What size luggage do you pack?

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I've been shopping around for new luggage to replace the hand-me-down hard-side cases we have. I've looked at sets and single pieces, and can't decide what combo I want or how big I want to go. What do you use?

I'm not sure if we need something as big as a 28" pullman. I don't want or need a duffle and a tote might be okay as a carry-on. Is an 18" pullman big enough for one?

There are three of us and we're traveling to WDW in June for 8 days, so that means lightweight clothing and I will probably only take 4 days' worth of outfits and do laundry at least once while we're there.

 

[Dizholic]

You want to make sure if you are flying, that you watch the weight of the luggage. I think most airlines charge after 50lbs. I usually take a 26" suitcase for each of us, and I always take to many clothes.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Used to use the Samsonite hard suitcases years ago but have switches to the rolling duffle. Soft sides are easier to pack, more cramming room, and whether you fly or train, baggage handlers tossing them into holds and other bags leave no dents. I have one rolling duffle and one shoulder carry on and wife has the same. Our normal stays at Disney are 8-12 nights, and we wouldn't do laundry on vacation nor need to. Careful packing, space bags to compress clothes and less shoes makes it all easier to have a vacation with everything at hand and no laundry stops, we've even brought clothes back that never were worn, I list my stuff from trip to trip and try to keep my bags and stuff to a minimun. I'm the one that has to haul it around or wheel it so careful packing is a must.

 

[ZoZo]

I use a medium-size suitcase plus a carry-on.

I'm a compulsive over-packer, and brought waaaaay too many clothes last October. My theory is to do a "test pack" before you buy your luggage. Lay out everything you think you want to bring, then cut that amount in half (knowing you can do laundry mid-trip). Once you have your modified wardrobe/toiletries/etc. laid out, that will determine how much room you need and what size suitcase you need.

 

[abca]

One carry-on for each of us. That's it for a 10-14 day trip and includes clothing for a 3 or 4 day Disney cruise. ( I hate lugging around things that I don't use.) I do laundry once or twice during the trip. I pack empty space bags and use them for the trip home to hold wet or dirty clothing. I also pack a beach bag in one of the suitcases. This gives us plenty of extra space to bring home souveniers.

 

[Coloradomom]

We take one 21 or 25 inch for each of us (DH, DD and me). DD at 16 needs lots of stuff! With ME we now also take a rolling suitcase with our nightclothes,or swimsuits...whatever we need right when we get there. I confess I always overpack and have to much .

One of the best things we bought was a luggage scale from Magellans. You hang your bag on it to weigh it. We even take it with us to weigh things on the way home. Well worth the $10 or so it cost.

 

[cdrn1]

Smaller is better, IMHO. With careful planning and space bags, I did ten days in Italy with a 20-inch carryon! I usually use a bag that size for up to 4-day trips and move up one size for longer trips. I have a 26-inch that I almost never use.

Whatever you decide size-wise, go with the WILDEST color you can find! I wish I had gotten any color but black. I always envy those with the hot pink bags when I am standing at the carousel watching an endless sea of black bags go by.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I use a medium-size suitcase plus a carry-on.

I'm a compulsive over-packer, and brought waaaaay too many clothes last October. My theory is to do a "test pack" before you buy your luggage. Lay out everything you think you want to bring, then cut that amount in half (knowing you can do laundry mid-trip). Once you have your modified wardrobe/toiletries/etc. laid out, that will determine how much room you need and what size suitcase you need.

Excellent tip!