Originally Posted by
smiles33
I would not buy 4 large "checked-luggage size" suitcases because you may have issues transporting those gigantic suitcases (e.g., fitting them into your taxi trunk, squeezing them past crowds of people as you walk into your lodging, carrying them up a flight of stairs if there's no elevator or stairs outside the building). Plus it requires you, your DH, and your older 2 kids to each manage a giant heavy suitcase.
I would not use your duffle bags because they aren't easy to maneuver up 3 flights of stairs (many older buildings don't have elevators) and the straps will dig into your shoulders. You don't know how far you will have to walk from the bus to your hotel room or through the airport until you get to your transport.
I agree with cheme: buy carry-on size bags so each family member is responsible for his/her own bag. We did our trip to Italy with each person assigned a carry-on sized roller bag and a personal item (e.g., a backpack or tote bag that fit iPad, headphones, snacks, etc.). My kids have had their own roller carry-on suitcases since age 7 and have been perfectly fine with them. Thus, unless your 11 year olds have other issues, I'm sure they could roll a carry-on sized roller suitcase. And if you're up in the front of the plane, you won't have to worry about getting overhead space. DH and I have Travelpro carry-on rollers while DDs have cheaper Samsonite rollers.
The issue is whether you're going to small towns in France that may have uneven paths or cobblestone roads. If so, then getting backpacks make more sense than struggling with roller suitcases. I'm partial to North Face backpacks from when I was a student, but I'm sure other people will have good recs.
This makes a lot of sense. If we did carryon- size luggage exclusively, we would absolutely need 6 carryons. I don’t know if there will be paved walkways- it’s definitely possible since some of the pilgrimage sites will be small villages. However, I’m thinking that it couldn’t be too difficult since a lot of seniors go on these trips. Besides, if I did get backpacks for everyone, then they can’t bring their personal backpack (the one filled with snacks, headphones, and iPads).
Do you think your Travel Pro carryons are small enough for 11yo’s to maneuver? I’m thinking escalators might be tricky. Maybe something smaller?
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