The only time I can remember using a big suitcase in the last 15 years was when I did my one way flight to move to the UK. I had one carry on, and one checked luggage. I think we even managed carry on only when we went to Austin for a week with the Enting! (Helped by my niece having a lot of appropriate aged equipment for him on the other side.) For train journeys, it’s the same. I’ve made it a personal challenge to pack for me AND the Enting in one large rucksack if at all possible. (Mr also carries some Enting supplies in his rucksack.) Enting now has his own little rucksack, not that we’ve been able to use it for travel what with Covid.

(Car journeys are different, and we do pack a bit less compactly.)

I think the only other time I did big suitcases was when I’d visit my mother. Earlier on as a child this was because I would be there for 2 months and often bring home lots of souvenirs. Later it was because I’d pack about 20 books to read while I was there, even if I was going to be there for less time.

The advent of ebooks changed that and I was able to go in carry on only.