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Italy is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, from the ancient splendor of Rome to the rustic charm of Tuscany, the romantic canals of Venice, and the vibrant life of Sicily. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful country seven times and counting, exploring iconic cities and hidden gems alike. Over the years, I’ve honed my packing and luggage strategies to ensure smooth travels, especially since I prefer to skip the baggage claim and travel carry-on only.
In this blog post, I’ll share my top recommendations for the best type of luggage to use when traveling to Italy, especially if you’re navigating the quaint, often cobblestone streets of cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and various towns in Tuscany and Sicily. Let’s dive into why rolling suitcases might not be your best friend and what alternatives I suggest.
Why I Don’t Recommend Large Rolling Suitcases When Traveling
Italy’s charm often comes with a twist: many of its streets, particularly in historic areas, are narrow, uneven, and sometimes downright challenging to navigate. Here’s why a traditional small/medium/large rolling suitcase might become more of a burden than a convenience:
1. Cobblestone Streets: While picturesque, cobblestone streets are notoriously difficult for rolling luggage. The wheels can get stuck or damaged, making it hard to maneuver, especially in cities like Rome and Florence where the historical allure is inescapable.
2. Staircases and Bridges: Venice, with its network of canals, is a prime example of a city where rolling suitcases can be cumbersome. The numerous bridges and staircases demand a lot of lifting, making a rolling bag a tiresome option.
3. Limited Mobility: Narrow alleys and crowded markets in towns across Tuscany and Sicily can quickly turn into a luggage obstacle course. Rolling a suitcase in these conditions often means dragging it through throngs of people and tight spaces, slowing you down and causing unnecessary stress.
My Recommended Luggage for Traveling in Italy
To make your Italian adventure as smooth as possible, I recommend opting for more versatile and agile luggage options.
Here are the top types of Luggage that I recommend for travel in Italy:
1. Convertible Backpack Suitcase: These bags offer the flexibility of a backpack with the packing ease of a suitcase. You can wear them on your back when navigating tricky streets or switch to rolling when you’re on smoother terrain. Look for options with sturdy wheels and a durable build.
Top Pick: Hynes Eagle Rolling Backpack 42L Backpack with Wheels Airline Approved Carry-on Luggage Laptop Travel Backpack for Women Men Black-2023
This rolling backpack offers the best of both worlds with its wheels for smooth terrain and straps for easy carrying when needed. I own this backpack and it is what I will be using when I travel to Sicily in September for my Girls Trip Meet Up!
2. Travel Backpack: A high-quality travel backpack is a fantastic choice for carry-on travel. It’s great as a personal item bag and/or as your primary carry-on. It’s compact, easy to carry, and ideal for navigating Italy’s diverse landscapes. Look for one with plenty of compartments to keep your items organized and accessible.
Top Pick: The Underseat Pro Backpack
This backpack is sleek and functional, perfect for fitting under airline seats and for carrying all your essentials on the go. I own this backpack and have used it for travel. It holds A LOT and has sturdy straps and it is very affordable at under 50 USD. I advise being careful not to overpack it or it will be heavy. This backpack frequently sells out! Save it to a wishlist as it always returns to stock and when it does you should grab it! It’s a great buy!!!
3. Rolling Duffel Bag: If you’re looking for a travel bag that offers both the convenience of wheels and the adaptability of a duffel, a rolling duffel bag is an excellent choice for exploring Italy. It effortlessly combines the spaciousness and flexibility of a traditional duffel with the added ease of rolling, allowing you to navigate Italy’s diverse terrains—from cobblestone streets to bustling train stations—with minimal hassle.
Top Pick: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT Rolling Duffel. This bag stands out for its robust design and smart features, making it ideal for any Italian adventure.
4. Lightweight Duffel Bag: A lightweight duffel bag is an excellent choice for traveling in Italy. These bags are spacious yet easy to carry, making them perfect for navigating through the narrow streets and bustling train stations. Their flexible design allows them to fit into tight spaces, whether it’s in a small rental car or under a hostel bunk bed, and they’re ideal for quick trips between cities.
Top Pick: Samsonite Duffel Bag, Turquoise, Single
5. Expandable Carry-On: An expandable carry-on bag gives you the flexibility to adjust your packing space as needed. It’s a great choice for those who might pick up a few souvenirs along the way and need extra room on the return trip.
Top Pick: Longchamp 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag
Why It’s Great: The Longchamp 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag is a classic choice that offers both elegance and functionality. Its expandable feature is a lifesaver when you need extra space for those last-minute souvenirs or unexpected purchases. Made from lightweight nylon with leather handles, it’s durable enough for the rigors of travel yet chic enough for everyday use. I own this bag and LOVE IT. It’s durable but lightweight and it holds EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING. I have yet to even need to expand it but it’s good to know I can if I need to!
Navigating Italy with the Right Luggage
Each region of Italy brings its unique travel challenges, and having the right luggage can make a world of difference:
Rome and Florence: Expect lots of walking over uneven surfaces. A backpack or a rolling duffel will be your best bet for easily maneuvering these iconic cities.
Venice: With its numerous bridges and stairs, a convertible backpack or a lightweight duffel will save you from the hassle of lugging heavy wheels up and down steps.
Tuscany: The charming villages with their narrow, winding streets call for a backpack or a compact duffel that you can easily carry.
Sicily: From the historic streets of Palermo to the scenic hills of Taormina, a versatile bag like a rolling duffel or a backpack will make your travel experience much more pleasant.
4 More Luggage Recommendations
To help you find the perfect luggage for your Italian escapades, here are 4 more luggage picks available on Amazon:
1. Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Why I love it: Spacious, comfortable, and meets most carry-on size restrictions.
2. Nomatic Travel Bag 40L
Why I love it: Sleek design, highly organized, and perfect for minimalist packers.
3. Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
Why I love it: I own this bag. It is Compact fits under most airline seats, and is easy to maneuver even in Italy. If you’re going to do a bag with wheels a 2-wheeler is better than a 4-wheeler in Italy.
4. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Tote
Why I love it: Lightweight, durable, and perfect for those who still want the ease of rolling but with a more manageable size.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Italy is a journey of a lifetime, and having the right luggage can make it even more enjoyable. Whether you’re wandering through the winding streets of Tuscany, exploring the bustling markets of Palermo, or navigating the bridges of Venice, choosing the right bag is key to a hassle-free adventure. Skip the rolling suitcase, embrace more versatile options, and enjoy the magic that Italy has to offer.
Buon viaggio!
Baldgirlwilltravel Travel Product Pick of the Month
Every month I share and introduce a product that I think will enhance your travel experience! This month my pick is the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, International Power Plug Adapter
I travel nowhere without this adapter. It is an all-in-one adapter that features 4 plug types, making it compatible with sockets in over 200 countries. Whether you’re traveling to Europe (Type C), the UK and Ireland (Type G), Australia and China (Type I), or the USA and Japan (Type A), this adapter has you covered. Note: It does not work in India and South Africa.
Don’t miss out on this essential travel companion!
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For more detailed information on how to stay safe while exploring the world solo, check out my guide Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelers. This guide covers everything from cultural norms to situational awareness, empowering you to travel confidently.
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Thinking about travel but not ready to go completely alone?
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