CARRY-ON OR CHECK?

It’s getting down to the wire and time to DECIDE:
Am I going to check a bag or carry-on?

Amazingly (to me..) I am definitely going to carry on my suitcase. And, even more amazingly, I did a trial pack and everything fits with room to spare!

My #1 reason, and what has made all the difference, are these:

Eagle Creek Pack It Set

In particular, the “garment folder” in Medium. I folded 3 pairs of pants, a linen tunic, 4 knit tops, a lightweight sweater, a knit dress and a knit skirt; compressed them with the flat piece included; did the 2-way velcro closures tightly, and DONE. Nothing gets wrinkled or is out of place twenty hours later. And it’s all organized. I didn’t put my jeans in there as they were a perfect filler along the edge of the suitcase.

I had bought and tried the large size of this garment folder but found it was just too big. It didn’t fit across the suitcase but had to go in vertically so it took up an entire layer.

The smallest cube holds all my underwear, lightweight nightshirt, a totally crushable black “robe” I just found at Marshalls that I can wear in “down-time” hours at our apartment or as a robe, two scarves, a belt and 2 statement necklaces. I have found lately that putting the necklaces in this cube, instead of in my small quilted jewelry case keeps them from tangling and twisting. And yes, only 2 necklaces as, of course, I hope to buy some over in France!

 To all this I add my small hair dryer bought in France so the plug and voltage is no problem. I also take a hair straightener. Toiletries go into the fabulous EMME bag. The 3 pairs of shoes fit into one large shoe bag and go at the bottom section of the suitcase.  I’ll be wearing my Mephistos for travel time.

But it all fits just fine!

Then, of course, there is my ongoing question of what kind of under-the-seat tote to bring.
We were up in Wash. D.C. a few weeks ago and were at the Tyson’s Corner mall. Huge doesn’t quite describe it…so I had lots of opportunity to see and try other totes. Well, guess what?
I’m carrying a back pack!

Here it is:

It’s the Ridge Runner Tote from LLBean!

It’s great. It’s very lightweight, not too big, fits my back perfectly, doesn’t look too “back pack” (well, maybe it does….)  It holds everything I need on the plane:

Remember? This was my inventory of what I need to have under the seat!

Now, as I approach an escalator I will have one hand free! (That is, if there IS an escalator… the Europeans are not known for this convenience…) But even a set of stairs will be easier.

I decided to give my four wheel, very used suitcase one last trip. It has done very well for me but the handle is going, so this will be its swan song. I was VERY tempted, while at the mall in D.C. , to spring for this suitcase:

Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner

This is one gorgeous bag! Well, for the price, it should be. It’s so hard to really tell about any suitcase from a screen: so if you can, go to a luggage store to at least look, feel, and see before you order on line.

Here is another one I liked very much and for less money (although still quite an investment.)

Briggs & Riley Communter Expandable

I liked this for size and interior over its sister, the Spinner, but I would be very, very hesitant to buy a suitcase that didn’t have four wheels. I find it makes all the difference in the world to be able to roll it along next to me.

And then there is the question of just what is it worth. These are expensive. And the one I am using on this trip was bought, I think, at Marshalls about ten years ago (at least) and has done many business and family trips. I probably paid $50.00. Then again, I just bought a hardside carry on at same store, used it once and then realized it was not made with a side handle!  For $50.00 it was not worth it: that side handle is invaluable when loading a bag into a car or hauling up  top in a plane.

We’re off this week and I will let you know how these travel “accessories” do on this trip! As always, we would all love to hear your experiences and comments about luggage and travel.