Luggage

Dayna · Veteran Member

Luggage

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dayna,

I have to admit that I am frugal. My favorite suitcases were from K Mart and cost $20 each. They lasted me about 15 years with tons of abuse including overpacking. The wheels never came off, the extension handle always worked but the overpacking finally did one in and a seam started separating. My husband sold them at a garage sale. Now that is frugal!

Michele

Dayna · Veteran Member

Excellent shopping on your part Michele! That was a great buy for $20. I'm not looking to spend much either but do anticipate about $100 or so. I don't even know if they sell luggage for $20 anymore in the size I'm looking for. I have an older piece of American Tourister with wheels that aren't standing up to the test of time. I need something light with strong wheels.

CowboyCraic · Guru

Dayna,

I broke down last June and purchased Samsonite Spinner luggage. It was a bit more than I am used to spending but I was certainly glad I spent it. I have the Silohuette model which is expandable in the 24" and it is, hands down, the best investment, travelwise, I think I have ever made. I made the purchase because it fell within the Aerlingus luggage restrictions and also because I liked the color, periwinkle blue.

Slan Go Foill,

Bit Devine

yesiree · Guru

I was given a Lands End suitcase several years ago and the thing is indestructible so far...good zippers, wheels and seams. In fact It's been about 11 years and the thing still looks like it did after I had it for a year.

I also have an REI backpack...it's carryon size, but can expand to larger.

Roy · Guru

Our luggage came from Ross Dress for Less. They have an excellent selection of last years models (now discontinued) at great prices. I think we paid in the $20-25 range each. Also check out TJ Maxx, though locally they didn't have a good a selection here as did Ross.

Roy

kapmap · Member

Probably the most important thing to me is weight. Mys husband and I packed a 24 inch unexpanded suitcase last year and it weighed 50 pounds! That is the maximum weight before they charge you for being over the limit. That was a lightweight suitcase -- in fact I had purchased it for the trip because our old one weighed about 16-18 pounds empty. This one weighs 10 pounds. It gets very old lugging heavy suitcases up and down the stairs. If we pack this size, we leave it in the trunk and keep a smaller one with us -- we trade out the clothes and just take the smaller one in. I suggest you bring home a suitcase or two and pack them and see how heavy they get. I prefer to use carryon size for everything and a backpack for books, toiletries etc -- you are allowed two items so I pack my purse and use the suitcase and the backpack as my two items.

Even though it has wheels, you will be lifting it -- into the car; out of the car; up the stairs of the bed and breakfast to your room on the third floor -- weight is important to me.

Dayna · Veteran Member

Thanks for more great advice. I went today to Marshall's, Ross, and Burlington Coat Factory. They had excellent bags at GREAT prices. Who needs to shop in the Malls for expensive bags?! I found name brands too. Now I just have to decide on which ones. I'm concerned about weight also now. Knowing me, I can't possibly pack in a 21", so I'll look for a 25" and hope I pack lightly. I don't own a scale and will have to borrow one maybe from a neighbor.

Thanks again.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Dayna,

I hope you find just the right suitcase for your trip. You will have to let us know what you decided on and how it worked when you get back.

Michele

Dayna · Veteran Member

I will keep you posted. I went to TJ Max yesterday and they had a GREAT selection of luggage. I probably will choose from there but just can't decide on what.

If you're reading this and need luggage, I fully suggest you try:
TJ Max
Marshall's
Ross (not a great selection here in Orlando though)
Burlington Coat Factory

Counting down the days until our trip......

wckc · Guru

Dayna -

Since you are in Orlando, have you looked at the Samsonite store at the Belz mall? My husband and I got a great deal there a couple of years ago. We have tendency to purchase all of our luggage while we are on vacation (we always seem to need another bag to bring home all of our purchases!) This last year we got a great deal at the Samsonite store at an outlet mall south of Portland, OR.

-wc

Dayna · Veteran Member

Someone here also mentioned the Samsonite outlet store. I will have to check that out also.
Thanks!

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I have a brother-in-law that I get along with, quite well. He's traveled with us to Ireland twice, and loves it. He declined our offer to 'come with', this year, citing tight finances....

He goes on a "BIG" vacation every two to three years, using his full, MATCHING set of Hartmann luggage.

My wife and I have a mis-mash of no-name pieces (our BEST case is a $50 American Tourister soft sided 29"), but we go to Ireland EVERY year...

It's all about priorities.

Bob