For a city-centric trip, a small rolling hard-shell suitcase is best.

• The new hard-case ones are very light.
   

• They are easier than a big backpack that serves as your main luggage and a bit better in the rain. Also easier to pack.

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The cons of a backpack:

• not good in crowded areas like busses and lines because it takes up too much room and zippers can be opened.
   

• Too tiring to have 22 pounds on your back.
   

• Too complicated to take it on and off for sitting and in cramped bathroom stalls.
   

• Too cumbersome to have your purse handy while carrying a heavy backpack.
   

The best combination:

• a small hard-case rolling suitcase with 4 wheels.
   

• A small purse that has a strap long enough to cross over so that it sits in the front: essential for walking around in the cities to avoid any risk of pickpocketing.
   

  • The purse has to be big enough to hold your boarding pass, phone, credit cards and passport.
     

  • But it should be small enough that you are comfortable enough so that you never feel like you have to remove it.
     

  • I like to keep it on my person on the plane when I go to the the bathroom, it just makes me feel more secure.
     

• A small backpack as your carry-on with minimal stuff in it. This will be on the floor at your feet so should be small and squishable, and you can also use it as a pillow against the window.

  • pillow if you need it
     

  • snack
     

  • toothbrush
     

  • it will be handy for our city walks if we want to carry an extra coat
     

• To summarize: You will be stylishly and comfortably walking around the airport rolling a tiny suitcase, with a light backpack and your purse containing your precious-ables accessible in front, so you can whip out documents easily.

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