Family Luggage Recommendation

[JustMare]

I have two questions:

1) I'm searching for a family-size weekender bag. It needs to hold 4 adult outfits,2 pairs of adult shoes, undergarments, toiletries, several outfits for my 17 month old, accessories, his diapers, toys, snacks, etc... The problem is I have to overpack for my DS. Even if the climate is warm I have to pack sweats for air conditioning. Currently for a weekend we're using 3 duffle bags and it's not working for us.

2) I'm also searching for a large family-size suitcase. Rolling, very large. We currently use three 26" wheeled uprights and it's not working for us. Our luggage just overpowered us on a cruise! Try fitting 3 suitcases, a stroller and a pack n play in a standard balcony stateroom! We had to remove all the extra tables and chairs!

I have to travel with a stroller, diaper bag, and cooler bag. We need to keep our luggage limited to one bag.

I've just started my own business as a work-at-home travel agent and have several vacations in the works. In addition, we recently purchased a vacation home that we go to on weekends. So both pieces will get lots of use.

Thanks so much in advance!

Mare
Mom to TJ (2/04)

[LD92599]

Mare - no advice but welcome back! Good to see a post from you!

After our cruise last weekend i'm also on the lookout for decent luggage!

Congrats on the WAH business!!!

Laura
mom to William

LKibala at optonline dot net

http://lilypie.com/pic/050530/616a731.jpg[/img][img]http://lilypie.com/baby3/030305/1/2/0/-5/.png

[tobycat]

I have a very large Eddie Bauer rolling softsided suitcase. My husband and I went on vacation for a week with just that one bag. (Went to a warm climate though, so no bulky winter clothes.) I think it was called a rolling duffle, but it is a structured bag... not just a duffle with wheels.

[JustMare]

http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=851125

I just received this duffle today from Overstock.com and have to say it's the best bargain! I have Atlantic luggage and love it and couldn't believe this Atlantic duffle was on clearance for $35 from $100. It's well made, roomy, light weight and has tons of pockets. The handle height is very comfortable and rather taller than other carry on handles.

Anyone searching for a family weekender bag this one is perfect! If you travel light, you can even use it for a weeks vacation it's so large!

[indigo]

We're still deciding what we need for luggage, but one of the pieces we just got (for a two-week trip) was the 28" Samsonite Spinner. Based on the measurements on eBags (we got ours at Hechts on sale though, similar price), I estimated that the 28" holds about 6700 cubic inches of stuff vs. about 4400 cu. in. for the 26". Amazing how 3 inches makes a difference.

http://www.ebags.com/samsonite/silhouette_expandable_spinner_28_upright_suiter/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=49318

Not sure what to tell you for a weekend trip, but we recently went to CA for 3 days for a wedding and 3 of us (DH, DD and myself) happily lived out of one 29" hardsided suitcase (generic brand bought in Asia, sorry I don't have any more specifics.) I brought plenty of outfits for DD and even bought some while on the trip. We did have a few extra things in our carry-ons because we were approaching the weight limit, but in general we were able to live out of the suitcase without unpacking. That included formal wear for the wedding for all of us and casual stuff for the rest of the time.

As for the cooler bag, is it possible to buy one of those stretch neoprene coolers that are thinner than the average cool bag? Then you could stash it in your diaper bag instead of carrying a separate one. Just a thought.

HTH a little!

indigo
DD 7/04
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif
twelve months and counting!