What Size Luggage Do I Need For My Trip?

Planning a business trip or vacation? The firsttote should attach to the top of the Pullman case for
question asked is always "what size luggage will Iease in wheeling through airport, train and bus
need?" How do you determine the size, and theterminals.
number of pieces to bring? It's really simple. There's aA two-week trip or longer generally requires the 27",
rule of thumb - and then you need to ask some28" or 29" Pullman for one person. The old luggage
questions.sizes of 30", 31" or 32" will be considered oversized
What works for most people is a wheeled tote forby the airlines and you may be charged. Generally,
overnight, a wheeled carry on luggage or 22" for athey consider cases over 62" when you add the
weekend, and the long weekend will usually be thelength plus height plus width to be oversized. The
22" carry on luggage with an attachable tote. Theoversized cases will usually go overweight also, and
wheeled tote can hold a small change of clothing andyou may incur double charges. Check with your airline
a few cosmetics. Keep in mind if you're flying, thebefore packing for the trip. When two people are
cosmetics need to be in a three-one-one clear plastictraveling, you may be able to pack the larger Pullman
one quart sized case, with bottles and jars of threewith just clothes, and take a slightly smaller case for
ounces or less. You could pack the same amount in athe cosmetics, shoes and heavier items. This will
tote without wheels, but we're at the airport for aprobably keep both of your cases within the weight
long time these days, and wheels seem to be therestrictions.
easier way to go.Many travelers today pack their heaviest items in
The 22" wheeled carry on luggage can easily worktheir carry on bag to keep their larger Pullman cases
for the weekend, holding several changes of clothingfrom becoming overweight. Keep the new regulations
and even shoes. You will need to adhere to thein mind when packing. You can no longer pack all of
same three-one-one rule for your cosmetics if flying.your cosmetics in the carry on luggage or the tote
Wheeled carry on luggage also comes in a 20" or 21"bag. One person may carry on liquids and gels in a
size for those that are flying on smaller planes, or forone quart bag, and the containers must be three
those who take less. Wheeled totes or regular totesounces or less. This is the three-one-one clear plastic
can attach to the top of the smaller piece and bothbag. Since we're putting these cosmetics in the
pieces can be wheeled together with one hand. ThisPullmans, it's making the Pullman case weigh more.
is the easiest way to travel. You cannot carryAnd you need to double wrap your liquids, creams
another purse, or briefcase, as you are limited to theand gels to insure that nothing will stain your clothing.
one carry on piece and one personal bag when flying.When two of you are traveling, you will usually need
There's usually an outside pocket on carry on luggageto double the amount of luggage or cut back on
or tote bags for your travel essentials and yoursizes slightly. You may be able to share some
travel wallet. Your boarding pass and I.D. should becosmetics and that travel umbrella. If you are going
easily accessible when traveling. And don't forget toto attend many evening functions where you'll need
throw that small lightweight travel umbrella in theto change each evening that will increase the size of
outside pocket!the luggage you'll need to pack. If it's a casual trip,
The one week trip usually needs a 25" or 26" Pullmanyou may get away with bringing less and packing a
for one person. This size will also work for twosmaller piece of luggage. If you're renting a car and
persons for a long weekend. It can hold quite a lot ofsharing with another couple, you'll all have to bring
clothing, shoes, incidentals, travel accessories andless. European rental cars are usually on the small size
even an extra jacket. This size rarely goes over theso you'll need to take that into consideration. You can
fifty-pound maximum that many of the airlines areoften wear the heavy coat on the airplane, and may
enforcing today. Always check with your individualwant to wear boots rather than packing them.
airline to be sure you are following their particularSome airlines have restrictions on the size and the
regulations. Most of the newer luggage available nowweight of your luggage but may allow two pieces
is lighter in weight than the luggage purchased yearsper person. Remember that travelers rarely wear
before. You may want to invest in a lighter piece ofeverything they bring. There are also many new
luggage, or a travel luggage scale to be sure youtravel items like the UBU reversible lightweight jacket,
won't be charged.or the OneSole shoes with choices of hundreds of
Some of the airline charges are substantial and youdifferent tops. If you don't mind paying extra on the
may save money in the long run by purchasing aairline, you will not have to be as rigid when packing.
lighter-weight Pullman case. It's always a good idea toExpandable Pullman cases are wonderful if you plan
take carry on luggage for the important items youto bring back a lot of souvenirs. However, do check
cannot afford to lose. You'll want to keep anywith your airline, and watch your weight. The more
needed medications, eyeglasses, your jewelry andyou travel, the easier packing becomes, so plan a lot
other valuables with you. The wheeled tote or regularof trips!