luggage is okay.

If you are moving around, then my advice is to take a smaller piece of luggage, and invest in a few pieces of clothing that can be washed out by hand and will hang to dry with relatively few wrinkles.

Another option to consider is shipping home separately any purchases you should make while on vacation - this way you don't have to worry about having enough room to pack them.

Terry

Thanks everyone, we are going to Rome and Montepulciano next June. There is a smaller version of this rolling bag that I might consider as well. We will be one week at each location. Taking the train from Rome then to Montepulciano. I always, always over pack...which I kick myself over in the end. Maybe this trip I will turn over a new leaf, less is better. I can always buy things there if I need them.

What about toiletry bags?

If you go for a large bag, you will overpack. There are lots of thread here that address how not to overpack... and some that encourage it.

I recently did a month in Italy with this bag and a duffle carry on. It was PLENTY! Even had room to bring wine, ceramics and new clothes home, too.

As for a toiletry bag... I'd pull out all your Must Haves for the trip and see how much room you'll absolutely need, and buy accordingly. But honestly... zip-top bags are the best bet here.

Thanks Alyssa, the bag that you mentioned is my second choice...it looks great!!!