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Which is the best bag to take? Over the years I've travelled with backpacks, suitcases I hauled up and down airplane step and then up and down hotel staircases [especially in Europe], to one small leather carry on for an international trip [middle of winter, didn't have enough warm clothes - got influenza], all the way to the current trend of small suitcases on wheels. So - which do I prefer? I just love the carry-on bags with wheels, I call these 'wheelies' and they are fantastic. And the prices are great - and sometimes you can get gorgeous colours too. Always an important decision. :o) When I think of the dramas I had with a backpack for my first big jaunt overseas [yes it was over 10 years ago], which weighed a ton and were able to knock over an unseen person standing nearby when I spun around casually, I heave a sign of relief that this new generation of bags is so compact, easy to maneuvre, and most importantly - doesn't require surgery once you get home!!

I can't tell you which bag to choose - that has to be your decision, but I can tell you to give it some thought. Will you need to carry it long distances? Will you rarely have to carry it? Will a 'wheelie' bag work for you on a jungle safari in Africa? Will a backpack work for you as you arrive at the Ritz Hotel in Paris? Are you visiting friends and amount of contents is more important than size or type of bag? I always suggest you ask yourself these questions: ** HOW MANY TIMES will I have to carry my bag over the whole trip? ** HOW MANY MEN will it take to lift it off the ground and into a taxi or into a bus? ** HOW MANY BAGS do I need for one week? [This is a trick question - if you have more than one bag you should stay home. :o) ] Experience is the best teacher - make your best decision, and then after the trip, you'll know if that bag is right for that kind of trip. Good luck, and Happy Trails!