Luggage advice

[memobrien]

So our trip is approaching in Jan and I had a sudden realization.... i have no luggage for the trip. I have small weekend bags and a MASSIVE one that is just too much for me to move when it's packed. But nothing for a week long trip. I realized that this is because I haven't gone on a real vacation for 10 years.

Since then my traveling style has changed, most importantly because I now have a 5 year old. Anyway, I think there are at least some of you out there who travel much more often. I'm hoping you have some good advice.

What's your favorite bags? Anyone use rolling duffels? What I'm looking for needs to be rolling, easy to wheel and manuver. I need to pack for me and my DD (5). So multiple bags would be good. Also what do you use for carryons? I'm planning on making traveling a much more frequent habit. So I don't mind spending a little on this...but I also LOVE a bargain!

Any thoughts on what to get and where to get it?

Maura

 

[Aliceacc]

Macys (and probably a lot of other stores) is having a HUGE after Christmas sale on luggage. I got my husband (aka "us") a 5 piece set for Christmas for $69-- it's probably a whole lot less this week.

Why not hit their website as you're waiting for people here to reply? (Sorry, but I'm in the same boat as you; I haven't flown since 1990.

 

[Melissa_E]

DH and I bought Samsonite hard side rolling luggage. We love it! We bought it at Costco and it is fairly lightweight (the models out now are much more lightweight) and has tons of room. For DH and myself, we're visiting my parents right now and the two of us packed in a single suitcase. I put in four pairs of pants, six sweaters/sweatshirts, underwear, etc... That was just on my side.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I dunno...maybe it's too big? When I pack it, I reach the 50 lb airline limit long before I actually fill up the volume of the bag, so everything slides around in it. I much prefer a regular suitcase.
When we went last month I had the previously mentioned rolling duffel, a regular suitcase and a carry-on backpack (which I used for my park bag) for 3 of us to go for 1 week. Having learned from my previous trips, I also packed (in the duffel) an extra duffel bag - not nearly as big - almost like a large gym bag to bring home all of the "stuff" we buy while we are there.

 

[dougsmom98]

For my family, I pack one rolling back pack for each of the boys. It works well because they are able to maneuver it around the airport by themselves, and they can take responsibility for it. I am able to get 4-5 pair of shorts, 6-7 shirts, underwear, socks, one pair or long pants and a bathing suit in there. For me, I use a larger soft sided suitcase. I got mine suit case really cheap at Target. I think it was part of a five piece set for $35-$40. I take all the toiletries in my suitcase and I also put my DD's stuff in there too. For carry on bags, I have found a regular old back pack to be invaluable. I throw it on my back and then my hands are free to hold my kids' hands or carry the snack I grabbed quickly while we were on the run to our gate. We also use the back pack in the park so it has multi-purposes.