What size suitcase shall I buy? Please tell me .

[Dragonfairy]

This is probably a really stupid question as I know it depends on how much I intend to pack but I have to buy a new suitcase for a forthcoming child-free trip to Rome. I am very out of practise having not been abroad for 10 years and having not spent more than 24 hours without children in twelve years! So please, could any of you far more experienced travellers tell me what to buy?!We will be away for 3 nights.

get one that will meet the max measurements for handbaggage, then you won't waste time waiting for it at the other end. but check becuase im not sure what handbaggage restrictions are now and it can vary from one airline to another...
my packing tip is that every top or bottom must match every other top or bottom and cardys, shoes etc iyswim

thank you, I have checked the hand baggage requirements
Weight: 5 kg
Length: 55 cm
Height: 25 cm
Depth: 35 cm

I am doubtful I can pack enough within those limits so I think I will end up having to take something slightly larger, i never fail to surprise myself at the things I can get worked up about, I'm quite sure most normal people just go and buy one!!

you'd be surprised what you can fit in a suitcase that size - trick is to be really strict about what you take, for 3 nights you dont exactly need many clothes and you could get away with only 2 pairs of shoes, the heavier pair of which you wear for the flight... Decant toiletries into much smaller bottles (you can get good ones from the Body Shop), you hardly need any shampoo etc, only take the make-up you always wear, not the whole bag, carry drinks and snacks in a seperate poly bag and remember you're allowed a handbag too...

thanks Mal, good to know someone was listening!

just jealous of your jaunt!

Bizarrely I'm still of myself (can you work that out???!!) Can't believe it's really going to happen !

Are you allowed a handbag as well? I'm travelling with bmi tomorrow and you're only allowed strictly one piece. The sizes with bmi are different though...any weight, size is 50cmx40cmx20cm. I plan to put my handbag in my rucksack.
I've bought my daughter and myself rucksacks with wheels...so we can carry them easily and trundle them along when we can. There's a lot them around that fit within the handbaggage size.
Got ours on ebay..they cost from £10 upwards.

The new rules are only one bag including a handbag. I travel every week to Dublin and back and I always see at least one person having to stuff one bag into their larger bag. It is not the airlines but airport security that enforce this.

Also, remember the new regs mean any liquids must be less than 100ml and all of them fit in a small, resealable, clear plastic bag.

Yes, I flew last month and had a bottle of hair stuff confiscated as it was 150ml.
Just checked, BMIbaby measurements are 55cmx40cmx20cm (not 50x40x20 as I said earlier). Can't understand why there's now no weight restriction. I flew with them a month ago, to the same destination and there was a 10kg limit on hand luggage then...they must change it every now and then!