When traveling is it better to have a backpack or suitcase?

What kind of backpack do you have? Do you have a different one for traveling? I need help on what to bring?

• I'm going to Italy for Spring Break and I'm trying to decide what kind of luggage I should take with me. I've never gone out of the country or on a big trip like this before. I don't know if I should use my school backpack for my carry on or get another small one that I can also use for taking around during the day. The purse I have now is little and I can't fit my camera and stuff I'll want when we're sightseeing in there. I also don't know if I should just bring my big ugly suitcase or get a new one. I'm really paranoid that it will be stolen or taken by mistake at the airport because that happened to my cousin. My mom wants me to use one of those travel pouches you put under your clothes but they are so ugly and feel wierd. What do you carry with you when you're traveling like on you every day and as your luggage? What do you bring on the plane?

• Answer:

  I use a Vera Bradley backpack for school and zipping around town, and depending on where I'm traveling I'll take it with me, or opt for another bag that is more durable. Italy is a gorgeous country rich in history and charisma, but it's also got some of the most skilled pick-pocketers and con artists in the world, and I would never use a backpack there because it's far too vulnerable. There are thieves who can slip your wallet, ipod and camera out of your backpack without you feeling a thing. You also want to avoid using a purse with a long strap because those are incredibly easy to yank or cut off. I am 100% with you on being anti fugly travel pouches. I carry a lightweight tote with a short strap so it rests comfortably on my shoulder, but is tucked under my arm, and therefore far more of a challenge to breach. I never carry my wallet with me when I'm traveling abroad. I tuck some money, a credit card, an ATM / debit card, a copy of my passport and my student ID into a small Altoid tin. It's lighter weight than a wallet, and thieves will just think its mints and leave it alone. I leave my passport in the safe at the hotel along with another debit and credit card. (Most places, including hostels, have safes; just ask). Never, repeat never, carry all of your sources of money on your person or in one place while traveling so that if your wallet or bag does get stolen, you have backup. I carry my iPhone (which doubles as my camera and notepad), lipgloss, a small compact, a tiny vial of sunblock so I can reapply it, a pack of tissue (this is essential because many places don't have TP) and hand sanitizer. Get expensive items like your ipod and camera insured before you leave. It's inexpensive to do, and very worthwhile. For longer flights I will usually bring a small tote or duffel bag or a plain backpack that I don't mind squishing under the seat in front of me or being thrown around. I use the little tote pouch that came with my rain jacket as makeshift in-flight purse. I put ear plugs, lip gloss, tea bags (it helps with the awful stale scent of the airplane) and my iPhone in there, and loop it around my wrist, so it requires no squirming around to find in the middle of the night. If you're flying coach you have like thismuch space, so you don't want to have to keep reaching for your bag stowed in the overhead compartment or the seat in front of you. I prefer using a large backpack with a zipper on the front for easy access and wheels when I am traveling on multi-legged trips or with my school. Lots of hotels in Europe don't have elevators, and it's much easier to carry a backpack up the stairs than a suitcase. I bought a new one for my last trip from REI (linked below) that has a detachable day pack on the front, but I actually prefer the green one I found at a hole-in-the-wall luggage store in London. I would first look at some luggage stores around your town, and then check out REI. Look for a more unusual color and add a personalized tag. My school gives everyone hot pink luggage tags so it makes it super easy to spot which bags belong to our group. If you are just going to be in one place the whole time, a suitcase is a fine option. My suitcases are turquoise and green with small polka dots, and they just scream teenage girl, so I don't think any middle-aged business man, or um, anyone else for that matter would ever confuse my bags for theirs. The brand is called Double Dutch, and we got them at Macy's last year, but I don't know if it's still in stock. Here's a photo of one of mine: http://s353.photobucket.com/albums/r375/SkylarkMelody/BH/?action=view&current=GreatWallSmallWallHanging.jpg If you already have a suitcase in good condition, just bring that with you and make it stand out with a colorful luggage belt. Spring is a splendid time to be in Italy, and I hope you have a fabulous experience there! ~ Pace / Peace : )