That was the impression I got, too, Lori. I may be wrong! If the OP is more interested in travel than wilderness trekking, and if he read the articles I suggested, he has undoubtedly recognized his mistake.

For the OP--the kind of backpack most of us use for wilderness trekking is not the kind you'd want for traveling. The big difference is airline baggage handlers! If you've ever seen them at work, you'll know you want something really tough for traveling. I have a convertible backpack I bought from REI back in 1992. It has backstays and a well-padded hipbelt, but the shoulder straps and hipbelt can be hidden under a panel (this also protects the straps from getting caught in the machinery). If you want to visit a regular hotel, you can make it look like a real suitcase. I have traveled a lot with mine and it still looks like new. That's what I'd recommend for traveling.