+1 to Ormont's info above. For a trip to Italy in Oct '24 we bought Osprey carry-on pullable backpacks with recessed wheels - fit the recent US carryon rules. They weren't cheap ($240 each IIRC) but they were perfect for that trip. The backpack straps tuck inside the outer layer when not needed; the recessed wheels are much more durable than spinners and stay in size limit; and the pull handles extend and collapse as standard.

We used them as backpacks for walking between airbnbs and train station instead of dragging across cobblestone streets for distances, but just normally pulled them in airports etc.

Obviously not big enough for a weeklong winter/northern trip by themselves, but plenty of room for enough warm-weather clothes for a week, or more if you have laundry.

Global Entry is well worth the $ from the first time you come back into the US and you're able to bypass an an hour+ line at customs. And it gets you a known traveler number which automatically brings TSA precheck with it.

If you're flying out of Boston, TSA precheck is a must to get around a security line that frequently exceeds an hour - plan for that delay if you can't get that.

Travel Wanderer FAQ

---

Contact Shrewd'm
Contact the developer of these message boards.