hi Norm
I had no problem with bags as I had my own seat being single.
Above the seat is a spot about 8"- 10" high that
you can store stuff. I have a wheeled soft sided case 18"x 13"x 8" It fit under my seat and I was able to carry it on easily enough. People will tell you that you can't have wheeled carryons. That's not true. At least 20 of us had one. I stopped using the wheeled duffle as I packed it with souvenirs and left it under the bus. Many people had a wheeled hand bag that they put on and took off themselves. There is a fair amount of room under the seat but getting to the bag is not always easy when it is under there. I started using a small canvas Globus bag about 12X9x6 as it was more convenient to stow non essentials.
I don't like to carry much when walking around so I had a small lightweight over the shoulder purse that my camera and essentials fit in. Everything else stayed on the bus in the canvas bag. The tours haven't been full lately due to the bad economy in the States. 33 on my first, 22 on my 2nd and 41 on my Italy one. That makes it easier to carry more luggage but you can't count on that.

Above all- don't overpack. I thought I had really cut back and I still had far too much stuff. On this trip, you are staying 2 nights everywhere so it is easy to wash out a few things at a time and let them dry.

It is much easier to handle a light suitcase at the airport and when you put them out for pickup.

Be really careful at the airport. Thieves run by and grab your small carryons and are gone. This happened just a few minutes before I arrived to some people on the Trafalgar trip. They lost passports, travel dccuments, wallets etc. What a horrible way to start a vacation.

Another suggestion they make for couples is you share the bags when flying. So if one is lost you each have half your belongings until the other arrives.

take care
Sandy

Norm and George

Hi Well I am through day 11 & 12 of Highlights. I just have the last day to do which is just getting to the airport etc. I am glad my tour tale has been so helpful to you both.

I hope you enjoy your trip and have some really nice cool temperatures.

Have a wonderful time
sandy

Sandry, Thank you very much for your diligence, enthusiasm and your personal style in delivering this fantastic tale. You must have been an awesome teacher! It has been very informative and prepared us for our trip starting Sep.13. I took exception to a remark made by a gentleman,quote "a tour is not a vacation", but after reading your tale I have changed my mind. He's right. I'll look forward to full recovery after Sep. 25.
I thank you for the generous telephone call which reinforced everything in detaIL. I have gained a much better sense of responiblity, of the tour, the TD and local guides, and also of myself. If you have as I suspect, put extra stress on yourself to meet my date, I want to sincerely thank you, for it is more than appreciated. I will print a copy and take it with us for reference. Do you mind, if in fact Barbara is our tour director, that I share it with her? I'll email you before we leave Saturday at 10:30 am. Keep up the excellent work and I look forward to your pictures.
All our love, Norm and Julia

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Norman R Anderson,

Hi
No I don't mind if you share it. In fact, Barbara is aware of this website as she contacted me before the tour to say she was the TD. She is able to read it on here if she likes. I purposely didn't say anything that I didn't want known or that I could not defend. After all, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. These may not coincide with everyone's thoughts. opinions or feelings on the trip. When I have quoted others as saying something it was because someone expressed that opinion to me.

I'm flattered that you want to print my tale. Thank you so much. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Sandy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sandry,

Hi Well I have finally posted my last day of My tour tale. Hope you enjoy it. Any questions, please ask? Let me know what you think. I love raeding the comments and hearing about your experiences.
sandy

Just looked at the new ESSENTIALS booklet for 2009. Lots of new destinations and tours. On Highlights of Italy all the hotels are changed except for Venice. I didn't find the hotels bad-in fact they were good but myself and others were not happy with the food.
Maybe that is why they have changed them.
Sandy