Luggage

One of the first questions I'm always asked is: What kind of luggage do I need? On the flight out, you may check one bag and carry on one bag. On the return flight you may check two bags and carry on one. What kind and size bag? Talk to anyone who has traveled with me before and you will get the best answer--the smaller the better! You are your own porter. Use a bag with rollers.

The official way to measure luggage is to add the width, height, and depth of a bag including the rollers and any expandable pockets. The one I always use is a 45" rolling bag--23 x 14 x 8. It's HOW you pack that let's you carry a smaller bag. (More about packing light in a later posting.)

I use a good size backpack as my carry on bag. It fits easily under the airline seat, easy to tote in an airport and/or while rolling a separate bag. I also carry what I call a "day bag" while on tour--something to carry some daily necessities on the bus while the luggage and bigger backpack are stowed under the bus. One of those lightweight drawstring backpacks works well as it can be rolled up and packed.

I also use a small flat over-the-shoulder purse just big enough for my digital camera and a coin purse to hop off the bus to see a site. You should also have a passport pouch (neck or waist) to carry your passport and money for safety.

You use whatever is comfortable and easy for you to manage...but remember, smaller is always better!