I have begun to focus my attention on traveling a bit more. To this end, I have appointed a Traveling Godmother for showing me ropes. I have made lists. I have started scanning airfare in earnest.
Here is the trouble: I am having luggage issues. I am not partial to rolling bags, friends, no matter how handy they be (Is Audrey sporting a rolling bag in this sexful Chanel ad? No she is NOT). I like bags I can carry (this means shoulder straps, people). I like bags that are not too pattern-y (sorry, Orla). I am not partial to backpacks, however much I would like to be. And I like bags small enough to remind me to pack only. so. much. Because I like things, but I also like having to remember only to bring those things I need.
So here is what I would like to know, you travelers, you: What luggage do you use when you head out? What luggage--patterned, rolling, or otherwise--do you wish you used for trains, planes and automobiles--for going out into the world and leaving your baggage behind?
{Image, flickr}
10 maids a-milking:
It depends. I have a leather satchel-y bag I got in Italy that I use a lot for car trips, but when you fly, if you have to check something, you don't want to check anything wonderful that will break your heart if it gets ruined, because they are so rough on things.
I don't love checking things. I mean, I will, but I don't love it.
you could get a cute weekender bag! you carry those over your shoulder and they're pretty sizable.
getting ready to travel is so exciting! best of luck.
Here's the problem with all of those luscious old bags. The first time I went to Europe (backpacking of course, sans the backpack), I took this gorgeous slate blue vintage suitcase. There were no wheels, no straps, and it had a big metal buckle on the front.
It wasn't that large and I packed light. I loved it. It used to be my grandma's and to me it was the perfect first European adventure bag. But then I found myself running at breakneck speeds through JFK to catch a flight, while carrying my suitcase. I thought I was going to die. Then I carried it around England and Ireland on trains and up 6 flights to tiny hostel rooms.
It was the antithesis of practical and it made the trip more difficult. So, I think in the end the important thing with luggage is to find something that fits what you will be using it for.
If it's just for weekend trips or something where you won't have to carry the bag long, then the gorgeous bags will work fine.
p.s. I now have a Victorinox 3.0 Trek Pack Plus (22 Inch), which has served me well on many more treks through Europe.
I hate travelling. So practicality is all I care about. Wheels are a must. I have a lovely 4-wheeled push-along number that I bought with vouchers from our wedding the day before we went on honeymoon.
Now I must pack it to move in with the MIL. *sigh*
I'm with you, 'Lissa: No vintage. Vintage=HEAVY
So what you're all saying is that it doesn't *matter* and that I'm being ridiculous and picky and wheels are quite *handy* and what-is-your-problem, lady?
I have a really sexy beat-up leather duffle that my mom bought in London years ago. But I finally broke down and bought a big orange suitcase with wheels for long trips back and forth from nyc.
Travel Godmother says:
If you're going to go faraway, chances are good that you will have more than will fit in the overhead (especially if you go exciting places that can only be reached in smaller planes, which have smaller overheads). So it should be check-able.
I think what you really need is a stylish and handy rolling bag that has a zip-off backpack or shoulder bag. This way you're speedy, your gear isn't compressing your spine as you run through a station to catch the train, but when faced with cobblestones, dirt, or mud, your bag won't break.
Like these: http://www.rei.com/category/4501712
OR, the journalist method: take only essentials, and stick them all in an incredibly durable duffle bag (pref. beat-up leather, like ESB said). The factor then is length of trip.
the one bag i *have* is terribly practical; the collection i lust for is considerably less so.
Um, I use a backpack, a red one. It's ugly and studenty and very 'I'm on my way to a gap year in Bali' but I don't care because I can put it on my back and that leaves my hands free (I like having my hands free) to check the labels on duty free alcohol.
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