Suitcases

Shandy, Yes I do use Railway Assistance. They help me and my suitcase on and off trains. Steps up on these are very steep, can get myself on and off, but, not also a suitcase.
Have found these people so very helpful and lovely.
When I was coming home from Warrington, there was only a ten minutes for the exchange at Crewe (quite a large station), train arrived three minutes late. When the porter came to assist I said to him that I assume we would not make it in time to catch the next train (I can only walk very slowly).
"Don't worry luv", was his reply - "of course you will". As we got into the lift, another elderly lady joined us, heard our conversation and said she was also trying to get that connected train. Porter immediately took over her small wheeled suitcase, and pulling both of these behind him and the two of us following him - took us to the train, put both suitcases on and helped us both up.

Morning Franbern, good for you making your decision. I think you know I'm scared of the gap on trains, and always book assistance to get on/off. The assistance people on my Kent/Exmouth train trips were really pleasant and although I didn't have a suitcase, they will take it off the train if you would like them to. Enjoy your new case and your trip, have a lovely time. My MIL always expected my husband to drive the 250 miles to collect her, she wasn't independent.

Having decided to give up my car meaning that all my fukture trips to visit my AC will be by train, an easy to use smallish suitcase is imperative for me.
I do have a cabin sized and a medium sized, four=wheeled soft cases. The medium sized one is too large for these trips out (3-4 days), but on my recent visit to my son in Warrington found the cabin sized one was rather too small.
I have now purchased the largest sized cabin sized hard case I could find, definitely far more room than my existing one, and will try that out a few weeks time on my 4 day visit to London.
As an ileostomist, have to give up room to take enough of these appliances when travelling, along with an small ice-cream container for my different medications. Always have more room in my case on my return trip than outward one.
I do have a large, extremely roomy, across the body, wide strap bag in which I carry as much as possible that I will need whilst travelling - specs, phone, kindle, zip folder with all tickets, etc. purse, masks, lippie, perfume, tissues, packed lunch (if required).

Shandy and grannysyb, I remember being so impressed by the sheer strength and speed of the bridge porters in Venice. They met us at the elevator when we came off the People Carrier from the Cruise port, and moved our large Tripp cases over the bridge towards the train station.
Best 10 euros I ever spent!

Always check the weight of the empty case. It will say on the Label. The weight can vary considerably.
Also a 4 wheeler will be much easier to handle.
Last year I got a beautiful purple 4 wheeler Antler case in a sale. It is a delight to use. A slight push with your finger and it just glides.

Thanks Blossoming and all of you, enough choice to let me spend some time next week, when it’s cooler, looking online. Such a daft thing, but I thing the old ones are probably at least 18 years ol.

I have Tripp, bought from Debenhams but they are available elsewhere.

Shandy, we have spent many happy days in Venice, and hope to go back there for our silver wedding anniversary next year. Wee always look at the map to check that we won't have to go over any bridges to get to our hotel when we get off the water bus.

This post has made me think of Venice. So many people struggling with huge two wheeler suitcases, bumping up and down the many, many bridges!

Thank you Grannmarie nothing exotic! Next one Hastings ?.

I agree with Teacheranne, '4 wheel drive' is the way to go, so much easier to manoeuvre.

I have a set of Tripp luggage, medium size and cabin size, lightweight. It was a retirement gift which has been well used until recently.

Happy holidays, Jaxjacky.

Matalan do good really light suitcases.

grannysyb

Always found Tkmaxx very good for luggage, no I don't work for them!

Yes, our lightweight ones were from there.

I make a point of getting an expandable case, since I often seem to come back with more stuff than I had when I left.

We’ve got American Tourister. Seem very hard wearing and light. Haven’t used them much since we bought them a couple of years ago?

We had a set of wheeled soft ones from Argos way back when. I think about 1995. Still going strong although they’ve been hibernating for two years

JackyB yes to flying, possibly next year, thanks and you Shandy. We’ve always had the soft ones ( getting a bit sniggery now, sorry ?), I’ll look at Argos too.

The IT expanding hard shell suitcases with 8 wheels are fabulous, I've just lent mine to my son for his January trip. I got mine from Argos.

I know only have the ones with four little wheels, they are much easier to use than those with two wheels. I also like the lightest ones I can find.

I bought one when Aldi had them in the middle aisle and it has held out well.

Do you prefer a soft or hard one?

There are lots of people on YouTube giving packing and travel tips and they will tell you what to look out for.

If you expect to be flying there are many criteria you may want to take into account, and it may be worth investing a little more but if you're only ever going to be transporting them in the boot of your car, you can go for a cheaper option.

Thank you, never heard of IT and had forgotten about TK, can’t remember when or where we bought the old ones!

Always found Tkmaxx very good for luggage, no I don't work for them!

We have IT lightweight wheeled cases and wheeled cabin bags. They’re not too expensive, seem sturdy and are really lightweight - until we overpack! ?