Anonymous wrote:OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

Can the Kipling rolling backpack fit under the airplane seat in front of you?

Yes! As long as you don't overstuff it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, my advice (as an older woman) is to get something with wheels. You do not want your trip ruined because you hurt yourself trying to lug around a backpack!

The key is learning/practicing to travel light. I did a six-week solo trip to New Zealand/Australia when I retired. Had to pack clothes for everything from beaches to mountains. I did it in a carry-on size rolling bag.

IMO, the most important advice I can give is to get a bag with TWO WHEELS, not four. I know four wheels is the predominant style now but two wheels is easier to get up and down stairs and roll over cobbles, if you need to. And you will need to. The other advantage is the two-wheel styles usually have sturdier wheels (similar to roller-blade wheels).

If you want to cover all options, you can combine both backpack and rolling bag. I have a Kipling rolling backpack that I used every single day for commuting on the Metro and it lasted for years. It is small but if you used it, and a tote bag that fits on top, you would have as much space as one larger carry-on bag. In a pinch, you could put the backpack on for a short period and carry tote bag by hand. It would also be easier to keep both bags with you on trains, buses, etc. It's really a matter of choice - a carry-on bag or two smaller bags (one with wheels).

If you intend to bring back a few baubles, another thing you can do is the "throw and go" method. If you have older but still serviceable clothing, especially underwear, take that with you and throw it out after you've worn it. Same with shoes, which can take up a lot of room.

Otherwise, I look for clothing that is quick-dry and can be washed out in the sink. I have a couple of plastic folding hangars which I hang things on.

I wish you the best of luck in your retirement and enjoy the wonderful freedom it brings! Buon Viaggio!

Can the Kipling rolling backpack fit under the airplane seat in front of you?

Anonymous wrote:Need room for stuff you buy along the way also.